We love getting praise, but giving praise can be tricky (and if you don’t believe that premise, then PLEASE read on). Fortunately, I’ve learned three powerful concepts that have helped my words land with laser-like precision… Selective Did you ever see that episode of Seinfeld where the handsome doctor calls Elaine “breathtaking”? She is understandably...Continue reading
A problem doesn’t have to be huge to feel overwhelming. Sometimes it’s the small, but persistent challenges that wear on us the most. And in worst-case scenarios, we’re assailed not just by the problem itself, but by the attendant problems springing from our fear and paralysis. But regardless of size or seriousness, twisty problems can...Continue reading
What is ‘Dandelion Marketing’? How can it help my brand? What does it have to do with the #AllinChallenge? To answer those questions, let’s start by considering the dandelion itself – that fuzzy little weed that pops up in your yard, inviting you to pick it up, make a wish, and blow on it. Well,...Continue reading
I was honored to be interviewed on a new live online series called Live Stream Tampa Bay. It’s produced by a group called Kestum Bilt (more on them shortly) and features a wide variety of guests – on this episode alone, everyone from comedians to filmmaker Dan Myrick (The Blair Witch Project). WHAT’S WORKING NOW?...Continue reading
Our youngest (a toddler at the time) quietly approached me as I typed on my laptop, climbed up the side of my chair, then furrowed in between my body and the chair back. For stage two, he proceeded to clamber up my back, as if summiting Everest, and park himself on my shoulders, his tiny...Continue reading
Disclaimer: I do not like bragging on myself, but there’s a brag coming up anyway. Trust me that it’s a means to an end. Many years ago, I wrote and co-directed a short film starring Tony-winner John Cullum (30 Rock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) and Emmy-nominee Barry Corbin (Modern Family, Better Call Saul). Both actors also...Continue reading
Is it difficult? Good. Seriously. If it were easy, you would be competing with a LOT more people. But as things get more challenging, the herd starts to thin – the weaker ones (or at least, the less committed) moving on to look for easier, lower hanging fruit. And if it’s nearly impossible, well then...Continue reading
They’ve seen a million faces and they’ve rocked them all. But can you imagine a Bon Jovi show with no performance of “Livin’ on a Prayer”? What if that signature song had been written and recorded, but never made it onto an album? It almost happened. When Bon Jovi Was Livin’ On A Prayer Flashback...Continue reading
I never work with companies. Ever. Yes, I’ve written and directed professionally for more than 25 years. Yes, I’ve served as a creative leader in the worlds of branding, marketing strategy, advertising, and entertainment development for 15 plus years. And yet, I never work with companies; I work with people. Now, if that strikes you...Continue reading
My wife says I’m a confident person and most days that’s true. But to leave it at “I’m confident” would only tell half the story and create an inaccurate picture. Am I confident in my own experience and abilities? To a reasonable degree, sure, yeah. But I have to say, the bulk of my confidence...Continue reading