The Water We Swim In
It’s often said that the economy is the “water we all swim in.” But what is the water made of? Vistage Speaker and Strategy Consultant Marc Emmer recently posted a short article that looks at three key aspects of the economy beyond our control but to which we can respond if we take time to understand them. Population drives ultimate […]
A Leadership Trinity
We are inundated with articles, speakers, coaches, and books promising the secrets of leadership and do doubt there is some value in many of them. But as someone who has spent a career around leaders there are three qualities that I have always looked for in a Vistage member that won’t guarantee a leader’s success, […]
Bach and Mozart at the 7-Eleven
Retailers do their best to encourage shoppers to visit their establishments, they also want them to leave. In the early 1980’s 7-Eleven stores began playing classical as you entered the store and removing window ledges to discourage storefront loitering. It appears that the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Vivaldi and Wolfgang Amadeus have a […]
They’re Baaaack!
The past several years have seen remarkably low unemployment, which when coupled with inexorable demographic trends have created a war for talent that many, especially Boomers, thought would be waged indefinitely. The high housing prices and strong stock market of the Covid era motivated many Boomers to retire early. But according to research from LinkedIn, many […]
Mr. Franklin’s Third Gift
I’ve mentioned Father Benjamin Franklin twice so far. Both the Declaration of Independence and our Constitution owe much to him. However, he has a third contribution that I am personally grateful for. Franklin founded the first “Mastermind Group”. This peer advisory group that he christened “The Leather Apron Club” included fellow merchants, professionals and others who met […]
America 101
The July 4th holiday is nearly upon us, and many Americans are looking forward to a long holiday weekend starting next Thursday (some started Friday). During that long weekend, why not take five minutes and expand your citizenship IQ regarding what all the fuss was really all about 248 years ago that required a Declaration of Independence? […]
Best Blogs
I resource material for your “edification, enlightenment, and enjoyment” from many sources. I will continue to provide specific recommendations as above for the content I think is worthwhile. But if you don’t find anything to your liking above, check out this list of the best (in my opinion) blogs, websites etc. for the C-Level Executive […]
Econ Recon:
Muddling Along: ITR Economics Brian Beaulieu looks at recent economic data and see an economy that is just “muddling along” in his most recent Fedwatch. Deficits for Dummies: The size of the Federal Deficit should concern us as it eventually is debt that will have to be paid back. As citizens we should understand why government […]
Retail, Religion and Politics
In Vistage Groups there’s a saying that CEOs are invited, but human beings show up. Every business founder is a complex human being, and their talents, beliefs and values are reflected to varying degrees in the enterprises they create. An interesting example of this is John Wanamaker who founded a chain of early department stores that changed how […]
Points on the Board
Financial writer Morgan Housel once remarked, “the long run is just a collection of short runs“. Executives must have a long-term vision, but simultaneously manage the day to day that ultimately realizes that vision. To that end, it’s important for your employee to create the short terms. A short article from “PwC research shows that employees who […]
