How to Connect: A Tale of Two Sidneys

Businessperson reaches across desk to shake hands

When adults used to ask my tall-for-his-age son where he went to school, his answer would perplex them. “I go to B4,” he’d say. They’d look at me quizzically, probably wondering, “Before? “Before what?” I’d explain that B4 was his room number at pre-school. Now to him, that was a perfectly logical answer. B4 was … Read more

Boost Your Creativity: 7 Tips

A toddler sitting on the floor works out complex mathematical equations on the wall while her mother nearby is oblivious

Time and again I hear people say, “I’m just not a creative person.” Nonsense. You’re more creative than you think. You just need to break through some of the common barriers we put in our own way. Here are seven tips to help you boost your creativity. 1. Overcome Your Doubts Lin-Manuel Miranda is known … Read more

Eulogy for My Mother

Picture of Mary Braden

This summer, on my mother’s birthday, we held a memorial service honoring and celebrating her life. This is the eulogy I delivered. I’ve long felt that my mother was born at least a decade early. As the Baby Boomers dominated popular culture, more than once I heard her remark, ruefully, that she was part of … Read more

Present Like a Boss: 5 Essential Tips

Present like a boss

Want to be viewed as a leader? Then get up on stage and present like a boss. A presentation tests your mettle in any number of ways, from your ability to inspire others to how you work under pressure to whether you can translate information into action. It can bring out your best — and … Read more