Essays on creative leadership,
culture, and the human side of work.
Published weekly, with an original illustration. Two series: Becoming and Advisory Notes.
The moment the limited potential assumed by others gave way to the hint of a future fueled by talent.
How the neighborhood “cool kid” showed style and persona buttress confidence from childhood to adulthood.
Consequential missed opportunities from our past have a way of nudging us throughout our lives.
Dad pulled up and, looking at us, rolled down the window. Not saying anything, he nodded and pulled away, cranking up the window as he shifted our small English Hillman sedan into second. I knew I’d hear about it later. Richard Taylor and I were in the fifth grade and lived just a block apart.…
“Your father died. Can you come help?” Shaking off sleep, I noticed it was raining. Raining hard. Her voice was cool and distant. Distant, that’s the way we handled things like this, Mom and me. “Yes, I’ll be right there.” Putting the phone down, I pull my pants on and tell Carolyn, “My dad just…
“You must have separated from your parents when you were five or six.” I looked at Tom, pondering the thought. He was my first therapist. A flush of pride swept through me that I’d been so resourceful so young. “That’s far too young.” Tom continued. My pride shifted to worry that I was permanently damaged.…
“What can you tell me about your relationship with your family?” Strange is the first word that comes to mind. I adjust myself in the chair, knowing Lana sees right through me, afraid I’ll sound ungrateful if I say what I think. I was adopted. They’re all dead. I’m angry. And I feel guilty being…