3 Indisputable Traits of a True Leader

I was flying to a business meeting with an associate when he told me he didn’t think I was a very good leader. (Ouch!) Sensing that God had sent a messenger to tell me that I lacked humility, I took the bait and asked him why. He explained that it was because he’d never seen…

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4 Things Franchises Can Teach Independent Business Owners

While running a franchise and running an independent business are two sides of the same coin, there are many differences between the approaches that each take, and each can learn from the other. Here’s what the independent business owner can learn from franchisees. 1. Having Processes Makes Work Streamlined. How the two types of businesses…

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5 Best Leadership Books That Inform and Inspire Young Leaders

Reading is a fundamental skill that life has given us. It’s very important that we cherish it so that we can record the information and share meaningful stories. There are lots of amazing books out there that are filled with valuable facts. Generations of people have put their thoughts on paper so as to inspire…

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Do You Think You Are Flexible and Coachable?

As an early stage investor, the first test for me is whether “my” entrepreneur is flexible in both the plan and execution of his or her vision (since from experience almost everything about a business plan changes over time), and whether s/he, no matter what age or experience, is coachable. Doctoral theses have been written…

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Why You Need a Work Ethic Like Belichick and Saban

If you’re a football fan like me, than you’re living in maybe the most remarkable time in our sport’s history. With apologies to icons of past eras like Vince Lombardi, Paul Brown, and Bear Bryant, we are witnessing the greatest football coaches of all time in both the NFL and college football. Bill Belichick and…

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5 Inspiring Books You Must Read on a Plane

I am a little disturbed by the latest innovation. The last bastion for escaping from anyone sending you an email has been removed. You now can surf the web while travelling at 1,000 kmh at 40,000 feet. The very pleasant isolation from being disturbed by your inbox screaming at you is now gone! But I…

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What About Business Schools and Creativity?

I’m generally an advocate of education over ignorance, but there is the issue of business schools and creativity. A business professor’s wisdom The best class I took at the Stanford Business School during my MBA years (1979-81) was taught by Professor James March, co-author of the book An Introduction to Models in the Social Science. It…

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5 Books That Will Change Your Life (and Business)

What is your big idea? Found it—or still looking? That one idea can be the catalyst to a life imagined. Just one glimmer of inspiration can transform. It just needs that spark. And that can start with one book… What you read, focus on and who you hang out with can make or break you. One piece…

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Keep Up

I was recently asked to give a presentation on what students can do/learn so they can keep up with the ever-changing landscape of business and marketing today. As I was preparing the material to deliver, I quickly realized that my counsel wasn’t just for today’s students. It’s what all of us, whether we are a…

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