Week of July 4, 2016

When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. When the government fears the people, there is liberty.

Thomas Jefferson

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“Freedom is nothing but a chance to be better.”

Albert Camus

 

The Big “Why” of the Fourth of July 

Simon Sinek has become famous in recent years regarding the importance of having a “Why” as the foundation for ultimate success.   In this one minute video, he asks “Does America Have A Why?’   His answer is an appropriate one for the nation’s birthday.   Happy Fourth of July!! 

Expertise Not Required 

It’s not unusual for us to “go with what we know” and restrain ourselves from participating in conversations about subjects that aren’t in our wheelhouse.  But according to this Wired Magazine article, “leaning in” at such times is exactly what leaders do.  But how do you do this?  Read Three Habits for Showing Leadership When You Aren’t an Expert  to find out.

Mr Milken Explains it All

Financier Michael Milken (and former owner of Vistage) hosts The Milken Global Conference each year.  This is a gathering of subject matter experts from around the world who convene in panels to discuss topics including the economy, politics, society, technology and much more.

This year’s conference alone featured over 150 breakout sessions which were recorded on video and archived.   It would be hard not to find something in one of them of interest to you and your business.   Click here for a list of this year’s well moderated conference breakout sessions with relevant expertise at each (prior years are available as well).   

Memo to Your CIO: The 2016 Technologies to Watch

Staying abreast of new technologies is hard enough for those in the business; for the typical C-Level executive, including CIOs, it can be a real challenge.   Technology site ZDnet has published a matrix of technology developments based on whether they are strategic or tactical…and the extent to which their impact is expected to be incremental or disruptive.   Which of these are mission critical to your business?  Share this with your CIO for his or her input and plan accordingly.  

Econ Recon: 

In Praise of Uncertainty: The Brexit Vote caused a lot of uncertainty early last week.  Equity markets seem to have made up much of the early losses; but many analysts still point to an uncertain future for the UK, and perhaps the rest of the developed world.   Economist Brian Wesbury reminds us that uncertainty can be a good thing; and predicts that the Brexit Vote will ultimately will be as well.   Find out why he thinks “Uncertainty is Not All Bad.”

Speaking of the UK… could you explain the difference between the England, Great Britain, and the United Kingdom?  Before you’re asked, do some homework.  Check out this quick offering from the Smithsonian which features a handy diagram, a  video, and an article which make the difference clear.

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