What I Discovered This Week
I am listening to:
John Lennon podcast on Song Exploder. This is an amazing podcast about the making of a song. This particular episode explores John Lennon making the song “God”, from his first album John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band. I remember the song and have listened to it a few times, but it was never one of my favorites. However, this podcast, made up of explosive interviews from the archives of John Lennon‘s estate, made me really tune in and listen to the fascinating story of the song: how it was made, why it is important, and what beautiful poetry it contains. I highly recommend it to John Lennon and Beatles fans and to those curious about the amazing creative process of making a song.
I am reading:
Sally Rooney: Beautiful World, Where Are You. I have read with pleasure the three books written by the Irish author, Sally Rooney. I found this book so fascinating that I read it in one week, which is unusual for me. I found it to be a fascinating conversation between two women in their early 30s, talking about their friendship, their lives, the world they find themselves in, and their relationship with idealized men. It is an intimate view into the inner lives of these two intellectual women, both unmarried and both without children. Each is trying to find her way in the complicated and depressing world in which they find themselves.
Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence. Psychiatrist, Anna Lembke, presents a thoroughly research-based explanation of addiction. I found myself personally and professionally fascinated by her research. Her theory is based on the concept that pleasure and pain are inextricably linked in our understanding of human behavior. I like this book so much I will be writing more about this in a future post.
I am watching:
Ted Lasso is the improbable comedy/drama about a minor American football coach, called upon to coach an English soccer team, even though he knows absolutely nothing about soccer or about England. Not only is the series entertaining, but it is also a fascinating insight into leadership, coaching, and human relationships. Everybody I know who has viewed the series comes away loving it. They love what comes out of Ted’s mouth: for example, “Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse, isn’t it? If you’re comfortable while you’re doing it, you’re probably doing it wrong.”
Muhamed Ali: Available on PBS. In this four-part series by the filmmaker extraordinaire, Ken Burns, one of my great heroes, Muhammad Ali, comes alive in close and intimate ways that help me to understand why he’s considered one of the most influential and brilliant men of the 20th century. As someone who has admired Ali since first seeing him in the Olympics in 1960, I thought I knew him well. However, this new series helps me to understand him on a much deeper basis. Indeed, he was the greatest.
Holiday Foodies on YouTube. My friend and colleague, Brad Heureux, through his company Creator Media Network, helps experts in the creative economy develop YouTube channels and other social media to help spread their brand. An example of his products is Holiday Foodies, a holiday food lifestyle community where members share quick videos on how to prepare holiday favorites. I need to follow their recipe for one of my favorites, pumpkin bread.
I am celebrating:
Two of my friends and coaching clients have achieved remarkable success this week.
Gerry Cox, who was CFO of Pfizer in Ann Arbor, sold his startup company, Velesco Pharmaceuticals Services, to Pace Life Sciences in Minnesota.
Gordon Amidon, Distinguished Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the School of Pharmacy University Of Michigan, was celebrated upon his retirement by 30 people and numerous accolades from scientists throughout the world. He will have a second celebration in Japan, where he is well known for his contributions to pharmaceutical sciences. It’s my pleasure to know and provide coaching to Gordon on his next adventure.
Opportunities for you:
The University of Michigan School of Information invites your company to host a student project during the winter semester from January-April 2022. Companies receive access to high-caliber students, visibility at UMSI, and opportunities for sponsorship at the Annual Student Project Exposition in April and at other UMSI events. There is no financial cost to host a project.
To learn more about the value that School of Information students can provide to your organization, visit umsi.info/clientopportunities.
I encourage my readers to share what they have discovered.