If ever the world needed an understanding of leadership beyond the one embodied by many contemporary leaders perhaps we need look no farther than the teachings of the ancient Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu. The author of the Tao Te Ching. Lao Tzu by many accounts was a contemporary of Confucius. There’s one record of a young Confucius traveling to the capital of Luoyang to consult … Continue reading Humility »

I thought it was time to pay homage to all our grandmothers. It has been one of the great pleasures of my life to watch the grandmothers in my family do their — grandmothering. A remarkable labor of love. Abraham Lincoln’s grandmother, Bethsheba Lincoln, was born around 1741 in Virginia. After her husband was killed by Native Americans in 1786, she raised her five children—including … Continue reading An Ode to Grandma Power »

I’ve heard there are unexpected opportunities to be enriched by our inadvertent moments…when we’re not busy missing them. Think about it. How many magical moments were totally unplanned? That’s not to say planning isn’t necessary — it’s just to note that often the best planning occurs AFTER the fickle finger of fate has first worked its magic. Think about it. How many great discoveries have … Continue reading The Extraordinary Inadvertent Life »