How You Can Make A Great First Impression In Less Than Seven Seconds

By Brett Fox | July 29, 2015

How You Can Make A Great First Impression In Less Than Seven Seconds By Brett Fox “Here’s a slide I think might be good,” the CEO said to us. The CEO had just blown it. I mean completely blown it. I was working at a Venture Capital firm at the time, and we were sincerely…

The Secrets To A Successful And Happy Life

By Brett Fox | July 7, 2015

Dearest Avery, My beautiful daughter. Mommy and I are so very proud of the young girl you are. You have many gifts and talents that are going to serve you well in life. But I want to tell you the secret to a successful and happy life: Perseverance and a positive attitude. I would love…

The Rocky Show: The Importance of Great Leaders

By Brett Fox | June 30, 2015

Why Are Great Leaders So Important? The Rocky Show By Brett Fox I woke up and looked out my window. There was snow everywhere. The 100-foot tall giant TV antenna Dad installed was on its side: The April blizzard had knocked the TV antenna down. How were we going to watch Chicago Blackhawks home games…

The Six Steps to Dealing With a Bad Boss

By Brett Fox | June 24, 2015

What Are The Six Steps For Dealing With A Bad Boss? By Brett Fox “Common sense is not very common,” said the Michelin Man. You’d ask the Michelin Man a question and he would just sit there for minutes with a blank stare on his face. His arms were folded about two feet away from…

Where Did the Silicon in Silicon Valley Go? The Lessons Everyone in Any Industry Should Learn From

By Brett Fox | June 16, 2015

Where Did The Silicon In The Silicon Valley Go? The Lessons Everyone In Any Industry Can Learn From By Brett Fox Marc Andreessen famously said that the Silicon Valley was “dead” when he got here in the 1993.   And he was right: Software didn’t rule the Silicon Valley in 1993: Hardware did, and semiconductor…

How Parenting Makes You a Better Manager

By Brett Fox | June 9, 2015

Can Parenting Make You A Better Manager? By Brett Fox Blossom was taking Avery home from school on a Monday when Avery surprised her. “Mommy, the form to participate in the talent show is due Friday.” Blossom said, “Okay.” Blossom took Avery home Tuesday, and Avery spoke up again. “Mommy, have you filled out the…

The Ten Advantages Of Working With Mentors

By Brett Fox | June 2, 2015

What Are The Ten Advantages Of Working With Mentors? By Brett Fox “Sit up here with the white people!” The CEO then banged his palm on the chair next to his. “Huh,” I said to myself. I had a quizzical look on my face. “Sit up here with the white people!” The CEO banged his…

20 Hidden Benefits From Losing Your Job or Selling Your Company

By Brett Fox | May 19, 2015

What Are The 20 Hidden Benefits From Losing Your Job? By Brett Fox It was Sunday night at 11PM, and I heard the phone ring. The second I heard the phone ring I knew my Dad was dead. My Mom told me the paramedics were at the house, but Dad was gone. “I need you…

20 Pearls of Wisdom From Warren Buffett’s Last Annual Letter

By Brett Fox | April 29, 2015

20 Pearls Of Wisdom From Warren Buffett’s Last Annual Letter By Brett Fox Berkshire Hathaway board member Bill Gates calls Warren Buffett’s 2014 annual letter his best ever. Now that’s saying something since Buffett has produced 50 of them, and Gates is not easy to impress. Truth be told, I love Warren Buffett. I think…

Learn How to Make Your Reference Checks Awesome

By Brett Fox | April 15, 2015

Learn How To Make Your Reference Checks Awesome By Brett Fox “Can you believe it?” my wife asked me last night. “I have to fill out an essay because my friend asked me to be a reference.” “Is she applying for college?” I asked. “No, for a job!” My wife was not very happy about…