Author Chris Brady's Leadership Blog

5 Lessons A True Leader Can Take Away From The VW Super Bowl Ad

I am excited to introduce the following article contributed exclusively to readers of this blog by Jason Monaghan from the University of Notre Dame Executive Online Education program. For a look at the ad in question, click here. 

Every year when I watch the Super Bowl, it amazes me how creative organizations can be in delivering their message.  One of the best ads this year (in my humble opinion) is the VW Ad featuring a dog who yearns to experience the new VW Bug.  The level of creativity is startling – especially given the success of their ad from last year – and it led me to think about how an effective leadership team must be just as creative on a daily basis. 

 

Here are a few takeaways I thought of from one of 2012’s top Super Bowl commercial contenders:

 Every “old dog” has the chance to learn new tricks.  Truly effective leaders are constantly courting change.  What changes they can't find, they invent, and they stick to their vision no matter what.  As soon as you resist change because it would involve giving up “what you know,” you are stifling the chance for development. 

 Times change – be ready.  Be prepared to adjust to opportunities as they emerge. Whether that means staying in shape physically or emotionally, or even pursuing extra education – like a leadership certification or an advanced degree – being in prime shape is critical.  Who do you want to be, the overweight dog that can't get through the door once opportunity comes knocking, or the one who is lean and mean, ready to chase that new opportunity? 

 Take a risk.  Effective leadership means constantly striving and reaching for new angles.  VW had arguably the best Super Bowl ad in 2011 – and they built upon that legacy.  The team for this year also knew the smart thing was not doing the “same old, same old.” Instead, they are aiming for new heights by creating a new memorable commercial experience while leveraging their success from last year.   

 Watch carefully and apply.  Be creative in your approach and watch what resonates with your team, clients and customers. VW recognizes the trend in reality television has a few strong threads that resonate with the American audience, and one of them is the life transformation from shows like NBC’s The Biggest Loser. They built this into the new direction for this year’s ad while tying into their former success at the end – kind of like getting two ads for one. Don't be afraid to try a new tactic if you think it will appeal to your audience or team. Your leadership and willingness to try could create an entirely new trend, rather than responding to those already in the marketplace. 

 The “force” is a creative, visionary skill, not a coercive tool.  The last scene where the little Darth Vader reacts to criticism is definitely not the way to respond to dissention.  Don't use the “force” to force people to agree. Surround yourself with those who share your passion and your vision and let their ideas and opinions be the force that drives you. Leaders can create an empire by fostering an environment that readily accepts change, new ideas and trust. 

 

Even with the fun and excitement of the Super Bowl this weekend, there are serious leadership lessons to be learned.  Excellence in leadership means that change is part of the daily pursuit of organizations who are striving to stay relevant.  VW accomplishes this by taking its own twist on the “force” of business.

This guest post was provided by Jason Monaghan with University of Notre Dame Executive Online Education. Jason works with the faculty and staff at Notre Dame Online to develop skill sets for the leaders of tomorrow in Negotiations, Leadership and Management and Business Administration.

Tim Tebow: Unconventional Just May Mean Revolutionary

As a father I am constantly on the lookout for lessons, stories, experiences, and role models that will be edifying for the development of my children.  Several years ago, while he was still a surprising sensation at the University of Florida, Tim Tebow came onto my radar screen. There was something attractive about his relentless drive for excellence, his incredible work ethic, his will to win, and his unflappable attitude. I also appreciated his testimony as a Christian.

Watching Tim Tebow go from being the youngest winner of the Heisman Trophy to a number 1 draft pick in the NFL was a source of excitement for my young boys. I felt comfortable allowing them to watch his interviews, read his book, and listen in to his exploits as he transitioned into the professional ranks.  Tim Tebow, a home schooled missionary's kid who preaches at prisons and responds openly and honestly to crass questions from interviewers and critics alike, seemed the perfect role model for my children.

But something was amiss.

As Tebow put on his NFL cleats a disturbing chatter seemed to grow around him. It seemed that the football "experts" were breaking their necks trying to see who could be more critical of young Tebow and his abilities. They railed against his throwing motion. They railed against his accuracy. They laughed at Josh McDaniels, the then NFL head coach of the Denver Broncos who drafted Tebow in the first round. And they even poked fun at his faith and his purity. My children were learning hard lessons from this, but I guess that's what role models are for. 

"Why are they saying so many negative things about him, Dad?"

"Those people sure are being mean to him."

And on it went.

Then nearly a year went by before he got his real shot. There were flashes of excitement in a couple starts his first season, but Tebow didn't win the starting job and was sitting on the bench as the first five games of his second professional season rolled by. Finally, however, Tebow had waited patiently and prepared in obscurity long enough. His opportunity arrived, and just five games into the 2011 regular season, with the Broncos languishing at 1 and 4, Tebow was given his chance.

But nothing is that easy, not even in fairy tales. Tebow's play seemed to justify the claims of the critics. He missed wide-open receivers. He overthrew easy passes. He fumbled. He got sacked in the backfield. He rolled up terrible statistics the likes of which no NFL quarterback could expect to post and still retain his job. All the while the critics howled with their "I told you so's." However, one thing Tebow did was win. In fact, his whole team seemed to start playing better. The defense stepped up to an unbelievable level. Receivers started making stupendous catches. Running backs started nearly defying gravity. And Tebow himself seemed to come alive when the pressure was the greatest and pull victory out of the jaws of defeat - several times.

I am writing this article a bit early. Althought Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos have won four out of the last five games, anything could still happen and they could end up at the bottom of their division. Their near-miss wins could easily start turning to losses, and if that happens, I have no doubt whatsoever the critics will have a field day once again.

None of that matters, however, because Tebow has already proven something extremely valuable, namely, that while people talk about lack of skill they should never underestimate the power of will. What Tim Tebow brings is leadership. He has that special ability to energize a team of players to each perform at their very own personal best. He inspires, instills confidence, and makes those around him believe that anything can happen if they just have faith. While the statistics bemoan his performance, Tebow proves again and again that there are some components in victory that can't be measured. There are intangibles to greatness that come from deep within, that defy the odds and mystify prognosticators, and that just simply can't be contained.

Leadership matters.

Character matters.

Attitude matters.

The will to win matters.

Critics, however, don't matter.

Tebow has shown all this and more. I personally hope he keeps on winning in his unconventional way, in front of the NFL experts who so haughtily claimed "That's not the way it's done here." The world needs to understand that unconventional doesn't mean wrong, inadequate, or below grade. Unconventional just may mean revolutionary. 

They said Tim Tebow wasn't ready for the NFL.

Perhaps the NFL wasn't ready for Tim Tebow.

 

 

 

 

Steve Jobs: A Creative Life

My business partner and co-author Orrin Woodward and I, along with the other founders of LIFE, are embarking on a business journey in which we seek to follow correct principles, emulate successful leaders, and make a lasting difference in the lives of people.  One leader to whom we've looked, and whose professional life we've admired, is Steve Jobs.

Orrin and Laurie Woodward and I were landing in Newark, New Jersey yesterday on a flight home from overseas when we got the word about Jobs' passing.  It immediately caused me to do a mental mini-review of his life. 

Steve Jobs literally revolutionized four industries:

1. computer industry - was initially involved in bringing personal computing to the masses, but was much more effective in making it user friendly and "cool" in the second phase of his professional life

2. music industry - through the innovation of iTunes, which solved the "music download" controversy 

3. movie industry - through the successful incubation and establishment of PIXAR, and the rehabilitation of Disney

4. telecommunications industry - through the widespread popularity of the iPhone and iPad

Steve Jobs had that rare combination of business savvy (early bursts of it, but much more effective in his later, more mature years) and creative genius. In many ways, I place him in the same category as Walt Disney, who also combined creative genius with a sense for what would work economically.  Jobs' creativity, vision, steadfastness to a central focus, and the ability to lead and inspire his troops to fulfill and implement the above, are worthy of study by anyone seeking business greatness. Let us also not forget that Jobs was a master salesman. He had a way of connecting with "his" audience, and they in turn connected with the rest of us.  

As I sit here at my desk in my early morning "jet-laggedness," pondering the many wonderful people in my life, and considering the LIFE business journey we are about to take together, I give a hearty salute to the creative genius of Steve Jobs. May a little of his verve find its way into our venture, and may his ability to build a productive culture of enthusiastic teammates and customers be our example.

"There is no reason not to follow your heart. Stay hungry. Stay foolish."

Thank you, Steve Jobs.

(written on a Mac, of course)

 

 

The Package Our Abilities Present to the Desires of Our Hearts

John Lasseter and the Pixar Phenomenon

Let me start with a confession: I cried during Toy Story 3 - twice! Call me a softy (or an idiot), but those little cartoon characters and their situation just pulled hard at the old tear ducts. Just to put things into perspective, the last movie to affect me that way was The Champ back when I was ten years old. 

Pixar Corporation, the organization of geniuses behind not only the blockbuster Toy Story series, but a string of record breakers including Finding Nemo, Cars, A Bug's Life, Monsters Inc., The Incredibles, Ratatouille, and Up, is a bit of a favorite subject for me. I love art, creativity, design, and movies. I also love business. Pixar is a beautiful combination of the two. And just like any success story, Pixar's is infinitely interesting.

The Birth of a Dream 

The life of one man in particular at Pixar, John Lasseter, is inspirational and instructive (as are others, to be sure).  As a child, Lasseter loved cartoons. In high school he discovered a book on animation that changed his life by giving him a dream. He decided to pursue the making of cartoons as a career. More specifically, he wanted to become an animator at Disney.

Taking Initiative

Still only a high school student, Lasseter sent drawings to Disney Studios. They recognized his talent (and pluck) and invited him in for a tour. During that visit the professionals at Disney encouraged Lasseter to pursue a formal education in art.

Getting Training

Lasseter chose to attend CalArts, the art school founded by Walt Disney years before. In a scenario of perfect timing, Lasseter came of age to attend the institute just as it was launching a program in animation. Lasseter was its second enrollee. 

Gaining Experience and Finding Mentors

Lasseter became the summer assistant to the Donald Duck cartoon director Jack Hannah. According to authors Capodagli and Jackson, it was during this time that "John became a master of creative teaming, sharing story and project ideas, and playing critical evaluator with fellow students - a gift that would ultimately help him become a professional animator and inspirational leader." Lasseter also gained experience working directly with three of the original nine Disney animators.

Running into Roadblocks    

Eventually Lasseter hired on full-time as a Disney animator. To all outward appearances his dream had come true. However, Lasseter was not only a talented artist, but an extremely creative visionary. He could clearly see that computers would play an increasing role in animation but ran up against strong reluctance on the part of Disney corporate staff. Most of the experienced animators saw computers as a threat that would render their jobs obsolete. 

A Closed Door

Incredibly, after preparing only the artwork for a short computer animated film to demonstrate the possibilities of the technology, Disney let Lasseter go, telling him, "Your project is now complete, so your employment with the Disney Studios is now terminated."

Turning Obstacles Into Opportunity

Disney may have told him that his project was now complete, but his career was far from it. A small, crack team of computer specialists at Lucas-film Computer Division (founded by George Lucas of Star Wars fame) knew of Lasseter and hired him to help with their computer animation software development. It was there that Lasseter would team up with Ed Catmull and Alvy Ray Smith, as well as a small band of others, who shared his dream of computer animation.

Progress and Development

Some time thereafter co-founder of Apple Computer Steve Jobs, a bit down on his luck and struggling to make his new company NExt Computer succeed, was able to acquire the Lucas-film Computer Division in a fire sale (actually a divorce sale). The little group renamed itself Pixar and began producing small computer-animated films to demonstrate the value of the software they had produced. Eventually they realized (or at least got Jobs to realize) their real product was the films they could produce, and not the software.

Dancing with Destiny

This is how Toy Story, the world's first fully computer-generated feature film, was born. Its creativity, artistic beauty, depth of characters, and worldwide inter-generational appeal won it critical, as well as financial, acclaim. Its development was not without bumps and struggles, especially with the partnership with Disney to produce and market the film, but the collaboration, leadership, and creative genius of John Lasseter had finally broken through to the rest of the outside world. Toy Story grossed $29 million in its first weekend (nearly matching the entire production cost of the movie) and by early 2009 had grossed $361 million worldwide.

The Power of Productive Partnership

Lasseter certainly didn't make his dreams come true in a vacuum. For that he needed to find the right people; those who shared his vision, would collaborate productively, and had the environment and the resources to back the pursuit of his dream. George Lucas, Alvy Ray Smith, Steve Jobs, and many others all played key rolls, as well as hundreds of writers, artists, directors, and programmers, but no one perhaps was as important as Ed Catmull. As Capodagli and Jackson summarized, "For twenty-five years, Catmull and Lasseter have worked side by side in a collegiate manner that is reminiscent of the partnership between Walt Disney and his brother Roy."

Leaving a Legacy

In a telling comment by Ed Catmull, he said, "When we finished Toy Story . . . my new goal became, with John [Lasseter], to build a studio that had the depth, robustness, and the will to keep searching for the hard truths that preserve the confluence of forces necessary to create magic . . . We've had the good fortune to expand that goal to include the revival of Disney Animation Studios . . . . But the ultimate test of whether John and I have achieved our goals is if Pixar and Disney are still producing animated films that touch the world culture in a positive way long after we are gone."

And What About Us?

From an early age John Lasseter harnessed his talents and sent them marching in the direction of his dreams. No success story follows a straight up trajectory, however, and Lasseter's is no exception. He had a long term vision of where his industry could go and stayed true to that vision through many shifts in the pathway - even when being fired from his "dream job." Lasseter has that unique ability to fall in love with the destination while remaining flexible regarding the route to its attainment.

Another big component of his continued success is his ability to work with others in productive, collaborative ways. This is not as common as we might wish in our world of dogmatic, false, and uninspiring "leaders."

Perhaps the biggest thing we can take from Lasseter's example is the comprehensive package our abilities, once diligently developed and continually applied, present to the desires of our hearts. When we align our abilities in the direction of our dreams, and then apply a little pluck, a lot of perseverance, and a ton of partnership, we too just might end up doing something great - such as creating movies that make grown men cry!    

Debunking the Myths of the Great Depression

It was an average sized college classroom with round tables and cheap plastic chairs. People of all kinds filed their way into the crowding room, glancing around, searching for seats. By the time the modest program began, the room was full, with people standing in the doorway. There should have been more. Thousands more. 

Had the speaker been addressing issues of entitlement, or government handouts, or the easy money policies of socialism and central planning, no doubt, the place would have been mobbed. Instead, this speaker was giving truth: proven economic principles time-tested again and again. Truth may not be so quick to attract throngs, but it burns purer, and eventually, brighter. What happened tonight in a classroom at Florida Gulf Coast University was an indication of the tiny fires being lit by understanding around the country. It was warming, to be sure.

Lawrence W. Reed, the President of the Foundation for Economic Education, first came to my attention through my friend Terry Woychowski, who gave me a publication authored by Mr. Reed and entitled Great Myths of the Great Depression.  It's clarity and research were sparkling. I was an instant fan. Imagine my surprise when I learned that he would be making a public speaking appearance within an easy drive of my home! That's how I happened to find myself in a cheap plastic chair with other concerned citizens of southwest Florida.

I was not to be disappointed. Mr. Reed's talk was excellent; filled with clear illustrations and well-researched commentary.  Most importantly, it presented the complicated and oft-misrepresented Great Depression in clear economic terms. My twelve year old, in attendance with me, totally understood it. His notes read like those of a college kid majoring in economics. That's the beauty of a good teacher: the complicated becomes clear. This, in a very unarguable way, is exactly what Mr. Reed accomplished this evening.

If you have not yet become acquainted with the work of FEE, I encourage you to view their website and download the many free materials available. By all means, get your hands on a copy of Great Myths of the Great Depression, and prepare to throw away the falsehoods of "conventional wisdom" you've likely been taught about one of the most trying times in world economic history. As usual, the official spin is totally wrong.

By the way, getting informed about economics is not an academic exercise. Proper understanding of economics is Germain to the preservation of freedom. We cannot defend what we don't understand.  

Do Nothing Leaders and Heroes in Obscurity

Leadership is an odd thing. It is better “caught than taught.” Still, authors like Orrin Woodward and myself still labor to teach it the best we can. Often, in the course of doing so, we call upon illustrations of leaders both historical and contemporary who have demonstrated worthy leadership characteristics. There is a problem with this approach, however, one that goes beyond the obvious disclaimer that all humans are flawed and no one can truly serve as a perfect example of leadership. The bigger problem with this approach is that, often, high-profile and/or famous leaders also exhibit some really poor qualities.

For instance: Abraham Lincoln may be known for strong war-time leadership, preserving the union, and freeing the slaves, but he also ushered in America’s first dose of federal Income Tax, ran nearly his entire Presidency above the law and in violation of the Constitution, launched a fiat money system, and saddled the young country with a debt 100 times its previous peak.

Or take Winston Churchill: he is generally known for standing in the gap in “Britain’s finest hour” and staunchly defying Hitler, mobilizing the English language and sending it into battle, but there is also strong evidence that he baited the Germans into sinking passenger ships and thereby pulling the United States into the war.

Finally, consider George Washington: he is credited with throwing off the shackles of English tyranny and shepherding the young Unites States onto proper footing in its years of infancy; but he also led an army of the government against its very own citizens to put down a tax revolt.

Do these obvious concerns detract from the strong leadership characteristics for which these leaders have come to be known? Maybe. They do, however, illuminate the challenge with attempting to teach a changeless principle using the illustration of high-profile human examples.

Where else should one look, then, for effective examples of honorable and effective leadership in motion?

The answer to this question gets to the root of our book, Launching a Leadership Revolution, in which we claim that effective leadership can be found at all levels of human endeavor, not simply at the top. In fact, it is likely that the most impressive, contributory, productive, purpose-driven examples of true leadership are to be found in relative obscurity.

Take for instance the so-called “do nothing” presidents of the United States; the Franklin Pierces, the Grover Clevelands, the Gerald Fords. These men didn’t earn the high mantle of fame, the high prominence of academic admiration, nor the widespread remembrance of a thankful people, rather, they receive an obligatory earmark mention, at best, in lists of presidents.  But is it not true that these men, and the many more like them, managed to continue the ship of state chugging along in its course, successfully avoiding expensive and fatal conflict with other nations, allowing its citizens a respite of high-profile heroics and providing instead a period of peace and prosperity, where families were free to live in freedom and go about their business uninhibited by the intrusion of a nationalized government agenda?

So much for presidents, whom, no matter how unrenowned, could still be argued to be high-profile. But further down into the depths of obscurity are the everyday “common people,” those working and living “in the trenches.”  What of these? Represented in this group are fathers leading a family, mothers nurturing children, workers dependably running the engines of industry, small business owners expanding the economy, and servicemen and women standing at the ready? I would suggest that it is here, far away from the limelight, where true leadership can best be observed.

For heroes of leadership, many of us need look no further than our own parents or grandparents. Some of us have seen it brilliantly embodied at work or at church, or in some community involvement. True leadership can be found anywhere excellence resides. And it doesn’t take a “national hero” to fit the mantle. It takes an individual of character charged with a deep desire to fulfill his or her potential by “making things better.” Anywhere someone is doing that, they are providing a case study in leadership.

Do you long for heroes? Do you appreciate good examples ? Then look around. They can be found everywhere in the quiet passage of daily life, in the schools, the shops, the banks, the meeting rooms, the churches, and even sometimes in government offices (believe it or not). 

But a better place to look is within. Become your own best example. No one may ever know all you did to make things better and contribute your gifts to positive change, but notoriety is no measure of contribution, anyway. A life lived on purpose with an admirable purpose is the real measure, in which you fulfill your God-given calling with all your might.

And who knows. Maybe someone will notice, send it to this blog, and we’ll make you famous!

You never know.

Lead on!

The Music of Opportunity and the Sound of Potential

Thanks to reader Joe St. John for turning me onto this incredible young man and his story. May Patrick Henry Hughes inspire us all to our highest callings. God bless you Patrick! Keep leading with your Abilities!

Leaders Who Care

  

             Inspiration often occurs at the point of confrontation with a problem.  That is what happened with General Motors Vice President, Terry Woychowski, whose family had gotten involved in the sponsorship of an African outreach in Malawi, through the efforts of their church and the World Vision organization.  The Woychowskis sponsored a ten year old boy named Solomoni Mufata.  Solomoni, one of five children living with a single mother in an AIDs ravaged territory, began receiving financial support from the Woychowski family.  But soon, he would receive much more. 

            As Terry Woychowski explains, "I often pray for him, and want to help instill in him a Godly way of life.  I also want to help Solomoni lead a battle against corruption in his country and help lead his people to a better way of life. Then I received a background report on Solomoni which included his report card.  He was failing all grades and was going to be required to repeat the second grade.  I found this shocking and unacceptable."  Woychowski decided to do something to help.  He began by researching the reasons why Solomoni was doing so poorly in school; the biggest of which turned out to be truancy.  Solomoni was missing a lot of school.  Among other reasons, Solomoni is needed to help with the family chores, particularly the efforts involving the processing of corn, his family's staple food crop.  This not only involves growing and harvesting the corn, but transporting it to another village and having it ground into a fine flour, a key ingredient in their main food.  The grinding is done on a diesel powered hammer mill, which is fraught with problems and is not always reliable.  Additionally, the whole process is expensive (estimated to consume about 30% of a family's annual income).  Beyond the $15.00 per gallon fuel price, the grinder is a day's walk away from Solomoni's village.  This means that young Solomoni must carry a 40 pound bag of corn on a day's march, spend money and another day getting it ground, then carry it back home again on the third day.  No wonder little Solomoni's education was slipping when it took so much to simply survive. Worst of all, however, was the fact that Solomoni's situation was not unique but typical for his region of the world.

            Woychowski, a leadership guru and serial engineer, knew just what to do.  He marched into a regularly scheduled meeting in which he mentors a select group of up-and-coming automotive engineers (who have named themselves "Terry's ARMY" after the characters in the Harry Potter series who styled themselves as "Dumbledore's ARMY"), gave a short presentation about Solomoni and his dilemma, and said simply, "Fix this.  Use the best fifty minutes to create a plan that the ARMY can implement to address the failing performance of Solomoni."  One can only imagine the looks on the faces of the young protégés as they wondered if their mentor was serious.  Quickly the group got to work and dug up information and crafted action plans.  One of these plans led to a Senior Design Project at Michigan Technological University to design and develop a human powered hammer mill, built from inexpensive component parts readily attainable in the local African villages.  Sponsorship would be provided by the Woychowski Charitable Foundation, and development would take place at Michigan Tech.  Next, The World Hope organization agreed to build and test several units, pending a viable design.

            The result was the first ever workable human-powered hammer mill.  World Hope has now begun installing mills in Zambia to test performance.  David Erickson of World Hope reported that the mills, "are generating a lot of excitement."  The human-powered hammer mills have the potential to ease the burden of thousands of sub-Saharan families and may also help small businesses prosper because of lower corn processing costs.  If successfully implemented, the ramifications of the hammer-mill project would be truly immeasurable. 

            That's how it works with inspiration in the life of a leader.  Caring enough to dig into a problem thousands of miles away caused a pivotal moment of inspiration for Terry Woychowski and his ARMY of young protégés.  They spotted a challenge and decided to do something about it.  The ideas flowed as a result.  What began as a way to help a ten year old boy turned into something far larger, spanning several organizations and continents and loaded with the potential to affect thousands.  That's the power of the weapon of inspiration in the hands of leaders who care.    

Nuggets from the World Business Forum 2009

We are roughly half-way through the World Business Forum’s agend.  Below are some of my favorite nuggets to this point:

 

Patrick Lencioni

 

Life is simple, and really difficult.  It is not complex.

 

We spend most of our time trying to make our organizations SMART, which is fine, but we need to spend more time making our organizations HEALTHY: Minimal politics, confusion, morale, productivity, turnover.

 

When we don’t have conflict around ideas and issues, it always ferments into conflicts about people.  That destroys teams.

 

David Rubenstein

 

We had better get used to the fact that the Dollar is not going to be the reserve currency of the world.

 

Think of yourself as an owner.

 

Improve your skills of persuasion.  The truth is we’re all salesman.

 

Jeffrey Sachs

 

We have ended the panic of liquidity by making sure short term lending, etc, can continue, we bailed out some big companies.  But have we seen a fundamental change in MONEY and POLITICS in this country?

 

Because of this, our policy is still being written by Big Money Interests behind the scenes.   The debates we see in the public are largely side shows to hide the real machinations in the back room.

 

China is now the banker of the world.

 

We have to re-engineer our political system better to reintroduce the voice of the American people.

 

T. Boone Pickens

 

The first billion is the hardest, which is true, because I was 70!

 

It takes just as much time to do a small deal as it does to do a big deal.

 

Green Zealots throw around some funny ideas.  I said to them, “Do you guys realize the consumer is the same guy that votes?”

 

We’re not very smart on how we manage energy in America, and the reason is because we’ve had cheap oil. If we keep on, we’ll be importing 70% of our oil, and we’ll be paying $300 per barrel for it within ten years.”

 

How do you drive change? Leadership, no matter where you are or what you are talking about. If you don’t have leadership, the whole thing drifts and you’ll get nothing until a leaders shows up.

 

Don’t manage, lead.

 

We have not a single call for a single barrel of oil in IRAQ, after losing 4,000 people in the war there.

 

Kevin Roberts

 

The consumer is not a moron, she’s your wife.

 

It’s not about a market it’s about a movement.  It’s not about brands it’s about participation.

 

Life’s for sharing.

 

Let emotion rip. 80% of our decisions are made emotionally.

 

Logic leads to conclusions, but emotion leads to action.

 

George Lucas

 

I realized that, not only did I love doing this, but I was really good at it.

 

I love making movies, I am passionate about it, and I never cared that much about making money.  What I really want to do is make movies.  Movies are an art form.  My definition of art is a way of communicating emotions from one human being to another human being.  For the most part, that involves technology. 

 

Art is a popular medium; it’s a way of telling stories to the people that are meaningful in a connecting kind of way.  People are moved emotionally without knowing why.

 

I had to write it because I’m the only one who knows the story that’s in my head and the way I want to tell it.  I’m the only one who knows the universe.

 

It doesn’t have much to do with the ability to write, it has to do with the ability to tell a story.  Telling a story ends up being very personal.  A great writer just has to get the story out.

Terri Doing Well

I thought it might be appropriate to share here the great news that Terri's brain surgery went very well and she is presently in ICU beginning the road to recovery.  Continued prayers are asked for as infection, bleeding, and leaking of the brain's fluid can still occur.  Also, she will have significant pain and muscle stiffness as she presses through the coming days.

The outpouring of friendship, cards, letters, emails, blog postings, and prayers has been truly overwhelming!  I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.  We could not have gotten this far in this ordeal without God, to Him be the glory, and without all of you and your warm friendship and encouragement.  We have learned who our true friends are, and they are legion!

I will probably not post about this again on this blog, but will direct anyone interested to a blog Terri's brother Tim established to share information about her surgery and recovery.  The URL is www.terribrady.info     

Thank you all once again!