AMA: Ask Melvin Anything

Would they miss you if you did not show up tomorrow?

How are you engaging today?

What moves the needle towards results?

Where do you draw energy?

What's Melvin reading?

Peter Drucker’s The Five Most Important Questions You Will Ever Ask About Your Organization

Nugget - 

1. What is our mission?

2. Who is our customer?

3. What does the customer value?

4. What are our results?

5. What is our plan?

Last Thoughts -

Yesterday is history,

tomorrow is a mystery,

and today is a gift...

that's why they call it the present

― Master Oogway in Kung Fu Panda

Start 2025 with Connection and Gratitude

As we step into the new year, let’s reaffirm our commitment to supporting those who served in uniform. Buddy Check Day, observed on the 11th of each month, is our chance to make a real difference. By reaching out to veterans—a quick call, heartfelt text, or simple visit—you help build camaraderie and show that their service is remembered and valued.

Let’s make 2025 a year of stronger connections and unwavering support within the veteran community. Mark your calendars, set a reminder, and join this powerful initiative. Together, we can ensure no veteran feels alone.

For more details, visit buddycheckday.org.

Make this year one of gratitude and action. Start with Buddy Check Day!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do we fix housing?

Malcolm Gladwell stated that housing is the next big problem we must solve.

Housing—more than just shelter—represents stability, opportunity, and equity. So, where do we even begin?‌

What’s your take? What bold ideas, unconventional solutions, or small experiments could move the needle on this issue?

What's Melvin reading?

Revenge of The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

Nugget - Small-area variation refers to differences in healthcare practices or outcomes between regions with similar populations, driven by localized factors like provider behavior, cultural norms, or resource distribution.

"How your doctor treats you, in many cases, has less to do with where your doctor was trained, or how well he or she did in medical school, or what kind of personality your doctor has, than with where your doctor lives."

Last Thoughts -

Vincent Van Gogh on reality being less scary than our imagination:

“Fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm fearsome, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore. They leave that wisdom to those to whom it appeals. When the storm comes—when night falls—what’s worse: the danger or the fear of danger? Give me reality, the danger itself.”

Buddy Check Day, observed on the 11th of each month, is a dedicated initiative to support military veterans. The project encourages individuals to reach out and connect with veterans, promoting a sense of camaraderie and mutual support. By participating in this simple yet meaningful gesture of checking in, people can express gratitude to those who have served in the military and help maintain strong bonds within the veteran community.

I'm checking in because I care, not because I am concerned.

For more information, visit buddycheckday.org

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What's the current situation in Ukraine? With David Nicholas 

‌

What's Melvin reading?

Management Challenges for the 21st Century By Peter Drucker 

Nugget - Future-Proof Leadership: Embrace Change, Empower Knowledge, and Lead with Vision.

Last Thoughts - Dr. Richard Grant ~ The brain moves at the speed of sensory data and information. But the human heart moves at the speed of agriculture.

This metaphor suggests that while our cognitive processes can rapidly adapt to new information, emotional changes occur more gradually, akin to the slow and steady pace of agricultural cycles.

Buddy Check Day, observed on the 11th of each month, is a dedicated initiative to support military veterans. The project encourages individuals to reach out and connect with veterans, promoting a sense of camaraderie and mutual support. By participating in this simple yet meaningful gesture of checking in, people can express gratitude to those who have served in the military and help maintain strong bonds within the veteran community.

I'm checking in because I care, not because I am concerned. 

For more information, visit buddycheckday.org

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Have you asked any good questions today?"

A question that can encourage people to explore, wonder, and learn in insightful ways. Nobel laureate in physics Isidor I. Rabi credited his mother with inspiring him to become a scientist by asking him this question instead of the more common "Did you learn anything today?".

“My greatest strength as a consultant is to be ignorant and ask a few questions” ~ Peter Drucker

‌

What's Melvin reading?

The New Realities - In Government and Politics / In Economics and Business / In Society and World View by Peter Drucker

Nugget - "The resistance to, and contempt for, business and trade on the part of the upper classes - the English gentleman, the Prussian Junker, the French aristocrat, and the clergy - stemmed above all from resentment and fear of the social mobility business offered far too many members of the 'lower orders,' who then promptly forgot their 'place.'"

(think about the world painted it in this sentence, not that long ago)

Last Thoughts - “Results are obtained by exploiting opportunities, not by solving problems.” ~ Peter Drucker

Buddy Check Day, observed on the 11th of each month, is a dedicated initiative to support military veterans. The project encourages individuals to reach out and connect with veterans, promoting a sense of camaraderie and mutual support. By participating in this simple yet meaningful gesture of checking in, people can express gratitude to those who have served in the military and help maintain strong bonds within the veteran community.

I'm checking in because I care, not because I am concerned.

For more information, visit buddycheckday.org

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can you define the good life? With Matt Grubb

What's Melvin reading?

Managing the Non-Profit Organization by Peter Drucker

Nugget - Business supplies, either goods or services. Government controls. A business has discharged its task when the customer buys the product, paid for it, and it's satisfied with it. Government has discharged its function when it's policies are effective. The "non-profit" institution neither supplies goods or services nor controls. Its "product" is neither a pair of shoes nor an effective regulation. Its product is a changed human being. The non-profit institutions are human-change agents.

Last Thoughts - Faith is knowing there is an ocean because you have seen a brook. ~ William Arthur Ward

We want to express our gratitude to our brothers and sisters who have served in uniform. We encourage everyone to participate in Buddy Check Day on the 11th of each month by reaching out to military veterans. This simple act of checking in can foster camaraderie and support among veterans. For more information, visit buddycheckday.org

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What matters to you? with Lena Self

Not what is a matter with you.

1. Dream Rangers by TC Bank 

https://youtu.be/bp7S56aoIhU 

2. Empathy & Compassion by Brene Brown 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HznVuCVQd10 

3. The Happiness Advantage: Linking Positive Brains to Performance by Shawn Achor 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=GXy__kBVq1M 

4. Why Mindfulness Is a Superpower: An Animation by Dan Harris 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=w6T02g5hnT4 

5. How Mindfulness Empowers Us: An Animation by Sharon Salzberg 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzKryaN44ss 

6. Mindfulness Guided Meditation - 5 Minutes by Dr. Robert E. Dinenberg 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEzbdLn2bJc 

7. 5 Minutes for the NEXT 50 Years of Your LIFE by Matthew McConaughey 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKJImnk-gzQ 

‌What's Melvin reading?

Innovation and Entrepreneurship by Peter Drucker

Nugget - Peter Drucker defined entrepreneurship as a discipline rather than a personality trait. He emphasized that it involves systematic, purposeful, and managed efforts to exploit change as an opportunity. Drucker believed that entrepreneurship is about doing things differently to create new value, rather than merely improving existing methods. He highlighted the importance of innovation as the specific function of entrepreneurship, which involves creating or enhancing wealth-producing resources.

Last Thoughts - Poet Danielle Doby on the power of small acts: "When you create a difference in someone's life, you not only impact their life, you impact everyone influenced by them throughout their entire lifetime. No act is ever too small. One by one, this is how to make an ocean rise."

We want to express our gratitude to our brothers and sisters who have served in uniform. We encourage everyone to participate in Buddy Check Day on the 11th of each month by reaching out to military veterans. This simple act of checking in can foster camaraderie and support among veterans. For more information, visit buddycheckday.org

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Buddy Check Day! Call a vet friend(s) and chat! #BuddyCheck

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What is learning?

"When you went to school were you taught how to learn?" Question asked yesterday on the Silicon Synapse Show

American statesman Benjamin Franklin said, “An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”

Be humble and remember the words of comedian Bill Murray: “Knowledge is like underwear. It is useful to have it, but not necessary to show it off.”

‌

What's Melvin reading?

The Drucker Lectures

Nugget -"We know that nothing so motivates people - nothing - as much as achievement. And, therefore, we will have to focus learning on what children and adults excel in."

Last Thoughts - "Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other."

John F. Kennedy

35th President of the United

We want to express our gratitude to our brothers and sisters who have served in uniform. We encourage everyone to participate in Buddy Check Day on the 11th of each month by reaching out to military veterans. This simple act of checking in can foster camaraderie and support among veterans. For more information, visit buddycheckday.org

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What's the answer to the question you hesitate to ask? Advancing Collective Intelligence with Valerie Hall.

‌

What's Melvin reading?

Big Little Breakthroughs

Nugget - Let's recap:

Imagination = any new idea

Creativity = a new idea that has some value, artistic or otherwise

Innovation = a creative idea that has utility

Last Thoughts - "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you."

Maya Angelou

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is a bottle neck good or bad?

What's Melvin reading?

The Little Zen Companion

Nugget - It is not the same to talk of bulls as to be in the bullring. - Spanish proverb

Last Thoughts -

"It’s like everyone tells a story about themselves inside their own head. Always. All the time. That story makes you what you are. We build ourselves out of that story.“

- Patrick Rothfuss, The Name of the Wind

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.