Blog Archives

Happy Monday!

“…end extreme poverty by 2030”
–Andrea Beasley, MSNBC

Four years in and the Global Citizen Festival, held in New York City’s Central Park, directs attention to initiatives that support equality and combating extreme poverty by working with organizations, celebrities and world leaders (Malala Yousafzai, Bill and Melinda Gates, Leonardo DiCaprio, to name a few).

While still early in its process, the publicity aimed at this annual musical gathering, with policy speakers and videos scheduled throughout the day, continues to draw some of the biggest bands and performers from around the globe. When I attended the first festival with a friend of mine, K’naan, the Black Keys, a special performance by John Legend, Band of Horses, Neil Young and the Foo Fighters (such an amazing weekend) entertained the crowd of 60,000-plus. It was a perfect day and night in NYC. This year, festival-goers enjoyed Beyoncé, Eddie Vedder and Ed Sheeran.

And this small indie group from across the pond that came equipped with a brand new song…

Have an Inspired Week!

Connecting the Beginning, Middle and End

Every second (and view) counts.

Modern protocol dictates constant awareness, attention and curiosity. The film industry has not only become proficient at this practice, but fluent in this fluid art of social connectivity. The relentless pursuit of courting movie fans and their interest in a particular film is astonishing. Think about all the teaser trailers we see for the most-hyped movies of the year, months and even potentially years in advance (ie – a rumored Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice teaser this November or December). This phenomenon brings to mind the immersive power of movies and storytelling in general. Books, like the Harry Potter series, were literally a craze with people anxiously awaiting the next adventure from all around the world. And yes, music also fits into this marvel in popular culture. Most importantly is the fact that people are eternally drawn to inspiring tales. This is a fantastic truth.

People love stories.  People love stories that are original, engaging, exciting, inventive and that, most importantly, crafted with a purpose. With the creation of 24-hour news and television came non-stop opinions and comments on anything and everything, from seemingly anybody and everybody. But perhaps the media and our leaders could/should take an invaluable lesson from Hollywood and understand the we yearn for movies, books and music with ideas and messages that stretch our imaginations, relate to our inner most beliefs and that push our limits of what we believe is possible.

Apple is a shining example of this in the corporate world, as evidenced by the millions of people who now hold their iPhone 6/iPhone 6 Plus in their hands after months of teasing and anticipation. And occasionally, a phone call is even made on these devices. Ultimately, the most successful men and women for the foreseeable future will capitalize on this reality and use this awareness to positively change the world, however large or small, by mastering this connective and trustworthy dynamic.

Just need that grand, inventive story to tell.

At least we know that, if it’s good, people will listen…

Happy Monday!

We try, day in and day out, but to no avail.

Insanity is, of course, doing the same thing over and over again, yet expecting different results. But changing routine can be a trying experience, and this is especially true when our alarms ring so discouragingly loud on Monday mornings. Can we really muster the energy and mental strength to alter our seemingly predetermined life trajectory?

So, what do we do?

Just remember the inspirational figure featured in the video below. Okay, not inspirational, but so confused by the tendencies of basic human interaction that he, by the lightning strike of Zeus, concocts a new and successful outlook on life…however brief.

George Costanza: The man, the myth, the something else.

Happy Opposite Day/Week!

Happy Monday!

Those three precious letters…

Yesterday afternoon, I proudly walked across a stage at the Columbus Convention Center, shook the university president’s hand and proceeded to receive my Master in Business Administration degree from an esteemed member of the university faculty.

After 16 months of relentless course work, papers, studying complex equations, endless reading assignments and 3 1/2 hour classes, the moment had finally arrived to physically obtain the MBA all that work had been dedicated towards. And this all culminated in 12 seconds of pure joy and relaxation as I walked across the stage in front of the faculty, my family, my fellow graduates and their loved ones.

Of course, it’s in these instances that one ponders grandiose thoughts and famous sayings by famous and profound individuals as great challenges and opportunities lie ahead.

But then (for me anyways) that reaction was eclipsed by sayings by individuals whose words are just as inspirational, however the source is less than celebrated in the world of academia.

Oh well, who cares! Here are a few of my favorite timeless words to live by:

“Life’s a Garden, Dig It!”         

Sincerely,

Jimmy’s Daily Planet, MBA