One of the questions I am often asked involves "how to get ahead." I thought it might be helpful to share some lessons from top U.S. executives.... more
Walt Disney used to talk about the four Cs to success: curiosity, confidence, courage and consistency. He believed that if you applied these four Cs to your life, you could accomplish practically anyt... more
My friend Sam is an avid golfer. He plays every chance he gets. He also makes a practice of working out at the gym on weekends, and prefers to get an early start there.... more
Last spring, I was playing a great game of golf. I stood on the 18th tee, and with a birdie on the final hole, I would shoot an even par 72. I pulled out my driver one last time. Having hit 13 good dr... more
We've all heard the old adage that you can't buy happiness. Well, it turns out that it's not exactly true. You actually can buy happiness -- when you spend your money or your time on others.... more
I've had this little gem tucked away for many years, and I refer to it from time to time to remind myself of what's really important. I've searched for the source, which I haven't been able to find, b... more
My daughter Mimi called me up many years ago and said, "Hey Dad, let's take a crack at running the New York City Marathon." I trained for six months for the 1987 race. The starting gun fired, about 22... more
If you've ever had anything custom-made, you know how satisfying the experience can be. Whether it's a new house, a bespoke shirt or even a special sandwich, getting exactly what you ordered is gratif... more
October is one of my favorite months, perhaps because that's when I get to blow out my birthday candles and celebrate another successful year. Who doesn't love birthdays?... more
"You never get a second chance to make a first impression." Truer words were never spoken. Oftentimes, first impressions determine whether you will even get to make a second impression.... more
The famed aerialist the Great Zumbrati once walked a shaky tightrope across Niagara Falls despite a gusty wind that almost caused him to lose his footing. He was very relieved to have made it safely a... more
Never underestimate the tremendous impact teachers have on students, helping set the direction of their lives. Studies show that people give credit for their success in the business world to the role ... more
With the possible exception of what the Treasury Department turns out, "Money: Master the Game" -- Tony Robbins' new book -- may be the most valuable stuff in print. It's absolutely jammed with advice... more
Leading an organization, whether public, private or nonprofit, requires making tough decisions. It's just part of the job, whether it's in the job description or not. Because, as they say, it's lonely... more
I've always considered myself quite bold when it comes to business and risk-taking. I can live with failing a few times, knowing that I will eventually be successful because I am determined to be.... more
It's getting easier and easier to navigate the highways and byways through the magic of GPS -- the Global Positioning System. The service is in your car, your phone, your tablet, your watch. You are r... more
The only survivor of a shipwreck woke up on the beach of an uninhabited island. Every day he circled the island, looking for ships on the horizon, and searched the sky for planes, hoping for a rescue.... more
Within the past few years, some of the best-known names in American industry have disappeared down the gaping maws of other companies. Other seemingly unassailable fortresses have been disassembled, a... more
First lady Michelle Obama has had the pleasure of attending many spectacular events, but I would venture to guess that opening the 14th Special Olympics World Games at the end of July had to rank with... more
I am, first and foremost, and will always be, an envelope salesman. My business card says so. But more people probably know me as an author and speaker -- which evolved from my sales career. Who would... more
Two men met on an airplane and began to talk. They asked each other the usual questions, and as it happened, one of the men was married and the other man was not. After a while the married man asked, ... more
I often joke that it takes years to become an overnight success. But it starts with a dream. My dream was to own a factory. I wasn't even sure what kind of product I'd make, or exactly where it would ... more
My friend Pat Williams, senior executive vice president of the NBA's Orlando Magic and author of several books including "Go for the Magic," has a great analogy when it comes to attitude.... more
Two leaders whom I respect a great deal and whose work I have studied both stress the importance of asking questions to find answers that will unlock your success.... more
Several weeks ago, I used this column to share lessons I learned from my parents in recognition of Mother's Day and Father's Day. My intention was to honor mothers and fathers everywhere for the wisdo... more
From all appearances, Gretchen Carlson has lived a charmed life. From being a child violin prodigy to admission to Stanford University to becoming Miss America and then a tremendously successful broad... more
One day, the body and its parts began to criticize the belly for enjoying a life of idleness and luxury, while they spent all their time working to feed it. So they entered into a conspiracy to cut of... more