Many times in our collective histories, we have lived in uncertain and challenging times. Sometimes things change so fast it feels like we are a yo-yo, spinning up and down and twirling fast around. Today, I’d like to reflect on some of those times and ask you to share where you were when you heard about these tragic events. Over the past two weekends, we have lived through two events that many of us will likely remember for our …
This week, I will be attending my 60th high school reunion from Ferndale High School. While most of my classmates have experienced a relatively good life, our time has been constantly rocked by violence and assassinations. Later I will be presenting my thoughts on why violence is so prevalent in the USA, but first I’d like to review the many times the ugly face of violence toward our leaders has disrupted our world and made us cynical, despondent, and …
When I was in college, I scored an awesome summer job with the Vernors Ginger Ale Company. Having been born and bred in Detroit, Vernors had always been my go-to drink. It was so popular in the city that it was used medicinally. Warmed up, it could cure anything. Many years earlier, the best part of having my tonsils out was the unlimited supply of Boston Coolers—Vernors and vanilla ice cream. Funny thing though—no one knows why a Detroit …
Last week, I participated in the “Michigan Rookie Success Program” at the Ross School of Business, thanks to an invitation from my friends and colleagues, Claiborne Green, Director of Football Administration and Student Services, and Len Middleton, Teaching Professor and Lecturer IV in Business at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business. During this unique program, I met the players and learned from some of the most outstanding leaders from the athletic and public safety departments. Claiborne conceived the program, …
Spring is the time that reminds us to appreciate every day. Spring is the time to remind us how everything in life is in constant change. Spring is the time to sit on the front porch and count how many dogs led by people, pass by. Spring is the time to start exercising outdoors. Spring is for ice cream. Spring is the time to put away those gray and black clothes and break out the vivid colors that mirror the …
From left to right: Matthew Bower, Margarita Hernandez, Angela Peat, and Rishi Narayan At our last LeadersConnect breakfast before the summer break, we brought together an outstanding panel of experts who described the challenges facing us as we collaborate to create a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in Southeast Michigan. A highlight of the session was the small group discussions on the topic: how can we work together to create a successful entrepreneurial ecosystem? Here is the video of the session and summaries of the small …