Editor’s Note: This gospel-inspired song from my youth reminds me of the days the world’s awareness of social justice were dawning. It was used, as so many songs of the day, as a rallying cry – who knows for what? But over time, these kinds of songs make me wonder if artists like Mayfield planted a seed in our souls for the work so many of my generation now do. When I heard it in the coffee shop the other day, I went home and downloaded it on my ITunes and played it about 30 times in a row.
Editor’s Note: If you own all or part of a business, this is a must-read. One way or another you will exit your business, as Burlingham says, even if on a stretcher. This book is an easy read for me since I got through most of what the author is teaching, primarily because it was taught to me in our peer group, Vistage. My exit was not entirely graceful and I wish my creation would have prospered more after we sold. But it was also not as difficult as it is for many others. Most of all I love the advice he gives around the idea that whether you exit or not, preparing for an exit will make you build a better business.
Editor’s Note: Heard this on my iTunes the other day while running and realize what depth of thought there is in this one. No surprise for Ms. Mitchell who woke so many of my age group up early in their lives. This is the tale of the first twenty years (perhaps that’s what she was when she wrote it) and her perception of where she was headed is stunning. Wonder what she thinks now?
Editor's note: I wish I would have read this book before I wrote Empty Abundance. While my version of both philanthropy and book writing pales in comparison to billionaires and brilliant writers like Green and Bishop, their work would have given me so much more to ponder. The stories are enlightening and the style is easy to read. Their point that philanthropic bursts such as the one we're going through is cyclical was revealing to me and I was pleased to see the authors cover the "cons" of such a movement as well. All in all, lots of interesting insights for those following this path.
Editor's comment: Seems to fit the theme of this month's website update and like so many of Steven's songs, it begs good thoughts.
Editor's note: As stated in the blog its a tough but fascinating read. Gawande shares his experience as a surgeon with a human, personal touch and his growing skill as a writer. My high regard for him began with his "Checklist Manifesto" but here he goes ever deeper. He must be a helluva man.
Editor’s Note: Thinking about a song to begin 2015 with and my renewed commitment to my home town came to mind. So here it is, from Canadian Singer/Songwriter David Francey. Note: It’s especially nice to consider my favorite verse during today’s blizzard.
Editor’s note: The target of this book is international donors. Our foundation is very limited in that area and so I must warn that few of us reading this blog are the target. And yet Balfour’s book is so filled with common sense that I believe his eight pillars apply to just about any work we do. Even working on our own lives. As a matter of full disclosure, I was proud to be asked to do a testimonial for the book but I would not make it my “book of the month” selection if I did not enjoy it as much as I did.
Editor’s note: Yes, I know I overdo the Avetts but their words mean so much to me. This one, at least to me seems to be about growing up, breaking away then recognizing where you came from. It was the feature song to their first major label album in 2009 and is probably their most popular song. The words connect to today’s blog so it just seems the right time to share it.
Editor's Note: The organizations who recognize that doing good is good business are becoming the ultimate value creators. They’re changing their culture and generating every form of value that matters: emotional, experiential, social, and financial. And they’re doing it for all their stakeholders. Not because it’s simply politically correct, because it’s the only path to long-term competitive advantage.
