Erik Wahl, author of “UnThink”, recounts how he learned from his kids that letting go is one of the best things that a parent—and a leader—can do. By Erik Wahl I have three boys. As they were growing up, we invented a strategic creativity workshop called “Crazy Daddy Time.” The point was to create a designated space and time where …
Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association, describes how learning about diversity from today’s children can dramatically strengthen a company. By: Gary Shapiro Too many of today’s business leaders – many of whom came of age in the ’50s and ’60s – grew up cloistered in communities filled with people of similar economic status and cultural background. …
Todd Richardson, the Executive Vice President of Administration at ExactTarget, addresses why kindness matters in the workplace. By: Todd Richardson As a rambunctious child, I was constantly being counseled, re-directed, and [insert any other word for “disciplined”]. My mother would always partner her discipline with the phrase, “Todd, kindness matters.” I did not have much context for this simple phrase …
Seattle Sutton, Founder of Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating, shares a lifetime’s worth of advice for both business leaders and people in every walk of life. By Seattle Sutton Life lessons learned in childhood tend to stick with you for the long haul; I know my parents taught me invaluable lessons that have lasted me a lifetime. The biggest one that …
Lawrence Mathews, Chief Financial Officer at the Institute for Population Health, recalls his mother’s lessons on mutual respect. By Lawrence Mathews What an awesome lady my mom was. As a stay-at-home mom, she was always there for the family. With six children came a tremendous responsibility of making sure that we stayed out of trouble. Mom was there for disciplining …
How can Baby Boomers continue to grow and thrive in the business world as they approach retirement? Steven Kayser, founder of Kayser Media, has some tips. Boomers should recall one of the poets they grew up reading, Dylan Thomas. His most famous poem is named for its first line, “Do not go gentle into that good night,” a desperate appeal …
Generation Z is coming to the workplace, and they are opening the dawn of a new age. Tech-saavy, multitasking, and driven, they will have a unique effect on business. Back when the Millennials joined the work force, they had a plethora of cynical stickers slapped onto their foreheads. Entitled. Egotistical. Selfish. Privileged. In contrast, their successors—Generation Z—face much less notoriety. …
Anne Chwat, Senior Vice President at International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., builds a strong team based on three principles. Anne Chwat inspires her team in three basic ways: on an intellectual level, an emotional level, and by example Since joining International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) three years ago, Anne Chwat, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, has …
Chemical Exchange Industries, Inc. and Texmark Chemicals Founder and Owner David M. Smith Plots Out Seven Common Denominators of Businesses That Have Thrived Within half of all small-business ventures fail within the first five years, according to the government’s Small Business Administration. After 10 years, only a third are still around. Successful entrepreneurship hits the bull’s eye of the American dream, …
Executives have the responsibility to make sure that employees don’t just nod yes but do nothing. Here’s how to make it happen. GM recently fired 15 people because they gave the “GM Nod” – just nodding yes and doing nothing – for years as the company failed to deal with a major safety problem. It took the company 11 years …
