Learn
Grit
In 2017, Kerri and I converted some 1930s cabins on 30 acres near Kings Canyon into the Be Well Retreat. It is a space designed for families to immerse themselves in nature, disconnect from their devices and connect with each other. The property came with three 1930s...
Group Flow for Business Teams
Introduction Group flow can increase the productivity, happiness and creativity of business-led technology teams and is a powerful tool for organizations looking to have higher impact. If you have worked on a high performing business team or sports team, you may have...
Put your oxygen mask on first
I find myself less driven lately and that's OK. Six weeks after leaving the corporate world and my time has been occupied with household chores, dropping the kids off and picking them up from school, and puttering around fixing stuff. It's been insightful and valuable...
Seven days after leaving my corporate job
Well, I did it! I had a great run at Rapid7 and my work was done. On my first day of self-employment, I flew to see my family in Minneapolis and got to have quality time with my my brothers, sister and Mom. My mom couldn't believe I quit my job as it wasn't something...
One way ticket to somewhere
Twenty three years ago, I quit my job, cashed in some stock, gave away most of worldly possessions, and bought a one-way ticket to Kathmandu, Nepal. I had some money in my pocket, no plan and about a year of runway. I bought one way tickets to Sydney, Kathmandu,...
Ending my tech career on a high note
Yep, you heard right. I am leaving my tech career to pursue a totally different domain, with a goal to bring more joy, meaning, and impact to people's lives. Before I get into that, I want to express my gratitude... I am ending my tech career as the CIO...
The inevitable decline of fluid intelligence, rise of crystallized intelligence, and what we should do about it
"Midway upon the journey of our life, I found myself within a forest dark, for the straightforward pathway had been lost" - Dhante Aligheiri I have been reading books about transitioning to a second act of meaning and impact to learn from others instead of figuring it...
The genius of my partner
My wife is an educator, maker and artist. She uses plants, landscapes, ceramics, paint, and spaces to create new value that didn't exist before. She is a pioneer in outdoor learn-scapes, helps kids connect food to wellness, and has transformed family dining habits...
Walking with purpose
I spent a challenging and wonderful time in the woods last week. To an old spot, Hamilton Lakes, where I was going to do a 5 day loop through Precipice Lake, Little Five Lakes, Redwood Meadow and Bearpaw Meadow. The going got tough on the first day. I was making great...
Building in flow
I experienced a flow state for several hours the other day while doing some carpentry. I was wrapping up the wellhouse at the Be Well Retreat and had about a day's worth of work left. I was overcoming an illness and still not 100% which forced me to work very...
Why do I meditate?
A friend of mine asked me the other day "why do you meditate?, ya know, some people go to the gym because they want to look good, others run because it makes them feel good, what makes you meditate?" My first response was not the highest quality response and was...
RIP Ollie, the ranch dog
We lost our dog today to a mystery illness. He started wincing out in pain about six weeks ago. We visited four different vets in Los Angeles who diagnosed it as a cognitive illness. It wasn't. We took him back to Iowa and he went downhill really quickly. A vet in...
Resources
Here are some useful resources for your journey:
Group Flow for Business Teams
Introduction Group flow can increase the productivity, happiness and creativity of business-led technology teams and is a powerful tool for organizations looking to have higher impact. If you have...
Flow Resources
Here are my favorite books and other resources on Flow Science: Flow: Living at the Peak of Your Abilities by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly...
Meditation Resources
These are some of my favorite books and other resources that I have used to develop my meditation practice. Starting with practical guides: The Mind Illuminated: A complete meditation guide...
Retirement Resources
These are some of my favorite books and other resources that I have used to plan for retirement financially and psychologically: Your Money or your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez. The book...