Epic Victory Lap
Epic Victory Lap Brisket’s on—and not just because it’s officially summer. As you might have heard, there’s good news from the Lone Star State. A few months ago a doozy of a disclosure requirement bill (modeled, of course, on a similar law in California) was slithering through the Texas legislature. A few weeks ago, that […]
Sure is Quiet Now
Sure is Quiet Now Are the fireworks over? Sure seems that way on the banking front. This side of no man’s land, I’m inclined to agree with finance writer Joseph Politano’s cautious, optimistic take. With FTX, SVB, First Republic, Signature, Credit Suisse (and for a hot minute, PacWest) all dwindling behind us like a T-Rex […]
The Boston Beer Party
The Boston Beer Party Are you ready? Here’s my honest take on Bud Lite, go woke go broke, and what future historians will probably call the Boston Beer Party. As much as nine to five, AR packing, middle America types, memes and rage like no one else, they rarely win. Don’t get me wrong. Watching […]
Freedom Huddle
Freedom Huddle We all dig freedom. But do we understand what it really means? Sure, talking heads and politicians all pound the drum about it. Freedom of choice, freedom to exercise individual rights, freedom to look inside and express ourselves—with another round of DEI training, of course. But when freedom means someone’s getting picked last […]
And… It’s Gone.
And… It’s Gone. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a good meme probably nets a hundred thousand. Or perhaps a million. But if that meme’s uninsured, the FDIC will cover two hundred and fifty thousand words at the very most… unless, well, you’ve probably already heard. With so much fodder from SVB’s […]
The Art of Asking ‘So What?’
The Art of Asking ‘So What?’ Years ago, my Dad gave me a strategy. Over his long career as a salesman for Xerox and then an entrepreneur, and through too many pitches, negotiations, and handshakes to count, it had served him well enough. He told me: “When someone starts talking to you, imagine the words […]
The Californians
The Californians My jaunt to Napa for the International Factoring Association conference reminded me of a few things. 1. Napa, like much of California, is gorgeous. 2. For the most part, people are laid back and friendly. 3. Food and wine (assuming you can afford either) are delicious. And unfortunately… 4. I won’t be doing […]
It’s Not Easy
It’s Not Easy We all finger paint once in a while. But as you probably know, it takes guts, raw talent, and at least five figures of working hours to really create something. Whatever that ‘something’ is, the initial, awe-inspiring Creative Act soon becomes the same old recipe—a no-frills mix of risk, setback, determination, and […]
When the Bill Comes Due
When the Bill Comes Due Technology is such a tease. Just when crypto’s latest Chernobyl impression couldn’t get any better, Bitcoin rallies into the New Year. Virtual Reality promises the Moon, (or Iceland, or Bali beachfront, depending on your mood)…but then Meta lines up with Tesla, Salesforce, and Amazon for its own round of layoffs. […]
Boarding Passes for the New Year
Boarding Passes for the New Year Here’s hoping you weren’t stuck in an airport between Christmas and New Year’s Day. With any luck, the punishing snowstorms that covered whole cities and made Tesla’s un-chargeable left your travels, your family time, and any holiday revelry well enough alone. Still, what a finale. Leave it to the […]