Taking Care of Your Business

During a recent visit to Acadia National Park in Maine, I went to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the eastern seaboard.  The views are absolutely breathtaking!  And the conditions can be absolutely brutal.  At the top there is a sign that says, “unique plants grow in extreme conditions.”  And it got me thinking about the extreme conditions that I see in the unique leaders I work with....

For the last year or so I’ve been growing my own oysters. It’s one small way for me to contribute to the health of the waterways that surround me where I live on Long Island. I’m learning a lot about oysters and oyster farming. And I’m also learning a new perspective on leadership. In this blog you’ll learn some fun facts about oysters—e.g. one oyster filters 50 gallons of water a day!—and also how their important role as a “keysto...

An important mentor of mine for over 35 years recently died. I’ve been reflecting on the qualities that shined brightly through his life, and the impact he had on me, especially during one of the most challenging periods of my life. In this episode you’ll learn about four enduring leadership principles that continue to have extraordinary meaning for me. You’ll also learn about my friend and mentor Tom Russo, a force of nature, whos...

In this video you’ll learn about executive presence, what it is and why it matters for leadership effectiveness.  I recently returned from Santa Fe, New Mexico where I visited the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.  O’Keeffe is well known as the artist who created the painting that commanded the highest price ever by a female artist: $44M in 2014.  What I didn’t know about her until I visited the museum is that a...

There’s something magical about gathering around a small campfire on a chilly night with friends.  My most memorable campfire experience took place next to a lake on a retreat several years ago in the Berkshire Mountains with the members of my CEO peer advisory group.  That evening each person took turns sharing an artifact, a physical object, that had special meaning for them.  It was remarkable.   The...

I’ve heard it said that “nothing focuses the mind like contemplating your own death.”  Ron Shaich, the entrepreneur and former owner of Panera, has been doing this every year for the last two decades.  Contemplating his own death!  In this video you’ll learn more about what Shaich calls his “favorite annual ritual.”  It’s the most productive—and inspiring—thing he does all year.  You’ll also learn how t...

At a recent party someone asked me, “What do you do?” And she followed up with this: “Why do you do it?” The first question I get alot. But the second one—the “why”—got me thinking about my journey. I came to realize that the things that have had the greatest impact on me as a leader are not what you might expect: my parents’ roots and the activities I did as a kid; two elections in school; the insight not to be intimidated—nor sed...

For the first time in human history, five generations are working side by side in the workplace.  It’s a challenge I hear about a lot from the CEOs I work with.  Dr. Katherine Jeffery is a researcher and consultant who helps organizations navigate the challenges of a multi-generational workforce.  I recently heard her speak, and what she said was eye opening for the 300 Vistage CEOs in the audience.  You can get her generational ch...

Mark Shivers is Founder and President of Ignite IPA, a consulting and software implementation firm. In this interview you’ll learn about an amazing program that helps employees accomplish their “bucket list” dreams, and a recent HIA-LI award highlighting Ignite’s commitment to strengthen the Long Island community. As 3 year Vistage founding member, Mark also shares personal examples of how Vistage has impacted his leadership, both ...

Bob Gronenthal is Owner and CEO of Island Tech Services, a leading provider of advanced technology, mobility and vehicle solutions to business professionals, first responders and public sector employees nationwide. Bob is a member of my Vistage CEO peer advisory group. And from my very first conversations with him early in 2024, he talked about the importance of developing and investing in his leaders to help improve their effecti...

I live on a small harbor on the eastern end of Long Island, where osprey are abundant.  Also known as fish hawks, osprey have an extraordinarily majesty when they soar over the water.  They are not only beautiful, they are also ruthless hunters.  Osprey hunt fish and with their stealth, their vision and their ability to adjust their flight they do it with extraordinary precision.  In this podcast you’ll...

I'm excited to launch a Key Executive group this September. Join my and Grayce Carson to discuss what all the buzz is about!

You’re striving for excellence while navigating a complicated corporate landscape. The Vistage Key Executive Program connects you with an elite peer group focused on one goal: empowering one another to achieve greater results. Confidentially address personal and professional challenges with the guidance of ...

Willie Mays was one of the greatest all-around players in the history of baseball.   He was exceptional in all aspects of the game.  And he was also one of the most charismatic players of his generation: exuberant, passionate and full of joy, both on and off the field.  In this video you’ll learn what his passion can teach us about leadership.  You’ll also learn one of the little secrets he used to energize the crowds and pump up h...

I recently returned from a biking trip to Spain and Portugal, where I learned some things about Christopher Columbus I didn’t know. Columbus provided the inspiration that led to the discovery of America. But without his partner, Martin Alonso Pinzon, who was a brilliant strategist and navigator, Columbus might never have made it. Columbus was the visionary and Pinzon the pragmatist, and from a leadership perspective you need both s...

Cael Sanderson might be the only athlete—in any sport—never to have lost a single competition in their entire intercollegiate career.  His career record in college wrestling was 159-0, winning 4 individual national championships.  He has brought his brilliance to Penn State wrestling team, which has won 11 out of the last 13 national team championships.  What’s Sanderson’s secret?”  The answer is Mindse...

Abe Lincoln is always at or near the top of the list when people are asked, “Who are the greatest leaders in history?”  The genius of Lincoln was the team he assembled around him.  His entire leadership team had all previously been his political rivals.  When asked why he chose them, Lincoln replied it was because they were “the strongest leaders” he could find.  In this podcast CEOs and Owners will learn how to follow Lincoln’s le...