The economists tell us we are not in a recession. But if you work in media, it certainly feels like we are. Everywhere you turn another major media company is announcing large scale layoffs. Earlier this month Disney and Yahoo joined the parade. It’s one thing to read about layoffs – seven thousand at this … Continue reading Help Until It Hurts
Random Stuff
Other stuff I feel like writing about
Write It Down
I can still hear his voice. Direct, commanding, with more than a tinge of a Queens accent: “Write it down, Fred. Write it down.” He’d pantomime the writing motion with his hand, sometimes quite intensely, if he thought I didn’t react quick enough. The voice and hand belonged to Andrew Cuomo. In the past I … Continue reading Write It Down
Do It Again
Once a small child discovers something that delights them, they want to experience it over and over. Any parent knows this all too well. Stacking the blocks and knocking them over. “Do it again!” Catching them when they jump in the pool. “Do it again!” Pulling them around the block in the wagon. “Do it … Continue reading Do It Again
Welcome to Middle Age
When does middle age begin? Some believe it’s 40, others 50. Friends of mine, especially those in their mid 40s, like to delude themselves that they aren’t quite there. They enjoy reminding me that since I’ve past the big “five-o,” there is no debating that I’ve reached middle age. But let’s be honest, what we … Continue reading Welcome to Middle Age
We Will Get Fooled Again
When “The Great Train Robbery” premiered in 1903 many people fled the theater during the scene where the train speeds directly towards the camera. Those who ran had never seen a motion picture before and believed they were about to get run over. Sounds kind of silly, right? Orson Welles’ famous live radio performance of … Continue reading We Will Get Fooled Again
The Most Important Person In Golf Right Now
The most important person in golf right now is not a household name like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, or Rory McIlroy. It’s Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club. In my mind no one is better positioned to help the sport move past what undeniably has been an “annus horribilis,” to quote the late … Continue reading The Most Important Person In Golf Right Now
Backstage with the Brand Podcast
Recently I joined Andy Wiedlin's "Backstage with the Brand" podcast to talk media, weather, sports and my book All The Lies We Believe. Thanks to Andy and the team at Magnet Media for having me. You can listen to the interview here.
Indiana Jones & The Lost Office
Ok, I admit, that’s a terrible name for a movie (maybe for a blog as well). Who would want to watch a film about the most famous archeologist in cinema history looking for an office? Indiana Jones has come to mind often lately as I’ve spent some time working in an actual office and thought … Continue reading Indiana Jones & The Lost Office
Things That Go Bump In The Night
What were you doing at 3 a.m. last night? I read recently that more people than ever are dealing with anxiety-related sleep issues. Given the state of the world right now I guess this isn’t a surprise. Probably all of us remember being scared during the night at one time or another when we were … Continue reading Things That Go Bump In The Night
“Don’t Make Me Angry…”
I confess to being an enthusiastic Marvel fan. During the height of the lockdown my daughter Melissa and I watched every Marvel movie in order. While she’s away at college we’ve fallen behind on some of the new Marvel series and movies, but we will catch up this summer. My favorite Marvel character by far … Continue reading “Don’t Make Me Angry…”
How Phil and Professional Golf Forgot About the Fan
Phil Mickelson has taken a beating the past month for his reckless and foolish comments about the Saudi-backed “Super Golf League.” The responses from other players, sponsors and the media are understandable – you can’t ignore or whitewash the things he said. The PGA Tour also came down hard on Phil. The officials at the … Continue reading How Phil and Professional Golf Forgot About the Fan
The Dumbest Person in the Room
It’s no one’s ambition. Who in their right mind would ever want to be the dumbest person in the room? My guess is however that there have been times in our careers when many of us have felt that way. Maybe when we were young and just starting out and realized we had no clue … Continue reading The Dumbest Person in the Room
Why Paul’s Genius Ended With The Beatles
Paul McCartney is undoubtedly one of the top five rock musicians of all time. Some may rank him #1. Yet no one can credibly make that statement if his recording career started after The Beatles. His solo work has been inconsistent and mostly average. I realize to say such a thing is nothing short of … Continue reading Why Paul’s Genius Ended With The Beatles
All The Zoom’s A Stage
Have you ever heard people say their work comes down to performing in meetings? Do you feel like that sometimes? It’s hard not to if your day consists of back-to-back-to-back meetings, interrupted only for a quick bite, bio breaks and rapid-fire scans of your message feeds. Events of the past two years have only exacerbated … Continue reading All The Zoom’s A Stage
Decks Make You Stupid
I read recently that one of the trends to emerge during the remote working revolution is the increased emphasis on writing. I’m not talking about the rapid-fire exchanges we see hundreds of times daily through emails, IMs, texts and Slack. The trend is towards good, old-fashioned long form memos. The kind of writing where you … Continue reading Decks Make You Stupid
Your Worst Mistake on the Front Page
What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done? The biggest mistake you’ve ever made. No matter what it is, regardless of how significant in the grand scheme of things, I’m sure it’s not something you like to think about, let alone discuss. Whatever it is, hopefully not many people know about it. Not everyone is so … Continue reading Your Worst Mistake on the Front Page
Introducing My New Book – All The Lies We Believe
We are not very good at recognizing illusions, least of all the ones we cherish about ourselves. Thomas Merton October 2015 – Manhattan It was all there for the taking, the best the world had to offer, like it always had been his entire life. And tonight was no different to countless other nights. So, … Continue reading Introducing My New Book – All The Lies We Believe
My New Book
The community of readers who frequent this blog probably have noticed my lack of productivity recently. Earlier this year I was publishing twice a week consistently. The last few months, not so much. It’s not because of laziness or a lack of interest in writing, although at times, just like any other challenging job, it’s … Continue reading My New Book
“Scotty, beam me…to the office”
I had an interesting debate with a good friend over lunch recently about remote working. He is firm believer that working from an office is more preferable and productive than working remotely. Considering I haven’t set foot in my office ever, I started my current job in the summer of 2020, I take a different … Continue reading “Scotty, beam me…to the office”
Quit vs. Grit
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
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