Years ago in banking, my administrative assistant grinned when she said, “You’re going to love your next appointment.” Waiting for me in my office was a young man. When I asked how I could help, he said, “I need to borrow money to buy a Steinway Piano.” I humored him and asked how much a Steinway would cost and how […]

According to a Wall Street Journal expose, Tony Hsieh, the founder of Zappos, self-destructed and died from abusing drugs, while his team stood by and watched. After selling Zappos for more than $1 billion, Tony began paying a team of followers to help him pursue spiritual enlightenment and heavy drug use. Even though some family members attempted to intervene, Tony’s […]

Years ago, I observed a boss of mine who had a habit of smiling, praising and pouring on accolades to peers in his midst. However, when his peer left, his demeanor changed, and he would begin slandering and revealing his true disdain for each of them. This had a big impact on me, because when I was with him, he […]

While in college, I worked as a night custodian at an elementary school, where I became acquainted with Jim, the daytime custodian. I was surprised to learn Jim had previously built a very successful business and family, until his secretary began flirting with him. He eventually succumbed to the temptation and had an affair. Jim’s wife divorced him and gained […]

In my previous consulting practice, I learned the importance of diligently prospecting for clients year-round. In the early years, I would be busy and cash flow would be strong. Then my project would end, and the cashflow stopped. It took me some time to realize that my problem could be resolved with a little diligence. I began setting aside time […]

When my youngest daughter was a teenager, I remember one day giving her some advice, I was stunned by her response. She said, “Dad, I suspect what you are telling me may be correct, but I’m the kind of person that needs to experience it on my own.” Sure enough, she ignored my advice and it cost her significantly. Being […]

Mark was a young entrepreneur trying to build a website business. He had very limited monies to fund his core business, let alone a new venture. Then, someone convinced Mark to buy into an unproven technology. He borrowed money to invest in the product only to discover that his customers were not interested in his new product. His impulsive pursuit […]

When Bill was younger, his business was struggling for survival about the time he attended a ministry retreat. During that retreat, the ministry founder challenged the attendees to pledge at least $1 million in their lifetime to support evangelism. Bill said it felt crazy, but even though he was broke, he made the pledge. Within 10 years, Bill had surpassed […]

William Arthur Ward, poet of the early 20th century said, “Blessed is he who has learned to admire but not envy, to follow but not imitate, to praise but not flatter, and to lead but not manipulate.” When the line is crossed from admiration to envy, there is a shift in the heart. It is a shift of heart posture. […]

Recently, a Marketplace Chaplains Care Partner was called by a company they serve to respond to a potential suicide threat. A male employee had a gun and was not responding to police efforts. The care partner arrived and made verbal contact with the young man and engaged him in conversation to attempt a peaceful resolution. The employee started sharing his […]