There was a wonderful letter to the editor in this week’s Economist magazine that used a powerful metaphor of an orchestra to highlight the untenable future of state social spending as currently provided. The letter was in response to Taming Leviathon – a special report on the future of the state. “Sir, you twice mentioned … Read more
Blog about what you are learning about, not what you are an expert in I think you should be blogging. I know you have something to say. Start Blogging Now! 13 “get-your-blog-going” thoughts from a conversation with Benedict on the road between Lausanne and Vevey this morning: Write about what you are learning about, not … Read more
Today is La Diada de San Jordi in Catalunya; also known as The day of the Rose or The day of the Book. This is as big a day as Valentine’s day for folks in Barcelona. Girls give books and boys give roses to the important people in their lives. My favourite novels of the … Read more
The US Aikido master George Leonard in his book “Mastery” speaks of 4 approaches that we take to learning new disciplines. It scares me that I might be a regular Hacker… how to shift my approach and push through “good” and reach “better” and one day “expert”?: The Dabbler – The Dabbler’s learning curve rises very quickly, … Read more
All the way from Ireland, Caroline Casey tells the story of her life, starting with a revelation. “Chains are not just made of iron, they can be made from insecurities and fear. And in fact those latter bonds are stronger than any forged by fire.” You can’t be free if you pretend to be something … Read more
“Building the future is not about fortune smiling upon you, but asking how hard are you willing to work for your dreams?” Entrepreneurs’ Organisation EO Alchemy. 20-22 October 2011. Los Angeles, CA.
Peter Thiel, founder of PayPal, says that Higher Education is the new over-inflated bubble. I agree with his premise. A nice, costly certificate from a well branded Center of Learning is no guarantee of a safe, secure life. In the end it will depend on you making use on a daily basis of the … Read more
photo: amioascension “Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.” I came across this quote a couple of weeks ago and wrote it down in my notebook. What makes a day memorable?I have been asking friends “what is your most memorable day of school?” over the last few weeks. In general, nobody remembers a … Read more
I had a question from one of the participants, Thomas, last week in the IESE Persuasive Communications Seminar in Barcelona. He asked “If you are caught off guard with a question – how do you react, or how do you turn around a question without answering?” Don’t do the Rabbit The “Rabbit-in-the-Headlights” look, wide-eyed surprise … Read more
photo: s.alt My grandfather achieved it with alcohol. I found it through constant activity. I sought numbness. I found a way to numb the feelings. To dull the anguish of self-doubt. To dull the feelings of not-being-good-enough. The spanish have a saying “huir hacia adelante”. To flee forward. To jump to the next thing – … Read more