Things To
Think About
Things to Think About
X Marks the Spot
"I want to leave my mark on this world - something that really shows I was here!" Gary tells me. That's not uncommon. The desire to leave our mark, to show we were here - that we mattered - is nearly universal. So, I ask him, "What would be a meaningful marker to you?" For some people, it's having their name on a...
Something Worth Standing For
This week, conversations with clients have often veered into their views on the controversy surrounding NFL players "taking a knee" while the national anthem is being played. I'm less concerned whether they think the players should or shouldn't be doing it, or whether they think the President should or shouldn't be...
What Harvey Can Teach Us About ROI, Benchmarks and Metrics for Investing When Tragedy Strikes
The callous use of a common phrase in someone else's blog on Tuesday shocked me. The writer used the common acronym "ROI". But he couched it as "Relief on Investment" in describing how to choose a charity to support victims of Tropical Storm Harvey, which has just devastated south Texas. My anger flared. How the...
Whaddyado?
"What do you do?" a man at the cocktail party asks me, glancing at my name tag. Those four simple words and the answer they elicit could be a doorway into a meaningful conversation. "About what?" I want to reply, but I know that isn't the question he thinks he is asking me. My thoughts were already falling back...
7 Reasons Why You’re Not Doing Work You Love (and why it almost certainly guarantees a lousy retirement is in your future)
You don't owe anyone an explanation. But, here are seven likely reasons why you're unhappy at work and how it's probably going to carry over into your retirement, too. Why can some people easily find work they love while others (like yourself) remain eternally doomed to work that sucks them dry? In the past seven...
HOW TO BE IMPORTANT
"This could be my chance. I mean the REALLY BIG BREAK I've waited my whole life for" David told me. A new firm was wooing him hard, promising to double the salary he was making and give him the responsibility and recognition he had been craving in his current firm. Everyone he talked to about the offer was urging...
Legacy as the Measure of a Life of Significance
I've been talking a lot about two topics lately - significance and legacy. On the day I got married, I had a few blessed hours alone before the hubbub of the day began. Given that I am bent toward reflection, I went for a meditative walk along the Potomac River. Contemplating what lay before me that day and...
A Simple Tool for a Happy Life You Can Be Proud Of
It’s not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are. “I’m not sure what I should do here,” Marco told me. “I feel confused. How do I know which choice is the right one?” He was in the middle of a lucrative and complex transaction with his current firm. A new firm had offered him a position, pressing...
A List of Values
List of Values Abundance Acceptance Accessibility Accomplishment Accuracy Achievement Acknowledgement Activeness Adaptability Adoration Adroitness Adventure Affection Affluence Aggressiveness Agility Alertness Altruism Ambition Amusement Anticipation Appreciation Approachability Articulacy Assertiveness...
Are You Headed For a Wile E. Coyote Moment?
Yesterday, while having dinner with friends, we spotted a roadrunner making its way through the yard. Yes, they really do exist and it’s one of many pleasant surprises living in the desert. I always wondered what made Wile E Coyote double down in his endless pursuit of the Road Runner. Time and again, he...
Grabbing Your Brass Ring
Last week I met with two clients who are planning to make big changes next year. Glen is going to leave his current firm and Corey is going to sell his company. Both men know that to prepare themselves for the best possible outcomes, the actions they take in the next quarter are critical to set themselves up for the...
If This, Then That – The Key to a Successful Exit
It doesn't matter if you've just made a huge windfall in your 30's, turned 50 and hit your original financial "freedom" goal or are nearing 70 and have achieved the external markers of success. Leaving is harder than it looks. ***** "When we close these next two deals, then I'll have the financial security I...
Some Mid-Year Mojo – Rebalancing
"I've spent my whole life working to provide for my family. When do I get to make it about me again? I'm not a selfish man, but isn't it ok to rebalance at some point? The challenge is, I'm just not sure how to even start!" My last column titled "Being the Best Damned Provider You Can Be - Because Failing Your Family...
Being the Best Damned Provider You Can Be – Because Failing Your Family Isn’t An Option
Jeff, who had been a managing director at a boutique investment firm, arrived at Starbucks wearing an expensive suit with a power tie, impressive cuff links and impeccably polished shoes. As he took a seat across from me, his crisp scented aftershave lingered from our handshake. I asked if he had an interview...
Changing Jobs Again? Steps to Stop Churning Your Career
"After six months of grueling negotiation and endless weeks of travel, three straight days without sleep and countless rolls of Tums, the deal was finally done. I'd hit the goal, doubled our assets under management, was facing my wife's wrath because I'd left her hanging yet again at a family event, making excuses...
The Courage to Let Go – Dealing with Transition & Navigating the Dreaded “In-Between”
I've been doing a lot of what I call "bridging work" lately. It's the work of navigating in-between the piers as the spans of your life's bridge is built. Letting go of what is familiar while reaching for the not-yet-here new stage of life. Keeping Afloat During Change David has recently completed a sale...
Who’s on your “A” team?
Mentoring makes a difference. It's the foundation behind the Board in every investment you make. Imagine considering an investment in a portfolio company and the founder says, "Nah, I got this. I don't really need any input on how I make decisions or run the company." As an observer you see the big picture, you can...
What’s Your Number?
In this business, we focus a ton on numbers… ROI, Exits, Carry, Bonuses, Cash Valuations … and on and on. I’ve been really focused recently on one particular question with my clients … What’s your number? Most of them think I’m asking about the number they need socked away to retire. The number I’m talking about is...
The Guy With The Best Job In The World
When he heard himself say, “I only have to do it for eight more years, til the kids are gone …” and thought he might throw up at that thought, Mark realized he HAD to do something differently. But, what finally shocked him into action was overhearing his young son’s answer to a stranger’s innocent question...
You are not your wallet, your job title, or what you do for a living.
You are so much MORE than that. The problem is, your self-identity has been wrapped up in ALL of those things for a good slice of your life. And now it’s crunch time. Because you can’t HELP but feel like something’s missing. And this isn’t the kind of vacant space that can be filled with a glass of scotch, a game of...
The Dream Project – Because Every Child Matters
We had an amazing opportunity to join forces with 350 entrepreneurs to pack boxes for 500 kids living in long-term foster care in Chicago, IL. Some of these children have been in and out of more foster homes more times than you could imagine. Many of them don’t know what it’s like to feel truly loved and cared for....
Potent Service Experiences are the Key to Your Organization’s Success
Let us show you how to obtain your share of $200 Million dollars next year and keep it. Non-profits reap a 6-to-1 return on every dollar spent on volunteer development. Plus, engaged volunteers become reliable supportive donors and are less critical of an organization’s overhead expenses. Volunteers and donors are...