A brief newsletter this week as I head out of town to celebrate my oldest granddaughter’s Bat Mitzvah. This past Sunday, Laurel and I spent a couple of hours celebrating our grandson’s 2nd birthday at an area “little gym” that hosts these birthday gatherings every weekend for a hefty fee compared to the product offered. Of the three employees overseeing this rather large group of youngsters, two were mostly disinterested in leading the activities and the other was at the...

While I’m aware that this isn’t the forum for political discussions or judgment on the motives or actions of world leaders, it is a moment in time that gave me pause to think about true leadership. In our businesses we have mentors, advisors, team leaders, thought leaders and even spiritual leaders, but now we are witnessing, real life or death leadership play out on the world stage. I am reminded of my father, born and raised in the Ukraine, persecuted,...

Almost everyone had been waiting with bated breath yesterday for the arrival of 2/22/22 on the calendar. It reminded me of the ominous predictions that accompanied the turn of the century and the Y2K fears of total technological failure and worldwide shutdowns. What were people expecting yesterday on the palindrome date, the same read forward and backward and known as Twosday? If you follow military time, the palindrome happened not only in the morning, 2:22 am, but again at 22:22,...

I have come to realize that life and business lessons are always lurking all around us, waiting to be discovered if only we pay closer attention in order to recognize them. Having said that, you may know of my love for the game of PickleBall, the hottest and fastest growing sport in the US. I’ve been playing daily for almost three years both recreationally and competitively and find it a great way to invigorate my day, stay in shape and...

The great sports announcer Jim McKay coined the phrase, “the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.” The winter Olympics opened on February 4 in Beijing with subdued fanfare, reduced spectators but with a surplus of unprecedented caution for the health and safety of the participants and all involved. Positive Covid tests immediately sidelined dozens of athletes, after years of regimented and tortuous practice, quashing dreams of ever rising to the top of the podium to receive an Olympic...

I began my education majoring in music as a guitarist before deciding to change direction and pursue a degree in computer science and software development. I devoted thousands of hours practicing the guitar over the years to reach a level of mastery and surrounding myself with great talented teachers and influencers helped accelerate the process. It was a similar scenario when I started my journey of software development and subsequently launching my first company. Reaching a level of mastery in...

As the temperatures plunge and the opaque skies appear interminably cloudy and grey here in Northeast Ohio, there is a bright spot in the days that lift our spirits and peels back that feeling of gloom. The days have begun to get longer, each day, a few more minutes and peaks of sun are breaking through the clouds. There’s a feeling of optimism and hope that creeps into the day and already has me looking ahead to warmer days. In...

I love learning and gain my knowledge from a variety of sources. Thought leaders, courses, books, and the internet are some of these powerful sources. Yet, I’ve been fortunate to gain much knowledge from my own clients as they are a constant source of inspiration, learning and insights for me. Here are 9 such insights I’d like to share with you today:  Consistency wins out over intensity every time. Resilience works best when you get ahead of your stressors, or...

Shhhhhh…. Yesterday was Chad’s birthday and I figured why not surprise him with a week off from writing his newsletter? This is Laurel, Chad’s wife, and I’m taking over this week’s post to share my thoughts on birthdays. It seems that we put less emphasis on birthdays as we age instead of celebrating with greater gusto to acknowledge the gift of being able to reach another year especially when blessed with good health. We ask our family and friends not...

The Big Bang was the title of my first Raising the Barr® newsletter that I launched nine years ago. So much has transpired since that day and I am thankful for overcoming many life and business challenges while rejoicing in the many triumphs and gifts life has offered me. Here is a list I prepared to make this year extraordinary while keeping your momentum moving forward. I recommend you choose the items that resonate with you and offer you with...