What's acting got to do with it?

What can business people learn from what great acting is? Acting is all about communicating vulnerability, allowing the truth inside yourself to shine through regardless of whether it looks foolish or shameful. To open and give yourself completely. It is an act of...

The Art of Gesture

“What is the difference between gesturing and gesticulating? Gesticulating means movement without control. The Art of Gesture, on the contrary, implies great control of your own gestures, total awareness of each limb, from hands to chest, to feet, all with great...

How to have a good New Year – a farmer's perspective

One day, a talented writer friend of mine was discussing the evolution of my business with me.  He likened it to the corn farmer he met from Iowa who told him, “You can do anything in farming twice, except plant.”   And when my friend asked this Iowan “what makes...

A single objective channels all our energy

A baseball batter rehearses his stance, grip, swing, and breathing; he studies the opposing pitchers; at the plate, he takes note of the wind and the position of the fielders. As he begins to swing at a pitch, however, he ceases to be consciously aware of all this and...

What we can learn from Legendary Jazz Artist Dave Brubeck

Dave Brubeck died last week one day prior to his 92nd birthday. The pianist distinguished himself from other jazz musicians by defying conventions and playing unusual time signatures.     Dave Brubeck performs along with his Dave Brubeck Quartet in November...

"I got everything except for the words!”

We are sending off messages without words. In 2009, I read an article about the actor, Marcia Gay Harden, who won an Oscar in 2004 for her role in Pollock and was nominated for the award in 2003 for Mystic River. She lives in New York City and at the time, she was...

Results, not Hugs?

A recent headline appeared in the press and social media that Mayor Bloomberg proclaims that it is “Results, not Hugs” that work. This is in response to criticism levelled at Mike. We witnessed President Obama, during his tour of Hurricane Sandy’s...

What I Learned about Leadership from Sandy Relief Volunteering

First, let me say how incredibly excited I am to say that the younger generations are showing up to volunteer. I’ve been in the field working on Hurricane Sandy relief efforts twice now and those who are coming to help are in their teens, 20’s & 30’s.  Well done....

What’s Empathy Got to Do with It?

In speaking with some Managing Director friends in banking, they tell me that competition is stronger than ever after the crisis. They find it even more critical to differentiate themselves “by really listening to our clients so that we can help them with their...