Risk-Life Balance
This is meant to encourage thought, not controversy. I expect it will do both. 30% UNEMPLOYMENT… THIS QUARTER? Published in Bloomberg March 19: “Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis President James Bullard predicted the U.S. unemployment rate may hit 30% in the second quarter because of shutdowns to combat the coronavirus, with an unprecedented 50% drop in […]
What Makes Negative So Addictive
In the last election cycle for governor I was asked to lead the campaign for one of our candidates (not Gov. Ducey). I am a personal friend of the candidate, so I considered taking the position on one condition – the campaign could not be driven by personal media attacks on other candidates. I attended law school in […]
Pivot
COVID-19 has forced a lot of businesses to pivot. While it’s not fun and can be stressful, pivoting can result in short and long term benefits for creative companies and their customers. Instead of closing and laying off employees, some restaurants are taking take-out to a new level. Better packaging. Improved websites. Delicious new menus. Faster prep. […]
Problem Solvers
We have all endured difficult times. Loss of a loved one. Loss of a limb. Loss of net worth. Loss of direction. Loss of confidence. Loss of self esteem. “If your path demands you walk through Hell, walk as if you own the place.” Some reversals are tough, others are tougher. We always get through […]
Two Hatted Dad
Has a brief moment in time ever changed the trajectory of your life? It happened to Tom Leonard of Richmond, Virginia. After Tom told me this story, we decided to name it “Two-Hatted Dad.” The lesson resonates with me because I worked for my dad, and my three sons each worked for me. The lesson in this story applies to […]
Finding A Ralph
One of my favorite quotes is by Imran Khan: “Compromise for your dream but NEVER compromise on your dream.” I am inspired by people who won’t compromise, particularly when it comes to their principles and partners. I counsel my sons that the worst compromise they’ll make is in choosing their partners in business and life. […]
Time. Options. Information.
Negotiation skill can make a multi-thousand dollar difference in crafting better deals. Whether you’re buying or selling cars, homes, anything expensive, knowing what to say (and how to say it) matters. Below are a few strategies employed by skilled negotiators. When utilized by good communicators these techniques can be extraordinarily powerful, particularly against those who […]
No Plan B
A few years ago I had the honor to interview legendary race car driver, Mario Andretti. It was for a story in my book, How Fathers Change Lives. Mario may be the greatest race car driver of all time. He is one of only two drivers in history to win races in Formula One, NASCAR, […]
The Girl Next Door
When I was 12 years old I lived next door to the most beautiful girl in the world… at least my world back then. I had a massive crush on Pam Diekman, the proverbial girl next door. Every school day morning I stood poised at our living room window, lunchbox in hand, ready to hustle […]
Chubby Rules for 2020
Though he was skinny like me, my dad’s nickname was Chubby. He was plump as a kid (like me), and the “Chubby” nickname stuck for the rest of his life. Chubby grew up with no money, no connections, and a basic high school education. He didn’t have a father-mentor (as he was to me) because […]