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Category Archives: The Personal Story

Blog Yes & Know

Cells Regenerate. Machines Compute. Humans Create.

May 15, 2011July 6, 2011

Probably the only concept I still remember from when I programmed in Basic was this: Everything is a series of inputs, or outputs. Inputs are the signals or data received …

Continue reading “Cells Regenerate. Machines Compute. Humans Create.”

Lesson from the Precipice

May 8, 2011July 17, 2011

More than once I have stood at the very edge of a precipice before a grand vista, and each time has given me an unforgettable experience. The Grand Canyon, Yosemite’s …

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The Snot Factory Story

April 25, 2011December 1, 2019

People say that their faith is tested during tough times of job loss or divorce. But, I’m not so sure I had much faith to test. You likely know my …

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Being Imperfectly Ourselves

April 20, 2011July 17, 2011

I sometimes wish I was a Harvard graduate, that I was a 4.0 type student, that I could still do a mean regression analysis, that I had been a CEO …

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Why I’m Glad I Got Fired

March 17, 2011July 18, 2011

I came to be an expert on collaboration because Carol Bartz both hired me and fired me — within 18 months. Here’s what happened. A friend of mine, Godfrey Sullivan, …

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Giving Up Swearing, I Swear

March 14, 2011June 21, 2011

Last Wednesday, Christians started Lent. The season of reflection. People give up something dear to them so that when they miss it, they are reminded to seek instead the deep …

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Is TED Elite?

March 6, 2011December 1, 2019

I see a lot of interesting myths perpetuated about TED, and while I risk being seen as a TED-promoter, I want to take them head-on and — perhaps — help …

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You Spent 10K for THAT?!

February 28, 2011July 15, 2011

I go to several conferences each year, often as a paid keynoter or speaker, but always as an enthusiastic learner. Quite often, I’m disappointed to see that what is ‘on …

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Curing the Yackity Yack Disease

February 28, 2011June 21, 2011

At Apple, my best boss* once walked out of a room, after calling a bunch of us “Yackety-Yakers”.  Even though I’ve lived in the Bay Area of California since I …

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