Below is an archive of every blog post shared through this site since 2010. For posts by topic, check out articles on marketing, leadership, and building new products.
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I’ve loved books since before I could read. Every weekend, my parents would drive my sister and me to the Fremont Public Library.
In every major turning point in my life, I’ve turned to books. After breakups, preparing for new jobs, learning to manage people, troubleshooting a specific issue I was dealing with at home or at work. I’ve literally given myself therapy using books.
Books are more patient and readily available than human mentors. And maybe even more effective.
Read More“If you have questions, just ask.”
We’ve all had bosses say that. But when you do ask them a question, they’re frustrated or impatient.
What gives?
Read MoreHave you ever solved a problem... then realized you accidentally created five new problems?
This is why it’s important to think about second and third order consequences.
The goal is to accurately weigh the true cost and benefits of a proposed solution. By thinking about potential side effects upfront, you save time by preventing unintentional ripple effects—before they happen.
Read MoreCutting corners in the traditional sense is slimy and sometimes illegal. A construction company could cut corners by using cheap materials.
That’s really bad.
I hate the idea of lazy shortcuts. If the idea of cutting corners gives you a panic attack, I’m right there with you.
But why do people think about cutting corners in the first place?
Because most of us are under increasing pressure to do more, within the same time and budget constraints.
With more to do, but less time to do it, how do you manage to get it all done?
Read MoreMeetings with CEOs can go in any direction.
Like doctors with bad handwriting, CEOs and founders are notorious for going off on tangents or unexpectedly changing the topic.
This is rightfully stressful for their teams. Especially if you went in with one idea, and within five minutes, they’re asking you about something else.
In the past 13 years, both in-house and now as a consultant, I’ve been in my fair share of meetings with CEOs. And I’ve been caught off guard enough times to develop a process for how to prepare.
Read More