In these volatile times, remember that growth should be the result, not the purpose, of your startup — Let’s see if you can figure out what the three “why we exist” statements have in common? OK Capsule exists to help companies elevate the delivery of supplemental nutrition for people and planet. De Lune exists to lift the period burden by setting the new standard for happy, healthy, and…

Our strengths are our weaknesses. Recognizing both sides is the beginning of context-first leadership. — The situation: You’re in a meeting with your leadership team and listening to a report on slow sales growth. As one after the other of your team delivers the figures, you can feel your heart beating faster and your face getting hotter as your mind drifts ahead to your next…

Watching my daughter’s rowing team taught me that winning is all about pulling together — I’ve written a lot about the importance of playbooks as the cornerstone of successful strategies. …

The reasons we waste time are often deeper than we think. Knowing their origin helps us build more productive habits. — At my old company, my executive assistant once brought me a little sign that I put over my desk. It said, “Stop thinking so much and just get on with it.” I’ve never been a huge fan of the expression “don’t overthink it” because I value thoughtfulness; but I will…

Kevin Kelly’s original idea still applies to early stage CPG startups. Here’s why. — As usually happens, I leave Expo West feeling both inspired by all the great people I reconnect with and the great new brands I learn about. It helps to recharge my batteries for the rest of the year. But after a week of exploring the product showcase flow, I also…

This week, thousands of brands will exhibit at Expo West. I’m interested in brands with these three qualities — Expo West is my favorite professional meeting because it’s where I get to connect with my friends from this wonderful industry we support. …

As Findaway Adventures weaves conscious leadership into the fabric of our coaching practice, we seek founders willing to make the same commitment — Last week I completed the Conscious Leadership 15 Commitments Coaching Certification program, and I want to celebrate a little bit with you and then make an announcement of sorts. The certification program involved 13 months of intensive work with the Conscious Leadership Group that supports organizational coaches. I did it…

When admitting that you don’t have the answer (yet) is the best thing a founder can do for a business — When admitting that you don’t have the answer (yet) is the best thing a founder can do for a business I meet a lot of founders who feel like they have to have all the answers. Especially those who have established a bit of track record and are growing. Maybe…

One investor’s call to entrepreneurs to remember why they got into their change-the-world business in the first place — Dear Founder, I cannot speak for all investors, but I can speak for Findaway Adventures and like-minded investors when I say that what draws us to investing in your company is, first and foremost, your passion for your cause, whatever that cause may be. …