Articles and Essays
I write about creativity, leadership, and passion for work.

Lessons From Future You
Getting out of the “world behind your eyeballs” can help you unlock ideas and pathways that were previously invisible.

Cover Bands Don’t Change The World
Imitation is tempting, because it’s safer. But if you want to create sustained impact, the only path is to do brave, original work.

How Superpowers Become Supernovas
Why your greatest potential to derail your life and career isn’t in your weaknesses… it may be in your strengths.

This Insight About The “Like” Button Stopped Me Cold
Why chasing “likes” or a big objective might actually prevent you from achieving your goals. Instead, you should follow a series of small hunches.

You Are Not a Machine (and Neither Is Your Team)
The best work results from rhythmic effort, occasional sprints, and dare I say it… FUN.

Five Things You’re Not Managing (That Are Managing You)
You’re talented, driven, and full of ideas. Why do you still feel stuck, overwhelmed, or like your best work is always just out of reach? In a recent conference talk in Scottsdale, Arizona, I shared five areas where creative pros must build discipline if they want to do meaningful work.

Risk, Disney, and Banana Ball
How Jesse Cole went from being a “bored out of his mind” baseball coach to creating one of the most epic shows in sports, with a little inspiration from Walt Disney.

How To Deal With Complicated People
This week’s podcast featured some great advice from Ryan Leak and James Kimmel about how to manage workplace conflicts and grievances.

Ideas Are Easy, Making Them Great Is What Matters
Brilliant, impactful ideas are more like to be forged over time than to emerge in a flash of spontaneous inspiration. Are you dedicating the time and energy necessary to give your ideas their best chance at success?

How To Stay Optimistic
Optimism isn’t “wishful thinking.” It’s a practical, necessary, forward-looking element of doing brilliant, brave work. And if you lead others, it’s a critical part of getting others to follow you.

Why You Get Stuck: Definition, Motivation, Systems
Getting stuck when doing difficult, creative work is normal. However, staying stuck is a choice. There are three common, though not intuitive, places where you might be digging yourself into a rut.

Don’t Be a Collector, Be a Curator
Simply collecting interesting sparks is useless if you fail to deploy those insights in your leadership and creating. Here is a simple method for turning ephemera into creative gold.

How To Thrive In Uncertain Times
In uncertain times, the temptation is to seek certainty. Instead, you should focus on building rituals that help you find clarity.

The Magical Power of Strategic Indifference
Why choosing not to care can become your superpower.
Popular Now
Popular posts:
Why Great Leaders Aim For Influence, Not Control
5 (Non-Obvious) Daily Habits That Unleash Your Best Work
The Four Stages Of Influence
How To Give Effective Feedback About Creative Work
How To Thrive In Uncertain Times
Schedule Time Blocks For “Deep Work”
We Are Unmoored. It’s Time To Re-Tether.
Alone With Your Thoughts
The Lunch Pail Manifesto
How To Find Your Leadership Voice
