For as long as I can remember one of the most prized attributes in professional athletes was the ability to tough it out. Play through pain. Overcome any obstacle. Do what it takes, no matter what, to get the win. There are countless examples: Michael Jordan leading the Bulls to a playoff win while fighting … Continue reading Quit vs. Grit
Random Stuff
Other stuff I feel like writing about
Don’t Judge Me
“Stop judging.” What parent hasn’t heard this line from their kid? Every time it comes up, I chuckle a little to myself. Do kids really expect parents not to judge? Rendering judgements on the behaviors and choices of our children is an inescapable part of parenting. So, yes (or as I’m more likely to say … Continue reading Don’t Judge Me
When I Worked With Andrew Cuomo
My first employer after college was H.E.L.P., Inc, a not-for-profit organization that built and operated transitional housing facilities for the homeless in New York. I remember nervously sitting in the conference room at H.E.L.P.’s headquarters on 33rd Street for my interview with the organization’s founder and president, Andrew Cuomo. It was 1991. No one had … Continue reading When I Worked With Andrew Cuomo
How the SEC Can Be A Force…For Good
There’s been a lot written and said the past couple of weeks about the SEC. Already the dominant force in college football, the recruiting of Texas and Oklahoma has elevated the conference to even greater heights. I’ve seen a lot of hand wringing about what it means for the future of college football. Purists and … Continue reading How the SEC Can Be A Force…For Good
I’m 18, Stop Calling Me Kid
Our youngest child turned 18 recently. If you follow this blog, you’ve read my musings about the milestones our family has crossed this past year. Having been through this before one would think I would be more prepared. But I must admit I’m having trouble getting my head around it. So what happens when your … Continue reading I’m 18, Stop Calling Me Kid
“Nifty at Phifty”
The world shook this weekend for those who are 50 and older. Hell, you don’t even have to be 50 yet to have felt it. You just have to be old enough for the world to consider you past your prime. The things that the young can do are now beyond you. Welcome to middle … Continue reading “Nifty at Phifty”
Time Management is a Waste of Time
How much time have you spent today, or this week, wrestling with your calendar? Moving meetings, juggling requests, hoping the 10th Zoom of the day ends early so you have a few minutes to actually get some work done. You’re probably thinking about it even as you read this. There are too many meetings, … Continue reading Time Management is a Waste of Time
Glory Days and Senior Nights
Our daughter’s high school basketball team lost in the playoffs this past weekend. She is a senior, so outside of intramurals and pick-up games her basketball career is over. Two weeks ago the team celebrated Senior Night, always one of the highlights of the season. The gym was not packed with fans as it was … Continue reading Glory Days and Senior Nights
My Kids Work in Media. Did I Screw Up As a Parent?
Oh God, what have I done? I’ve spent most of my adult life in the shallow pursuit of making the world safe for television and advertising, and now my kids are in it. Is this the example I’ve set? What happened to curing cancer or feeding the homeless? I hope readers appreciate the humor. If … Continue reading My Kids Work in Media. Did I Screw Up As a Parent?
The People You Never Hear From
If you’ve ever been between jobs you’ve experienced it. The call that never comes. The email or text that never gets a response. The silence from former colleagues, people that perhaps you even considered friends. Unfortunately, with so many people looking for work this silence is a daily reality. It can be one of the … Continue reading The People You Never Hear From
We Failed Our High School Seniors. They Will Do Better.
Today I’m venturing beyond the normal subject matter of my blog to share a more personal reflection. For those who prefer reading about marketing and media, my apologies for this deviation. For What It’s Worth will return to its regular programming with my next post. We let down our high school seniors and they have … Continue reading We Failed Our High School Seniors. They Will Do Better.
Thought for a Rainy Thursday
Forget all the reasons why your idea, project or relationship won't work. And believe in the one reason why it will.
Breeding Rats Is Not The Answer
No doubt some will find this post controversial. It is a complex topic that is better not reduced to provocative headlines like the one I chose. I'll admit I did so to get your attention as much as anything else. ok, enough set up, so what are we talking about? In an effort to control … Continue reading Breeding Rats Is Not The Answer
Thought for Labor Day
Without ambition one starts nothing. Without work one finishes nothing. The prize will not be sent to you. You have to win it. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
How To Win By Not Playing
The boycotting of games this week, playoff games no less in some cases, in the NBA, WNBA and MLB is unprecedented in modern sports history. The players who instigated the boycott were justified in expressing their outrage and frustration and were appropriately supported by leagues, networks and sponsors. Another shooting of an unarmed African American … Continue reading How To Win By Not Playing
My Next Chapter
I very am excited to announce that this week I started my new role as CMO of The Weather Group where I will oversee marketing activities for the company's portfolio of television and OTT/digital platforms, including The Weather Channel and Local Now. For the past six months I've talked with so many of you about … Continue reading My Next Chapter
Observing Juneteenth
This year millions of Americans, myself included, are observing today in a way they never have before. It is the day traditionally celebrated by African Americans to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865 Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced that slavery was abolished. News traveled slowly … Continue reading Observing Juneteenth
Your Status Meetings Are Against the Law
"Let's go around the room and get everyone's updates. Fred, we'll start with you." Similar to the deafening roar emitted from race cars immediately following the "start your engines" announcement at the track, the words above are a virtual guaranteed trigger for everyone but Fred in the status meeting to open their phones or laptops … Continue reading Your Status Meetings Are Against the Law
#BlackOutTuesday
Remembering the Fallen on Memorial Day
In Flanders Fields - Lt Col John McCrae (1872-1918) In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, … Continue reading Remembering the Fallen on Memorial Day
Thanks to Kellen Buhr
You may have noticed the slick opening animation on recent editions of Careers in 20/20. I can't take credit. A terrific, talented young marketer named Kellen Buhr graciously put it together. Kellen recently finished his graduate degree at Boise State and moved to New York City in search of his first ad agency gig. As … Continue reading Thanks to Kellen Buhr
Careers in 20/20 with Sarah Hollis
How does someone who majored in biology become a highly respected leader in sports marketing and media? In the latest installment of Careers in 20/20 Sarah Hollis, Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer for USA Track & Field shares how she pivoted from being a college athlete interested in medicine to a career working for some … Continue reading Careers in 20/20 with Sarah Hollis
How Big Business Can Help Save Small Business
Fortune 500 companies can play a huge role in saving local businesses that may hurt financially short term but will pay dividends in the long run
Col. Mustard, with the revolver…
On any given day since the coronavirus confined us to our home you're likely to hear the following exchange at our kitchen table: "Miss Scarlet, with the candlestick, in the dining room." "Pass." "Pass." "I've got something." Need an explanation? Well, if you do it means you haven't experienced the greatest game ever invented: Clue. … Continue reading Col. Mustard, with the revolver…
No Piling On
For today's post I put together a video to share one simple piece of invaluable advice for having better meetings. I hope you enjoy it. Stay safe and healthy everyone!
Thought For the Week
"Trying and struggling look like incompetence right up until the moment you achieve success." Shane Parrish
Dear Class of 2020
An open letter to college seniors from a proud parent of one You guys got a raw deal. The final semester of college is supposed to be one of the most memorable times of your life. You worked hard and deserved a chance to celebrate the final days of youthful freedom with your families and … Continue reading Dear Class of 2020
Covid-19 and Our Best Selves
Thanks to Covid-19 there's been more talk about working from home the past week then anytime I can remember. This is not a piece about how to work better from home, it's about how we can be better at home when we're working. The closing of workplaces presents a unique opportunity for all of us … Continue reading Covid-19 and Our Best Selves
Time for a Breather
Some compare life to a marathon. You maintain a steady pace and grind out the miles without stopping until the finish. That’s one way to look at it. But with all due respect to marathoners, if we’re going to stick with the running metaphor I prefer to think of life as a series sprints. Sprints … Continue reading Time for a Breather
Thought for the Week
"These are exciting times. Your attitude means everything at this time. Stay positive and remember life is not about waiting for the storms to pass but rather learning to dance in the rain." — Thomas Farinola
Enter Sandman
Unchecked institutions with absolute power are fertile feeding grounds for cynics, like me. One of the hallmarks of classic liberal thought is such entities are to be regarded with grave suspicion because of the potential danger they pose in a free society. Yet such an institution offered an all to rare moment this week to … Continue reading Enter Sandman
Why I Suck At Blogging
I broke every rule in the "how to be a successful blogger" handbook. Publish early and often. This is my first blog post since 2012. One blog post every 3 years? Even the IOC can organize an Olympics every two years. The good news is that my productivity still exceeds FIFA's. It takes them four years to … Continue reading Why I Suck At Blogging
More Interesting Sportscenter Discussion…
The folks at The Sports Complex, the official blog of the Sports Management Student Union at Drexel have some interesting things to say about the future of sports news. Check it out below.http://drexelsmtsu.blogspot.com/2012/05/chasing-giant-finding-answer-to.html?showComment=1340135860968#c1394063872269560831
The Rise of Rugby
As the world of soccer turns it attention to the European Championships and the upcoming World Cup qualifiers I’m reminded of the eternal lament of aficionados of the sport in this country: if the U.S. could somehow win the World Cup, or even make it to the finals, the sport would rise to unprecedented heights … Continue reading The Rise of Rugby
SBJ Publishes My Sportscenter Piece
A belated thanks to Sports Business Journal for publishing my Sportscenter piece in the May 28 edition. Here's the link. http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2012/05/28/Opinion/Fred-Bucher.aspx
The Masters App – A Tradition Unlike Any Other
Perhaps this is a bit late but before Bubba Watson hangs the green jacket in his closet and this year’s tournament fades from view I wanted to share my thoughts on the Masters digital experience. The leadership of Augusta National has been rightfully criticized in my view for their unwillingness to expand the television windows. … Continue reading The Masters App – A Tradition Unlike Any Other
