Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in a workshop about building more effective and accountable teams with Eric Coryell, author of Revolutionize Team Work. Of course, I feel great about my team at the agency. However, there is always room for improvement, and attending workshops like this one always helps identify new insights and ideas that cause me to re-think…
The Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu Last week, while the nation was dealing with yet another horrific act of racial violence, I was in the middle of reading "The Book of Joy" by The Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. While just the thought of joy could seem ignorant and counter-intuitive in light of the current state of adversity in this…
Almost time to hug again... Two weeks ago, I finally felt us turn the COVID corner. It wasn't an evening out on the town, a look at the improving daily numbers, or an announcement about reduced crowd restrictions. Instead, it came in the form of a hug. After close to one year of waves from afar, and conversations via Zoom, I was…
Best friends, relaxing together after a brief wresting match As you know, my kids are often the inspiration for many of my blog posts. Watching them face new challenges, overcome hurdles and just learn things for the first time often causes me to see things through a new lens. However, today, I thought I'd share a lesson from someone else in…
James the Corgi Pup As you may recall from previous blog posts, my 13-year old son, Josh, is obsessed with Corgis. I'm still not quite clear on how his love for this long-bodied, short legged, "royal" breed came to be. However, even though we have Jasmine, a very well-behaved and loving Golden Retriever, Josh has been asking for a Corgi…
Deep breaths. A few years ago, a very talented employee shared some simple, yet insightful, parting advice with the team as he headed off on his next adventure: "Don't ever take it personally." At the time, I didn't think much of it. Being in the advertising business for more than 25 years, it seemed obvious. After listening to "constructive feedback"…
Thank you, 2020, for giving me more time to spend with my favorite people. The year, 2020, has certainly given us more than a fair share of trials and tribulations (perhaps the understatement of the year). But, in their midst, we can often lose sight of the positive things that happened. I believe that most good and positive momentum in…
Mike and me, circa 2004 It was just three years after we started Small Army when I got the dreaded call from my close friend and business partner, Mike, telling me that he had stage 4 cancer. It was an eye-opening moment, that immediately caused me to realize how precious life is. And, in the days, months and years that followed, I also came to understand…
This weekend was an exciting one, as my son's Little League team won their Fall Ball league championship. Going into the playoffs as the sixth seed (out of 8), we honestly thought that chances were a bit slim. But through some hard work, perseverance (and, truth be told, one semi-finals COVID forfeiture from another team), they overcame and conquered. While sitting…
Last week, after having a somewhat frustrating email exchange with a colleague, it struck me how much this new environment has changed our communication practices - and the impact it could have on productivity, creativity and relationships. Aside from group meetings now being conducted primarily via Zoom, it seems as though many one-on-one conversations that used to happen in person…
This past weekend, while in Maine, my wife and I went for a long walk through the woods to the local country store. Upon arrival, we saw a crowd of about 40 people, and about a dozen old Ford Model A's parked in the road. Curious, we asked a bystander what was going on. He told us that a local…
Last week, I tried something new. My two kids and I decided to take a surfing lesson, and see if we could ride the waves. After putting on our wetsuits, we followed our instructors to the water’s edge, where they explained the basics of the equipment and demonstrated a few techniques for “popping up.” We then practiced a few times on land,…
A few weeks ago, while traveling up north with my family, we decided to look for a place to go for dessert - preferably a good ice cream shop. Since it was already a bit after 9pm, most all places were closed. But, we came across one Google listing for a cheesecake place called Momo’s that was open nearby and had…
Working from home/anywhere for the last three months has certainly had its benefits. The 1-minute morning commute. The daily dinners with the family. And, of course, the business boxer-briefs. In many ways, we’ve all demonstrated our resiliency and ability to adapt to new environments. However, it's certainly not perfect. And, with pre-COVID office-life unlikely returning anywhere in the near future (if ever),…
Over the last week or so, I've struggled with how to publicly respond to all that is happening around us. As my heart breaks and blood boils, I know I cannot stand silent. But honestly, as a middle-aged white male, I am concerned about saying or doing the wrong thing as sensitivities have never been higher. Sure, like many, I…
This past weekend, while taking a walk around my neighborhood, I couldn’t help but notice the many home projects that people were working on. In several yards, people were planting new vegetable and spice gardens. In one, a couple was building a shed. And, in another, a man was in full garb, tending to his new beehives. While I can't be…
The last several weeks have certainly tested all of us in many ways. Staying calm and collected despite the stress, uncertainty and isolation can be difficult. However, while taking a moment to reflect, I noticed that someone in my house was taking very well to this situation. In fact, she seemed happier than ever. Who, you ask? Jasmine. Our dog. So,…
I hope you and your family are staying safe, healthy and positive. While being stuck at home with family has its benefits, it can also become a bit claustrophobic - and, if listening/watching the news, a bit depressing. So, today, I come to you with a bit of goodness and positivity in hopes that it lifts your sprits and gets…
Early last week, I began writing a somewhat satirical blog post related to the Coronavirus. Way back then (it kind of feels like a different era), it seemed harmless. But, just over a week later, as businesses shut down, schools close, sports seasons abruptly end and toilet paper flies off grocery store shelves — it seems a bit less appropriate (perhaps I’ll…
As you know, I often get inspiration and ideas for my blog posts from my kids. We can learn so much from those who are hungry for knowledge, excited for every moment ahead and not (yet) beaten down by life’s events. But, today, I thought I’d share some thoughts on the unsung hero of my family - Jasmine, our 6-year…
This weekend, while my wife was away on a “girls' trip,” my kids and I moved her home office to another location, and replaced it with a ping pong table. (She uses her work office and our kitchen much more than her “home office,” so it only seemed fair…). My 12-year-old son, Josh, believes that the ping pong table was purchased to…
There are some people who make a lasting impression and impact in our lives. Many of them we know well — family members, friends, teachers and colleagues. But others are part of our lives in a different way. We may never meet them, but somehow we grow to know them well, respect them and constantly learn from them. There…
As we approach the holidays and end of the year, we often ask one another about resolutions for the New Year. However, at least for me, it seems difficult to consider the year ahead without reflecting on the year behind us. It's the experiences and lessons of our past that can most effectively guide our future. Additionally, we often get so caught up…
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure and privilege of attending my second CEO workshop with Michael Allosso, a prolific director and actor - but also an incredible speaker, motivator and teacher for business leaders (check out michaelallosso.com). In his sessions, entitled “You on your best day,” Michael shares a range of insights, tips and tricks to help people become stronger…
If you read my blog posts, you know that I often share stories of my kids. Well, it’s less because I’m proud of them (which I definitely am), and more because I learn so much from them — from their thoughts and perspectives, to their openness and their actions. The truth is that we can learn quite a bit from our…