It’s common knowledge that most startups – in fact, most “new ideas” – never make it to full realization. To some degree, this low batting average is just part of the process of experimentation, trial and […]

“…try, try, again.” Or so goes the oft-quoted maxim. While I am a huge believer in “effort” and the power of fighting through obstacles, “try, try, again” is terrible advice for anyone facing meaningful challenges. Continuing to pound […]

I spend a great deal of time talking to businesses and nonprofit leaders about how they set their goals and develop strategies to achieve them. In the current environment, I’m constantly encouraging them to embrace change, […]

When I left Microsoft in 2010 after many years of challenge, excitement, success, and failure, the obvious question I got asked was “why are you leaving?” Of course, some were genuinely interested while others were just […]

Whether you are an experienced professional, early in your career, or even still in school, you are likely already serving on what I would call a board – or you will be soon. Board service can […]

I have given thousands of speeches and in my personal and professional lives and also been interviewed on TV, on the radio, and for print/web publications. There is no doubt that the more I present in […]

I’ve lived the American dream and will be forever grateful for that opportunity. My mother and father grew up in the Depression, my father fought to defend our country in World War II, and they both […]

A few months ago, I had dinner with a friend who was being asked to take a new job with a big team. At the beginning of our conversation I asked him, “You do realize you’re […]

In my 25 years of professional endeavors, the lessons I apply the most often…the tools I use to achieve success…the skills I call on every day…all of these things I experienced and developed to one […]

As someone who absolutely loves sports, I follow the fortunes of various teams and often wonder what makes some more successful than others. Certainly, there are times where it is all about certain players and their […]