For the last few weeks, I've been on the road to support the release of my new book, People Before Things. My schedule has been full of speaking engagements, which has given me the opportunity to have conversations with hundreds of people. Many of these discussions have ended with a common theme—IT professionals (of all levels) don't feel like they're making a difference.

"Our thoughts create our reality—where we put our focus is the direction we tend to go." —Peter McWilliams

A few years ago, I needed some good advice. At the moment, I probably didn't know it.

In 2015, I walked away from a steady job and an awesome team. People said I was crazy. Hell, I questioned at times whether or not I was crazy. In many ways, it broke my heart to leave Red Robin Gourmet Burgers. And at the same time, it was completely necessary...

“What helps people, helps business.” —Leo Burnett

I kicked off the week with a much needed haircut. I went to see Rodger, who has been cutting my hair for 13 years. I can be pretty picky and high maintenance so frankly, I'm amazed he hasn't fired me as his customer yet!

“For good nurture and education implant good constitutions.” —Plato

A few years ago, I was an executive owner for a large-scale transformation. The stakes were high, and I knew the effort was larger than anything I had ever managed. It was also clear that getting organizational buy-in on this particular change wouldn’t be an easy task.

“You give loyalty, you’ll get it back. You give love, you’ll get it back.”
–Tommy Lasorda

I was traveling out of the San Francisco airport this week and had the opportunity to experience a new American Express Centurion Lounge. As a cardholder, I’ve received lots of direct mail pieces in the last year advertising these new clubs, but hadn’t yet visited one. Since I got to the airport early and the club was near my departing gate, I thought, “Why not?”