Essays on creative leadership,
culture, and the human side of work.
Published weekly, with an original illustration. Two series: Becoming and Advisory Notes.
“Just won the brochure project I was unsure about and I credit team MM for helping me lead with inspiration! That new business only took about 6 months to cultivate.” This welcome note from Bez Palmer of Moonraker Creative greeted me and the rest of last Saturday’s group this morning. This is exactly the purpose…
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…
“Now, honey, I’m sure we can find a way to reduce the rent.” It was late. Maybe around ten, my boss’s voice drifted back through the empty office. I was alone and finishing my work when I overheard his half of the conversation. All ears now thinking that it must be sex he was expecting.…
In order to negotiate better, freelancers need to learn to love the fear of asking for more. (It’s not bravery or some magical power that helped me become a better negotiator; it was raw fear.) Fear can make us unable to think, unable to move. I’ve been so gripped by fear that my feet felt…
(published in Fast Company today) “I want to raise my rates from $90 to $125 an hour.” That was the first thing Jessica said on the call. It was followed by, “My accountant advised it.” Quickly followed by, “How do I tell my clients?” It’s a question I get asked all the time. Before I…
“You must separate yourself from your work.” I listened. Took in the thought. But didn’t connect completely with his meaning. (My writing is personal. I write to help others and so readers and my clients come to know me better.) There I was, sitting in a seminar about negotiation with a bunch of business types.…
This is the epic story of the birth of the brand NED, which stands for Not Entirely Dead, a brand inspired by Eason Yang’s personal cancer treatment experience. Doctors use the term NED when all symptoms of cancer are gone –– which, in their terms, means “No Evidence of Disease.” Once Eason reached that status,…