Influencing Ourselves and Others: How Our Words Shape Our World
Ever stop to think about how a simple greeting can reveal so much? I found myself thinking about this during a casual exchange at my local cigar shop, a place you’ll often find me working these days. A regular strolled in, and our conversation kicked off with the typical, “How are you doing?” His response, […]
They Thought We Were Ridiculous
Have you ever caught yourself doing something that, upon reflection, seemed a bit out of the ordinary? Maybe you’ve made a purchase just because it was the last item on the shelf, or perhaps you started saving more for retirement without fully understanding why. Well, you’re not alone, and there’s a fascinating explanation behind these […]
A Homecoming of Sorts
Last week was a bit surreal as I had a homecoming of sorts. I spent the bulk of my insurance career, 28 and a half years, with State Auto Insurance (a Liberty Mutual company since 2021). After nearly four years with The Travelers, I walked into State Auto in May 1990. The final time I […]
Why Did I Go Upstairs?
Last week, while at home juggling several work tasks, I noticed my MacBook Pro prompting me to run an overdue update. Pausing my work, I initiated the update. This moment of maintenance sparked a thought about my other computer, a MacBook Air, stationed in my video studio for live presentations. Suspecting it needed the same […]
When You’re Wrong, Admit It, Own It, Fix It
In How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie shared some time-tested wisdom, “If you are wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically.” But when we shift from personal interactions to the complexity that comes with business relations, Carnegie’s advice, while foundational, is only the starting point. Imagine you’re at your favorite restaurant. You’ve been […]
