Ideas that Matter

“Cheating and covering up are natural by-products of a top-down culture that does not accept “no” or “it can't be done” for an answer.” ― Amy C. Edmondson, The Fearless Organization THE IDEA:  I recently spoke with an old friend who was struggling... read more

“Brevity is the soul of wit.” -William Shakespeare The Idea:  How often has someone asked you the question “what do you do?”  How many times have you started a conversation with a potential customer yet fumbled over why you are distinct, valuable, and necessary?  Research... read more

“Listen with the will to learn.” -Unarine Ramaru The Idea:  Steve Jobs had Jony Ive, Apple’s SVP of Design – the creative mind behind most of the beautiful Apple designs that decorate our homes and offices. U2’s Bono was silently and subtly inspired... read more

The Idea:  I recently spoke to an industry friend that shared with me that they felt isolated, apathetic, and frustrated because their department head was tone-deaf to the emotional needs of their team after almost two years of Covid. I... read more

“What should you forget?” - Mack Elevation A few years back I partnered with a client who had previously enjoyed an entrepreneurial success.  She had made a lot of money selling her business and, after sitting on the sidelines for a few... read more

THE IDEA:  We have all been disappointed by lies, half-truths and underperforming leaders and cultures.  I have personally experienced so-called “purpose driven” companies who’ve treated their employees and stakeholders like dirt.  I’ve watched pastors and preachers who have been more... read more

“Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers.” ― Voltaire THE IDEA: “Children enter school as question marks,” writes educator Neil Postman, “and leave as periods.” We enter the world as a sponge, soaking up information provided to us... read more

THE IDEA:  If you are fighting something, you are fueling it. Most people don’t improve when pressure is applied, and many times they collapse under the weight. I facilitate monthly leadership share groups with senior leaders, and we discuss industry,... read more

In 2006, Borders earned $100M in profit; by 2010, they were losing $109M. Borders was blind to both a technological and convenience paradigm shift, sitting right in front of them. In 2009 Blackberry controlled 50 percent of smartphone sales; by... read more

“The unexamined life is not worth living.” - Socrates THE IDEA: In 1950, it took 50 years for medical knowledge to double. It is now believed to be every 73-days. The speed and magnitude of change in institutional knowledge can create insecurity... read more