Essays on creative leadership,
culture, and the human side of work.
Becoming
These are personal essays about growing up as a fostered, then adopted child — and about what that does to a person over the course of a life and career. The passivity you develop to survive. The shame that shows up uninvited in elevators and conference rooms decades later. The moment you finally recognize the bully pattern, in a boss, in a father, in yourself.
The most-read piece opens with a meat cleaver. My wife, coming down the hall. Me, curled under the covers at thirty years old, having just been fired and not yet told her. It’s not a comfortable essay. But by the end, it explains — more directly than anything else I’ve written — why I understand what happens to people when they’re made to feel small at work, and why that understanding is the foundation of everything I do professionally.
These essays aren’t separate from my advisory work. They are the source of it.
Advisory Notes
These are essays about the emotional realities of creative professional life — the anxiety of leadership, the psychology of negotiation, the particular ways creative people get in their own way, and the particular ways organizations let them down.
One of the most-read pieces, “Why Creative Firms Break Differently,” argues that creative firms don’t fail from bad strategy — they unravel from the inside, through fatigue, misalignment, and a gradual loss of trust no one can quite name. That piece captures what all of these essays are reaching toward.
I write from four decades of experience inside creative firms, but I write the way I talk: directly, without jargon, with stories. Each piece includes one of my own illustrations. If you work in a creative firm and ever feel like the game is rigged against you, this series is for you.
Our personal stories are our source of power as creative professionals. I’ve drawn and told stories for as long as I can remember. When I was little I knew that I’d have to make my way in the world with my talent. But how? I had no idea. Reflect on it for a minute: How…
“You’re late.” It hits me like a like a boxer’s blow. I’m shaken now, and he hits me again: “I can’t believe it. You’re fifteen minutes late!” I manage to stammer out, “I’m sorry, I thought our meeting was at 11:15. Was it at 11?” I’m desperate for this job… Ignoring me, and now with…
Late to the office. The fantasy continues. “Brie,” says Tommy, entering the room. “You okay? I know it’s tense. Are you sleeping…?” “I’m fine.” Clutching her tea, Brie reflects on her morning…. Discomfort I awoke remembering only touches of the dreams. Still disturbing, though I don’t know why. A moment, then it came back to…
“Ooooooh.” The crowd breathes in unison as they enter the station deep underground. It’s the first chance to see GM’s magic train in action. The fantasy continues… “Whoosh,” as the Vactrain leaves the station on another demo run full of happy GM workers and their families. Celebration GM’s chair, Bill Smith, wears a smile that…
“Security!” They must have used a ram to hit the door. Bam. Down it went. “We are under contract with Homeland. Freeze! Put your hands on your head.” Waving some official-looking documents, the leader and what looked like 10 soldiers – all in protective gear with the Homeland logo on their white chest plates –…
“Did you really think you were creating lies?” The fantasy continues… Tommy thought about it. “No, I wasn’t that self-aware.” Tommy – mostly out of daily Overture activity now, but still engaged in issues regarding consensus within the co-op – reflected on the question. He answered Brie: “We were on fire with the power of it…
I’ve always believed that compelling case studies are one of the keys to negotiation success. Great case studies give prospects a reason to consider working with you. And without consideration you’ll never get to the bargaining table. Thanks to Bryan Schaeffer for asking me to write a case study for him that dramatized his work. Thanks also…
New essays, every week.
With an illustration.
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Also available on Substack.
You never cease to amaze me with your willingness to make your life an open book — especially the more hurtful parts. And I'm amazed by the lessons you draw from all of it.
— Larry Coffman, PublisherYour writing has revealed some very intimate, powerful lessons. You are a source of inspiration both professionally and, increasingly, on a personal level.
— Rick GoreWe can discuss the ugly, uncomfortable truths while always circling back to what matters: the people, the underdogs, the work we get to do, and the magical existence we get to share as creatives.
— Sarah EskandarpourI loved your article about how clients' emotions affect briefs. It's a huge part of the creative industry and it's always good to see somebody so knowledgeable write about it.
— Vuk Bojovic, JKR Account Director, Singapore