Well before my father passed away, I recorded over 30-hours of interviews with him. I wanted to capture his life story and advice, in his own voice. When it came to dispensing advice to each of his three sons, his counsel to me was emphatic: “You have a gift for writing. Write.” When I protested, […]
On a walk last weekend in Centennial Park with a friend. Friend: See that guy over there. Lucky bastard, he’s the heir to a family fortune. Why couldn’t that happen to me? Me: Unlucky bastard. Through no fault of his own, he’s been robbed of the opportunity and the joy of knowing that he could […]
A note to young leaders. It’s much easier to change a job description than it is to change a person. We are all born to flourish in certain roles and to flounder in others. Swim with the current. Play to people’s strengths and stop chiding them for their weaknesses. In time, with lots of practice, […]
My father used to often say: “Relationships are like wine, they get better with time.” Value greatly those relationships that survive the arrows of time. They have proven themselves worthy of your trust. On such sturdy foundations are great empires built. […]
Speak as if you believe you’re right. Listen as if you believe you’re wrong. Speak with confidence. Listen with humility. Consciously switching modes when speaking and listening is not easy – but it will pay you back tenfold. […]
The late, great John R. Caldon often remarked: “You’re old to the extent that you spend most of your time thinking about the past. And young to the extent that what excites you most is what you’re doing next.” Focus on the future and only occasionally glance at the past. This is why your car’s […]
Young leaders, beware. When post mortems are held, who ends up getting most of the blame? The person who’s not in the room. The absent can’t defend themselves and become a convenient scapegoat. Be loyal to the absent. That’s how you build trust with those who are present. […]
What’s the best way to learn something? Teach it. What you repeatedly teach, you instill deeply in yourself. This is why we should all mentor others. […]
When I interview candidates, I look for two qualities above all others. Ambition and kindness. Hard on yourself, soft on others. Better together. […]