When I started my business, I was selling help with business operations for founders wanting to grow their businesses. That’s what I thought people wanted, and I had a track record of doing it. Sales are easy when you sell folks what they already want! I was riding a Trojan Horse. Talking about growth (what…
So far as I can tell, there are three ways of being in the world. One, I can decide that I’m fundamentally broken. So I try to hide my broken parts, shine up the acceptable parts, and only show people the parts they might like. This is what I call living in the false self….
One of my favorite mentors (though he doesn’t know he’s a mentor) is Chris Dorris. A core message that Chris teaches is, Create the state; don’t wait. In his book of Mental Toughness Mantras, he says: One of the most magical human superpowers that we have is the ability to create any state; any and…
Before I walk into a room or turn on a zoom call, I stop and think, “Who do I need to be in this meeting?” Now I’m not talking about putting on a costume or wearing a mask. To be as effective and impactful as possible, I don’t need to be more than my most…
“A busy calendar is a death of creativity.” ~ Naval Ravikant When Naval was running Angellist his calendar was booked end to end with meeting after meeting. Everyone who’s run even a small enterprise knows what kind of meetings these are. CEOs are in meetings to either make high-stakes choices between uncertain options or deal…
On Tuesday, we talked about how we all have a voice that tries to undermine any changes we make or steps we take toward our goals. And the more important the goal or significant the step, the more resistance we feel! In my battle with The Resistance, one practical step has made the biggest difference…
I set some ambitious goals for 2023, and I’m clear about the small steps I need to take to move me in the direction I want to go. But as I take those steps, I hear a voice inside my head that’s not helping me. In fact, it sounds like it’s working against me! Do…
The first project I ever led was a debacle. The design didn’t work; the product shipped late with huge cost overruns. Then it failed in the market – no one wanted to buy it. I got my first chance to lead a company just as my marriage was falling apart. I quit the job I…
I was at a holiday party last month, and it was full of agency owners. As I walked through the crowd, I must have heard this snippet of conversation a dozen times. “How are you?” “Oh, I’m so busy, just slammed. It’s really overwhelming…” Each time I heard it, I got more disturbed. Why do…
Many folks are making predictions for the coming year this time of year, so I thought I’d make a few of my own. With over 20 years working with agency founders, I’m very confident that you’ll find that these predictions will hold up. 1. More change is coming Sure, the last two years have brought…