The notion that startups are more nimble, less bureaucratic and better places to work than large corporations may make logical sense. But in the real world, that’s far more myth than reality. How a company behaves and performs as it grows is all about the culture its founders and leaders[…] Read On
In case you haven’t noticed, fearmongering really rubs me the wrong way. Among the worst things political leaders can do is to purposely lie or exaggerate in order to rile up the masses – either to vote for their policies or to rise up against their political enemies. Elizabeth Warren’s[…] Read On
The other day I met a former tech CFO who’d done countless IPOs and M&As back in the day. We were talking about how many CEOs we’d known were sort of narrow-minded — so married to their own ideas and strategies that they couldn’t adapt to save their lives, or[…] Read On
I have a long-standing philosophy: Always move forward, never look back. Pivot is acceptable, retreat is not. The context is generally careers, but I use it in other situations as well. I don’t recommend it for everyone, but it has definitely worked out for me. This is how it works.[…] Read On
There’s a relatively new fad. Imagine that. It’s called FIRE, which stands for Financial Independence, Retire Early. The idea behind the FIRE plan is to work hard, be frugal, save your money, invest wisely and get out while you still have time to enjoy life. Of course that was pretty[…] Read On
Reading a Bloomberg expose on the dramatic downfall of one of the most powerful men in the automotive industry, Renault-Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn, I was struck by a thought: How could such a brilliant leader be so clueless? This is how. ICYMI, twenty years ago Ghosn engineered an unlikely alliance[…] Read On
What do Apple, Trader Joe’s, Woody Allen, and the NSA all have in common? I’ll tell you, but you have to promise not to tell anyone, okay? They’re all famously secretive – a strategy that’s been a huge factor in their remarkable success. Whether it’s business, entertainment, politics or defense,[…] Read On