Starting A New Chapter

Launching out into something new is hard. It can be a little unnerving but at the end of the day the choices are simple: make a change or stay where you are. While the options may seem clear and simple, there are usually all kinds of variables that complicate the decision making process such as financial security, stability, fear of the unknown, convenience, good relationships and so much more.  That’s why everything must be tested first.  Depending on how you’re wired, every once in a while, something is birthed inside of you that you just can’t shake. No matter how much you ignore it, rationalize it away or talk yourself out of it it doesn’t go away.  When you combine that with a sense of how finite our time on earth really is, it only makes you think more intently about it.  At least it has for me.  The fear, uneasiness and tension that comes along with it is good though.  I love it and hate it at the same time.

I love it because it forces people to create and new creative things are developed out of a necessity to make something happen or as it has famously been put; “Necessity is the mother of all invention.”  Perhaps we could all benefit from being there a little more from time to time.  Necessity and innovation, things we need to capitalize on the opportunity to inspire people and help change our world.  To me, the opportunities are so vast that the upside of starting something new is worth the risks.

That said, I have resigned my position at Bayside.  My last day was yesterday (Feb 29th).  Now it’s on to a new chapter that includes a company of my own working with an incredible partner and team.

A Great Ride

This is truly bittersweet because I love the people at Bayside.  My bosses (friends and mentors) Ray and Lincoln, have been paramount in my growth as an individual during this season.  They have challenged me in new ways while allowing me to explore some things for Bayside as well. I’m eternally grateful to those guys.  I’ve also developed relationships with folks who feel like part of my family.  I also want to thank the leaders at Bayside for a wonderful 4 years.  Thanks for letting me pick and prod, tinker and challenge.  I am most bummed about leaving the teams I was able to build and work with. What an unbelievable group of people!  Working long hard days is not so bad when you are part of an incredible team.  Love you guys.  Also a HUGE thank you to the community of people that make up Bayside.  I have met and worked with amazing volunteers who have hearts of pure gold.  You guys are incredible too.  My heart is full of gratitude for all of it.  Seriously.

Even though I’m moving on, my work with Bayside is not over, we’ll continue to work on numerous projects together. I look forward to a long and fruitful relationship.  This new venture will also allow me to work with some other organizations as well which I believe are primed to make a big difference locally and abroad.

I feel reinvigorated and optimistic for all that is ahead in this new chapter.  I have a great partner and an incredible team forming who all share my excitement for the unveiling of some really cool stuff.  You’ll hear about it soon enough…

Let’s go!

The Pushers

Photo by 15 Frames

Who are the people in your life that push you?

Push you to be better.  Push you to be present.  Push you to be thinking.  I think every one needs someone that pushes them to greater things.  There is a difference though between pushy people and people that push you.  Generally, PUSHY people are focused on personal needs.  People that PUSH are focused on YOU. The latter is what I want to focus on.

What’s at risk if we don’t have people in our lives that push us to something greater?  For starters, we risk becoming just average versions of ourselves when so much more is possible.  “Pushers” see value in us even when we don’t see it in ourselves, they offer perspective and move us into situations they know we’ll do well in.  In the end, we’re usually glad they did.  People that PUSH understand (consciously or unconsciously) that “people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them.  They went out and happened to things.”

Behind the greatest athletes are coaches who push.  “One more lap, fifty more shots” all of which in the moment may not feel great but beneath the surface of sore muscles and exhaustion a transformation occurs.  Athletes get stronger and better and those that push know this.  Tiger Woods, as accomplished as he is,  still has a guy who travels with him everywhere that speaks into the mechanics of his swing and his game because he values the perspective.

Remember this, the door to accomplishment is always labeled push.

Truth be told: I have moments when I doubt my own abilities but I have people that push, guys like Alejandro, Ron and my family.  They keep me grounded, on my toes and call my bluff any time I try to weasel out of healthy challenges.  I’m thankful for it.

Do you have people in your life that push you to greater things?  I’m interested in knowing how they push you.  What do they say?  What areas do they push you in? Икони

Volkswagen Commercial: The Force

As the Superbowl approaches, die-hard football fans gear up for a little gridiron action.  But each year it seems like the anticipation for the Superbowl commercials grow too.  This year Volkswagen decided to release one of their commercials a week before the Superbowl.  With nearly 4 million views already it’s definitely gaining some buzz.  Check it out here!

An Extra Day in Chicago…

I have never been to Chicago.  As luck would have it, I would be there during the same time the largest Blizzard hit the area in a long time.  I have never been in a blizzard.  Being from California, the closest thing we get to a “Blizzard” is typically a frozen desert from an ice cream joint called “Dairy Queen.”  I heard on the news that they are calling it “The Storm of the Century” but since we have technically just started a new century, I’d say it’s a little too early to hand out any awards just yet.    I must say, for the record, this is the craziest storm I have ever seen.

In any case, I am in Chicago for one more full day as my flight is canceled but I plan on making the most of it.  I have met a number of new folks and have some meetups planned to chat about technology and social stuff for their church.  The Midwinter Conference has been fun to take part in this year.  Lots of great questions from some really great leaders!

Excited for them.

The Top 5 Brands Kids Prefer

I read an article in Marketing Profs today about the brands kids prefer.  As a father of a 3-year-old girl, there are definitely brands that have found a place into my little one’s heart and into our home.  These brands have managed to accomplish this despite the barrage of messages that we get on a daily basis.  A major study published by Smarty Pants revealed the top brands kids prefer and surprisingly the results were not really what I was expecting.  The brands my daughter interacts with were not only in the top 5 of their study but were also brands that have been around for a long time.

What’s interesting is the continuing staying power of venerable, heritage brands, as well as that of brands like Wii, often referred to as one of the top brands “yesterday” by the media.

Despite the hype about what’s seems hot or not, these brands have managed to remain at the top of the list and attract kids year after year.

Top 5 for kids and tweens:

* Wii

* McDonald’s

* M&M’s

* Disney Channel

* Oreos

Read the rest of article here.