Eleven years with MS has taught me that life is rarely good or bad in itself. It is uncertain, often answered only with “maybe.” Within that uncertainty, I have found clarity: to guard my time, honor my priorities, and live our family mission of Mostest.
Tag Archives: business
Uncertainty Is Not the Enemy
Research shows that people often underestimate their resilience and overestimate the impact of uncertainty on well-being. While fear of the unknown, such as with multiple sclerosis, is common, uncertainty is a constant in life. Embracing this reality allows for better decision-making and adaptability, fostering resilience in the face of life’s unpredictability.
Conflict Avoidance? Nope, It Is Actually Ignorance & It Damages Relationships
In the past few weeks, the topic of avoiding conflict has come up more than once with people I coach or advise. Different people. Different contexts. Same theme. I am taking this as a sign to write about it—for myself, for those I work with, and especially for my kids one day. This is oneContinue reading “Conflict Avoidance? Nope, It Is Actually Ignorance & It Damages Relationships”
How A Lawsuit Forced Me To Be A Better Leader (and Less of a Dick-tator)
A lawsuit in 2012 prompted a shift from micromanagement to empowerment, highlighting the importance of trusting team members and focusing on strategic vision. This painful experience led to personal growth, improved leadership, and stronger organizational dynamics, ultimately fostering innovation and autonomy.
The Pitfalls of Startup Competitions: Grants vs. Equity
Startup competitions have become a vital component of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing nascent businesses with essential funding, mentorship, and visibility. One standout organization in Saint Louis is Arch Grants, which conducts a startup competition where winners receive non-equity grants. As an inaugural judge for Arch Grants, I have seen firsthand the impact of this approach.Continue reading “The Pitfalls of Startup Competitions: Grants vs. Equity”
The Devil’s Vortex: How To Kill Scaling & Your Soul
In the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship and leadership, there lurks a hidden peril known as the “Devil’s Vortex.” This daunting phenomenon represents the overwhelming challenges and burnout that leaders and entrepreneurs often face, yet many step into it willingly, unaware of its subtle entrapment.
The Devil’s Vortex is more than just a metaphorical hazard; it’s a stark reality where one’s efforts seem to spiral into chaos, yielding minimal impact. In contrast, the “Genius Zone” offers a sanctuary of productivity and satisfaction, where one’s unique strengths and deepest passions intersect, creating a harmonious blend of success and fulfillment.
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 these two factors, though important, may not capture the depth needed for a successful employment relationship.
Porter introduces a more comprehensive approach to recruitment that involves considering the right company, person, seat, time, and cost. He believes that companies should take responsibility for ensuring a genuine match between the organization and the candidate, emphasizing that it’s not just about suitability but a deeper alignment of values, culture, and vision.
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 allContinue reading “Quit Bankrupting Your Business: The Value of Time in Growing a Business”
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 communicatingContinue reading “The Art of Writing Effective Board of Director Reports: A Future, Present, Past Narrative”
Unmasking Dissent: Loyalty in Disguise
Breaking the Ice: Bridging Dissent and Loyalty If you’ve ever found yourself holding back a contrary opinion at work, or biting your tongue during a heated family dinner, you’re not alone. The idea of dissent is often shrouded in fear and misunderstanding. However, when I read Ozan Varol‘s telling of Netflix’s 2011 Qwikster saga regardingContinue reading “Unmasking Dissent: Loyalty in Disguise”