Essays on creative leadership,
culture, and the human side of work.
Published weekly, with an original illustration. Two series: Becoming and Advisory Notes.
I dedicate this chapter to my good friend and our Marketing community organizer, Larry Coffman. His support has helped me gain confidence in my writing over some of the more difficult times in my life. Thank you, Larry. Tinder Boiling-hot days. Sweat-soaked nights. Thousands on the streets. “Nearly half of American workers don’t earn enough…
The city had changed. “We’ve only been gone a few weeks,” thought Brie as she watched the smoke rise from the homes burning above Shilshole. They’d heard about the rise of violence from others anchored around them in Gig Harbor. But it really didn’t sink in until they’d rounded West Point on their way to…
Late for my flight. Holding the wheel of the rental way too tight. It’s hot. The AC barely able to keep up. Damn car’s been sitting in the midday sun; the seat is still hot. My shirt’s stuck to my back with sweat. Leaning forward, to separate my shirt from the hot vinyl. Or is…
Change is underway. Brie and Tommy were sitting on the big bench in Miss Ann’s pilothouse as Arial skillfully guided them through the maze of small boats, past the breakwater and into the Strait. Gray skies reflecting into large glassy rollers. Sea and sky joined in Paynes Gray monotone. Bright enough that squinting was required…
More smoke. No visible flames now, but that didn’t mean anything in this hilly landscape. Fire could be in full force just beyond the ridgeline. “Wind must be turning,” Brie said to Arial as she grabbed another wet gunnysack to beat out the embers on the line. “If it does, we’ll have to run for…
Blue sky, sun and low swells were a welcome relief from the night’s storm. Brie, her hands curled around a warm cup of coffee fresh from Miss Ann’s galley, sat on the foredeck, back against the salon windows, enjoying the ride while considering her next steps. Arial on the wheel. Diesels purring away below. Brie…
It wasn’t only the wealth gap that had gotten her attention, confirming that things were out of whack. There was also alarm over the warming climate. And what really scared her was when she noticed the insects were mostly gone. **** The impact almost threw Brie out of the bunk. “Arial’s boat. I’m on Arial’s…