Author, Investor, Speaker, Mentor
People have this concept of a Dream Job. Yet they go about getting their dream job in exactly the wrong way. Most people chase their dream job like the protagonist in a romantic comedy chases their “true love”: A frantic effort to find The One. Yet getting a job doesn’t determine your job. Rather, you … Continue reading You get the job you train others to give you
When startups fail (and the vast majority must, by the laws of probability), it’s hard not to search for a scapegoat. After all, doesn’t everyone deserve a glowing profile in TechCrunch? Often, embittered entrepreneurs fall back on two explanations: Luck, and connections. The luck-blamers take the position that startups are a crapshoot. “It’s all a … Continue reading If you don’t succeed with your startup. It’s not your fault. If you’re not successful, it is your fault
“You have less time than you think,” I tell entrepreneurs. From the time I was a kid, I’ve been obsessed with age and mortality. Unlike most of my peers, I was convinced that childhood was going to be the best, most carefree years of my life, and I remember thinking at age 11, “Well, at … Continue reading Entrepreneurs, The Clock is Ticking on Your Career
I’ve been a fan of Marcus’ work since his original breakthrough book, “First, Break All The Rules.” His core message of the importance of casting people in the proper roles has stuck with me. Where Marcus’ previous books focused on the role of managers, StandOut focuses on your individual career, and better understanding yourself and … Continue reading Book Summary: “StandOut” by Marcus Buckingham
This insight comes from famed TV producer Stephen Bochco (Doogie Howser, NYPD Blue) by way of Neil Patrick Harris, who told the story on Kevin Pollak’s chat show.Harris became a TV star at a very young age, thanks to Bochco, but after his run as Doogie Howser ended, he went through a long dry spell. … Continue reading The Parable of the Waves
In bad times, it pays to be versatile. Just ask Bo Jackson. Cross-training is a major asset during times of flux. If you’re looking for a job, you’d better have a wide variety of skills. If you’re hiring, search for cross-trained athletes. During booms, stability tends to prevail, and markets seem predictable. Given those circumstances, … Continue reading In Bad Times, It Pays To Be Versatile
Ever have someone lecture you about paying your dues? It’s remarkable how often “you need to pay your dues” really translates into, “I had to go through hell, so I’ll be damned if you get off scott free.” Think about the antiquated system of rotations for doctors, where people are required to work 36 hour … Continue reading Paying Your Dues — Fact or Crap?