Let’s reflect on the Leader’s Field Guides from 2021Q4. As we focus on “momentum”, how can you continuously recharge while driving forward?
It’s time for a review! Reflect on 2021Q4 and consider what you’ve incorporated into your leadership and what needs more attention. Think about how each topic challenges you to reflect on your drive and motivation over the last three months. What role are energy levels and focused action...
Can we change the way we power our devices by rethinking rechargeable batteries with molten salt and novice students? Dr. Sadoway thinks so!
Lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) revolutionized power storage for everything from wrist watches to electric vehicles and they are packed with critical metals: lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite. These metals are concentrated in various locations around the globe and must be mined refined, and combined, spurring concern of...
A dead battery, going in reverse on busy street, and failing breaks weren’t in the brochure. Let’s address the twist and turns of our work.
When I picked out a few activities for our vacation this summer, I fell in love with the San Francisco VW Bus Tour. The brochure featured a tie-dye van from the 1970’s traveling down Lombard Street-- the road with 8 hairpin curves and a 16% grade.1 “This is perfect!” Yet, when we arrived, the van...
Why is slowing down so counter-intuitive, especially when we are trying to hurry up? Here’s what I discovered during my windsurfing lessons.
“Ok, bring it in!” I could barely hear Luis’s voice over the wind and crashing surf in my ears, but I saw his unmistakable hand motions (and now, exaggerated arm motions) beckoning me back to shore! I thought for sure Luis was going to ask me to hang up my life vest and hit the hammocks! No, quite the...
What’s a road show and why is a polished leadership team, clear value proposition, and profitable growth potential critical to going public?
It’s been a while since I’ve taken a proper road trip. These days it’s so easy to hop a plane to your destination, board an overly air conditioned shuttle and tip the driver as the porter rolls your luggage into an all-inclusive resort. When I think of my childhood road trips, I think about how fun it was to...
Let’s reflect on the Leader’s Field Guides from 2021Q3. As we focus on “planning”, how does better forecasting impact our success and calm?
It’s time for a review! Reflect on 2021Q3 and consider what you’ve incorporated into your leadership and what needs more attention. Think about how each topic challenges you to reflect on your forecasting and scheduling over the last three months. What role are expectations and surprises...
What do you do after hoisting buildings and tunneling under water fails? You move a mountain. Find out why Chicago’s River flows backwards.
Recently, I had the fortune of co-leading a Team Optimization event in the Windy City. Perched above the buzz of downtown Chicago, I could see the characteristic teal blue of the Chicago River inviting me down to the Riverwalk. Before my meeting, I darted down to street level for (predictably) a no-foam soy latte and a side of...
The Great Resignation marks a massive exodus of workers seeking trust, significance, and engagement. Uncover the impact of the WFH movement.
The word resignation has a few meanings. The most common usage defines the act of retiring or giving up a position. Resignation also identifies the document conveying someone's intention of retiring. …And, resignation can describe the acceptance of something undesirable but inevitable. These days, employers are discovering...
Discover how Star Trek’s Kobayashi Maru, a no-win training scenario, challenges us to reconsider dated decision trees and break the rules!
Star Trek’s Kobayashi Maru is a fictional training simulation known to be a no-win scenario. One Starfleet Academy cadet took the test three times before reprogramming the parameters and ultimately solving the unsolvable. We’ve all experienced the lose-lose dilemma. Sometimes, it is even of our own making, like an...
What do unprofessionalism and fluid dynamics have to do with 18 tugboats and a supermoon? One cargo ship, 6 days, and billions of dollars.
So, how did the Ever Given cargo ship go from the Suez Canal to a tourist attraction in The Netherlands? Well, it’s complicated! It all started with a 40 MPH wind, high-pressure decisions, poor communication, and fluid dynamics; it ended with 18 tugboats, one dredger, and a supermoon.1, 2 In 1869, the Suez Canal cut between...
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