Blog Yes & Know

Can Anyone Innovate?

As I went around the country last year giving leadership, innovation and collaboration talks at major companies and conferences, I started to hear the same question over and over again, …

Why I’m Glad I Got Fired

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, …

Giving Up Swearing, I Swear

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 …

Is TED Elite?

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 …

You Spent 10K for THAT?!

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 …

The Right Way to Get Your Ideas Heard

The crossing light is already flashing red, reminding you to speed it up. You’re in the middle of rush hour, fighting swarms of people, while simultaneously tapping out a message …

Curing the Yackity Yack Disease

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 …

The Value of Perspective

I switched to doing meetings with leaders as hikes — giving us the space and oxygen to get perspective. A friend and I have been trying to plan our next …

Is My Work Important?

I’ve been helping someone. And helping. And helping. And now I seriously want to stop. You might think, Nilofer, girlfriend — this is easy: Say NO to the next request, …