Yankee Upgrades

Growing up and living in America is a great thing, without question, but after traveling and experiencing other cultures, on opposite sides of the world, it is hard to say that there are not a excessive amount of improvements and upgrades that I believe would be welcome additions in the land of the free and home of the brave.

1)   Listen to “Happier” music. Anyone who frequents almost any club, bar, drinking spot with musical accompaniment in America will inadvertently encounter a negative sounding song within minutes most the time. With Rap & r&b and grunge rock with rebel alternative dominating the US music charts seemingly years on end, the vibe and overall feel of the US music scene always seems to drag with it a stigma of seriousness, stress, hardship and many times anger. This transfers over to people either a) standing in bars awkwardly, drinks in hand or b) grinding on one another harder than a bear trying to scratch its back on the nearest pine tree.  In Australia & New Zealand, the music carries with it more electro assistance, no question, but the music and emotions created by it also is undisputedly geared towards a happier audience. There is rap, but it’s not “hardcore” which tends to feature lyrics such as but not limited to blunt, bitches, handguns, sex positions and sick whips. Instead the majority is dominated by dance tracks that if anything else, make it almost hard to not join in dancing with every other person in the club. Furthermore, the music here forces you to actually attempt dancing, rather than the tried and tested male philosophy in the US of “Being the Pole” in which one merely has to stand within arms distance of a woman and let her do the work. In fact, after numerous attempts, I discovered the total negative opinion Australian’s have of “American Dancing”. Challenge – try to make an Australian woman “grind” with you to a song, you’d swear you had just asked her to have sex with you on the dance floor the way they react and run from such invitations, not to mention the other looks this dancing garners from everyone else in the bar.

 International women just “get it”. From fashion to conversations there is no question in my mind that foreign women, primarily South American, European and Australian women to name a few, ooze an aura of confidence, and self respect that is unrivaled by their USA counterparts. No matter the size, shape or color of them, in meeting and interacting with many foreign women, from many backgrounds, never did I sense insecurities that seem so rampant in America. I don’t know if it is the culture, one that embraces beauty and sexuality almost inadvertently by not acknowledging examples of it as much, but the women in this part of the world simply carry an heir of inner peace and comfort with themselves that I have not seen in the states. They are aware and accept who & what they are physically and emotionally and it transfers into making them not only so much more inviting to converse with but also highlights their superior confidence ultimately making them just that more attractive.  

 Every company in service & hospitality in America needs to have Sir Richard Branson do their hiring. I’m sitting in Brisbane airport as we speak, in the Virgin Blue terminal, owned by Branson, the music, media and flight mogul and I couldn’t look any direction across the circular concourse without seeing a beautiful woman in a khaki skirt and red top. This is not a freak occurrence, I have flown Virgin Blue airlines all over this continent and all of my teammates and friends would agree, Virgin must either a) Pay off the right people to circumvent the fair hiring acts which exclude looks as a determining factor, or b) own and operate their own personal factory in which they continuously crank out tall, gorgeous women to man their kiosks and aisles. Either way, I am not arguing and only wish more American Airlines would get on board with this hiring tactic. On a more serious note, Virgin does do a magnificent job in creating an aura of pride and esteem that working for them entails, from advertising campaigns to plane paint jobs, Branson has infused the rebel edge that helped him succeed in music into his airlines culture, and this probably accounting for why they receive such overwhelming amounts of “Qualified” applicants that they do. Kudos to you sir!

 There are 22 millions residents in Australia. There are probably at least another 1 million international visitors on extended visas living, traveling and working in the continent, generating excess revenue for the Australian economy in the millions annually. In every city, not only the larger metropolis’s, there is a plethora of backpacker accommodation, entertainment, and activity catering specifically towards the younger world traveler. It is no surprise that so many from all over the world flock to this massive island to make there own adventures. America does not have any such network. We don’t have the “welcoming” appeal to younger travelers to encourage them to come to the states to vacation, nor do we allow them to work temporarily with any sense of relative ease. But with affordable domestic airfare, bus lines and train services, and our natural advantage of size and economic prosperity (until recently) America already has the connectivity and network to become a very successful and attractive travel destination for this demographic of world traveler. In the hundreds of travelers I have acquainted, nearly ever one of them wants to go travel America, but the restrictions and obstacles, prices and lack of warmth by our government makes them turn to much easier, and more accessible nations such as Australia or South America consequently costing the American tourism industry millions of dollars every year.

 These are merely a few ideas and observations. Of course, all are my opinion, but then again, this is my blog. Disagree? Leave a comment! 

Forks

Why are life-altering decisions so difficult? Why is there always pro’s on both sides of the fence. Golden Gooses to the right, doors of opportunity to the left, and we seemingly always find our self stuck in the middle. A friend told me “They are what make life interesting.” Clever terminology to masquerade the mind wrenching, heart wracking and inner soul excavation that is constantly required to make sure we are on course, or at least, convince ourselves that we are.

My cousin walked down the aisle of his first marriage to the Cure’s “Should I stay or should I go?” – ultimately, he went – but the title is consistently proving itself appropriate for my current scenarios across the Australian Continent. On one side I have adventure, youth, inhibition and absolute freedom and personal independence. On the other, I have the love of family & friends, the access to hobbies and interests, which are non existent here, a strong network of support and pleasure from those close to me and much broader and applicable career opportunities.  And the line separating these two paths, only an umpteen thousand-mile body of water we affectionately refer to as the Pacific.

There are no exports in these choices, nothing you can take with you apart from the experiences and the memories. There is no cake and eating it to in this hypothetical café of life. Whichever way I go, I win, but in multiple ways I also lose. I feel like a politician, wanting so hard to make peace and amends with everyone, appease all those I care for, and satisfy all urges, but alas, such is life! Someone, or something always must be sacrificed, the constant opportunity costs of existence forfeited in the idealistic pursuit of happiness. Albeit if it is only in a majority more akin to America’s current political divide.

I have a habit of seeking advice and consult wherever applicable. I take what those close to me have to say very seriously, maybe too much. And what I’ve found from constant opinion mining is that eventually you step back and realize, everyone’s is different, and only one, at the center, really stands out as the one you must employ. Your own. Friends in America would “Kill” to be in my position in Australia, friends in Australia “drool” over the prospects of living in the states and having access to the lifestyle, which I take for, granted, much as we all do eventually. Every story in life has two sides, multiple viewpoints and different angles from which to approach and yet ultimately, it is always the author him or herself who makes the say on which way the tale winds.

Restlessness is a constantly occurring hindrance in my life. Not only does the grass continuously seem a shade greener beyond the fence, but also from my pasture, in today’s increasingly accessible world, I can see hundreds of potential destinations. Do I really have to pick just one? I seriously hope not.

I’ve read many texts, articles, watched videos, attended lectures, and consulted countless friends and acquaintances and amongst them all there truly only exists one common denominator of decision making. It’s not the mind. It’s deep inside each of us and as long as we breathe, it pulls the strings of our emotions, sways our thoughts, our decisions and when it doesn’t get what it wants, what you want, It makes little qualms in disrupting the status quo.  Use the heart to find peace, fulfillment and fun, then employ the mind to make the most of the “pasture” you settle in.

Furthermore, we will never know unless we try. I have long exercised this mantra in many aspects, from travel to sport, from love to heartbreak, we must put ourselves through the strainer, no matter how intimidating, risk littered, or uncertain the outcome may be. Like many mid twenties adults, particularly in today’s far from welcoming economic climate, we must employ such a strategy to hopefully find our selective “callings”.  With job security a relic of the past, and the concept of Employability – maintain and increasing your value as an asset to the company – now dictating the global workplace, many like myself struggle to settle in. But with each new experience, and thought, I am beginning to believe the term “settle” may warrant excommunication from my vocabulary.  

Live for the moment, we hear. Treat each day as if it is your last. Life is lived in the now. The cliché’s and mantras surrounding the philosophy can stretch across continents. Yet, every day, we find them so hard to follow, to implement, to invest faith in and tell ourselves, reassuringly that yes, everything will workout. That we will be ok at the end of the day. I struggle with this as much as the next person. Some might argue that my visions & expectations are too lofty for right now, that I can’t expect to attain such items without scrapping together a living on the ground floor first. And while this is true, I see life as a city, one with many tall towers. Although I have stepped in many and looked around, admired those inside, those entering and leaving, I still have not found the one in which I want to climb. But I will, and we all will. We can only hope to recognize it when we do enter.

Our paths and plans can never appear as clear, feel as right, or been seen as advantageously except through our own eyes, via our own hearts. The decisions we must subject ourselves to, the sacrifices we must fling into the fire and the hardships of dealing with such decisions while maintaining faith that they were in the right is a process that shows no mercy or reprieve on the human spirit. But the lens through which we see this process can be corrected, focused and filtered to develop a sense of appreciation for it. For these processes and deliberations are what make our scripts, and forge our frontiers. Each of us is different, and there is but one thing within all of us that we should consult and listen to in every time of thought or reservation. And when you really think about it, without such forks, could life really be as interesting? Nope. 

Linguistic Soup

Linguistic soup. That’s how I can describe the current language casserole I am enveloped in whilst living in a hostel with seven international roommates.  Germans speaking to Germans, Brazilians to Americans, Dutch to Japanese and vice versa in every other imaginable combination. Every day, with every conversation comes a foreign language lesson, not the type from high school, but content with real world application, such as being able to tell somebody to “Shut up, I’m trying to sleep!” in six different languages. It’s constant entertainment to go along with a little foreign education in the language arts.

Being around so many different tongues & accents really allows one to make effective notes of how select languages are structured comparably to one another. The French have a incredible ability to transition syllables into words, words into sentences and package it all in a subtle, eloquent oratory tone that gives the impression that they are hardly saying anything at all. The Germans, with pronounced syllables, and sharp, cutting differentiations in tone & volume and between words, have by far the hardest, most audibly imposing language. The South Americans, whether speaking Espanola or Portuguese are vivid in body language and linking their emotion to their phrases and words, and generally deliver the happiest most free spirited speech examples. Lastly the Japanese, with sincere and constant respect and modesty in even the most trivial conversation are brief and to the point and seem almost rushed to deliver their respective say so as to allow them to get back to listening as soon as possible.

The traveling backpacker life is a Petri dish of cultural and vocal collision. It forces each involved to make considerable attempt to learn and adopt ways of others. The ability to communicate effectively between persons in this environment takes on a much more basic and primitive style, as hand gestures, body language and facial expression are thrust back into primary focus in the efforts to convey meaning and intent effectively amongst various backgrounds. The act of conversing itself develops much greater life than we typically experience speaking with others of the same language. When you eliminate the benefit of understanding definitions of words, all involved must use any means and tactic possible to translate and educate those across the table from them and it makes for many interesting, often hilarious and enjoyable interactions.

As an American, I am very fortunate to have English as my primary language. Or It can be said that I have it easy. As every fellow traveler, no matter his or her background or country, has had at least moderately extensive training in English. The downside to this as an American who speaks very basic Spanish and French is that you almost feel guilty to constantly force others of other cultures to wrack their brains and minds to dictate and translate their thoughts and opinions into your spoken word when you can not even say more than “Hi” in their language. I hope to use this humbling experience as motivation to further expand my language learning in the future.

Another angle of this lifestyle is the similarity and commonality you find amongst all your fellow travelers. When we are sequestered in our homelands, surrounded by so many of the same, it is easy to develop opinions and thoughts of how different persons from these far way lands must be. Appearance, culture, strengths and weaknesses all are issues we rule on without every really knowing the truths, apart from previous direct experience, through travel or relations. But as someone who has experienced such things, when you are in a Australian bar, with a German, Brazilian, Englishmen, Frenchmen and Japanese, and you are all looking for women, the simplicity and scary identical tendencies and traits you all share quickly surface and it is comically obvious how we really are so much the same in the grand scheme of things. The same follows in sports, politics, music and hobby, as we all have the same reasoning and inspiration, with only the specific acts and focuses themselves differing due to exposure and culture.

I am very happy to have been able to experience such a cornucopia of linguistic expression throughout my travels. I love the variations in personality that each language exhibits. I love the interactions & communicable creativity that speaking different languages encourage and demand in order to establish understanding across the language barrier. And I love how underneath the frills and façades that language creates the true selves of people are always existent and easily comprehended. 

Life in Byron Bay

At the moment I live in a small surf town on the eastern most point of the Australian mainland. Byron Bay only boasts eight thousand registered residents yet see’s a daily influx of fifty thousand visitors from every walk of life. The town itself only consists of a handful of roads, and consequently these all remain packed shoulder to shoulder with pedestrian traffic during all hours of the day. The town is vibrant, even in the rain, which there is more than enough of. Classy boutiques, flash restaurants, boisterous pubs and clubs and countless art and photography galleries adorn the sidewalks. It’s a full sized city shrunk and vacuum wrapped in a pint-sized portion, perfect for the weekend escape or a daily reprieve for weary road warriors making their way up and down the eastern coast.

Living in a hostel/backpackers for the past three weeks has been an experience in itself. It is not my first hostel experience, nor do I think it will be my last. But the unique thing in being in one of these places is the constant flow of friends and acquaintances you meet and say goodbye to with every new day. It’s fun for many reasons as there is always a new crowd, with new energy and personality to make even the early weeknights entertaining. It’s also slightly frustrating as all too often you meet some really interesting, intellectual and simply fun people who you are disappointed to see leave so soon, such is life!

Europeans dominate the backpacking scene. At least in Australia. Of the thirty plus roommates I have had since being here, at least half have been German, another quarter English/Scottish/Irish with the odd Brazilian, Argentinean and one fellow American. With such a eclectic and revolving door of ethnicity and nationality coming and going, the conversations and debates I am witness to and partake in cover the entire spectrum of topics and tone. From government to culture, from overall national happiness to poverty and back, with each new face comes with it a story, and it is quite enlightening and informative to be able to hear of such experience.

It is particularly interesting to collect and gather opinions on America & Americans from these fellow travelers. The largest response I have found through conversation is that I am “Not like so many fellow Americans” who the words “Loud”, “Dumb”, “Arrogant” and “Fake” are very often associated with. Now, I do attempt to defend my fellow kind with the world, but it is hard to do so effectively when so often here the majority of my compatriots spend their time intoxicated and unruly. My theory behind this is that most Americans who travel here, are either a) studying abroad, usually in Sydney & Melbourne, and by being in Byron Bay, or any other small coastal town, one can assume that they are on break, or vacation, and that this party behavior should be forgiven, as we have all been guilty of such demonstration at some point in our lives. B) Are merely on vacation, in which again, the key focus is fun and relaxation, both of which happen to be complimentary emotions to alcoholic consumption, and it can only be expected to bear witness to unusually high amounts of aforementioned behavior.

As for my own observations, I have found the average world traveler to be much more independent and self motivated than the Americans I have encountered. Most all-international backpackers have come alone, and found ways to interact, belong and create & foster new relationships and networks. Most are all very educated, albeit younger than myself, typically ranging from 20-24. They do not party as much as one would expect, and hardly abuse alcohol or inflict any long-term strain on their bodies through sleep deprivation or substance abuse. Yet, a ridiculous percentage smoke, most rolling their own cigarettes as this is the most economically efficient way to survive on a shoe string budget when back packing. If there were three things that I could say everyone in the world shares a most mutual affection for, they would be Coca Cola, Cigarettes, and McDonalds. I intend to purchase stock in all three when my income is sufficient.

Another admirable quality I have noticed from the European and most international travelers are their ability to interact and befriend total strangers. All have been friendly, but also all have been very eager to introduce themselves, learn about one another and establish hour-long relationships as if they had known one another for years. It’s a fun and welcoming atmosphere to be a part of and as I said earlier, the influx of new information and experience you absorb from one another provides constant entertainment and education.

When the sun shines in Byron it is one of the finest beaches in the world. Being voted as high as third, in best world beaches in recent years, thousands scatter themselves amongst the sand and surf every chance they get, subjecting themselves to the merciless and microwave-like ultra violet rays the continent is known for. Sadly one in two men develop skin cancer during their lives here, and because of this, SPF 70+ is the only way to go, and you still tan! And the women here, there are no words to describe what I bear witness to every day; one can only visit for themselves.

The rain here is not rain, it is a monsoon. Coming and going almost in minute intervals, a thunderstorm in Byron can dump buckets of water on your head on the shortest imaginable notice. Days are routinely spent shuffling from the sand, to under balconies and back as tourists and locals alike dodge the weather as it morphs and winds in roller coaster fashion. On one night alone this week the rain was so intense that it doubled the total monthly average in only a matter of hours. My laundry hanging on the line took days to dry. At times the water can be refreshing and calming, but as I am discovering, after continual days of downpour, even the most spirited, enthusiastic individuals struggle to maintain such energetic personas.  Chalk it up to being spoiled in the Los Angeles sun for eighteen years of life.

My experience thus far in Byron has been great. I have met and interacted with countless new friends and global acquaintances, I have laid on amazing beaches, swam in some of the most beautiful surf in the world and have been able to do so while still staying in tune with the “outside” world, friends and family. It is a town that is deserved of a visit by anyone in this country and it’s vibrant life and bustling feel, though touristy, constantly keeps the city entertaining and alive. Although long term I doubt if I can stay in such a secluded paradise, I wake up refreshed and enjoyable every morning here and will never forget many of the experiences these past weeks have brought, the friends I have made, and the beaches & accompanying scenery I have been privy to. Byron Bay, worth a look. 

Lead Like A Rock Star!

It is not out of place for one to use the term ‘Genius’ when describing a musician. More specifically, when pertaining to the greats, the legends and icons that dominate the charts and concert scenes for not only years, but also decades. The skill and talent to ‘Create’ is something that cannot be quantified or even defined accurately. It is a phenomenon, and product of untold amounts of cerebral capability that mesh and mold together in such a way, at such a time that enables the metamorphosis of new ideas through the medium of sound; in this instance, new music. However the wizardry does not cease at the point of inception for musicians. The great artists know how to deliver these new sounds, they know their audience – most of the time – and understand their specific wants and needs anticipated, even expected out of their new creations. You see musicians of the most spectacular variety are more than creators. They are also brilliant in marketing, the presentation and conveyance of their work to the audience. They know how to connect with fans, the same as a business connects and inspires its employees. Musicians absorb and understand feedback through sales, downloads, concerts booked, and it would be naive to believe none of these factors contribute to future musical creation. They know how to create a brand. From KISS – arguably the greatest ‘Marketeers’ ever – to Lady Gaga, to Foo Fighters, all have carved out a niche in the music scene and captured the following of untold amounts of fans, all finding what they want and seek through the selected artists of their choosing. What I am asking here is to compare the musician, the band, to a business and maybe ones leaders in commercialism might be so lucky as to learn a thing or two.

Last year I attended a concert by the band Rise Against in Sydney, Australia. Five thousand people packed a venue designed for three, or so it seemed. The energy and intensity of the band propelled fans towards the stage, we were packed in tighter than Kim Kardashian’s carry on.  For hours we flew through a gauntlet of emotion, changing with each song, every musical shift, change of tone and lighting display. Yet every one in the crowd was “Into it.” From lip-syncing, to mosh pitting, to dancing, even crowd surfing everyone found a different and creative way to buy into what the band was selling. We were definitely drinking the cool aid, and it was good. At the conclusion, we filed out, totally exasperated and spent, shirts soaked with sweat – most not our own – shoes worn from the abuse, and hearts still amped even if our bodies could not longer keep pace. I believe most would of agreed that it was a great show, and the majority would probably do it again if the option were to present itself.  Others probably returned home to rave about the experience, to spread the gospel and recruit new fans, and through unintentional salesmanship, sell more records/downloads and grow the following further.

This type of occurrence and behavior happens at concerts in every venue, in every identifiable genre of music.  Although the fans at a pop concert might not have much in common with the hardcore’s of a metal show they are both paying the price of admission to buy into and enjoy what their favorite artists are providing them with. A Reggae show crowd might be more mellow, more ‘Cloudy’ and carefree, but to understand why one merely has to turn their attention to the conductors, the artists. Aint dat right mann?  The same goes to explain why a mob at a punk show will look like a swarm of bee’s who just had their hive drop kicked, and again, I urge you to look at the artist, the people in charge. I’m willing to bet they appear like the wildest bee’s of all.

Artists are also geniuses in creating a culture that people want to belong too and thrive in. They create this culture and vision through their products and services, their music, and the images it portrays, how they present it to the market. They make their fans WANT to buy in. The fans are desperate to belong and be a part of something, something that comes across as larger than life, or themselves at the least. Musicians are very good at gauging what it is their followers want from their music. They understand the experience that is expected when people draw from their wallets to attend the bands shows. And, like a business, they are constantly having to update, change, and shift tactics and culture to maintain passion and diffuse disinterest amongst the fans, or the employees in this instance. They are so popular and successful because of the die-hards who not only like, but also love to listen to them. They attract these avid followers, these people willing to drive countless miles, stand in line for hours – days even – and buy merchandise time and time again, because they are incredible at constantly creating and reinventing a culture and environment that is addictive, that people can’t help but want to belong too.

Just as there is a band and type of music for every person in this world, the same can theoretically be said for business. The same motives and reasons that make me prefer Metallica to Beyonce’ are the same motives and reasons that make me admire Apple over Dell. I would love to work for Apple, as most young graduates would these days. The reason lies in the culture they have created, one built on innovation, leadership and pioneering vision. It simply is appealing and masterfully precise in striking the perfect chord within the targeted audience. Young aspiring employees in this instance. Consequently Apple continuously has their “Pick of the litter” with every hiring cycle, attracting the brightest and best, not only from America, but the world. In music, it is the style, the ideas and the presentation that turns us from casual listeners to fans. It is the lyrics, but also how they are sung, screamed, whispered or shrieked that really sells the experience. 

To those who lead in business, the brightest minds, those who carry the executive titles and acknowledgements, I propose that a great deal can be learnt from their musical counterparts in terms of attracting and leading employees. Just as Apple has skyrocketed to the pinnacle of the personal computing and innovation world, Jay-Z has successfully done the same, as well as countless other master musicians. And why? Because they know how to craft and mold their own style. Styles that are unique, new and independent of clichés and stereotypes borrowed from others. This ability in turn helps make them so appealing to their listeners, their fans. Fans want to be unique, different, and passionate. They worship originality and would give an arm to be part of it. Employees in their businesses want the same, to stand out, to forge their own trail and name through their companies actions. Through their music, their videos, concerts, interviews and appearances musicians not only maintain but also accentuate an image and culture that cannot help but to be infectious to the followers. They know it works, the sales numbers and income streams never lie. Those who wish to lead in business must take note. Strive to create uniqueness, a leadership style and swagger that comes from the heart and soul of what exactly it is that you do, from the core competencies, the precise things you do better than anyone else and know it. Create a culture that builds upon the unique and special capabilities that created your business in the first place. Go even deeper, back to the point of inception, the nucleus your form is built upon. Look to your people, the lifeblood of the company, your fans, those willing to sacrifice untold amounts for the good of the business. Just as Mick Jagger can convince a sea of fans to illuminate the night sky with Zippo’s, You too, through knowing and connecting with your people, satisfying the wants and needs they look for in your business, can create a movement, pioneer change and inspire passion. You too can be brilliant, but as with every 'Hit', it always begins with the fans. 

A Black Card From Tokyo

You are at a fork. Your business has stalled. Multiple ideas, options, methods, and suggestions have fallen short of their promises and you don't quite know where to turn for a solution. You've made good hires. You have brought in creative minds, intelligent people, of the finest educational outlets. Your business has proven success by not only being viable, but innovative, value adding and of enviable quality by industry competitors. You are a smaller firm, personable, adaptable and consumer focused. You have driven out niche's which you have mined and exploited in the past, and very well -- and very profitably -- if you might say so. You pride yourself on customer retention, brand loyalty, lasting good impressions, but perhaps wonder why growth in this area has declined in recent time. You might question why your market share has dropped, competitors have caught up, some surpassing your expectations and past success levels. The markets  may have turned, the economic outlook of today is not that of yesteryear's. The consumer is changing and so too must your platform, your strategy. It is either that or risk being left behind and the inevitable plunge to becoming obsolete. And so you sit disgruntled, in your office, perhaps late one evening with your crack staff, your top people, and you ponder and wrack your minds together. Maybe you do so over a informal drink -- Perhaps some scotch whisky a top customer sent you for Christmas last year, and you grind your molars on what it is going to take to re-establish your company as an industry leader, and NOW. Your group is baffled, exhausted, depleted. The wells of creativity and cauldrons of inspiration now lie dry and cold. Is it our product? Our marketing? Our organizational structure? the areas of blame are many and varied and worst of all shrouded in mystery. You simply don't know what your next move should be. 

Suddenly, you remember meeting a man on a flight from Tokyo to Los Angeles last year. He was younger and immaculately dressed. With him he carried the air of a fellow many years and many experiences more aged than he. He was bright, confident, self assured, articulate and pleasing in his conversation. He was a likable man, one who you enjoyed speaking with, and one who would be very hard to forget. For a few hours you shared a sincere, and informative conversation about your business;  You discussed such personal topics as the philosophies and operations you created and employed. He was avidly curious in your endeavors. He commended you on your success, inquired as to the methods and practices that earned you such accomplished reward in your industry. Of course you were proud and happy to explain your ingenuity, the grit and sandpaper you poured into the effort to forge your brand, stake your claim. He listened intently, analyzed and studied what you had to share, never interrupting or objecting. His curiosity was inspiring to you, and you found yourself genuinely enjoying this process of boasting and explaining how you had in essence "Did it!". After an hour, maybe more, you finally had exhausted your enthusiasm for yourself. Being polite, with a dash of curiosity yourself, you turned the conversation to himself and his interests. 

The man explained that his profession could not be restricted to one title. He was a jack of all trades of sorts, particularly in the business variety. He found his passions within helping,or as he precluded "Coaching" others. He explained that he had recently been in Tokyo, working with a small technology services start up who is based in San Diego. This company had recently set up a satellite office in Tokyo to launch exploratory efforts into the burgeoning idea of expansion. His business he divulged was to act on a consultant level and coach the executive staff in a multitude of areas, from hiring, to company culture, organization and consumer marketing. He explained he primarily worked with small to medium sized business. He operated his own firm, extremely small and privatized within itself. When I inquired as to what his companies purpose was, he answered seriously, but in a pleasing tone "We specialize in optimizing YOUR great ideas." He re-affirmed this statement by indulging me with further explanation. He spoke of how his true passion in life, since his younger years, was entrepreneurship. He relished the idea of working for ones self, burning your own trail, creating and operating business for yourself, by yourself. Yet he said something he noticed about himself early was that it was not the ideas per se, not the particular products, or services companies created that intrigued him. He was not an inventor. Rather he was obsessed with the transfer of ideas, and eventual products to the market place in a successful manner. He lamented that few things were more frustrating for him to accept and observe, than a great idea wasted, allowed to drift afloat without direction in the stormy seas of the marketplace until eventually, lacking any lighthouse -- Someone or something to correct their course --  this said idea would wreck and die on the unforgiving, rocky, coast of the marketplace. If the product conception was the start, and world recognition and success was the finish, it was the proverbial board game in between that quenched his thirst. He wanted to be a shepherd, someone who had the experience and knowledge to be able to lend a guiding hand, through ideas, suggestion, implementation that could not only maintain a companies flocks health, but guide them to greener pastures. 

Intrigued by him, you decided it possibly wise to use this individual as a sounding board for some thoughts and decisions you were currently debating over regarding your companies direction, and next move(s). He had much to say indeed. Beginning with your hiring philosophy he dissected and displayed your motifs, targets and expectations. He wanted to know exactly who, and why you hired the people you did. He was not vague, he pressed you for details, specifics of who YOUR people are, how they think, their interactions and cooperation. Next he asked about your goals. "Why?" He continually made it a point to stress. Why was it that you were doing what you do? Why did you go into this business? He wanted to believe what you believed and then deduce the processes that made you believe it. And he continued with this forensic worthy examination covering each aspect of your company. Thank goodness this wasn't a puddle jump from LA to SF. He wanted to know organizational structure, and why? He wanted core competencies, comparative advantage, intellectual property, and leadership. He wanted vision, mission, expectations and to all of these, more "Whys". Almost worrisome of what you had locked yourself into with this man you politely asked "Surely, I can not explain everything of what we do and how we do so on this flight alone." He sat back, smiled, took a brief sip of the finest in flight Cabernet, and answered "Of course I know this. But, you see, this is how I work. I learn your company, inside and out, I learn your values, your thinking, your motives and your philosophies. I see on what, how and with who your company is based. I appreciate all that has gone into its creation, the efforts, ideas and ethics that have shaped and forged it's pathways. For I consider it nothing short of bad practice, to advise on a matter which one does not fully comprehend, or understand. In business I have found this very true. For their are countless who may rush to lend an idea, or a suggestion, or a friendly "nudge", and you may find these in books, seminars or television. Yet there are so few who will truly invest themselves in connecting with the lifeblood of a firm, who will and can truly connect and understand what the desired results and end game is for a company and it's creators and employees. This is how I make my success. I become a part of your company, an employee of you. With me comes a very particular set of skills, skills that make me very valuable and informative to a company such as yours. I find my passion and calling in making you better as a leader and innovator. Making your people better as employees, in their commitment and belief in the goals of your business. Making your customers better, through loyalty and retention. I help conceive a myriad of solutions in as many areas, yet all in a very personal, very professional manner. To reference an earlier phrase, I truly aim to be a 'Jack of all trades' when it pertains to helping your great business, become greater." With that he once again relaxed in his seat, took another sip and awaited my response. As intrigued as you were, interested and enamored, you replied with a slightly humorous, light hearted "You seem like a good person to stay in touch with", "You as well" he replied, at the same time swiftly reaching into his wallet and producing a black business card. You in accordance did the same, followed by the complimentary handshake and with that, you both resumed on your way, thirty five thousand feet above the pacific. 

For the remainder of the flight you kept the conversation light. You spoke of mutual interests. You recalled your days as a collegiate athlete, and he did the same. You spoke of unfulfilled aspirations to pursue sport professionally, he attempted to reconcile you with hilarious, albeit crude tales of the harder aspects of playing "Semi-pro", for coincidentally he had attempted the same for a short while following his undergraduate studies, both domestic and internationally. You shared a passion for golf, consequently you also agreed that the game had taken years off of your lives with its tedious demands and mental strains. You told of your travels, you said Europe, he said Latin America, you said China, he said New Zealand. Both agreed that traveling and seeing the world was an experience absolutely necessary to enjoying all the planet has to offer. You spoke of fine restaurants enjoyed, exquisite wines drank, vacation locales explored. You shared with him your recent decision to sell your beloved 2010 Audi A4 for a more luxurious, comfortable BMW, to which he replied "I don't know if I can ever sell my Porsche, it simply fits my lifestyle." And the conversation continued to roam, from your wives, to your children, him still debating the issue with his wife, as they had only been married two years and them "Having much left to do before that step". He asked where you live, and what kept you in the Bay Area for so long, with genuine curiosity. "I always have to be near the ocean" he exclaimed, "It reminds me of limits, gives me an escape" he professed. And with that the pilot came on the address system, advising seat belts be fastened, tray tables stowed, seat backs returned to their full upright position. At the gate you exchanged pleasantries, both of you vowing to keep in touch, and wishing one another luck, "Call me anytime!" he professed, and that was was that. 

Back in your office, reclined in your chair, staring at the ceiling you continued to grind your mental gears, desperately trying to produce solutions to your companies recent queries. Your top people, scattered around the room, bounced ideas, yet with futile sincerity or promise. How and what had changed that landed your beloved business in such dire times? Was it the last marketing campaign that you overpaid for that simply failed to connect with the targeted "Early Adaptors" audience? Had you failed in harnessing the capabilities and creativity of your prized employee acquisitions? Had they become stale on the value and motivations of the company? The source of the  problem(s) were proving more evasive than a White Bronco in Los Angeles in 1994. You had never needed fresh blood to break these stalemates before, your business model and product had always performed, and very well at that. Yet as in everything, with time comes change and at this given moment, exactly what, how or who to change to correct the situation, was proving very difficult, very exhausting. It was taking you away from your core competencies, what you did and do best, the innovating, the creation, the idea birthing. You realized that if it continued to do so, the health and future of your company would be far from sublime. 

But then you remembered, you snapped your legs down from atop the desk, setting your scotch down upon a stack of papers, and briskly slid open the second drawer down. You pushed to the back, and after removing a few pens, a wristwatch and some car brochures, you found a desired stack of business cards, cards gained through acquaintance, from networking. And as you sifted, discarding vague white card after another you saw it, nestled neatly, almost confidently in the back. A solid black card, unmistakable and unlike any of the others, and as you gripped it, withdrawing it from the oak purgatory it had been sentenced too for so long, you wondered if on this card lay a solution, a reprieve and infusion of fresh air and thought your company so desperately desired at this moment. For neatly printed on one side was only a phone number, bright white and contrasting. As you picked up your phone, and began to punch in the number you flipped the card over, dropping it to the desk in front of you. And with the first ring you silently mouthed the name on the front, and then the title, which even of itself was more of a tag line, less about him as it was about you.   

Ryan Lowe

You, Optimized. 

What the heck you figured, the guy was worth a call. 

TED.com

Today a good friend sent me a link to a video from a TED convention (Technology, Entertainment, Design) by hotelier Chip Conley. Chip Conley began purchasing small hotels in his mid twenties and has assembled a collection of over forty, all with unique themes and motifs. He credits his unique philosophy, stemming from Maslow's famous "Hierarchy of needs" pyramid, in aiding him in crafting a business model ultimately based on happiness. Recently, he traveled to Bhutan, the worlds youngest democracy -- only two years old -- to study their one of a kind system for measuring the internal joy, and sheer satisfaction of living amongst their citizens. Where most turn to the cold, emotionless facts of the GDP figures in gauging economic health, Bhutan has set a new standard by concocting a measurable method by which to record and track the pulse of their people, not by taxes, or property, but by satisfaction in life. Conley goes on to explain how it has been this organizational revelation that has enabled him to breathe leadership and life into his Joie De Vivre ( Joy is living ) company that despite being centered in San Francisco -- the heart of the dot com boom & bust -- managed to grow thirty percent when competitors all around him suffered some of the hardest losses in America. He has implemented company wide reforms based on his new satisfaction centered cultural abacus. Yet, it was not only this one particular talk that piqued my interest, but rather the source, TED.com, that really quenched my cranial thirst. 

I had heard of TED before, casually, but never enough so that it would stick securely in my mind. Yet after watching this particular talk, and then another, and another, followed by yet another, it is surely something to be cemented in my mind and routine for many moments to come. Here is a website, void of premiums ( FREE ) that collect and broadcast informative, inspiring and innovative speeches from some of the worlds greatest minds, for all to feast on. TED promotes itself as a non profit organization. Its origins began by hosting two conventions a year, one in Long Beach, one in Palm Springs, and lately has added a third in Oxford, U.K.. At each convening, premier speakers from around the globe descend upon the attendees to share fifteen to twenty minute talks on a collage of topics. There are scientists, ministers, authors, economists, musicians and more. They challenge norms, make extravagant claims -- One of today's speakers argued that we need our ideas to have sex with one another more -- yet do so in eloquent, well prepared, and delivered fashion. The site sorts and filters by genre, topic, emotion, as to ensure almost any visitor can discover a topic of interest. 

Being a self proclaimed non-fiction, "Self-Help" book vagabond, this collection of brilliant minds deciphering and sharing their brilliant, oft-inspiring viewpoints, is tantalizing. The talks are of brief enough nature to not lose or snooze the viewer. The speakers are professionals, more than adept at hooking and intriguing an audience, and all carry the credibility and aura of experience and consequent success. I enjoyed all five particular speeches that I viewed this evening. One by the hotelier, one by a author, another by an economist, an Internet mogul and the last by a minister ( For those who know me and my religious view points, no, that was not a typo ). All shed new light, new angles and new challenges on topics from all corners of life's spectrum. 

I strongly recommend TED.com to anyone with fifteen minutes to spare. The speakers are compelling and educating. You leave with a feeling of refreshment, as if you are showering in wisdom. The stories are varied, the themes equally so, but to have this medium at your command, to access and enjoy the viewpoints and learning's of such accomplished, and distinguished individuals proves more satisfying than any play list, chapter, or sitcom. But of course, you only watch documentaries, right? 

Check it out. It might be worth your while. 

www.ted.com