I was watching the first round of the 2020 Democratic Presidential debates with friends recently, when one of them turned to ask me that fateful question: "Which candidate do you like the most?" It's an innocent, simple, yet immensely complex question. Particularly complex, because it leaves ample room for each of us to design our … Continue reading A Simple Framework for Moral Leadership
On Changing the World vs. Making it Better
When I was a kid, I was fortunate to have parents and teachers who told me I could grow up and "change the world." Anything's possible - the only limits are your creativity and persistence (they never really tell you about the "luck" part). Wanting to change the world is what drives so many of … Continue reading On Changing the World vs. Making it Better
How to Live & Lead a Rewarding Career (Podcast Interview)
Earlier this summmer I did an interview with David Nebinski for a new Seth Godin podcast fellowship project "Portfolio Career." In it, I shared my thoughts on what it means to have a rewarding career and how you might think about optimizing your pursuit of one. I also talk a little about my own career, … Continue reading How to Live & Lead a Rewarding Career (Podcast Interview)
What I’ve Learned So Far
I feel very fortunate to have had the personal freedom this year to work and create for myself. Across the board it's helped me focus on the commitments, projects and relationships that mean the most to me. Many don't get to have that independence, which speaks to some very fundamental problems with how we collectively … Continue reading What I’ve Learned So Far
How to Learn Strategy (When Everything is Strategic)
I happened to be on Quora the other night and noticed a poster asking the question: "What's the best way to learn strategy?" I thought it was a cool (and somewhat daunting) question, so I chimed in and wanted to share my answer here. It also occurred to me that learning strategic thinking has two … Continue reading How to Learn Strategy (When Everything is Strategic)
A Simple Model to Help You Learn Anything Faster
One way to think about life I've always found helpful is to view it as a journey through places, relationships and time in search of meaning and purpose. And, as you'd expect, the meaning you find along with way comes from doing things that feel meaningful -- building important relationships, creating important memories, and accomplishing … Continue reading A Simple Model to Help You Learn Anything Faster
The Price of Bananas in China
In 2010, on a trip to Beijing, China, Mike Duke did what 100 million other people around the world do each week: he stepped into a Walmart to go shopping. But Duke wasn't just a typical customer, he was also the company's CEO. Walking through the store's isles looking at products, Duke noticed something interesting about the bananas. … Continue reading The Price of Bananas in China
Jump In
I’m Chris, I’m 29, and this is the most honest thing I’ve ever written. In the first let’s say (hope?) third of my life, I started three companies, visited 26 countries, lost all my money twice, saved one person’s life, and let too many friendships I valued more than I could show outwardly fall into … Continue reading Jump In
Easier to Do Well than Good
If you’ve ever been hand-delivered a cease-and-desist, you’ll probably agree with me they’re pretty under-whelming—just a plain manilla envelope of papers that kind of resemble some high school essays teachers return to you at the end of the semester. When I got mine years ago from a former employer saying the startup my friend Josh … Continue reading Easier to Do Well than Good