Video: President Obama Sings Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” in 2012!

He is a pretty good singer. I was impressed.

Reviewing Why: “The World is Flat” by Thomas Friedman

I recently read the book; “The World is Flat, A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century” by Thomas Friedman, who presents the case that since 1492 we have shifted economies from countries, to companies, to people. As our ability to connect to others increases, we can do business with anyone, anywhere, which is making the world flatter. Any person can be a reporter, journalist, photographer, etc. and Friedman argues that the “American dream” is available to those who wants it because individuals and businesses can look as big or small as they want to.

If we don’t act now we will not have the time needed to get the right infrastructures in place to ensure we remain economic, professional and educational contenders. He argues that The United States of America is not ready to participate in the global playing field and if we don’t remain competitive, other countries will be in front of us for education, business and economics. Our educational system has been falling behind and his argument is convincing. It makes me wonder how that will affect the future of our kids.

I believe the most important message for future business leaders to know and understand from this book this revolution is still creating new opportunities that are evolving. We will still have opportunity to create more possibilities. But we must keep up the pace because what we learn in school is quickly being outdated.  I highly recommend the book. Below is a summary. I invite you to share your thoughts below!

Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” Speech Visual Analysis Video

When I was studying in college as an under-grad, I analyzed Dr. Martin Luther King’s letter from a Birmingham Jail and was so moved by the power of how he used words and metaphors so effectively and almost artistically.

Below author, educator and speaker Nancy Duarte analyzes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech using principles from her book, “Resonate.” I found it from David Erickson’s e-strategy who got it at Vimeo via Duarte Design. (Thanks David)  There is poetry in how words and metaphors can make intentional points. Nancy does a great job at explaining how this was done.

Interesting information about Dr, King. He skipped his freshman and senior year of high school so he could attend Morehouse College at the age of 15. He originally planned to become a medical doctor. Instead, his education was as follows:

• B.A. from Morehouse in Sociology
• B.A. from Crozer Theological Seminary in Divinity
• Phd from Boston University in Philosophy and Systematic Theology

Digital Advertising 2012 Statistics and Forecast Video

Thanks to the folks at http://www.andmine.com for the video with great information about digital advertising forecast and statustics: Per Andmine.com: “Online is changing business rapidly. So here, presented as typographic motion graphics and design animation are the 2012 statistics (and future forecasts) in Digital Advertising, Online Shopping, Smart Phones and Social Media.”

Meet Tom Endersbe, Author, Three Commitments of Leadership

A few years back I had the privilege of working for Tom Endersbe, author of Three Commitments of Leadership: How Clarity, Stability, and Rhythm Create Great Leaders, a book that will guide leaders to make the Commitments which will result in a positive impact on your world and the people in it.

When I worked for Tom, he was an Executive in a Fortune 300 firm who got to that level as a result of his commitment to excellence, hard work and impeccable ability to build relationships. Prior to this role, Tom was a district manager who built a successful franchised financial planning practice that was in the top 1% of the company.

I watched him craft a team, implement a new initiative, inspire a dynamic group of people and get results. His ability to provide vision and guidance is without match. I believe a big part of this is because Tom genuinely cares about people and wants to help them be successful. If you want to create a culture of followership, you need to read this book.

Recently I took some time to talk with Tom about his new book, below is a summary of our discussion.

Tell us a little more about the motivation behind writing the book and how it came about:

“I was interviewed by Jon Wortmann, one of my co-authors, for his prior book Mastering Communication at Work and he and I found some real synergy.  We started talking every week and discussing experiences we had as leaders and our thoughts about them.  A pattern emerged.  We both felt strongly that the greatest resource of any organization or team is the potential of the people to grow and contribute.  We described many situations where people just settled in and stopped growing.  It kept coming back to the environment they were in and the overwhelming feeling of complexity and uncertainty that stifled their ability and willingness to contribute to their full potential.  We identified that with a leader who was committed to Clarity, Stability, and a Rhythm that they could connect to, they began to take risk, innovate, collaborate, and grow.  That was how it began.”

What kind of challenges have you faced in the process of writing and publishing the book and how did you overcome them?

“It took time.  I was driving 2 hours a couple days a week to a new business that I had acquired and we used the drive time to share ideas.  We would talk, Jon would write up what we discussed and we would react in writing back to each other.  We did this for many months before we looked to our agent Giles Anderson for his insight on how we were doing.  He pushed back on our writing style but supported our message.  We rewrote the content in more of a leader to leader way and it started to come together.”

How has writing the book helped you in your own growth?

“Expressing your thoughts on a variety of themes in a blank page format, pushes you deeper into understanding from just awareness.  You become conscious.  In the words of the book, you gain Clarity.  That gave me a confident feeling of Stability, and Jon and I developed a Rhythm that we could follow.  We moved beyond awareness and cut new paths of thinking and Clarity.  I use the content myself every day.”

Why should people buy and read this book?

“This book will provide a filter that everyone can use to sort through complexity in their lives and find the potential that exist in themselves and those around them.  I want everyone to believe that we can all be leaders and impact our world.”

Thanks for taking the time to talk with us today Tom. Is there anything else you would like to share in closing?

“I encourage everyone to imagine what could be accomplished if we could unleash the talent of the people around us.  What if they became leaders too?  The Three Commitments of Leadership gives you insight into how.  By making the Commitments yourself, you can begin to model the behavior that will unleash the pent up potential all around us.  I can’t wait to see the impact.”

Tom Endersbe is the former Head of Field Implementation and Training at Amerprise and currently is CEO of Endersbe, Herron and Associates.

Reflections on Leadership: Humility and Empowerment

Leadership is an evolution that comes with experience. I am grateful to have had the benefit of working with some dynamic people over the years because they have taught me profound lessons through their words and actions.

I have recently been contemplating my own journey and what it means to be a good leader. As a result of this thought process, I am adding a section to my blog called ‘reflections on leadership’ which will be nuggets of wisdom I have learned and continue to acquire as I grow. Below is the first. I look forward to the discussion.

We have learned to be humble and wise enough not to be boastful because ego is a false sense of self that comes from insecurities and misguided thoughts. Looking to external sources for validation and approval will not fulfill our needs. True leadership comes from knowing that all we need lies within us and that we are enough.

The old saying “there is no ‘ I ’ in team” reigns true.  Being a front-runner means we know the climb is not about us. We need one another and empowering people to be the best they can be is the key to success. We have learned how to step back and let others shine because when we make them look good, we look even better.

Do you have a story or thoughts about humility and empowerment in leadership? Please join the conversation and share your comments below!

Curing Neurofibromatosis (a tumor disorder), for this Three Year Old

Meet my little friend Jacqueline. Isn’t she adorable? She has a genetic tumor disorder called neurofibromatosis (also referred to as “NF”) and was recently diagnosed with myopic glioma, tumors that grow inside the brain. Jacqueline also has a tumor on her tongue and on the back of her head. Her mother, JoAnne Pastel, has been a dear friend of mine for many years and together we co-created Bur Bur and Friends®, a cast of characters who educate kids about differences and healthy living. JoAnne and I have co-authored 4 children’s books and Jacqueline  inspired creation of a new character we call Nina.

Jacqueline is sweet and funny and intelligent and beautiful. She lights up a room when she walks in the door and her infectious laugh is delightful. She is like a daughter to me and we are on a race to create awareness about this disorder and to find a cure!

I am humbly asking for your help to donate and/or share Jacqueline’s story so we can create awareness about neurofibromatosis. The link below leads to more information and includes an account by JoAnne from a mom’s point of view. Today is Give to the Max Day in Minnesota. It is a movement to encourage charitable giving. Thank you for your support.

http://givemn.razoo.com/story/Give-To-The-Max-Day-Support-Families-Affected-By-Nf

Jay-Z Sits Down with Warren Buffett

IMHO When it comes to leadership the right way, these video clips best capture the essence of the conversation with Jay-Z and Warren Buffett. Following your passion, taking chances, seeing opportunities and focusing on the big picture are all keys to success. They have been sectioned out into 10 minute segments so if you have a limited amount of time, come on back, watch and please, share your comments below! Have a great week!!

Passion, Intention and the Power of Words

Self-awareness and emotional intelligence are important for all of us.  So is how we frame our personal brand, which is more powerful than we know. I believe that most of us have good intentions, but that doesn’t mean people will always understand whether or not those intentions are meaningful.

I have known people who are passionate and care about the work they are doing so much you can see their perseverance and determination. When they care about things they do it in a BIG way by taking on a new task, making a difference for others, staying focused, etc. These traits can work for us or against us. Passionate people are often misunderstood and can be  judged as trying to be in control because they have high expectations of themselves and others.

What if we took a step back and asked ourselves what their intent is?

The key is positioning. We have to be reminded there is always another way and often a good mentor can help us remember that. The video below does an amazing job of getting the point across.

Nielsen Publishes Q3 2011 Report: The State of Social Media

Just a Few Interesting Key Findings:

• 4 in 5 internet users visit social networking sites
• 40% social media users access from mobile
• 70% adult social networkers shop online (12% more likely than others)
• 53% active social networkers follow a brand online
• 32% follow a celebrity

Nielsen social-media-report