Having the chance to sit down and chat with Anne Chow, President of National Business at AT&T, was nothing short of inspiring. Anne and Ramon spoke at length about what it means to be a great leader, the importance of diversity, and how small businesses need to utilize the technology available to maintain the...
I’ve been a serial entrepreneur for more than 35 years, beginning with system integration company LAN Systems in 1983 (we sold its product division to Intel in 1990) to other startups I’ve launched followed by roles in the major corporations who bought them and now the launch of my newest company, FileShadow. From boot strapped...
This article on Developing a Leadership Philosophy is published in partnership with Aurora University. At the beginning of each advanced leadership workshop session, business thought leader John Spence asks attendees how many currently have a written list of their key leadership values. Much to his surprise, only one or two out of 100 to 150 executives raise...
The best way to test your company’s preparedness for succession is to take unplug and delegate. Go on a vacation somewhere with poor or non-existent cell-phone service. If some of your operations prove themselves shaky while you’re away, you’ll get a good picture of where improvement is needed. More likely, though, you’ll discover that...
I think many of us have an admiration for the Lone Ranger. You know, the guy who single-handedly swoops in to rescue the damsel in distress just before disaster strikes. The same could be said for Spiderman or any super hero. And, as a result, some of us want to lead in the same manner....
Sometimes, we can receive lessons in the darndest places. A few months ago, I was watching the TV show, Rizzoli and Isles. In one of the episodes, Rizzoli experiences something negative, and Isles reminds her to go through one of her rituals of finding the silver lining in any situation. That ritual was a...
As an Entrepreneur, the one thing that is most certain to happen is to be faced with risks, to deal with uncertainty and have to overcome obstacles, challenges, and fear. If anything, there are no guarantees in being an entrepreneur. Rather it is a journey that wanders on to experience many of life's pleasures. One's...
[content field="callout1" format="true" class="calloutwide"] Recently, I was riding in the car with a young adult, advising her on business and life. For several months she's wanted to start her own business, but to date she's not done it. I aggressively challenged her that she was not prepared to do what it takes to start her business....
“As much as you need a strong personality to build a business from scratch, you also must understand the art of delegation. I have to be good at helping people run the individual businesses, and I have to be willing to step back. The company must be set up so it can continue without...
[content field="callout1" format="true" class="calloutwide"] “We Are eBay,” it was plastered on all the branding from your notepads and goodie bags to the hallway room signage. Was it there to remind me that they are eBay or was it there to remind themselves? I think it was both. After two days of being immersed in the hoopla...
