Picture Dolly Parton seated with a guitar in her lap, working through another song. Not the rhinestone-and-sequins Dolly of the concert stage—the working songwriter Dolly. Small recorder at her side, … [Read more...]
It’s Not Too Late: Why Your Wisdom Matters More Than Ever
We go downtown to the village for dinner several times a month. We like sitting at the bar overlooking the lake because that's where the most interesting conversations happen. They always … [Read more...]
The Readiness Trap: Are You Ready for the Spotlight?
Have you ever had one of those dreams where you show up somewhere and realize you completely forgot to prepare for that important test or meeting? Or the worse version: you wake up in front of an … [Read more...]
The Silent 80%: Why Your Best Buyers Will Never Respond to Hype
When Home Office Cat #1 had a health issue a few years back, he needed pills and potions several times a day. I'd grind and blend some of those powders into his food. Some days I'd do a fairly good … [Read more...]
Why Every Expert Doubts Their Expertise
I've lost count of the number of times a client has asked me some version of, “Should I get another degree?” It’s never the same as asking about adding a new technique or protocol to the … [Read more...]
The Drill Sergeant in Your Head
Mr. Chattam was my third-grade math and homeroom teacher—an ex-military captain with a precisely trimmed marine cut and crisply pressed shirts. I was terrified of him, yet I lived for his class, … [Read more...]
When the World Feels Like It’s on Fire, Write Anyway
There’s something in the air these days - something hazy and unsettled, the way smoke lingers after a distant fire. And it’s affecting how most of the people I work with approach their writing. They … [Read more...]
Paul McCartney and the Art of Building a Legendary Body of Work: 9 Timeless Insights
Here's something I see with almost everyone I work with: the more you care about your work, the more likely it is to sit unfinished. The higher your standards climb, the longer you stall. And the more … [Read more...]
The Hudson Hypothesis: The Cat and Mouse Game for Your Attention
There have been days I catch myself saying to no one: "I just need some peace and quiet so I can think." The to-do list to be prioritized and the demands to be met with a nervous system dial turned up … [Read more...]
