Embracing Millennials and the Young Workforce Might Be Your Most Effortless Road to Success Growing up, I—probably like you—caught flack for my music tastes from my parents. Being an avid music fan and the former president of the Duran Duran fan club on the Island of Oahu, I remember my folks’ “Turn that down!” objections … Read more
“Asking for help ended up being exactly the right thing.” This takeaway from a challenging situation early in her career embodies the spirit with which Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Janet Foutty, now leads Deloitte Consulting. Reminiscing to that time when she requested of her senior partners to bring in the cavalry, “My only mistake … Read more
“Sylvia is here!” Everyone perked up as she came through the door and deliberately hugged them all. “Michael, how is your dog’s leg?” “Shana, how is your Mom doing?” “Oh my, Jennifer, she’s precious!” she said, caressing the face of a new-born infant. It felt like a church group meeting, maybe a fraternity, sorority, or … Read more
Millennials now comprise a significant portion of the workforce, and they walk to their own beat. They are revolutionizing work culture, and managers must acknowledge their workstyles, especially because by the year 2030, 75% of the workforce will be millennials. Managers often struggle with millennials wanting flexible work schedules and work-life balance, and the fact that they … Read more
COVID-19 is an event that has created strain in every aspect of life—an understatement, of course. That strain in pivotal times creates a natural fight or flight or response—or response or reaction—that truly separates the winners from the losers. This is exemplified by Warren Buffett, who has stuck to his guns through thick and thin … Read more
Maybe you were passed over for partnership. Maybe you lost that promotion you thought you had in the bag. Or maybe you simply feel so stretched that you have no time for yourself. The truth is being too nice can wreak havoc on your career aspirations. Even many top executives struggle with confrontation and simply … Read more
Do not speak unless you can improve upon the silence. ―Ram Dass My 14-year old niece recently called to ask what to pack for her upcoming visit. In the middle of my suggestions, she interrupted. “Can I ask you a question?” “Sure!” I said. “I am debating what I should wear for Halloween this year … Read more
Innovation has been the king of business buzzwords since before the VCR and home computer hit the mainstream, and its relevance grows by the day—as low-hanging competitive fruit like headcount reductions become increasingly long in the tooth. A relevant question in the face of this reality is whether any leader in any company can make … Read more
Despite the rise of machines and robots, the fate of all companies large and small rests on the shoulders of humans. Despite talk of an invasion of machines, humans deploy them. And I believe that until we get to artificial superintelligence, the competitive essence behind the greatest start-ups and the endurance of the world’s most … Read more
Being flexible will save you from your virtue turning to vice. I was ‘Structured Laura’ before Glen and I moved to Costa Rica in 2006. I thrived in the corporate environment. So, when we embarked to Central America, I thought to myself, “If I can make it in fast-paced downtown Chicago, paradise will be a … Read more