Essays on creative leadership,
culture, and the human side of work.
Published weekly, with an original illustration. Two series: Becoming and Advisory Notes.
Saturday, March 2nd, in person, in Bellingham, limited to ten people, from 10 until Noon, $25. Coffee, tea, snacks, and personal connections. We share successes and failures as creatives who sometimes thrive and sometimes struggle to make ends meet. Three have signed up as of February the 17th, More info and sign up here.
Next session: Saturday, February 3, 10 to Noon Five have signed up as of today, Tuesday, January 23rd. We’ll talk about… The upside and the downside of being addicted to the work. Collaboration with clients and teams. Negotiating fees, deliverables, and schedules. Building a community that appreciates and supports us. Mutual Mentors is a moderated…
“My partner of five years just left to join another firm.” That was the first thing he said as our Zoom window opened. We’d been connected by a mutual colleague. A couple of emails back and forth resulted in the Zoom call and an engagement. My view of how to gain new clients has changed…
People chose to work with us first because they like us and second because we have the necessary skills. The DM lit my screen. It was a personal note responding to a very revealing piece I’d written about my childhood and posted on several platforms. It took me a moment to realize what I was…
I interview Kevin Veatch, who has led a multifaceted creative life. Kevin Veatch is a creative who started his professional life as a fourth-grade teacher. An excellent beginning for a creative career that includes being a teacher, graphic designer, photographer, retailer, environmental designer, home and interior designer, electrician, songwriter, musician, and sound engineer. You can…
Unrestrained pride in your abilities or achievements can lead to shame, humiliation, and—without correction—disaster. Excessive pride can sabotage your career. But unfortunately many of us experience a similar pattern: First we are strivers, then we are achievers, and then hubris takes hold. I’ve experienced this pattern more often than I care to admit. Maybe you…
When an unexpected blow opens up possibilities “…and I’m reducing your salary 25%.” I could see that he was extremely uncomfortable. He spoke in a voice that didn’t sound like him. It was lower in tone, almost as if his throat was restricted. I knew it was nerves. I knew things weren’t going well when…