It’s an old Scottish saying, widely repeated: Confession is good for the soul. That’s validated in practice, constantly. Denial of the truth is toxic; admission of what’s real is life-giving. Allow me to practice that for a few minutes while the two of us have this encounter: I really like the benefits of being privileged. […]

Too often, words fail us. Complex subjects often cannot be summarized in a few words. Most people have an active vocabulary of 20,000+ words at their disposal, but modern life values brevity over clarity. Here’s an example: human lifespan – the most valuable asset ever entrusted to anyone – is routinely defined by three seasonal

Here was my closing challenge in last week’s edition of my Point of View: “How are you handling the reality of “generational theory” in your own life and leadership? Expect more next week as I continue to unpack this crucial understanding… Would you give me five minutes of your lifetime to explore something that could

Here’s my theory about theories: most people in the first half of life don’t have the bandwidth to consider or connect with theories. The demands of getting launched and then established don’t leave much room for philosophical ruminating. But, after life leaves some scars and the years begin to take their toll, the long-term exposure

In 21st Century America, we’re struggling to unify around things that have, historically, brought us together. Here’s a challenge that won’t resolve anytime soon: words are often a source of confusion instead of clarity. When both sides aren’t thinking the same thing when hearing the same word, the advantage of language has been compromised. What

Fred Smith, Sr. was a real American one-off. Son of a pastor, survivor of America’s Great Depression, respected corporate leader and one of the Christian community’s earliest and memorable leadership experts. Fred was truly unique. He was in his 60s when we met; I was in my early 20s. He planted a nugget of truth

Arsonists are often clever, though evil. By definition, they are: “people who intentionally start a fire in order to damage or destroy something.” Arson charges have been filed by people reacting to an email sent last week to federal employees. The match that lit the flame was the three sentence message: “Please reply to this

It was William Randolph Hearst – media magnate from a few generations back – who coined the phrase: “If it bleeds, it leads.” In newspapers, that’s Section #1, front page, above the fold. In the broadcast media genre, it’s the “breaking news” that is covered “at the top of the hour.” Grab the audience by

Just six days ago, the world’s eyes were turned toward Philadelphia. A blend of two ancient Greek words, the meaning of the city’s name is nothing short of a profound brand expression: “brotherly love” is the explicit definition. William Penn – the city’s founder – chose the name in 1681 as he revealed his plan

The Founder’s Forum. The name pegs positively from a marketing perspective. The Founder’s Forum: let it roll off your tongue a couple of times. The Founder’s Forum. What is it? – who is it? – and why should it matter, to you? (BTW: this is NOT a fund-raiser. I’m seeking to serve, not to solicit