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As I trekked up the steep side of a remote volcano on the island of Bali in the 3am darkness en route to a spectacular sunrise at the top, it occurred to me that I was not the oldest person…

I work with many CEOs who lament they and their business can never catch a lucky break. It just seems that their competitors always get the leg up with new opportunities, and they have to work so hard just to…

I recently viewed a Ted talk by the Prime Minister of Bhutan, who spoke about how all development in his country is driven by "Gross National Happiness, a pioneering vision to improve happiness and well-being of his people.” That’s right…

Chipotle gave me a free burrito yesterday. Grilled steak, fresh guacamole, grilled bell peppers, and all the other tasty ingredients that make me happy.  I think I’ll go back and pay for one next time.  And the time after that,…

As regular readers of this blog know, I am obsessed with revenue and the methodologies companies can use to generate more of it in a sustainable and profitable way.  But last week, I was hit over the head with a…

I have definitely learned to love Amazon Prime.  The tangible benefits – free two day shipping and free TV/movie/music streaming, not to mention free photo storage and a free Kindle lending library – clearly seem worth the low $99 yearly…

I just spent a disproportionate amount of money to have a snack basket of chips and dips and other munchies delivered with a balloon to my son at his new office to commemorate his first day at work as a…

I recently met the CEO of a large, privately held company whose industry had recently seen more than its share of macro-economic difficulties, technological changes, and shifting customer needs and expectations.  When asked how he planned to address those challenges,…

And It Isn't What You Think! I admit it.  I really love Spotify.  Where else can you get “stations” like ‘Weekend Hangouts’, “The Happy Hipster’ or “Smart is the New Sexy?”  Curated music that is designed for whatever mood I…

Santa Monica has no shortage of coffee shops.  Most interestingly, it also has no shortage of independent coffee shops, likely right across the street or on the same block as a Starbucks or Coffee Bean.  And they are very successful. …