Look for new ways to broaden your thinking – and increase your chances for success
In 1954, as a 52-year-old milk-shake-machine vendor was visiting one of his restaurant customers in San Bernardino, Calif., he witnessed a unique food assembly line system that two brothers had developed. Immediately recognizing the potential of their idea, he offered to pay them a percentage of their gross receipts. The brothers agreed, and now the […]
How I 'C' real leaders: Nine qualities that make it happen
I think it’s remarkable that Fortune recently ranked Pope Francis No. 1 in an article titled “Fortune Ranks the World’s 50 Greatest Leaders.” Pope Francis sets the example by how he lives and how he treats people with kindness and compassion. Through his actions, he illustrates humility, simplicity and how to be nonjudgmental. He is […]
Assure success for your company by getting ISO certified
When smaller or midsized organization’s want to get the business of larger corporations, one of the biggest hurdles is perception of competency. Does the smaller business have processes in place to handle high order volume while maintaining security and safety measures? This is why it is so valuable to take advantage of recognized certifications. When […]
Be positive, truthful and show confidence when delivering messages
It’s not enough to just have a strong message. How a leader portrays that message is equally important. An effective leadership message has the right words based on the right actions and is delivered with the right attitude. For example, a leader might know the content backward and forward but send a message of surliness […]
Grant Cleveland began DuneCraft with Odd Pods, and now he’s the odds-on favorite
It all began 12 years ago with a product that had the unassuming name of Odd Pods. “It was a kit to grow cacti from seed in multilevel chambers and compartments,” says Grant Cleveland, founder, CEO and president of DuneCraft Inc. “It was something I wanted to do just based on the strength of the […]
Corporate chaplains: They walk the shop floor to help workers walk through their struggles
Here’s an all-too-familiar story to which many business owners and managers can relate. Carl shuffles his way down the hall to the employee break room. The dazed look on his face has been there since he was told that his wife had been diagnosed with an inoperable cancer, and the prognosis was bleak. How long […]
Jerry Garcia demonstrated how to never give up
This month, one of the most well-known entrepreneurs to arise out of San Francisco will be honored with a day in his name. Aug. 3 is Jerry Day, in honor of the late Jerry Garcia, famed guitarist of The Grateful Dead. This month’s Uniquely Northern California highlights the event, which is in its 12th year. […]
RubberDucks owner Ken Babby’s rebranding effort made a major splash
Ken Babby’s $5.5 million investment sparked the city’s interest again in the minor league team, but it was his decision to completely rebrand the franchise that really drew attention and as he expected, criticism.
Taking chances is a central part of creative leadership
Here’s a simple but important truth: There is no leadership without risk. Every leader is formed by experience, and the experience that most quickly builds a leader’s capabilities is taking risks.
Navy SEAL training speaks to characteristics of strong leaders
In a commencement speech given at the University of Texas, Austin, alumnus U.S. Navy Adm. William H. McRaven shares 10 lessons from his Navy SEAL training. His message was extraordinary for all — especially business owners, CEOs and leaders.