I recently heard about a book called “The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth”. The premise is that the Geeks, the Nerds, and the folks that were not very popular in High School have often become very wealthy. You can think of numerous examples: Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, the Google guys – Larry Page and Sergey Brin. These brilliant minds are behind numerous tech related, web-based, social networks, programs and software that have really changed our lives. Generally, those that are the most successful in life are like most of us. They have played by the rules, done the right thing, and had a few wild ideas or occasional experiences along the way. Read more »
3 Lessons Learned From a Brilliant Executive: Steve Jobs
October 25th, 2011Leading on Shifting Sand
October 20th, 2011
Traditional leadership models focus on action, performance, and results. Leaders scrutinize and streamline critical external resources and activities to get results in ways that are better, faster, and smarter. While these essential objectives will always be relevant to business, a new leadership paradigm is emerging for the 21st century and beyond. While leadership models of the past did not fully address the human side of leaders, we now know it to be the most critical element in creating the ultimate, sustainable success for an organization. In business, the threat is no longer just the competitive “jungle out there” but also the lack of clarity within the leader. With longevity and legacy on their minds, CEOs are now adopting holistic models where thriving replaces surviving, where values of inclusion and collaboration replace the old school of exclusion and competition. In the wise words of Steve Green, a CEO from Savannah, Georgia, “Leadership is not about being the smartest person in the room but getting the smartest people in the room.” Read more »
Life Flows When You Let Go….
October 13th, 2011
A friend asked me to go with her to a Business gathering recently and I agreed. My reason was mainly to spend time with her and for a change of pace. It was a nice event at a great venue with delicious hors d’oeuvres and an interesting presentation. There were three people there I knew already. Two were former students in my Coaching Certification course I taught several years ago and one was a business colleague I had not seen for a year or so. It was a pleasant surprise and provided a great opportunity to catch up.
Then I met Bernie Wolford, one of the hosts of the event. I had a delightful conversation Read more »
Gratitude in Action
October 4th, 2011
I love the change of seasons. I love the cooler weather. Change of seasons – especially the fall – remind me we can begin over and over again throughout the year as well as in our lives. This is the time to reflect on how you and your business are doing and plan for what’s ahead. Forget about waiting until the New Year when things are cold and dark. There’s life all around! Football has started up, school is back at full throttle, and local Fairs and Farmer’s Markets display their beautiful, delicious fruit and crafts to consider for Christmas gifts.
Reasons Why I Am Grateful
As you can tell, lately I have been overwhelmed with gratitude. I have the most wonderful husband and child in the world. They love and accept me ‘just like I am’ with no requirements or requests to change. Read more »
Blocks to Brilliance
September 22nd, 2011
My clients often seem unaware of how they allow their shadow-side to eclipse their brilliance. They are so focused on ‘getting it done’, checking things off the list, making the Board meeting, and hitting their numbers that they lose sight of their inner compass that will lead them home. They keep looking for external directional signs which often lead to thinking and playing small.
I have observed some common blocks that consistently sideline top leaders playing a competitive game rather than a collaborative one that values the ‘we over me’ mentality. You can remove these obstacles if you are familiar with any of the four blocks to brilliance below! Read more »
The Formula for Success According to Coach Bill Curry
September 14th, 2011It would be nice if there were a sure-fire formula to follow for success. Well, Coach Bill Curry may have developed such a formula and he shared it with me in this 5-minute interview. Plus, learn the difference between a good coach and a great coach and listen as he reflects on his days with the Baltimore Colts when they won Superbowl V and the life lessons he learned from that experience.
Introducing The Brilliant Leader Model eBook!
September 8th, 2011
I’ve had a book in my head and heart for years. The challenge has been how to get this book out of my head and into the hands of those who can benefit. Due to favorable events and circumstances, I’ve been able to do just that! I’m happy to announce the book in my head can now be a book in your hands with the release of The Brilliant Leader Model.
Why “The Brilliant Leader Model” eBook?
I have heard a common theme as I’ve listened to clients for the past 10 years. They look good from the outside but often feel empty within. They struggle with how to address that ‘hole in their soul’, as one client described it.
We see structures, institutions, and organizations that have been in place for decades begin to disintegrate or change form. The world-wide economy is imploding, entire governments are crumbling, and leaders are being ousted. Read more »
Grace at the Top – Five Attributes of Brilliantly Successful People
September 2nd, 2011
I continue to be amazed by the graciousness of well known leaders. I am writing a book called Transforming Success into Serenity and am interviewing influential leaders. Many of them are high profile people who are often ‘in the news’. As the interviews have progressed I have noticed some common themes and pleasant surprises:
Generosity
Every person I have asked to interview has said yes. They have generously agreed to meet with me and share what their view from the top is like as well as what has shaped and defined their success. There have been almost no barriers to access to an interview and they shared openly and candidly with little or no reservation. Read more »
Life is Out Ahead
August 30th, 2011
As we packed the cars and loaded up most of my son Justin’s personal belongings to head back to college, I reflected on how I really appreciate that there are seasons to life. For Justin and College Life it was about tuition, books, detergent and reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.
It wasn’t quite as sad this time (the second) as it was his first year. But, it was sad in another way. I realized Justin continues to move into adulthood and his own life creation that he will autograph with his unique signature. I wouldn’t have it any other way! We have spent his whole life giving him roots to grow and wings to fly. He has taken flight and is soaring with grace and ease. During this journey, I have loved every pencil, pen, package of notebook paper, and even those expensive Texas instrument ‘things’ I have bought him.
Sadly, there are fewer and fewer times where I will buy him ‘stuff’ for his school year. But with that sadness came a thought Read more »
Communication is Not Connection
August 18th, 2011
Today more than ever, there are numerous ways that we can communicate with one another. For example, E-mail, Voicemail, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to name just a few. These electronic means of communication are sure to evolve into yet un-thought of methods. But, despite all the ways we have to communicate with one another, we are not feeling very connected to other people or to ourselves. To avoid this problem of communication without connection, we need to look at the ways we are communicating to see if we can find more life-enhancing, enriching, and inspirational ways to relate.
What is the objective of effective communication? Ideally, we would like our communication to lead to mutually satisfying relationships. This requires a give and take from each other. You feel like you are making a difference or connecting, and likewise the person on the other side feels the same way. For there to be true communication and connection it has to be mutual.
The following 4-step process will help you more effectively communicate and truly connect with other people: Read more »
