t h e b l o g
A Canoe in the Ocean
“O God, thy sea is so great and my boat is so small,” opens an old Breton fisherman's prayer. But today, the sea has grown into an ocean and our boat has shrunk down to a canoe. What to do? Discover keen insights about yourself and others. Why not use personality tests to empower yourself and your team at work? They come in handy with our colleagues, not to mention those close to us whom we’ll be dining with on Thursday.
Bestowing
November is here, and naturally it is time to begin expressing gratitude for everything in our lives. Each of us feels a sense of thankfulness for all that’s been given to us throughout the year. This is felt from now through the end of the year, especially when many gifts are exchanged in December. It is predictable, and with it comes all the stories in the media talking about the difference gratitude makes. But what if we are actually missing the boat on gratitude? What might be found?
A. B. Sea Ya!
Recently, you could feel it. Many of us around the world felt our focus drift into the sea. How could that be? After all, success was flowing, we were riding the crest and beauty was truly present, found in all our various and wonderful endeavors. What happened to knock us off our game?
Misty Business
Fall brings about certain feelings in each of us. This time between summer and winter allows for personal reflection - the fun in the sun just passed, and the falling leaves and snowfall await. It is part of a natural cycle in life, full of emotion. How does this phenomenon affect your work? Do you happen to be feeling misty today?
Water and Growth
All living things need water to grow. One way or another, in all endeavors, water is a required input for growth. And water can take lots of different forms. Every day, we use a product of water to learn and grow. Can you guess what that might be?
Bubbles!
How do you feel about bubbles? Just saying the word brings a smile to my face. Bubbles! Bubbles bring about a feeling of joy. Maybe because as kids we enjoyed fun bubble baths? Maybe it is because bubbles can float in the air for a fleeting moment with timeless beauty and a connection to the eternal? Whatever the reason, bubbles are all around us.
Lessons Learned (Intern Edition)
There are many lessons you learn for the first time as an intern. While at Agile Rainmakers over the winter, I quickly learned the importance of knowing what the client expects you to deliver. Returning to Agile Rainmakers as a private equity intern this summer, I learned that auditors do not change the valuation of companies until they raise a new round of funding, which can hide changes to a firm’s value in financial reports. Here, I cover three key lessons I learned about communication and clarity through my internship.
Riding The Crest (Intern Edition)
The sun just barely starts to peak over the horizon of the Pacific Ocean – its golden light warms a thick layer of billowing clouds floating in the far-off morning sky. The sound of the ocean swelling and breaking on the shoreline is tranquil and beautiful, but dangerous and powerful at the same time. It’s a meditative juxtaposition that’s reminiscent of the balance required for surfing – and my summer internship at Agile Rainmakers.
Embracing Progress (Intern Edition)
We live and work in a technology-driven, progress-seeking world. So, how does one define progress for themselves every day? And how does this affect our workdays and personal lives?
Affluence At The Confluence
Just as small streams flow into larger streams or rivers, so do college students flow into the wonderful world of business as interns. The point where a small stream meets a larger stream is called the confluence. Let’s examine this phenomenon as it relates to aspiring business leaders of the future, otherwise known as interns
Surprising Rainbows
Last night I attended a spectacular rooftop 50th birthday party here in Chicago. Upon entering, I gazed upon one of the most amazing rainbows I’ve ever seen or felt. What a lovely surprise! Naturally, it reminded me of some powerful business concepts. What benefits for your career and life can be found in a rainbow?
See One, Do One, Teach One
With each morning's sunrise, the daily impact of the global pandemic keeps dropping precipitously here in North America. As this is happening, what are you noticing about yourself and others as the economy fully reopens? Is everyone sailing peacefully along these newly freed up waters of life with a sense of gratitude? Or is everyone driving their speedboats at full-throttle? Perhaps now is the time to think from see one, do one, teach one.
Getting Success Flowing
Viewing the pandemic newly can open up ideas for success. One idea is to inquire into what it takes to have success flow like a waterfall in your life. In addition to figuring out what it takes, perhaps more importantly, how do you keep it up?
ShipShape To A Friendly Shore
Mother earth’s surface is made up mostly of water and that water carries all kinds of ships. We too are made up mostly of water. So what are the ships we carry? Let’s explore this question in the context of business and life.
Effortless Achievement
Do you want to achieve more? I do. The question is, how? With lots of struggle, or effortlessly? Let’s explore the possibility of effortless achievement in business by first looking at where it is absent and then revisiting the Summer Riptide.
Spring is for Serenity
Every year March seems to come too soon. It may have to do with February being such a short month. Whatever it is, it may feel like the year is already slipping by leading to some stress. So suppose we lightened up, smiled, and simultaneously surveyed some business ideas today?
Beauty Present
Ever hear of the quote, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder?” Beauty takes many shapes and forms, just like water. With Valentine’s Day this Sunday, today we will explore beauty in business.
You Half To
Recently, I poured a glass of water. Actually, I filled it half-way. I did it for a reason. What could that reason be and how does it apply to business and life?
Ripples of Success
Imagine. Imagine this year exceeds all your expectations in business and life. How did that happen? How did you get the most out of this year?
Winter Wishes Will
This winter, I invite you to consider fully accepting winter for what it is. It is an opportunity like no other.