Technology is not a competitive differentiator. Sure, in the short term it can make a difference but as a pillar for a competitive strategy it makes a poor crutch. If you doubt this, you only need look at the iPhone® for validation.

Close your eyes and think back to high school. Do you remember how you felt as you were approaching graduation? If you are like many, you had a sense of accomplishment and excitement.

The irony was not lost on my audience. A member of the group asked, gesturing at the wall behind me, “How does that make you feel?”

“I am a pragmatic-idealist.” This is the dichotomy of a tagline I use to describe my life/business philosophy. The result of a spontaneous response at a dinner party, this phrase has proven to be not only a catchy one-liner, but to my surprise it has become a core value, as well.

We hear a lot about innovation these days, but what is it?

Innovation is imagination applied. And by applied, I mean it takes energy. Imagination, without the energy and force of will to achieve behind it, is nothing more than an idea.

Uncertainty invites ideas and ideas invite debate.

I once read that “when everything is uncertain anything is possible.” Stated another way, when everything is uncertain all ideas possess a spark of possibility.

Could digital unrest be the catalyst causing increased social and political disruption? Everyone sees their world view through a lens of their own construction, and I am certainly guilty of the same.

It may be time to climb out of the well and look for a new place to dig! Often, when faced with a problem or a challenging period, we hunker-down and focus on details within the comfort zone of familiarity.

I have a gritty team and I am proud of it!

Recently Forbes highlighted “grit” as a key factor in success. The article states that, “According to psychologist Angela Duckworth, the secret to outstanding achievement isn’t talent. Instead, it’s a special blend of persistence and passion that she calls – grit.”