What if the goal was to fail?

January 14 2014

What if your goal was to experience rejection, to quit? What if you set out trying to find twenty new ways of getting shot down, of hearing “No, thanks” at least fifteen times in one day? What if your aim wasn’t to wildly succeed or sell the most product or to get everyone to like you? […]

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Want to hack your life? Write.

January 07 2014

Few entrepreneurs and business leaders have developed a consistent writing practice. This surprises me. You won’t easily find an artist without a pen and notebook filled with scribbles. In case you hadn’t noticed, art and entrepreneurship are tightly bound. Write. It doesn’t have to be pretty, it doesn’t have to be coherent. Thoughts, observations, experiences, […]

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Are you developing a marketing strategy or being real?

December 30 2013

I wrote my first post on Medium this week. Before clicking “Publish,” I was surprisingly nervous. I think because this writing is very personal, an experience that is dear to my heart and involves people I love. I almost didn’t post it. I had no idea it would impact and resonate with so many people. I’m […]

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Give more, receive more

December 24 2013

When we are stingy with our resources, or operate from a “scarcity mentality,” we block our own potential (and that of those around us). Giving to others creates an energy exchange that can propel you towards success and deeper layers of living. The holiday season is a perfect time to test this generosity theory. Conduct an […]

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10 questions to ask at a dinner party (instead of “What do you do?”)

December 19 2013

You’ve invited twelve of your closest friends over to your place for dinner — except no one knows anyone else, and they’re all from different parts of your life: work, parenting group, school, bowling club, gym class. You’ve hired a chef and set the table. Now…how do you get people to talk? “What do you do?” is […]

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A coffee riddle

December 17 2013

Which costs more? Coffee #1 Before you reach the counter, a wide grin flashes at the sight of your arrival. You’re greeted, “Hello! How are you, sister?”  and asked if you’ll have your usual order — black coffee with sugar, no milk. As your coffee is prepared, you settle in at the table overlooking the outdoor […]

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What’s next

December 10 2013

Some exciting things are around the corner for Project Exponential. Think: community, growth, and meaningful conversation. And, of course, the art of the dinner party. Join our list to be the first to hear about what is happening next. Stay tuned…

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Two kinds of people

December 03 2013

You’re feeling dissatisfied, unsettled. You want better than what life is presenting to you. You want to provide for yourself and your family. Maybe you’d describe yourself as unhappy. No matter where I’ve gone in the world (or who I’ve worked with: students, prisoners, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, monks), I’ve seen two typical responses to this […]

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Traits of true leaders

November 26 2013

From small projects to antiquated institutions, organized groups benefit greatly from strong, reliable leadership. Yet despite the undeniable need for talented management, the skills and traits of effective leaders aren’t necessarily easy to find. I’ve watched organizations as varied as religious institutions (think monasteries and churches), start-ups, small companies, government entities, and educational programs struggle […]

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Searching for simple

November 19 2013

Here in Nepal, I’ve found the best moments are often the simple ones: quiet street corners, afternoon coffee, morning walks to the monastery, sunsets on mountain peaks, smiles exchanged with neighbors, the look on a student’s face when they understand. I can’t help but wonder what America would be like if more people embraced simple. […]

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