When I go into the woods on retreat, it’s not all just kicking back and relaxing. I also go in to address the toughest challenges I am facing, alone and away from all distractions. I find the woods to be a place where I can clear my head and get into the essence of the […]
Making the World a Better Place Read More »
While at the World Bank, I worked on a project to build 120 global communities of practice. Through my work, I learned what it takes to bring groups of professionals together and guide their focus to the topics most important to their sectors. One advantage of working with a community of professionals is the opportunity
The Contribution of Associations Today Read More »
Around Mile Marker 20 on Skyline Drive is this small parking lot that opens to an old road no longer in use, except by park rangers. Just a ways down that road there is a flat spot on the left, perfect for a tent. That’s where I pitched mine last Thursday night to enjoy 24
Keyser Run Trailhead Read More »
One of the most important relationships within an association is between the CEO and the Board. The Board’s role is to envision and develop strategy, and the CEO is there to operationalize that strategy, and most often, serves as a strategic partner. The relationship between the CEO and the Board can make or break an
Building Your Relationship with Your Board Read More »
Four times in the last 2 weeks I have initiated or responded to a conversation in Hindi. Admittedly, although I understood what I said and I gleaned only a small fraction of what was said back to me. But, the thrill was there nonetheless! It was a big step for me on my journey to
One of my favorite books is The Developing Mind by Dan Siegel, the founder and leading thinker in interpersonal neurobiology. When Siegel talks about consciousness, he’s not just talking about the brain; he’s talking about the entire being. Siegel explains that every aspect of us has developed in response to our environment to make
Experiential Self-transformation Read More »
In the garden, in front of my house, I grow only two plants in significant quantities: cherry tomatoes and jalapeños. I grow the cherry tomatoes so they face the street and encourage passersby to help themselves when the fruit is ready. I like to have a wall of grape-like sweet tomatoes facing out. I grow
I’ve been reflecting on the myriad change projects I’ve been involved with, those dealing with internal transformation and those with external outcomes. During my reflection, I came upon two aspects that I feel were integral to the success of those projects. The first, I call, Web vs. Parade. During my time at the World Bank,
That’s me on the right last Saturday night. I was west of Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia, beautiful country, with three friends. Fire circles are almost as old as humanity, the central gathering place. This is where people come to talk through the day, tell stories, and imagine what might be possible just as
I want to share an exciting new model I’ve discovered in a book titled The Interaction Field, written by Erich Joachimsthaler. The core concept is that we are moving away from the traditional, linear, capitalist transaction-based model. The selling of goods and services in exchange for margin can only be scaled linearly. The Interactive Field
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