We have all seen the devastation caused by the magnitude 7.0 earthquake that struck Port-au-Prince almost 2 weeks ago. Even the most eternal optimist would be hard pressed to find anything positive emerging from such a tragedy. But somehow, from the most dreadful circumstances imaginable, our common humanity and generosity of spirit begins to shine. People without shelter, food or water forget their own hopelessness to search for their neighbor through the rubble with their bare hands; a news reporter drops his camera to carry a bloody boy to safety after he is struck by a hurled missile; hundreds of millions of dollars are raised on the heels of “the great recession.” Sometime it takes a tragedy to remind us that one common thread unites us all as human beings.
The iPhone has been the king of smartphone category here in the US, almost since its launch back in June 2007. However, the release of the Android OS has proven to be a credible threat to the iPhone’s dominance. Although a few Android based phones have already been released, The Droid has been the most anticipated thus far. The Droid, produced by Motorolla and carried by Verizon, is also a Google experience phone built on the Android platform with pre-installed Google apps . . . . And the trio aren’t pulling any punches, attacking both the iPhone’s brand image and capabilities. Funny enough, no direct attacks on AT&T, the exclusive carrier for the iPhone in the US. Verizon, Motorolla and Google vs Apple and the iPhone . . . the battle lines have been drawn . . . stay tuned for the fireworks!
24-2 gallon buckets of water . . . sounds fairly innocuous . . . unless it’s found on the moon. Water is synonym
ous with life, fertility and growth and this discovery signals the dawn of a new era and a fresh perspective about what is possible in space. Commercial space flights are already being planned at $200k a pop and talks of a moon-based space station are re-gaining momentum. Move over Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, meet George Jetson . . .
So the World Series is over and the Yankess have done it again but early in the series the momentum seemed to be with Philadelphia. Well . . . until A-Rod hit that home run, camera assisted double. Like it or not those two runs broke A-Rod’s slump and seemed to shake the Yankees up to win the game and ultimately the series. I’m no big baseball fan but I know a kind bounce when I see it . . . Be ready to capitalize on your break when it happens!
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Now is definitely not time to pop the champagne but it sure felt good to see GDP growth after 4 quarters of contraction. GDP grew by 3.5% on an annualized basis in Q3 but commentary so far has emphasized caution since government spending undoubtedly provided impetus for the favorable numbers. But what does this mean for the average Joe who cares about providing for his family, his 401k and his home value? Better news seems to be on the horizon as well, the rate of growth of unemployment has dropped significantly, the Dow is near 10,000 and real estate prices are stabilizing. We may not see the same level of prosperity that we experienced in the last few years anytime soon but we are definitely witnessing credible signals towards recovery. Stay tuned to this space . . . .
Fall . . . a perfect time to turn over a new leaf. Just take a look at the trees, they show us how magnificent change can be. Today I drove across Pennsylvania up to Buffalo and was awed by the beauty of autumn. Browns, yellows and oranges with a tinge of green, nature’s own Benetton ad. Then I thought, why wait, why don’t we all seize the moment; show our true colors . . . bright, confident, smart, inspirational . . . awesome!
Women in business face so many critical issues while balancing personal and professional lives: family, career, spirituality, passion, self-interest, and selflessness. For the most part, we struggle with these issues alone without an outlet for help and answers. Who can we talk to? Where can we go for advice? What is the best answer for me?
I am so excited to announce that we have just signed to WMY 36 author and motivational speaker, Bonnie St. John, to address these very questions in an intimate and open setting!
Bonnie has an AMAZING story of adversity and triumph- a story that begins with amputation of her leg at the age of five and ends with her becoming the first African American to win an Olympic medal in ski racing at the 1984 Paralympics. WOW. And her story does not end there…
I urge you to come hear Bonnie share her journey and help you think about how to see and seize opportunity in the midst of turmoil, change, and uncertainty. The same way she navigated down those icy slopes, she has been able to plot a course through her “Turning Points” successfully. And Bonnie may be able to help you do the same.
For more information about Bonnie and her work visit www.bonniestjohn.com.
The New York Times featured a piece last week about the potential change in the country’s healthcare debate (Link). If you missed President Obama’s recent speech to congress, he essentially explained how health insurance reform could provide more security and stability to those who have health insurance, coverage for those who don’t, and will lower the cost of health care for our families, our businesses, and our government. Have a look. Do you think the tide has changed? Was this a Turning Point in this heavily charged political debate?
Change.
She’s the only thing constant in the world and but yet she’s one of the hardest things to accurately predict or pin down. Let’s take the weather for example. Local weathermen around the world pour over their AccuWeather systems but none of them can issue a customized weather report to help you evade your city’s raindrops. However, to their credit, some are pretty good about seeing patterns and creating heuristics. When we see cumulonimbus clouds early and developing throughout the day, it means there’s a greater chance of severe weather. But until someone develops an iPhone app helps us avoid bad weather, we must focus on how to prepare for Change. So the question isn’t whether or not Change will come but will we be ready to face her when she arrives. Will she catch us slouchin’? Or will we be scrappy and meet her at the door – rain boots on and ready to face the day?
A few weeks ago, I went to a going away party for my friend who after 5 years was leaving New York. He previously worked in banking and was leaving to pursue a real estate career in Florida. While he was driving me home, I reminisced about how we met 7 years ago both launching our careers as finance interns in the city that never sleeps. He dropped me off and we said our good-byes. As he walked away I could tell that this career move and relocation was a big one for him. With excitement he was bravely embarking on a new direction. This was his Turning Point. But what is a Turning Point? For me, it is the chance to pause, look back, and focus forward toward changing course and redirecting the future.
What are the Turning Points for you? For business? For governments? For companies? For WMY? The answer to those questions will be explored in depth at the 36th Annual Whitney M. Young, Jr. Memorial Conference hosted by the African American MBA Association (AAMBAA) of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
“THE TURNING POINT”
February 19th – 20th, 2010
Park Hyatt Bellevue Hotel
Philadelphia, PA
“In between periods of extreme success and failure, a change in direction often occurs. Things take a turn for better or worse. On the heels of an unprecedented economic and global political crisis, we will explore the phenomena of turning points of extraordinary people, companies, and countries. We are inviting our guests to share their stories and learn how to recognize and seize opportunity. We hope that everyone will leave inspired, reinvigorated and ready to adapt and lead through their own Turning Point.”
Save the date…I don’t want you to miss your Turning Point.
