Necessary friction

In a world where comfort rules, teams falter. The Lincoln cabinet, notoriously filled with rivals, produced America’s most consequential presidency. Lincoln deliberately assembled strong-minded individuals with conflicting views—what historian Doris Kearns...

‘A-Players’ myth

A-player mythology pervades leadership circles. These mythical beasts deliver 3-5x standard output while attracting more unicorns to your stable. The promise is seductive: fill your ranks with these superstars and watch your company soar. You want them. You need them....

When darkness lingers, so does doubt

Sunshine isn’t just weather—it’s medicine. Those who’ve migrated from sun-drenched regions to winter-gray skies know the transformation isn’t merely external. Science confirms what our bodies already know. A Northwestern University study found...

Hate means truth

Nobody hated your work today. Again. Comfortable mediocrity feels safe. When everyone likes what you do, you’re invisible. The middle of the bell curve is crowded real estate. Authentic innovation lives at the edges. It provokes. It challenges. It makes some...

Identity crisis

The pendulum swings again. DEI initiatives face intense scrutiny while organizations navigate treacherous waters between social pressures, legal challenges, and business priorities. The Known Territory We know diversity initiatives started with good intentions....