Dear Friends, I hope this note finds you and your loved ones safe and sound, after what has been a most extraordinary week. I would like to take a moment to say that you have been in our thoughts as our region continues to endure unprecedented challenges in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. I am sure some of you were - and may still be - greatly affected by the storm. While many of you are working to return to normal, the most important thing is the safety of you and your family. If there is anything at all we can do to help, please let us know.  Read More

When articles used to discuss culture, many business leaders would consider it frilly and the soft side of business (in business school, we called it the “soft stuff”). Today, it is generally accepted that having a positive culture that works for your organization (because by definition no two cultures are exactly the same – there always exist different dynamics) is critical to your company’s success. Vision and strategy are incredibly important but without a culture that works, the best strategies can fail.  Read More

Historically, IT departments were viewed as cost centers by business leaders. They were looked at as necessary for the business but costly with uncertain results. Then there was a shift in industry where business leaders discovered that technology could be used to automate systems and drive efficiency gains. IT was thus used a catalyst for improved operations and cost reductions. This still exists today, but I have seen a trend develop the last few years that has taken technology’s meaning to the business to a much higher level.  Read More

I don’t proclaim to be a huge Monkees fan who listens to their music every day, but I am one of millions of people who grew up watching Monkees reruns on television. I never met Davy Jones but have read several articles about him last week after his tragic passing (heart attack) at age 66. By all accounts, Davy was the soul of the Monkees, and in addition to being a heartthrob in the 60s and 70s, seemed to exude a goodness that instantly made you happy.  Read More