Published in the San Diego Union-Tribune, May 11, 2020 In 1972, I was working in Hollywood as a writer when the movie, “The Godfather” cameout. It changed the world in at least one way — by calling attention to a new word:“consigliere.” I have liked that word ever since. It suggests a relationship to the […]
Neil’s Blog
In a rare time, we learn true meaning of tenacity
Published in the San Diego Union-Tribune, Monday, May 4, 2020 In 2007, Nassim Nicholas Taleb wrote “The Black Swan,” a book that has become the benchmark for how to consider certain events that have three particular characteristics, namely rarity, extreme impact and retrospective predictability. I like the words “retrospective predictability,” because it clearly suggests that […]
When a lump is delivered, your job is to slice it up right
Published in the San Diego Union-Tribune, April 27, 2020 Like it or lump it. The derivation of this phrase appears to be dated in the 16th century and is sometimes credited to Thomas Hobson, famous for Hobson’s choice, loosely translated as “take what is here at the moment or walk away with nothing.” And so […]
Stages of grief in the coronavirus era
Published in the San Diego Union-Tribune, April 20, 2020 I am a big fan of NFX, a venture firm in Silicon Valley. And today I am going to attempt the infamous startup somersault on the uneven bars — where (look ma, no hands) I conflate entrepreneurship with the coronavirus. My guide (holding my hand) is […]
After the coronavirus, how will we be changed?
Published in the San Diego Union-Tribune, April 13, 2020 “Life is what happens while you are making other plans.” That quote is often attributed to John Lennon (from the song “Beautiful Boy”), but the original quote is from Allen Saunders, a cartoonist for Publishers Syndicate. Would that we could dismiss the last 90 days as […]
Why kids don’t need to stay on track to succeed
Published in the San Diego Union-Tribune, April 6, 2020 I have children and grandchildren. I started late, so great-grandchildren are probably not possible. I have lived my entire life in the entrepreneurial world. I have had three full distinct careers (can’t hold a job). There was no logical path to explain this journey. My father […]