Lesson from the Precipice

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

The Snot Factory Story

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

Being Imperfectly Ourselves

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

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

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