Blog

Rethinking Davos

Greetings.  Another World Economic Forum has come and gone with even less attention than in the past.  And that seems a bit strange given that the world's economic problems seem to be even more daunting.  But at least the usual cast of government...

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How Strong Are You?

Greetings.  If you've ever tried Altoids you know that they are "curiously strong mints."  It's a boast, and a marketing concept, that's printed right on top of every box.   But how strong are they? Well… "If you sail...

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The Value of MVPs

Greetings.  If you follow sports you likely know that the acronym "MVP" stands for "most valuable player."  It's an award given to the player who made the biggest contribution to the success of the team or even the league....

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At the Edge of Innovation

Greetings.  Innovation often means putting things together that don't belong.  Or don't seem to belong.  Like creating an adhesive that doesn't stick very well (Post-It Notes) or teaching cars to think like fish in order to avoid...

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Protecting Customers and Employees

Greetings.  Having teenagers has its special rewards.  Wait…I'm trying to think of one.  But seriously, having two teenage daughters is a source of great joy and, at times, lots of emotion.  But it's also a wonderful opportunity...

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Having a Bad Day?

Greetings.  A few moments after the New England Patriots barely defeated the Baltimore Ravens to win the American Football Conference championship, star quarterback Tom Brady said during his first post-game interview:   "I sucked pretty bad today but...

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A Failure of Strategy

Greetings.  It was definitely a bad week for American business icons as two great brands filed for bankruptcy protection.  First, our dear friends at Hostess decided to bake a brand new plan for overcoming declining sales and a shortage of dough (or...

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Words to Live and Innovate By

Greetings.  Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day here in the U.S., and a perfect time to think about the life and ideas of Dr. King.  While his work wasn't focused on providing guidance to companies and organizations, he did have a clear and powerful...

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The Rise and Decline of Twinkies

Greetings.  As a child growing up in Northern California I recall having a severe case of "Twinkie-envy."  While my parents would try to fill my lunchbox with fruit, carrot sticks and other healthy treats, classmates would come to school with...

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The Wisdom of Gift Cards

Greetings.  This holiday season it was hard to avoid the amazing growth of "gift cards" as a perfect giving option.  Gift cards for practically every product, service or retail establishment known to humankind…all tastefully displayed in...

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