Random Thoughts of Nothingness

  • Life and Poker: A Parallel in Risk and Strategy

    In conversations with my team and my children, I often draw parallels between the strategies of life and poker. This analogy particularly resonates when discussing the themes of risk-taking and dealing with failure. In the demanding arena of life, much like in professional poker, strategic planning is crucial. Take, for instance, the approach of No…

    Read more

  • More Than Just the Right Person in the Right Seat (aka Why You Are Only Getting a 40% On This Test)

    In the realm of corporate recruitment, the commonly espoused idea of finding the “right person for the right seat on the bus” is a well-known concept. However, Matthew Porter, a seasoned entrepreneur and former CEO, argues that this mantra, while valuable, only addresses two out of five critical components for successful hiring. He emphasizes that…

    Read more

  • How the World Gets It Wrong: When A Person Is Devalued

    In a world where time is irreplaceable, and material assets are easily quantifiable, what happens when your most intimate asset—your talent—is undervalued or misunderstood? Talent is more than a skill; it’s the essence of who you are. But what factors distort its value? Whether it’s being evaluated in the wrong context, assessed based on incomplete…

    Read more

  • The Endurance of Care: Why Treating the Person Matters in Health, Business, and Beyond

    In a world often hyper-focused on quick fixes and narrow solutions, this post explores the profound necessity of treating individuals as complete entities, especially in healthcare. Drawing from my own experience with multiple sclerosis, Stoic philosophy, and an endurance athlete’s mindset, I argue for a comprehensive approach that considers emotional, physical, and psychological aspects of…

    Read more

  • Quit Bankrupting Your Business: The Value of Time in Growing a Business

    In the hustle and bustle of the world, time is often the most overlooked resource. Yet, it is the one thing that, once spent, can never be regained. Seneca, the Roman philosopher, aptly said, “We’re tight-fisted with property and money, yet think too little of wasting time, the one thing about which we should all…

    Read more

  • The People Behind the Brand: Crafting a Compelling Narrative Through Talent

    In a world where consumers are bombarded with countless brands vying for their attention, what makes a brand truly stand out? It’s not just the logo, the catchy slogan, or the multi-million-dollar ad campaigns. It’s the people. As leaders, CEOs, and entrepreneurs, understanding the pivotal role your people play in brand narrative is essential. They…

    Read more

  • Unacceptable vs. Undesirable: A Crucial Distinction

    Over a decade ago, I found myself wrestling with a challenging business decision. A customer, experiencing rapid growth, requested additional services to scale their infrastructure. However, they could not immediately afford it, and they were not entirely sure they would ever be able to afford it. They were in the process of securing more funding…

    Read more

  • Entrepreneurship in My Hometown: Saint Louis’s Spirit of Independence and Neighborly Help

    Nestled along the Mississippi’s graceful arcs lies Saint Louis, Missouri. A city I almost left, yet a city that tethered my heartstrings with invisible threads. My wife’s love of the city and the idea of raising a family (near our families) were driving factors in staying. Yet, the very duality I witnessed here – of…

    Read more

  • Life’s Natural Rhythms: Expansion, Contraction, and Concentration

    Recently, Gabe asked me if I had any advice before he headed off to college, a question almost every parent looks forward to. After reflecting for a moment, I told him to say, “Yes,” to as many things as possible as he was entering a stage of expansion. I shared with him a belief that…

    Read more

  • The Art of Writing Effective Board of Director Reports: A Future, Present, Past Narrative

    A few years back, a peer saw a copy of a Board of Directors report I submitted as CEO of a company. A Powerpoint presentation accompanied the report, but the report itself had piqued her interest. She specifically wanted to know the reasoning behind the order of topics. Clarity and precision are paramount when communicating…

    Read more