Resources
The Compound Power of Consistency: Why the Slight Edge Always Wins
LinkedIn.com, February 2026-There’s a seductive myth in our culture: That success comes from a breakthrough moment, a viral post that lands, a single brilliant move, a moonshot deal. Or even luck!
But in reality?
It’s almost always the result of something far less glamorous and far more powerful. In a word — Consistency.
In The Slight Edge, author Jeff Olson argues that the small, seemingly insignificant actions we take daily — or neglect daily — are what compound into extraordinary outcomes over time. Not dramatic, not flashy, but decisive and almost predictable in terms of the results that accrue.
Read the entire article: The Compound Power of Consistency: Why the Slight Edge Always Wins
New Lenses, New Possibilities
As long-time readers will attest, I’m all about living into “What Ifs” and possibilities. As we embark on this coming year, amid all manner of uncertainties swirling around us (many of which we can’t control), I think it’s more important than ever to look at what we can do and what inspired actions we can take that empower and embolden us. One of the things we have control over is our mind, what we focus on, our attitudes, and where we direct our attention.
If I have one piece of guidance for you this year, it would be to try and have a more expansive view on our lives; consider alternatives and possibilities in all areas of our life and our work. If something is stalled or blocked, what creative ideas can you conjure up which would allow you to try another approach or path to get where you say you want to go? As one of my esteemed colleagues is fond of saying, “this is not a go it alone life.” Reach out if you’d like some support.
I’m always here for you. Here’s hoping your year ahead is fulfilling for you on multiple levels.
To your success.
Kelli
Implications of kids graduating without financial literacy skills
(not often taught in U.S. schools)
Our schools are preparing students for tests—but not for life.
As best-selling author Scott Galloway recently underscored in his No Mercy / No Malice newsletter, and as Pew Research Center data confirms, most young adults are entering the world financially underprepared—not because they’re incapable, but because we’ve failed to teach them the basics in high school.
Budgeting. Debt. Credit. Investing. Cash flow.
These aren’t “nice-to-have” skills—they’re foundational to adulthood. When schools ignore financial literacy, the cost shows up later as anxiety, dependence, and delayed independence. It also appears to limit financial success over time. This article explores what’s broken, why it matters, and what must change if we want the next generation to truly thrive.
Slow Productivity: A Smarter Way to Re-Enter the World After the Holidays
As we wrap up the holiday season and step back into the work world, the most effective strategy may be to take a page from our holiday pace—and embrace slowing down rather than speeding up. Doing so can better support our nervous systems while optimizing our impact in the process.
In this article, I discuss the power of “Slow Productivity” and how working with greater focus and intention can actually lead to better results, while minimizing stress and burnout.
Spotlight
Ritual at Manresa
I have friends who are gourmands and who travel the globe eating at some of the finest restaurants in the world. While that can certainly be fun, it can also be time-consuming and expensive. Those of us in the SF Bay Area now have the reverse opportunity—to enjoy something extraordinary right in our own backyard.
Legendary chef David Kinch of Manresa in Los Gatos has partnered with visionary entrepreneur Luis Caviglia to create something special and unique called Ritual at Manresa, housed in the same location as the famed and beloved restaurant in Los Gatos.
Luis curates a rotating lineup of some of the best Michelin-starred chefs from around the world, each of whom completes a monthly residency at Manresa. These are impeccably crafted experiences that reflect the culture and talent each master chef brings to members of Ritual. Ritual at Manresa is a membership model, and it is definitely an investment for those who choose to participate in these unique experiences. That said, it’s far more affordable than global travel and much easier logistically for us locals.
I was fortunate to experience one of these wine-and-dinner pairings prior to the holidays, and it was truly a magical evening.
Many of the innovators and founders in Silicon Valley (and elsewhere!) that I meet are seeking unique, memorable experiences—and Ritual at Manresa is a shining example of what’s possible. I highly recommend it for individuals and couples, as well as for team-building with founders, innovators, and leaders who want to deliver a truly exceptional experience for their people.
Media Recommendations
Jacob Collier (his live show in SF & BBC doc)
Last year, I was introduced to the multi-hyphenate musical genius that is Jacob Collier. A friend recently brought me with her to see his show at Davies Hall in San Francisco, and I was completely blown away. Jacob is a young savant—a Grammy-winning English singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who creates unique, innovative, genre-defying music that has captivated and lit up audiences around the world.
He first came on the scene via YouTube during the pandemic, where he became famous for covering popular songs and recreating them in inventive ways that showcased his extraordinary talent for vocal harmonies and lush arrangements, paired with visuals that became music videos in their own right. He’s truly amazing and one of a kind.
The BBC did a short documentary on him, which I highly recommend, entitled Jacob Collier: In the Room Where It Happens. It’s a great overview of this genius.
Ripple (Netflix TV series)
A friend recommended this eight-episode drama series to me, which was just released on Netflix last month—and I loved it. The story centers on four strangers in NYC whose life experiences become intertwined following critical losses, detours, and high-stakes decisions that alter the trajectory of their lives.
As the series progresses, the viewer is drawn into the characters as we experience the ripple effects of small actions with significant impact. The storytelling and acting are first-rate. Eight episodes were not enough and left me hungry for more; I hope the show gets picked up for renewal and additional seasons. It’s a real winner.
What Happened To Your Hair (book)
Gunnar and Matthew Nelson are identical twins, sons of the late Ricky Nelson, and chart-topping performers in the early ’90s. Beyond their obvious musical talent, one of their biggest claims to fame is being part of the only family to have #1 records in three successive generations—stemming from a 100-year legacy of entertainers.
We crossed paths during my longstanding tenure as co-producer of the Pollstar Awards (concert industry), where I brought them in as presenters, and I’ve recently reconnected with them. They have always impressed me with how grounded, hard-working, approachable, and real they are as people.
They released their memoir at the end of the year entitled What Happened to Your Hair? How We Played Loud… Loved Proud… and Never Backed Down, which went to #1 on Amazon within days of its release in December. The book tells the story of their lives and careers, and the many experiences and challenges they endured—because theirs was not an easy life. They’ve worked hard for everything they’ve achieved; despite appearances, nothing was ever handed to them—quite the contrary, as you’ll discover when you read the book.
For me, it was a walk down memory lane, as they named names I knew from my own music business career.
People Say the Nicest Things…
“I had a chance to dive into your recently updated site – and wow. It’s simply stunning, and it radiates the high-touch, high-impact work you’ve always embodied. I’ve long admired your gift for helping visionaries like me, see around corners, stretch beyond our limits, and move with clarity and purpose toward what’s next.”
Rob Terry
Founder/CEO
Seafood AI & SmartCatch
I lost a dear friend just prior to the Holidays in Jeffrey Diamond. I met Jeff and his then collaborator, Michael Van Himbergen, about 30 years ago — and they have remained close friends of mine ever since (actually they’ve both been more like brothers to me, truth be told). They were both early grads of CalArts in LA, and early pioneers and innovators in the visual effects space in the 90s. When we met, they had just collaborated with Doug Trumbull on the VFX for Luxor’s launch in Vegas in the mid-90s, and together with Diane Pearlman who was EVP & GM at a major VFX studio in MA called Mass Illusions on films like: The Matrix, What Dreams May Come, Starship Troopers, Eraser, Die Hard with a Vengeance, and Judge Dredd, among others. Diane and Jeff were married and had two wonderful boys, Jake & Matt.
We all shared a passion for the convergence of tech and entertainment, and Jeff in particular showed me that it was possible to create a life of freedom as an entrepreneur, giving me the motivation to strike out on my own when it was time for me to launch my own consultancy. Jeff left us too soon – a victim of early onset Parkinson’s Disease – and I will miss him greatly.
Implications of kids graduating without financial literacy skills (not often taught in US schools)
LinkedIn.com, January 2026 – We talk a lot on LinkedIn about future skills: AI literacy, leadership, strategic thinking, resilience. And yet, when it comes to the basic economic foundation that enables all of that — financial literacy — we are failing our young people.
That’s the harsh reality echoed by thought leaders like Scott Galloway and corroborated in hard data from the Pew Research Center.
Read the entire article here: Implications of kids graduating without financial literacy skills (not often taught in US schools)
Slow Productivity: A Smarter Way to Re-Enter the World After the Holidays
LinkedIn.com, January 2026 – As the calendar turns, as we return to work, and as inboxes begin to refill, there’s an unspoken pressure to snap back into full speed.
Back-to-back meetings. Ambitious Q1 goals. The familiar hum of urgency.
But what if the most strategic way to re-enter the year isn’t by accelerating— but by moving more deliberately? This is where the concept of slow productivity becomes not just relevant, but essential.
Read the entire article here: Slow Productivity: A Smarter Way to Re-Enter the World After the Holidays
Celebrating What Matters Most
This year has certainly brought its share of ups and downs. But as we wind down another year and enter the holiday season, I hope you’ll take some time to celebrate what matters most in your life. Whether it’s your health, your family and friends, or the adventures you get to enjoy, most of us are pretty fortunate.
This is a great time to slow down and reflect on all the love and abundance in your life, and to be grateful for what’s going well. It’s a pretty crazy world these days—so take a moment to hug those who mean the most to you and count your blessings. Let’s make the new year the best yet!
Happy Holidays,
Kelli
When the Platform Buys the studio: Why Netflix-Warner Bros/HBO Changes Everything
(and Why it Was Inevitable)
Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros. & HBO isn’t just another media deal—it’s the inevitable collapse of distribution, data, and IP into a single operating system. More than a decade ago, I predicted that a streamer would eventually acquire a legacy studio—not as a bet, but as a pattern. Distribution always pulls content upstream. This moment forces new questions about power, creativity, governance, and what becomes truly scarce in the next era of entertainment.
Why Being “Different” Makes You a Stronger Board Member
(and Why the Boardroom’s Future Depends on It)
Traditional board qualifications are no longer enough. Some of today’s most valuable board members are the ones who bring unconventional backgrounds, nonlinear paths, and multidimensional perspectives. Here’s why being “different” is no longer a perceived liability – it’s the new strategic advantage for modern progressive boards.
Read the Article
Embracing Neurodivergence: The Other Side of Genius
(Why Visionary Founders, Innovators & Creatives are Wired for Breakthroughs)
The traits you once saw as flaws may in fact be the source of your genius. After decades advising visionary founders, innovators, leaders and creatives, I’ve come to see neurodivergence as the hidden engine of innovation. Here’s why it’s time we treat it as a superpower—and not a stigma.
Read the Article
Spotlight: Wand.ai
I’ve just started advising Rotem Alaluf, the Founder & CEO of Wand.ai which is the only platform for management, execution, and creation of AI agents as trusted members of your workforce. We should be excited about an agentic workforce not because it replaces humans—but because it liberates human potential at a moment when complexity, speed, and ambiguity exceed what traditional org structures can handle. Enterprises are moving from a purely human-centric model to a new hybrid, dual-workfoce model where AI agents work with people side-by-side, which results in a foundational change in how organizations operate. With this approach, AI models create productivity efficiencies, saving time and money, and minimizing or eliminating redundancies — freeing up people to focus on creativity, judgment, strategy and relationships. This is a structural competitive advantage that compunds over years. We are indeed living in exciting times rich with both innovative breakthrough technologies and emerging business models. Wand is definitely one to watch.
Media Recommendations
This is the section where I typically share what books I’ve read, or the latest movies and TV shows I’ve watched that I’m enthused about. However, these past couple of months have been quite full — and I’ve gotten behind on all of this. The TV I’ve been watching has mostly been new seasons of shows I’ve enjoyed that I’ve written about previously (and still enjoy!) like “The Morning Show”, “Somebody Feed Phil”, “Palm Royale”, “Man on the Inside”, and the Beatles Anthology. I’m always on the lookout for new media, so for a change I’m asking that you let me know what you recommend I check out; share some of your favorites with me when you have a moment.
As I was wrapping up this NSL to send out to you — a gift dropped this morning; it’s a stop-motion animated video of George Harrison’s “Give Me Love” created by Finn Wolfhard & friends — he’s one of the stars of Stranger Things and at just 22 years old is clearly a multi-hyphenate talent to watch!). The video brings to life George and his famous garden gnomes from his Friar Park home in England. Here’s what George’s son Dhani had to say about it:
Actor, director, and musician Finn Wolfhard has directed the first-ever music video for George Harrison’s beloved 1973 single “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth).” The song is a highlight from Living in the Material World, Harrison’s highly praised second solo album of original music following the dissolution of The Beatles in 1970.
On making the video, Wolfhard says, “To work with the Harrison family and bring this video to life with a team of incredible young Canadian artists has been a great honor. It’s hard to put into words how grateful I am for this opportunity. George Harrison has and will continue to be a huge inspiration to me, and his work will live on forever.
Dhani Harrison says about working with Wolfhard, “Finn is one of the sweetest and most talented people I know of his generation, and he is the perfect person to direct a video for my dad. My dad would have loved this, and I hope his wonderful creative heartfelt ideas help this song to reach another generation. Great job, Finn – we love you!.
People Say the Nicest Things…
Working with Kelli has been transformative for me. She recognized the need for a senior tech lead almost half a year before it became obvious to us — and we’re now feeling the pain of having acted a little too late. Her ability to see around corners like that has been incredibly valuable. What I especially appreciate about Kelli is her holistic approach. She doesn’t just focus on the professional side — she also helps me reflect on the personal dimensions that inevitably influence leadership decisions. Often, those two are deeply intertwined, and Kelli’s perspective helps bring clarity to both.
She’s also remarkably flexible — equally effective when working one-on-one with me (and me being not well prepared) or together with another senior leader. That adaptability makes every session productive and tailored to where we are as a team.
Finally, Kelli is outstanding when it comes to prioritization. During our Series A, she helped me stay focused on what was truly essential — making sure I didn’t take on more than what was absolutely needed to get the round across the line.
Kelli combines strategic clarity, personal insight, and a pragmatic sense of what really matters — and that’s what makes her such an exceptional advisor.
Dr. Max Gulde | CEO
constellr GmbH
www.constellr.com
When the Platform Buys the Studio: Why Netflix–Warner Bros./HBO Changes Everything (and Why It Was Inevitable)
LinkedIn.com, December 2025- Last week, Netflix announced an agreement to acquire Warner Bros.’ studio and streaming assets (including HBO/Max), a move that—if it clears regulators—would mark a structural shift in entertainment, and the most consequential “streamer buys a legacy studio” moment we’ve seen to date.
Read the entire article here: When the Platform Buys the Studio: Why Netflix–Warner Bros./HBO Changes Everything (and Why It Was Inevitable)
Why Being “Different” Makes You a Stronger Board Member (And Why the Boardroom’s Future Depends on It)
LinkedIn.com, November 2025- The Boardroom Was Built for a World That No Longer Exists
For decades, board recruitment operated like a checklist:
- Prior P&L experience
- Strong finance background
- Fortune-500 pedigree
- Linear corporate career
- Deep domain specialization
- A narrow set of industry-standard credentials
That model made sense in a slower, more predictable era—one where strategic planning spanned years, not quarters, and disruption came in the form of a new competitor, not an entire new paradigm of technology or consumer behavior.
Read the entire article here: Why Being “Different” Makes You a Stronger Board Member (And Why the Boardroom’s Future Depends on It)
Embracing Neurodivergence: The Other Side of Genius (Why Visionary Founders, Innovators & Creatives Are Wired for Breakthroughs)
LinkedIn.com, November 2025- For starters, what does “neurodivergence” mean? Neurodivergence describes people whose brains process, learn, and/or behave differently from what is considered the societal norm or “neurotypical”. This includes a range of neurological conditions and differences, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and Tourette syndrome, and is considered a natural variation in human brain function. The term is used to describe these differences without labeling them as inherently flawed. It refers to differences in how an individual’s brain works, affecting areas like social interaction, communication, learning, and attention.
Read the entire article here: Embracing Neurodivergence: The Other Side of Genius (Why Visionary Founders, Innovators & Creatives Are Wired for Breakthroughs)
Do Something Now that Your Future Self Will Thank You For
Today’s world is more chaotic than ever, and it’s moving at what feels like an ever-increasing speed with lots of moving parts. We don’t have control over much of that — but we do have more control than we think when it comes to our attitude, our habits, and the choices we make today that can affect our lives in the future.
The actions we take in the present moment can support us in creating a more empowered future for ourselves — by recognizing that today’s decisions and efforts can have a long-term impact on our well-being in many areas of our lives. This includes small habits like maintaining our homes, cars, and devices so they serve us well for longer; making healthy lifestyle choices like eating better, committing to daily movement and exercise, and getting sufficient sleep; improving our financial stability by managing spending and setting aside funds regularly for savings and investments; and bigger, more meaningful things like investing in our most important relationships with friends and loved ones — including having difficult conversations when warranted to strengthen and deepen those bonds, even when those moments are challenging.
Plan for a better future by considering your “ideal day” and what you can do starting now to bring that vision closer to reality. Take some of the baby steps outlined above — with consistency — and others I’m sure you’ll come up with that resonate with you. Don’t aim for perfection, but do start now — and embrace the journey with its ups, downs, and sidesteps. What matters most is consistent, mindful effort in the areas that are most meaningful for you today and for the long term. Believe me, your future self will appreciate all of it!
Note: This is a double issue, so it’s a bit longer than usual — thanks for indulging me. I have a lot I want to share with you!
Be Well,
Kelli
Breaking through the Cobwebs of Calcification
When one Too Many Disappointments Knocks You Out of Orbit
When you get knocked down and suffer a stretch of disappointing experiences or letdowns over time, your soul and life force can begin to harden or calcify. In this article, I discuss how to navigate through these times to regain your vitality and your compass.
Seeing Entire Universes Within a Single Idea
Collapsing Time to Accelerate Outcomes
Most people treat ideas as small sparks that might turn into something – someday, down the road. But visionary leaders know that every powerful idea already contains an entire universe within it—an ecosystem of possibilities waiting to be activated. The shift comes when you can see the whole field of potential in a single idea—and act from that place. Do that, and you collapse time. What might take years can unfold in months or weeks, sometimes even faster. The next time inspiration strikes, don’t ask “what could this become?” Instead, ask: what universe is already here now, waiting for me to step into it?
Cocooning for the Next Level
Why Visionary Leaders Must Pull Back to Reinvent and Rise During Periods of Transformation
The most visionary leaders know that real transformation doesn’t happen in the spotlight — it happens in the quiet. Here’s why pulling back, cocooning, and reimagining your identity is the secret rhythm of reinvention that precedes every major breakthrough, and propels you to greater success.
Spotlight: Athena Alliance
I’ve long dabbled with the notion of sitting on paid boards (private and/or public). Recently not one but several trusted colleagues who are on boards urged me to join Athena Alliance. It’s a prestigious community that supports leaders to build impact across the portfolio of their career — whether in the C-Suite, in the boardroom, as investors, advisors, entrepreneurs, thought leaders and more. They host curated live gatherings, virtual webinars, and provide rich educational opportunities for participants to become board ready, to elevate their careers, and to leave their mark in the way that suits them the best.
The caliber of the women I’ve met in this network so far has been really premium & prestigious; & the learnings are impactful. I’m betting that my board participation will most likely come through referrals within my network, but even early days, the insights and connections I’m getting from being a member of Athena will no doubt deliver wonderful opportunities as well.
In Memoriam
Each year the big awards shows like the Oscars and Grammys pay tribute to colleagues in the industry that we’ve lost that year. We lose great individuals in threes it seems. Just this past month, we lost three amazing individuals who i’ve always had great admiration for. Each of them was fiercely authentic and operated by their own rules. They all played full out throughout their lives and left lasting cultural legacies. I’d like to share some brief personal observations about each of these icons.
Robert Redford
I have loved Robert Redford’s work for over 50 years; I think my first exposure to him was in Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid at the theater. His magnetism and charisma was evident even to a young me, and the camaraderie he shared with Paul Newman was electric. I loved how he chose thoughtful roles that allowed him to showcase and portray a rich array of facets of his personality and character — both as an actor and as a director. Then of course taking a stand for independent films by founding the Sundance Film Festival demonstrated his versatility and conviction towards making a difference. Both of us narrowly escaped being passengers on United Airlines Flight 93 on 9-11; I always wanted to have that conversation with him about what the circumstances were for each of us — if we’d had the chance to meet, but alas I never got that opportunity.
Jane Goodall
Jane Goodall was perhaps best known for her ground-breaking research on chimpanzees in Tanzania early in her career showcasing their complex social lives and emotions, and changing the understanding of human-animal relations. I saw a film about her work when I was a child in the early 70s, and it blew my mind. I was in awe of this woman from then on. She went on to become a global advocate for environmental and animal welfare issues throughout the rest of her career. She published over 30 books, was the subject of over 40 films, and was named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II. I was fortunate to spend some quality time with her over lunch at a TED event over 25 years ago; a moment which will remain among my most cherished connections for the rest of my days. She was truly an inspiration.
Diane Keaton
I have loved Diane Keaton from her earliest roles in The Godfather and Annie Hall, on through to the Father of the Bride films, First Wives Club and Something’s Gotta Give — each time paired with powerful talented co-stars who showcased her unique gifts. She cultivated a persona where it felt like she was someone you would genuinely appreciate as a cherished friend (and I’m guessing her authenticity transcended her acting – like she was that way in real life). She also established herself as a fashion trendsetter (she created basic, timeless looks). She also had design and architectural sensibilities, and became known for renovating and restoring historic homes. She was a true renaissance woman, and her presence will be greatly missed.
Media Recommendations: Books
Detached: How to Let Go, Heal & Become Irresistible
Some of you may have heard of the concept of Attachment Theory which is an evolutionary, psychological framework that addresses how people behave in relationships based on patterns they encountered in their families of origin with caregivers. This book dives into the different types of attachment many of us have adopted as adults — to realize unhealthy patterns and behaviors, and to break cycles that may be negatively impacting or even sabotaging our most important relationships. It’s full of stories and practical tools we can adopt to stop being at the effect of other people’s approval or reactions. Also, how to start becoming more aware and mindful of what’s happening in real time, to re-connect with yourself, to pivot and to heal.
Mastering Mindful Eating: Transform Your Relationship with Food
As many of my long-term readers will appreciate, nutrition and a healthy lifestyle are topics I’ve gravitated to for years. This book focuses on overhauling your relationship with food and dialing in healthier eating habits; leaning plant-based and anti-inflammatory which increasingly are being proven to support lifestyle optimization and our goals towards healthy longevity. Whether you’re dealing with weight issues, diseases or simply a desire to improve your presence and overall wellness, this book offers a wealth of both practical approaches and mindset adjustments that can support you on your journey. It also includes roughly 30 yummy, healthy recipes (with full color pictures of each) to activate your senses and incent you to dive in.
Media Recommendations: Movies
Hung Up on a Dream
(Zombies documentary)
produced by Tom Hanks & directed by Robert Schwartzman
The Zombies were an incredibly talented, hard-working band who at one point were second only to the Beatles in their fame in the UK (during the mid-60s) but who were overlooked to a large extent by the masses. By the time their biggest commercial hit single “Time of the Season” hit #1 on the charts, the band had broken up. They were deservedly inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. This documentary showcases the highs and lows of their journey while demonstrating that despite their challenges, they continue to inspire generations of musicians even today.
People Say the Nicest Things…
“I have worked closely with Kelli for over 20 years. She is dedicated, committed and completely focused on everything she works on. She seeks to improve the quality of other people’s lives no matter what she is working on. She is a trusted colleague, a valued friend, and a reliable source for strategic information in the age of digital transformation. I’m looking forward to co-creating and collaborating with her on future endeavors.”
Dave Jaworski
Principal Program Manager, Microsoft Teams | Former CEO of PassAlong Networks
Cocooning for the Next Level: Why Visionary Leaders Must Pull Back to Reinvent and Rise During Periods of Transformation
LinkedIn.com, October 2025- The Paradox of the Visionary
Visionary leaders are often seen as unstoppable — always innovating, building, expanding. But what few understand is that sustained expansion requires intentional contraction.
Read the entire article here: Cocooning for the Next Level: Why Visionary Leaders Must Pull Back to Reinvent and Rise During Periods of Transformation
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The Compound Power of Consistency: Why the Slight Edge Always Wins
New Lenses, New Possibilities
Implications of kids graduating without financial literacy skills (not often taught in US schools)
Slow Productivity: A Smarter Way to Re-Enter the World After the Holidays
Celebrating What Matters Most
When the Platform Buys the Studio: Why Netflix–Warner Bros./HBO Changes Everything (and Why It Was Inevitable)
Do Something Now that Your Future Self Will Thank You For
Cocooning for the Next Level: Why Visionary Leaders Must Pull Back to Reinvent and Rise During Periods of Transformation
Search Resources
Topic Areas & Guests
Categories
Join our mailing list
For insights on industry trends, and for details on special projects/events. We respect your time and your privacy.
The Compound Power of Consistency: Why the Slight Edge Always Wins
LinkedIn.com, February 2026-There’s a seductive myth in our culture: That success comes from a breakthrough moment, a viral post that lands, a single brilliant move, a moonshot deal. Or even luck! But in reality? It’s almost always the result of something far less glamorous and far more powerful. In a word — Consistency. In The Slight Edge, author Jeff Olson argues that the small, seemingly insignificant actions we take daily — or neglect daily — are what compound into extraordinary outcomes over time. Not dramatic, not flashy, but decisive and almost predictable in terms of the results that accrue. Read the entire article: The Compound Power of Consistency: Why the Slight Edge Always Wins
New Lenses, New Possibilities
As long-time readers will attest, I’m all about living into “What Ifs” and possibilities. As we embark on this coming year, amid all manner of uncertainties swirling around us (many of which we can’t control), I think it’s more important than ever to look at what we can do and what inspired actions we can take that empower and embolden us. One of the things we have control over is our mind, what we focus on, our attitudes, and where we direct our attention. If I have one piece of guidance for you this year, it would be to try and have a more expansive view on our lives; consider alternatives and possibilities in all areas of our life and our work. If something is stalled or blocked, what creative ideas can you conjure up which would allow you to try another approach or path to get where you say you want to go? As one of my esteemed colleagues is fond of saying, “this is not a go it alone life.” Reach out if you’d like some support. I’m always here for you. Here’s hoping your year ahead is fulfilling for you on multiple levels. To your success. Kelli Implications of kids graduating without financial literacy skills (not often taught in U.S. schools) Our schools are preparing students for tests—but not for life. As best-selling author Scott Galloway recently underscored in his No Mercy / No Malice newsletter, and as Pew Research Center data confirms, most young adults are entering the world financially underprepared—not because they’re incapable, but because we’ve failed to teach them the basics in high school. Budgeting. Debt. Credit. Investing. Cash flow. These aren’t “nice-to-have” skills—they’re foundational to adulthood. When schools ignore financial literacy, the cost shows up later as anxiety, dependence, and delayed independence. It also appears to limit financial success over time. This article explores what’s broken, why it matters, and what must change if we want the next generation to truly thrive. Read the Article Slow Productivity: A Smarter Way to Re-Enter the World After the Holidays As we wrap up the holiday season and step back into the work world, the most effective strategy may be to take a page from our holiday pace—and embrace slowing down rather than speeding up. Doing so can better support our nervous systems while optimizing our impact in the process. In this article, I discuss the power of “Slow Productivity” and how working with greater focus and intention can actually lead to better results, while minimizing stress and burnout. Read the Article Spotlight Ritual at Manresa I have friends who are gourmands and who travel the globe eating at some of the finest restaurants in the world. While that can certainly be fun, it can also be time-consuming and expensive. Those of us in the SF Bay Area now have the reverse opportunity—to enjoy something extraordinary right in our own backyard. Legendary chef David Kinch of Manresa in Los Gatos has partnered with visionary entrepreneur Luis Caviglia to create something special and unique called Ritual at Manresa, housed in the same location as the famed and beloved restaurant in Los Gatos. Luis curates a rotating lineup of some of the best Michelin-starred chefs from around the world, each of whom completes a monthly residency at Manresa. These are impeccably crafted experiences that reflect the culture and talent each master chef brings to members of Ritual. Ritual at Manresa is a membership model, and it is definitely an investment for those who choose to participate in these unique experiences. That said, it’s far more affordable than global travel and much easier logistically for us locals. I was fortunate to experience one of these wine-and-dinner pairings prior to the holidays, and it was truly a magical evening. Many of the innovators and founders in Silicon Valley (and elsewhere!) that I meet are seeking unique, memorable experiences—and Ritual at Manresa is a shining example of what’s possible. I highly recommend it for individuals and couples, as well as for team-building with founders, innovators, and leaders who want to deliver a truly exceptional experience for their people. Media Recommendations Jacob Collier (his live show in SF & BBC doc) Last year, I was introduced to the multi-hyphenate musical genius that is Jacob Collier. A friend recently brought me with her to see his show at Davies Hall in San Francisco, and I was completely blown away. Jacob is a young savant—a Grammy-winning English singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who creates unique, innovative, genre-defying music that has captivated and lit up audiences around the world. He first came on the scene via YouTube during the pandemic, where he became famous for covering popular songs and recreating them in inventive ways that showcased his extraordinary talent for vocal harmonies and lush arrangements, paired with visuals that became music videos in their own right. He’s truly amazing and one of a kind. The BBC did a short documentary on him, which I highly recommend, entitled Jacob Collier: In the Room Where It Happens. It’s a great overview of this genius. Ripple (Netflix TV series) A friend recommended this eight-episode drama series to me, which was just released on Netflix last month—and I loved it. The story centers on four strangers in NYC whose life experiences become intertwined following critical losses, detours, and high-stakes decisions that alter the trajectory of their lives. As the series progresses, the viewer is drawn into the characters as we experience the ripple effects of small actions with significant impact. The storytelling and acting are first-rate. Eight episodes were not enough and left me hungry for more; I hope the show gets picked up for renewal and additional seasons. It’s a real winner. What Happened To Your Hair (book) Gunnar and Matthew Nelson are identical twins, sons of the late Ricky Nelson, and chart-topping performers in the early ’90s. Beyond their obvious musical talent, one of their biggest claims
Implications of kids graduating without financial literacy skills (not often taught in US schools)
LinkedIn.com, January 2026 – We talk a lot on LinkedIn about future skills: AI literacy, leadership, strategic thinking, resilience. And yet, when it comes to the basic economic foundation that enables all of that — financial literacy — we are failing our young people. That’s the harsh reality echoed by thought leaders like Scott Galloway and corroborated in hard data from the Pew Research Center. Read the entire article here: Implications of kids graduating without financial literacy skills (not often taught in US schools)
Slow Productivity: A Smarter Way to Re-Enter the World After the Holidays
LinkedIn.com, January 2026 – As the calendar turns, as we return to work, and as inboxes begin to refill, there’s an unspoken pressure to snap back into full speed. Back-to-back meetings. Ambitious Q1 goals. The familiar hum of urgency. But what if the most strategic way to re-enter the year isn’t by accelerating— but by moving more deliberately? This is where the concept of slow productivity becomes not just relevant, but essential. Read the entire article here: Slow Productivity: A Smarter Way to Re-Enter the World After the Holidays
Celebrating What Matters Most
This year has certainly brought its share of ups and downs. But as we wind down another year and enter the holiday season, I hope you’ll take some time to celebrate what matters most in your life. Whether it’s your health, your family and friends, or the adventures you get to enjoy, most of us are pretty fortunate. This is a great time to slow down and reflect on all the love and abundance in your life, and to be grateful for what’s going well. It’s a pretty crazy world these days—so take a moment to hug those who mean the most to you and count your blessings. Let’s make the new year the best yet! Happy Holidays, Kelli When the Platform Buys the studio: Why Netflix-Warner Bros/HBO Changes Everything (and Why it Was Inevitable) Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros. & HBO isn’t just another media deal—it’s the inevitable collapse of distribution, data, and IP into a single operating system. More than a decade ago, I predicted that a streamer would eventually acquire a legacy studio—not as a bet, but as a pattern. Distribution always pulls content upstream. This moment forces new questions about power, creativity, governance, and what becomes truly scarce in the next era of entertainment. Read the Article! Why Being “Different” Makes You a Stronger Board Member (and Why the Boardroom’s Future Depends on It) Traditional board qualifications are no longer enough. Some of today’s most valuable board members are the ones who bring unconventional backgrounds, nonlinear paths, and multidimensional perspectives. Here’s why being “different” is no longer a perceived liability – it’s the new strategic advantage for modern progressive boards. Read the Article Embracing Neurodivergence: The Other Side of Genius (Why Visionary Founders, Innovators & Creatives are Wired for Breakthroughs) The traits you once saw as flaws may in fact be the source of your genius. After decades advising visionary founders, innovators, leaders and creatives, I’ve come to see neurodivergence as the hidden engine of innovation. Here’s why it’s time we treat it as a superpower—and not a stigma. Read the Article Spotlight: Wand.ai I’ve just started advising Rotem Alaluf, the Founder & CEO of Wand.ai which is the only platform for management, execution, and creation of AI agents as trusted members of your workforce. We should be excited about an agentic workforce not because it replaces humans—but because it liberates human potential at a moment when complexity, speed, and ambiguity exceed what traditional org structures can handle. Enterprises are moving from a purely human-centric model to a new hybrid, dual-workfoce model where AI agents work with people side-by-side, which results in a foundational change in how organizations operate. With this approach, AI models create productivity efficiencies, saving time and money, and minimizing or eliminating redundancies — freeing up people to focus on creativity, judgment, strategy and relationships. This is a structural competitive advantage that compunds over years. We are indeed living in exciting times rich with both innovative breakthrough technologies and emerging business models. Wand is definitely one to watch. Media Recommendations This is the section where I typically share what books I’ve read, or the latest movies and TV shows I’ve watched that I’m enthused about. However, these past couple of months have been quite full — and I’ve gotten behind on all of this. The TV I’ve been watching has mostly been new seasons of shows I’ve enjoyed that I’ve written about previously (and still enjoy!) like “The Morning Show”, “Somebody Feed Phil”, “Palm Royale”, “Man on the Inside”, and the Beatles Anthology. I’m always on the lookout for new media, so for a change I’m asking that you let me know what you recommend I check out; share some of your favorites with me when you have a moment. As I was wrapping up this NSL to send out to you — a gift dropped this morning; it’s a stop-motion animated video of George Harrison’s “Give Me Love” created by Finn Wolfhard & friends — he’s one of the stars of Stranger Things and at just 22 years old is clearly a multi-hyphenate talent to watch!). The video brings to life George and his famous garden gnomes from his Friar Park home in England. Here’s what George’s son Dhani had to say about it: Actor, director, and musician Finn Wolfhard has directed the first-ever music video for George Harrison’s beloved 1973 single “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth).” The song is a highlight from Living in the Material World, Harrison’s highly praised second solo album of original music following the dissolution of The Beatles in 1970. On making the video, Wolfhard says, “To work with the Harrison family and bring this video to life with a team of incredible young Canadian artists has been a great honor. It’s hard to put into words how grateful I am for this opportunity. George Harrison has and will continue to be a huge inspiration to me, and his work will live on forever. Dhani Harrison says about working with Wolfhard, “Finn is one of the sweetest and most talented people I know of his generation, and he is the perfect person to direct a video for my dad. My dad would have loved this, and I hope his wonderful creative heartfelt ideas help this song to reach another generation. Great job, Finn – we love you!. People Say the Nicest Things… Working with Kelli has been transformative for me. She recognized the need for a senior tech lead almost half a year before it became obvious to us — and we’re now feeling the pain of having acted a little too late. Her ability to see around corners like that has been incredibly valuable. What I especially appreciate about Kelli is her holistic approach. She doesn’t just focus on the professional side — she also helps me reflect on the personal dimensions that inevitably influence leadership decisions. Often, those two are deeply intertwined, and Kelli’s perspective helps
When the Platform Buys the Studio: Why Netflix–Warner Bros./HBO Changes Everything (and Why It Was Inevitable)
LinkedIn.com, December 2025- Last week, Netflix announced an agreement to acquire Warner Bros.’ studio and streaming assets (including HBO/Max), a move that—if it clears regulators—would mark a structural shift in entertainment, and the most consequential “streamer buys a legacy studio” moment we’ve seen to date. Read the entire article here: When the Platform Buys the Studio: Why Netflix–Warner Bros./HBO Changes Everything (and Why It Was Inevitable)
Why Being “Different” Makes You a Stronger Board Member (And Why the Boardroom’s Future Depends on It)
LinkedIn.com, November 2025- The Boardroom Was Built for a World That No Longer Exists For decades, board recruitment operated like a checklist: Prior P&L experience Strong finance background Fortune-500 pedigree Linear corporate career Deep domain specialization A narrow set of industry-standard credentials That model made sense in a slower, more predictable era—one where strategic planning spanned years, not quarters, and disruption came in the form of a new competitor, not an entire new paradigm of technology or consumer behavior. Read the entire article here: Why Being “Different” Makes You a Stronger Board Member (And Why the Boardroom’s Future Depends on It)
Embracing Neurodivergence: The Other Side of Genius (Why Visionary Founders, Innovators & Creatives Are Wired for Breakthroughs)
LinkedIn.com, November 2025- For starters, what does “neurodivergence” mean? Neurodivergence describes people whose brains process, learn, and/or behave differently from what is considered the societal norm or “neurotypical”. This includes a range of neurological conditions and differences, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and Tourette syndrome, and is considered a natural variation in human brain function. The term is used to describe these differences without labeling them as inherently flawed. It refers to differences in how an individual’s brain works, affecting areas like social interaction, communication, learning, and attention. Read the entire article here: Embracing Neurodivergence: The Other Side of Genius (Why Visionary Founders, Innovators & Creatives Are Wired for Breakthroughs)
Do Something Now that Your Future Self Will Thank You For
Today’s world is more chaotic than ever, and it’s moving at what feels like an ever-increasing speed with lots of moving parts. We don’t have control over much of that — but we do have more control than we think when it comes to our attitude, our habits, and the choices we make today that can affect our lives in the future. The actions we take in the present moment can support us in creating a more empowered future for ourselves — by recognizing that today’s decisions and efforts can have a long-term impact on our well-being in many areas of our lives. This includes small habits like maintaining our homes, cars, and devices so they serve us well for longer; making healthy lifestyle choices like eating better, committing to daily movement and exercise, and getting sufficient sleep; improving our financial stability by managing spending and setting aside funds regularly for savings and investments; and bigger, more meaningful things like investing in our most important relationships with friends and loved ones — including having difficult conversations when warranted to strengthen and deepen those bonds, even when those moments are challenging. Plan for a better future by considering your “ideal day” and what you can do starting now to bring that vision closer to reality. Take some of the baby steps outlined above — with consistency — and others I’m sure you’ll come up with that resonate with you. Don’t aim for perfection, but do start now — and embrace the journey with its ups, downs, and sidesteps. What matters most is consistent, mindful effort in the areas that are most meaningful for you today and for the long term. Believe me, your future self will appreciate all of it! Note: This is a double issue, so it’s a bit longer than usual — thanks for indulging me. I have a lot I want to share with you! Be Well, Kelli Breaking through the Cobwebs of Calcification When one Too Many Disappointments Knocks You Out of Orbit When you get knocked down and suffer a stretch of disappointing experiences or letdowns over time, your soul and life force can begin to harden or calcify. In this article, I discuss how to navigate through these times to regain your vitality and your compass. Read the Article! Seeing Entire Universes Within a Single Idea Collapsing Time to Accelerate Outcomes Most people treat ideas as small sparks that might turn into something – someday, down the road. But visionary leaders know that every powerful idea already contains an entire universe within it—an ecosystem of possibilities waiting to be activated. The shift comes when you can see the whole field of potential in a single idea—and act from that place. Do that, and you collapse time. What might take years can unfold in months or weeks, sometimes even faster. The next time inspiration strikes, don’t ask “what could this become?” Instead, ask: what universe is already here now, waiting for me to step into it? Read the Article! Cocooning for the Next Level Why Visionary Leaders Must Pull Back to Reinvent and Rise During Periods of Transformation The most visionary leaders know that real transformation doesn’t happen in the spotlight — it happens in the quiet. Here’s why pulling back, cocooning, and reimagining your identity is the secret rhythm of reinvention that precedes every major breakthrough, and propels you to greater success. Read the Article! Spotlight: Athena Alliance I’ve long dabbled with the notion of sitting on paid boards (private and/or public). Recently not one but several trusted colleagues who are on boards urged me to join Athena Alliance. It’s a prestigious community that supports leaders to build impact across the portfolio of their career — whether in the C-Suite, in the boardroom, as investors, advisors, entrepreneurs, thought leaders and more. They host curated live gatherings, virtual webinars, and provide rich educational opportunities for participants to become board ready, to elevate their careers, and to leave their mark in the way that suits them the best. The caliber of the women I’ve met in this network so far has been really premium & prestigious; & the learnings are impactful. I’m betting that my board participation will most likely come through referrals within my network, but even early days, the insights and connections I’m getting from being a member of Athena will no doubt deliver wonderful opportunities as well. In Memoriam Each year the big awards shows like the Oscars and Grammys pay tribute to colleagues in the industry that we’ve lost that year. We lose great individuals in threes it seems. Just this past month, we lost three amazing individuals who i’ve always had great admiration for. Each of them was fiercely authentic and operated by their own rules. They all played full out throughout their lives and left lasting cultural legacies. I’d like to share some brief personal observations about each of these icons. Robert Redford I have loved Robert Redford’s work for over 50 years; I think my first exposure to him was in Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid at the theater. His magnetism and charisma was evident even to a young me, and the camaraderie he shared with Paul Newman was electric. I loved how he chose thoughtful roles that allowed him to showcase and portray a rich array of facets of his personality and character — both as an actor and as a director. Then of course taking a stand for independent films by founding the Sundance Film Festival demonstrated his versatility and conviction towards making a difference. Both of us narrowly escaped being passengers on United Airlines Flight 93 on 9-11; I always wanted to have that conversation with him about what the circumstances were for each of us — if we’d had the chance to meet, but alas I never got that opportunity. Jane Goodall Jane Goodall was perhaps best known for her ground-breaking research on chimpanzees in Tanzania early in her career showcasing their complex
Cocooning for the Next Level: Why Visionary Leaders Must Pull Back to Reinvent and Rise During Periods of Transformation
LinkedIn.com, October 2025- The Paradox of the Visionary Visionary leaders are often seen as unstoppable — always innovating, building, expanding. But what few understand is that sustained expansion requires intentional contraction. Read the entire article here: Cocooning for the Next Level: Why Visionary Leaders Must Pull Back to Reinvent and Rise During Periods of Transformation
Seeing Entire Universes Within a Single Idea (and collapsing time to accelerate outcomes)
LinkedIn.com, September 2025- Most people treat ideas as seeds that may or may not sprout, waiting to see if they’ll grow. But visionaries know something different: every truly potent idea already contains an entire universe within it. It is a fully formed ecosystem of possibilities, waiting for us to perceive it in its wholeness and bring it into reality. Read the entire article here: Seeing Entire Universes Within a Single Idea (and collapsing time to accelerate outcomes)
Breaking Through the Cobwebs of Calcification (when one too many disappointments knocks you out of orbit)
LinkedIn.com, August 2025 – When you get knocked down and suffer a stretch of disappointing experiences or letdowns over time, your soul and life force can begin to harden or caldify. In this article, I discuss how to navigate through these times to regain your vitality and your compass. Read the entire article here: Breaking Through the Cobwebs of Calcification (when one too many disappointments knocks you out of orbit)
Honoring Your Zone of Genius
We all have strengths, superpowers, and things we excel at that come easily to us — but we can’t always see these things ourselves. If you know yours, you’re a step ahead in life. If you don’t, ask those closest to you (your inner circle) to share what they see in you in that context. Once you gain clarity — and it truly sinks in — I believe it’s your duty to honor yourself by embracing the things you do really well, that feel natural and effortless, that you enjoy, and that create a meaningful impact on those around you. I do my best to live this way — and you know what? Life gets a lot easier and more fun when you do! Sometimes it takes a while to get there, but the impact you make and the enjoyment you get from it are well worth the effort it takes to dial this in. What are your zones of genius? Do you know? I’m curious to hear — if you’d like to share them with me. And if you don’t know, maybe I can help… Reach out here! Articles: Shifting Communication Dynamics From “What Do You Do” to “Who Are You”? I’m on a mission to eradicate the “What do you do?” question and replace it with ones that foster more human, soul-level connections from the start — beyond business norms. Maybe it’s time for a change. I share more in this article. Practicing Self-Care in Busy, Uncertain Times Tapping into Your Own Renewable Energy In today’s world of nonstop demands and competing priorities, “self-care” is often reduced to bubble baths and brief escapes. But in reality, self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s an overlooked leadership strategy and a daily survival imperative. Here are five grounded approaches to help you tap into your inner energy reservoir when everything around you feels depleted. The Analog Renaissance; Why Tangible Experiences Matter in a Digital Age Despite the pervasiveness of digital technology, some analog experiences continue to endure—retaining their meaning, significance, and purpose for a variety of reasons I explore in this article. Why VCs and PE Firms Need Trusted Advisors in Their Corner An overlooked force multiplier for founders & portfolio company success. Seasoned, trusted support can make a critical difference for founders. That’s why VCs and PE firms benefit from experienced, objective advisors like myself—partners who can help portfolio company leaders navigate challenges and avoid costly missteps. With fresh perspective, I uncover overlooked opportunities and proactively address issues before they escalate. Spotlight Innovit (Italian Innovation and Culture Hub in San Francisco) There’s a fantastic organization in San Francisco called Innovit, which brings talented innovators and founders based in Italy to the heart of Silicon Valley. In doing so, they’ve created a powerful ecosystem and cultural bridge. Each month, they spotlight founders from different industry sectors. In July, my colleague Jalaj Hora—who was curating the Fashion and Beauty cohort—invited me to participate as both a mentor and a Shark Tank-style judge for the visiting founders. I was truly impressed by the caliber of the entrepreneurs and the professionalism, vision, and impact of the Innovit team. I look forward to getting more involved with them. Media Recommendation Devo — a new documentary just released on Netflix — is an absolute must-watch for fans of the band. I first met them when they were taking off on the heels of “Whip It,” during a signing at my local Tower Records. Later, I had the chance to interact with Mark Mothersbaugh while running music at Apple, and he remains one of the most talented and authentic artists I’ve ever encountered. The documentary explores their influences, rise to fame, and the cultural impact they had on a generation. It reveals who they truly were: part visionary artists (in the broadest sense — true performance artists across media and formats), part societal catalysts who encouraged critical thinking and challenged norms, and part uniquely talented musicians who happened to ignite the zeitgeist of the early ’80s. They were never content with the status quo — quite the opposite — and they arrived at exactly the right time and place. People Say the Nicest Things… “I engaged Kelli during a pivotal time during my career, and I cannot imagine having navigated so many storms without her unwavering support and guidance. She helped me refind my conviction and “use my power” as I moved from a large corporate role to a CEO role. During each of our sessions she would offer great ideas to stay ahead of the curve and in control of my story and messaging. She pushed me further and higher than anyone I’ve ever worked with before. For anyone at a crossroads or in need of a career boost, Kelli is unparalleled. I value her real world perspective and because she comes from direct experience her advice is relevant, actionable and effective. I wouldn’t be where I am now without Kelli’s support!” Shauna McIntyre fmr CEO, Sense Photonics (Board Director, ex-Google, +)
Why VCs and PE Firms Need Trusted Advisors in Their Corner An overlooked force multiplier for founders & portfolio company success
LinkedIn.com, August 2025 – Trusted advisors offer a variety of benefits to startup founders and leaders, enabling them to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and increase their chances of success. Here’s how.
The Analog Renaissance; Why Tangible Experiences Matter in a Digital Age
LinkedIn.com, July 2025 – Analog living—whether in the form of vinyl records, handwritten notes, or film photography—isn’t just a nostalgic nod to the past. It’s a conscious rebalancing, a reminder that not everything valuable can be downloaded, scrolled through, or stored in the cloud. These analog practices offer something our digital tools often can’t: depth, texture, slowness, and intention.
Shifting Communication Dynamics From “What Do You Do” to “Who Are You”
LinkedIn.com, June 2025 – We’re overdue to shift from role-based introductions to more meaningful, soul-based connections. Here’s how.
Practicing Self-Care in Busy, Uncertain Times Tapping into Your Own Renewable Energy
LinkedIn.com, June 2025 – Here are five grounded strategies to tap into that inner energy reservoir when everything around you feels depleted.
Why It’s Important to Reinvent Yourself & Your Brand Periodically (& launch of my new site)
LinkedIn.com, May 2025 – Repositioning yourself and your brand periodically is essential because growth requires evolution—and without it, relevance, resonance, and results fade. Here’s why it matters.
Post-Vacation Exhaustion is Real: How to Re-integrate with Grace, Not Grit
LinkedIn.com, May 2025 – Reintegration was a bigger challenge than I imagined it would be. Here’s how I got back on track.
Getting your voice (and presence) out in the world with events
It’s all too easy to do business via Zoom; many of us have become accustomed to that being the primary way we work — certainly since Covid. But it’s equally important to show up, get our voices heard, and to press the flesh at live networking events as well. It’s a great way to demonstrate thought leadership, to reconnect with our communities and our colleagues, and to meet prospective new clients as well. Most of the conferences and events I participate in tend to be lumped into the Fall and Spring, and the Spring events have largely wound down by this point as we enter Summer and people are heading out on their vacation getaways. I participated in two great events this month — and am already looking forward to the ones in the Fall. Women’s Bustin’ Barriers Business Summit (led by Debra Morrison) A dozen inspirational highly accomplished women came together in fireside chats online over two days with the dynamic Debra Morrison, to share stories of how they overcame obstacles, built bridges, and persevered in achieving their dreams and professional ambitions. I was chosen by Debra to participate as one of them, and we had a lively chat sharing insights and wisdom to empower women over 50 to realize their own goals. Opal AI & Tech Investing Forum Over the course of two days, a premiere gathering of visionaries, investors, innovators and inudstry leaders came together in San Francisco to explore the future of innovation (particularly AI) and investment across multiple industry sectors including space exploration, med tech, automotive, blockchain, and many others. We discussed market trends & strategies, geopolitical influences and strategies, and networked with leading minds in private equity, venture and technology. Opal Group is a leading global event group that produces first rate events on a variety of topics aimed primarily at investing for family offices — educating them on a range of topics and introducing them to experts that they can foster meaningful relationships with (in tandem with one another). I always enjoy participating in these events, and am honored to have become part of this exceptional community. …let’s see what Summer has in store (!). I’d love to hear about any fun vacation plans you may have. Be Well, Kelli How Visionary Leaders Can Better Navigate Challenging Situations There’s no question that we’re living in turbulent times of constant change and upheaval requiring resilience and flexibility at every turn. For visionary leaders with a growth mindset, tackling hard things involves approaching challenges as gateways to new possibilities, options, and innovations. In this article, I share some tips and approaches tailored specifically for leaders who thrive on expansive thinking (including some powerful questions to ponder). Read the Article Choose Yourself First: The Shift That Changes Everything (you are not an option – why it’s time to make yourself a priority) There’s a quiet ache that many leaders, visionaries, and givers carry—often hidden behind accomplishments, outward confidence, and even stoicism. It’s the experience of feeling like an option in other people’s lives, while showing up as a constant in theirs. You won’t always be someone’s first call, first thought, or first choice. And while that might sting, it’s also the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed.Because here’s the truth: You are not here to be someone’s option. You are here to be your own priority. Read the Article Spotlight What I Do – Who I Am (Minevich post) I have struggled with the question “What Do You Do” for many years – and have even been on a mission to eradicate it (!); but it’s so firmly ingrained in our society. I honestly don’t care about how someone pays their bills, I want to know what their passion is, where the joy is in their life – and what lights them up. Yes, even from the moment I meet them. Recently, a long-time colleague, Mark Minevich (a thought leader in AI) shared his thoughts on this question — and his words resonated so loudly within me. It’s exactly what I’ve wanted to express myself forever, and he does it here so eloquently. It’s not what you do — it’s who you ARE. Brian Wilson’s passing We’ve just lost another musical genius in Brian Wilson — whose legacy is indelible, and whose talents and impact have been compared with Beethoven. The leader (and lead songwriter) behind The Beach Boys has left a rich and unique canon of songs that are timeless and light up all who hear them — for the past 60 years and will continue to far into the future as well. Brian and Paul McCartney were born just two days apart and they respected one another enormously. It’s arguable that without Pet Sounds (which inspired Paul no end) there would not have been a Sergeant Pepper’s. Paul has forever said that “God Only Knows” is “the greatest song ever written” — and that’s high praise indeed. They only played together once – in 2002 – at an Adopt-A-Minefield fundraiser that I co-produced. The two of them played a couple of songs together for the first and only time before or since; “God Only Knows” and “Let It Be” – with their respecive bands backing them. Jay Leno was the host. It was truly a magical eventing and only the 500 or so people in the room got to experience that spine-tingling experience. It was definitely a career highlgiht for me. Media Recommendations Somebody Feed Phil Netflix I’ve written about this TV show before — it’s one of my favorite series on Netflix – and I’ve been waiting eagerly for Season 8 to drop which is just did this month. I’m a big fan of Phil Rosenthal’s, and have been forever. He’s best known for his work behind the camera as the creator of the beloved series “Everybody Loves Raymond”. But he came out in front of the camera several years ago as the host of this delightful series which takes him to wonderful
Shaking Things Up – Globetrotting, New Site, and More! – A Note from Kelli
My international travels have been quite sporadic since the pandemic shut down, and I’ve been looking to ramp back up in that department over the past year or so. An opportunity presented itself last month to join five friends on a trip to Portugal and Spain, for some R&R, sightseeing in both places – and to walk for a 5-6 day portion of the Camino de Santiago (a bucket list thing for most people I know). The Camino portion was structured through Backroads Travel – and we had a fantastic time, they knocked it out of the park; I’d highly recommend working with them for any group travel adventure you may have in mind. Our time in Porto, Portugal and Madrid, Spain was our own and unstructured; we still did and saw a lot – soaked up the culture, enjoyed great food and wine, and walked a LOT. My only regret was our time there was more limited than I’d have liked. Still it was so refreshing to get out of the nest, out of my comfort zone, and soak up some global culture and adventure; it was soul-nurturing, eye-opening, and very much needed!* In the spirit of shaking things up, I also just re-launched my website since my return from that trip; it’s a brand refresh of sorts and I’m really pleased with it. If you have a site yourself, I think it’s important to fine-tune your images and messaging every few years to ensure you stay modern, fresh, current, relevant, and aligned with what matters most for your clients. The theme for my brand refresh is ‘globetrotting visionary sage’. Please drop by for a visit and dive into it when you can; take your time — I’d love to hear what you think. *(I’d also love to hear whether you have some fun travel adventures planned this year so please share if so!). Be Well, Kelli Post-Vacation Exhaustion is Real: How to Re-integrate with Grace, Not Grit Have you ever come back from your vacation in need of a vacation to recalibrate back into your normal routine? In this article I share some observations and tips to try out from my own recent experience. Read the Article Why It’s Important to Reinvent Yourself & Your Brand Periodically (& launch of my new site) A message that I share with many of my clients is the need to reinvent ourselves periodically; that includes our self-identity, and also how we position ourselves (our “brand”) in the world. Repositioning yourself and your brand periodically is essential because growth requires evolution—and without it, relevance, resonance, and results fade. Here’s why it matters. Read the Article Spotlight Val: The Val Kilmer Documentary We’re losing more of our cultural heroes these days it seems. In April we said goodbye to Val Kilmer, an actor who I had enormous respect for during his career heyday, and as well during the past decade or so that he suffered valiantly with physical decline personally. I highly recommend watching “Val,” his personal documentary and an autobiography of sorts that he released back in 2021. It’s a terrific overview of his life. I never had the pleasure of meeting Val, but he sure had a fantastic run — I’m so pleased that he was able to participate with good friend Tom Cruise in the “Top Gun: Maverick” (sequel) that came out in 2022, courtesy of AI algorithms and a text-to-speech approach enabled by a company called Sonantic, which was subsequently acquired by Spotify. Tech saved the day, and enabled a most powerful reunion between the two actors that was emotional, impactful, and was a memorable highlight of the film. Watch the Trailer Media Recommendations Adolescence Netflix A crime drama focused on a young teen accused of murdering one of his classmates, the series focuses on the events leading up to the murder. It also dives deep into the teen himself, the impact both to him and to his family, the psychological implications, as well as broader societal implications and the process of how the situation gets handled. It’s gripping, well-done – and has become one of Netflix’s most highly-rated series. Watch the Trailer Pee Wee on Himself HBO I was a big Pee Wee fan when he was on top of the world in the 80s; he had a unique sense of humor, flair, creativity, and self-expression that I resonated with greatly. I also admired what Paul Reubens achieved in creating this character that society embraced so fully for a time. However in the process, Paul allowed Pee Wee to all but subsume his persona and identity which he reflects on in this well-done documentary of an otherwise reasonably private man. The interviews were completed within a week of his passing back in July 2023; he’d been suffering from cancer for several years prior — which the filmmakers had no knowledge of. (Many years ago, Paul sent me the gift of DVDs of his Playhouse series, as well as his Christmas Special, which I will always be grateful for; I covet them even more since his passing even though I can now stream them). Watch the Trailer Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health by Casey Means, MD Regular readers of this newsletter know of my passion for optimal wellness, and my own struggles/battles with hormonal and metabolism-related issues for decades. Most of our chronic health conditions can be attributed to our metabolic function and challenges with our immune system as a result. This groundbreaking book pivots on how these issues are a direct result of how well the cells in our body create and use energy. It may be nerdy for some, but the linkages the author connects provide fresh insights and welcome information that helps explain what’s going on — and shares practical tips for how we can better manage the situation. Check out the book John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs by Ian Leslie
Choose Yourself First: The Shift That Changes Everything
LinkedIn.com, April 2025 – You are not an option – why it’s time to make yourself a priority.
How Visionary Leaders Can Better Navigate Challenging Situations
LinkedIn.com, April 2025 – Here are some tips and approaches tailored specifically for leaders who thrive on expansive thinking.
Spring is Here! A Time for Renewal and Reinvention
Spring is upon us. I don’t know about you, but I had a particularly tough time dealing with the recent time change that took place this month (if you’re in the US you can relate). It took me a full week! This policy around ‘daylight savings time’ was initially put in place around WW1 to conserve energy and reduce the need for artificial lighting. But that was over 100 years ago (!). I think this policy should be abolished, and am hoping the powers that be will align on that in due course. What’s your stance on it? I’d be curious to hear. Time change aside, Spring is a time for renewal and reinvention if ever there was a great time for that. In my case I’m upleveling my brand and will be launching a new and improved web site, as well as putting out a new eBook in short order; stay tuned for updates on both of those activities. Coming soon! Is it time for you to consider something similar? What’s calling to you to take action on in this time? Again, reach out and share what you’re pondering; I’d really love to know! Be Well, Kelli From Isolation to Connection: Overcoming the Fear of Past Failures to Cultivate Well-Being for Founders, Innovators, and Leaders The journey to success is often isolating, and for many, past failures compound this loneliness, creating anxiety, stress, and a lingering fear of repeating mistakes. But what if failure isn’t something to be feared but embraced as part of the process? What if connection, rather than isolation, is the key to sustained success and well-being? Read the article to learn more. Read the Article Revitalize Your Mind: How to Overcome Apathy & Rediscover Your Inner Brilliance As a leader, you are expected to be a source of energy, vision, and inspiration – consistently, always on. Yet, even the most driven leaders encounter moments of apathy—times when the spark dims, the passion wanes, and the weight of responsibilities feels heavier than usual. Here’s how you can break free from apathy and rediscover the energy, creativity, and vitality that spark you up and make you an extraordinary leader. Read the Article Media Recommendations Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy I admit it, I LOVE the Bridget Jones films starring Renee Zellweger; the franchise is over 20 years old, and this is the four (and allegedly final) installment in the series. In this film, we find Bridget a widow raising her two children on her own, and getting back into the dating scene as well as getting her old job back as a TV producer. If you love this series, you’ll appreciate that many of the original characters have returned for continuity. Interestingly this film franchise has a much bigger following overseas so while it’s been enjoying a theatrical run elsewhere it was only released in the US streaming to Peacock subscribers. That said I enjoyed it so much I watched it a couple of times — good fun and highly recommended! Watch the Trailer With Love, Meghan Netflix This is Meghan Sussex (nee Markle) demonstrating her passion for and expertise as a fabulous host. In this initial series of 8 30-min episodes, Meghan invites friends and notable influencer guests to a lovely country home – near the one she shares with Harry and her children in Montecito near Santa Barbara – where she shares cooking, gardening and hosting tips. I realize the series has taken some hits with critics, but I really enjoyed it — her personality and talents shine through, and it’s a lifestyle I envy (wish I had the opportunity to do more of myself!). It reminds me of a series I loved in the late 90s with a similar approach called “Next Door with Katie Brown” (look it up if you’re curious to compare them). I particularly liked the episode with the legendary Alice Waters who basically invented the Farm-to-Table movement, and clearly Meghan is a huge fan of hers as well. Apparently, Ted Sarandos at Netflix is a big fan and there is talk that the series will be renewed for a second season. Watch the Trailer Buy Back Your Time: Get Unstuck, Reclaim Your Freedom, and Build Your Empire by Dan Martell Turns out the real definition of wealth isn’t how much money you have, but how much freedom and control you have over your time! Dan is a successful serial entrepreneur and founder with several exits, and is also a renowned SaaS coach. In this book he shares insights and tips for how fellow entrepreneurs can scale their business and manage their time. He shares a broad range of practical, easy to implement tips across a broad range of situations — with a systems thinking mindset. I particularly enjoyed a couple of the last chapters in the book on dreaming big (as in having a 10X vision), and what he refers to as a “Buyback Life” with approaches like pre-planning your year ahead of time so the important things are addressed. Buy the Book People Say the Nicest Things… Working with Kelli was a transformative experience that elevated my leadership in ways I hadn’t fully tapped into before. She has a keen ability to provide insight that challenges you to think bigger and operate at your highest level. Through our work together, I gained a deeper awareness of how I could fully leverage my strengths, step into opportunities with greater intention, and lead with even more confidence. Her candid, thoughtful guidance helped me refine my approach, embrace my authenticity, and expand my perspective on what’s possible. Kelli creates an environment where open and meaningful conversations flourish, allowing for real growth and impactful shifts in mindset. She genuinely believes in the people she works with and is committed to helping them maximize their potential. Her support didn’t just reinforce the leader I already was—it helped me unlock new levels of effectiveness, clarity, and influence. I’m grateful for the experience and the lasting impact it’s
Revitalize Your Mind: How to Overcome Apathy & Rediscover Your Inner Brilliance
LinkedIn.com, March 2025 – As a leader, you’re expected to be a source of energy, vision, and inspiration. Yet, even the most driven leaders encounter moments of apathy when the weight of responsibilities feels heavier than usual. Here’s how to rediscover the energy, creativity, and vitality that spark you up and make you an extraordinary leader.
From Isolation to Connection: Overcoming the Fear of Past Failures to Cultivate Well-Being for Founders, Innovators, and Leaders
LinkedIn.com, March 2025 – I explore how leaders can move beyond fear, redefine failure, and cultivate deep, meaningful relationships that support both their personal well-being and their professional impact. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-isolation-connection-overcoming-fear-past-leaders-kelli-richards-tjuxc
The Power of True Friendships is Timeless
As a ’super-connector,’ I know a lot of people and have made a lot of friends over time through various jobs and communities I’ve been a part of — like many of us have. For years (even decades) I was pretty good at keeping in touch with most of them. However as time has passed (I’d say over the past ten years in particular), I’ve drifted away from many people who I really care about. It’s not something that I’m proud of, and I’ve made a vow to close the gap and re-sync with more of my people. I’ve realized that when someone crosses my mind, it’s important to reach out and let them know I’m thinking of them. Inevitably it means so much to them, and though time may have passed, the depth of the relationships we’ve forged remains and we pick up as if there have been no gaps. I’ve found this to hold true both for friendships and for business relationships. I was sitting in my favorite coffee shop not long ago, and when I looked up I saw one of my favorite Apple Alum – Peter Hoddie – who was one of the original engineers that developed QuickTime technology. We had an unexpected catch-up on the spot which was really delightful. I hadn’t seen him in years but as referenced above, it was as if no time had passed. More recently, I flew to San Diego for a celebration of life of a dear friend who passed unexpectedly last fall. One of my close friends from my year of doing graduate coaching training with Alan Cohen, Montie Sommers, lives in San Diego so I took the opportunity to see if she was available for brunch. We had a fantastic visit that lasted a couple of hours and really lit me up. So I guess the moral of this story is, do your best to stay in touch with your friends and colleagues; we all need people in our lives who know us, our history, who care about us – and who we care about in return. Life is short, and it’s important to retain those ties and not to let time and other distractions carry us too far apart for too long. Consider reaching out to folks who are meaningful to you when you think of them and not putting that off; that’s a great way to stay actively engaged. I’m curious if you have ways you like to keep your friends and community close to keep those ties intact; let me know! Be well, Kelli The Benefits of Having a Garden Sanctuary for Visionary Innovators and Leaders Having a garden sanctuary in your environment is more than just a luxury; it’s a soul-nourishing necessity in our fast-paced, digitally driven world. In this article, I share why creating and maintaining such a space is really essential for your well-being, creativity and alignment as a visionary innovator and leader. Read the Article Spotlight We Can Do It Women Podcast I was recently interviewed by host Debra Morrison for this podcast. The community is focused on empowering women over 50, and it pivots around the notion that it’s never too late for women to reinvent themselves and to create impact. Our discussion centered on my journey and insights around innovation and reinvention throughout your life and career. Watch the Podcast Spotlight ARK Big Ideas Report 2025 I recently watched Cathie Woods of ARK Invest do a talk on trends in innovation that are important for investors to pay attention to. Cathie is a top stock picker and founder of the $60B ARK Invest which over the years has made phenomenal returns on her investments in cutting-edge technologies. She and her team have just come out with their “Big Ideas 2025” report which is a deep-dive guide to breakthrough technologies poised to boost productivity dramatically, to revolutionize industries, and to create long-term investment opportunities. It’s a must-read report that centers on transformative change. Download the Report Media Recommendations Lonely Planet – (Netflix) One Friday night recently, I was home alone and didn’t have a clear idea of what I wanted to watch when I came across a Netflix film entitled “Lonely Planet” starting Laura Dern – I always enjoy her films. I enjoy romcoms, especially after a long work week, and as a lightweight film this looked like it would fit the bill for the evening. The film centers on a restless, somewhat reclusive novelist who attends a writer’s retreat in Morocco designed to gather together a host of prestigious authors. She runs into a younger man while at the retreat (Liam Hemsworth) — and what starts off quite casually turns into a love affair. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, and would definitely recommend it if this type of movie is what you’re after. Watch the Trailer Longevity Guidebook: How to Slow, Stop, and Reverse Aging — and NOT Die from Something Stupid Peter Diamandis is an entrepreneur, futurist and a doctor. He’s perhaps best known for being the co-founder and executive chairman of Singularity University, and the founder and chairman of the XPRIZE Foundation. I’m a big fan of his insights. In this, his latest book, he shares insights on cutting edge technologies, therapies and trends that can allow us to live healthier, longer lives. It’s a book designed to inspire you to optimize and maintain your best health to take best advantage of the transformative breakthroughs taking place rapidly in the science and medical fields. He maintains that over 70% of your potential longevity is based on your lifestyle, not your genetics, and is therefore within your control. He goes into great detail about his own health regimen and protocol, sharing his diet and exercise routines, including the 75+ pills he takes daily. Buy the Book Delivery Sensitivities for Wildfire Victims Who Lost their Homes Companies delivering packages or mail to homeowners impacted by the loss of their homes due to fire or other disasters need to
Delivery Sensitivities for Wildfire Victims Who Lost their Homes
LinkedIn.com, February 2025- Last week, the actress Mandy Moore pointed out that Amazon left a package for her in-laws on the curb of their former home that was destroyed by the recent wildfires in LA, which would have been quite obvious to the driver. Read the entire article here: Delivery Sensitivities for Wildfire Victims Who Lost their Homes
The Benefits of Having a Garden Sanctuary for Visionary Innovators and Leaders
LinkedIn, Februrary 2025 – Having a garden sanctuary in your environment is more than just a luxury—it’s a soul-nourishing necessity in our fast-paced, digitally driven world. Here’s why. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/benefits-having-garden-sanctuary-visionary-innovators-kelli-richards-wioac
The Skill of Resilience is Underrated
Just a couple of weeks ago, several regions of Southern California were hit hard by raging wildfires that came on very suddenly, as a result of 100 mph Santa Ana winds, and two of them in particular – the Palisades fire and the Eaton fire – wiped out whole towns swiftly and completely. The damage spanned over 50,000 acres, and thousands of homes and memories were lost in an instant – displacing many thousands of people and animals. Many of my friends and colleagues were among those who lost everything and it’s soul-crushing. It’s hard to imagine the devastation and the impact on those affected, but while it will take time and a lot of support, these people will get on with their lives. We’ve had these types of fires in Northern California over the past several years with similar experiences (and the Lahaina fire in Maui!) so we’ve witnessed this before. Situations like this are where humanity is tested; one thing I know for sure is that we are nothing if not resilient. On a smaller scale more personally, two of the closest people to me in my inner circle are getting ready to move to other states — and this will be a real test of my own resilience. I know we’ll remain tight, but I won’t be able to see them as often and this will most certainly be a challenge for me. I also had a scary incident during the Holidays, where a trusted vendor who has been managing my website hosting and back-end maintenance for the past several years suddenly just disappeared without a trace. My site, which is a cornerstone of my business, was down for a week as a result (thank goodness restored by the heroic efforts of my business coach who had the chops) — and it was unnerving not to be able to reach the vendor who vanished. I still have no idea what happened to her, but I’ve since found a terrific resource to replace her, and all is well for the moment. That episode required resilience for me to get through a nail-biting experience. The only thing we can count on in life is change — and sometimes there are hidden gifts we can’t see until we’re on the other side. In the case of my IT support, my new team is already adding so much more value. What are some examples in your life where resilience allowed you to prevail in challenging circumstances? I’d love to hear about them. Be well, Kelli Empathy in Action – Supporting Wildfire Victims In the wake of the recent devastating and catastrophic Palisades and Eaton wildfires in Los Angeles (similar to those we’ve suffered through in Northern California and in Lahaina, Maui), our hearts go out to the many individuals and families who have lost their homes, belongings, their lifestyles and their sense of security. Disasters like these leave a profound impact, not only on the victims but also on the broader community. Here are some ways we can lend a hand. Remember, help is needed long after it’s no longer front page news! If you’re seeing this on THURS Jan 30th, today is also the day of the FireAid Benefit Concert to support LA fire victims featuring many of the biggest artists in the business — all lending their time and talent to the cause. Read the Article The LA Fires A Note from Rob Tercek I’ve been in touch with several of my friends and colleagues in LA in the wake of the recent fires. My friend Stewart Copeland (best known perhaps as the drummer of The Police) tells me his family home and studio were spared; the fire was held back to within 700 yards of their property! And here’s a really meaningful post shared on Facebook by another long-time colleague in media and tech, Rob Tercek (photo on the left), who resides in the hills above Hollywood. Here’s what he had to share: “Today I dealt with some tasks I’ve been avoiding. Sweeping up the dust that has settled on every surface, and writing a big check for property taxes. Death and taxes. Sweeping the floor after a wildfire offers a silent moment of meditation about impermanence, fragility and human vanity. There is dust everywhere. The dust comes from ashes that fell like snow from the sky last week But these big fluffy white snowflakes are different from mountain snow, because they instantly turn to black tarry ash when they land on a flat surface. The decks and patios are filthy with grime. My grand piano usually gleams with a deep black sheen. Today it’s coated with a dull grey patina. The couches and floors, too. I am sweeping up the last remains of 10,000 houses that were incinerated a few miles away. The Santa Ana winds ensure that every house still standing in Los Angeles County will get a random distribution of the missing ones. Two weeks ago, the dust that now covers the floor and bookshelves in my house was somebody’s home and all the stuff in it: family photos and scrapbooks, childhood mementos stuffed in a box in the garage and long forgotten, now lost forever. Someone’s favorite chair, a cherished painting, a family’s beds and sheets and towels and several closets filled with clothing. Their ugly wallpaper, maybe, and their curtains and rugs. Their shoes, piled up by the back door. The contents of their kitchen cabinets, pantries and linen closets. The couch where the family watched TV. The TV, too. All gone, burned to ash. Some dude’s carefully-restored vintage Porsche that he washed and polished every Sunday. Reduced to a black skeleton and dust. The pool toys, chairs and wooden decks that surrounded a now-empty swimming pool, a black hole in a vacant yard next to a scorched chimney to mark the spot where the living room once stood. Books, paper records, and electronics, all incinerated. Some kid’s game console, Dad’s old desktop computer,
Empathy in Action – Supporting Wildfire Victims
LinkedIn.com, January 2025- In the wake of the recent devastating and catastrophic Palisades and Eaton wildfires in Los Angeles (similar to those we’ve suffered through in Northern California and in Lahaina, Maui – and the flooding of Asheville, NC), our hearts go out to the many individuals and families who have lost their homes, belongings, their lifestyles and their sense of security. Disasters like these leave a profound impact, not only on the victims but also on the broader community. Read the entire article here-Empathy in Action – Supporting Wildfire Victims
When a Key Vendor Abandons Your Business
LinkedIn.com, January 2025 – How to build a backup plan for the key parts of your enterprise. Here’s a step-by-step checklist for you to follow. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/when-key-vendor-abandons-your-business-kelli-richards-tdyrc
The Lack of Critical Thinking Skills in Today’s Society (and the impact that results)
LinkedIn.com, Dec. 2024 – The decline in critical thinking skills in today’s society is a multifaceted issue with profound implications for our future. Here’s what we can do about it. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/lack-critical-thinking-skills-todays-society-impact-results-richards-wlfdc/?trackingId=1wd4vBPZSbmPSphFlbgcBA%3D%3D
How to Perform Better Due Diligence (for investors and advisors alike)
LinkedIn.com, Nov. 2024 – Performing effective due diligence before investing in – or advising – startups requires a thorough evaluation process to understand potential risks, assess the viability of both the business model and the founders, and gauge the potential for growth, scale and impact in the marketplace. Here’s my checklist for success. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-perform-better-due-diligence-investors-advisors-alike-richards-ih9oc
The Curse of the Visionary (In Work and in Life)
LinkedIn.com, Oct. 2024 – Visionaries often see possibilities that others may not recognize, but this ability comes with several inherent challenges that can often feel like a curse. Here’s my approach to working with it. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/curse-visionary-work-life-kelli-richards-mauyc/?trackingId=T5XEc%2F3XT42qcWwaSvoqOA%3D%3D
Celebrities as Brands and Entrepreneurs (several have become billionaires outside their core focus)
LinkedIn.com, Sept. 2024 – The rise of celebrities becoming billionaires as entrepreneurs is a trend that has grown significantly in recent years – and shows no signs of slowing down. Here’s what’s happening. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/celebrities-brands-entrepreneurs-several-have-become-outside-kelli-2bwoc LinkedIn.com, Sept. 2024 – The rise of celebrities becoming billionaires as entrepreneurs is a trend that has grown significantly in recent years – and shows no signs of slowing down. Here’s what’s happening. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/celebrities-brands-entrepreneurs-several-have-become-outside-kelli-2bwoc
Why Energy Matters in Your Work & Your Wealth
LinkedIn.com, August 2024 – Energy is a fundamental aspect that impacts both work and wealth in several ways. Here’s how to maximize it. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-energy-matters-your-work-wealth-kelli-richards-dudjc
Become More of Your Real, True Self by Telling a Different Story
LinkedIn.com, July 2024 – Rewriting your story can be a transformative process that empowers you to live more authentically and fully aligned. Here are some thoughts on how. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/become-more-your-real-true-self-telling-different-story-richards-kqonc
Innovation on Overdrive: Impacts and Insights on the Accelerated Pace
LinkedIn.com, June 2024 – The speed of innovation today is significantly faster compared to where we were 100 years ago. In this article, I share relevant insights and implications. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/innovation-overdrive-impacts-insights-accelerated-pace-kelli-richards-otxjc
The Vulnerability Hangover (why embracing this type of hangover can be a game changer)
LinkedIn.com, May 2024 – Embracing vulnerability can be a transformative experience, allowing you to form deeper connections, foster personal growth, and build resilience. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/vulnerability-hangover-why-embracing-type-can-game-changer-richards-4ywsc
The Evolution of Generative AI for Music
LinkedIn.com, April 2024 – Generative AI for music might seem like it’s ‘the latest thing,’ but it’s not. What’s happening is that machine learning and computing power have finally caught up with the vision. Now there are many powerful options. Learn what they are in this article. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/evolution-generative-ai-music-kelli-richards-9wfic
Being Unreasonable Might Just Be the Most Reasonable Strategy for Innovation
LinkedIn.com, April 2024 – I’ve just returned from a gathering with Unreasonable – a hand-selected global community of entrepreneurs, successful mentors and investors who solve pressing challenges across a range of social impact categories. Here’s how it went. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/being-unreasonable-might-just-most-reasonable-kelli-richards-qmlic
What’s Important to Know about Sora AI for Creatives & Innovators
LinkedIn.com, March 2024 – How the creative community can harness the benefits of AI while minimizing its risks. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/whats-important-know-sora-ai-creatives-innovators-kelli-richards-fywbc
The Many Gifts of Sensitive Individuals
LinkedIn.com, February 2024 – Some of the brightest, most creative and innovative individuals in the world are often highly sensitive, empathic individuals who experience the world differently. Read on to learn more about the benefits of their unique gifts. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/many-gifts-sensitive-individuals-kelli-richards-xomwc
Will Concert Films See a Steady Resurgence?
LinkedIn.com, January 2024 – This would require a concerted effort from filmmakers, musicians, distributors, and marketers, all working together to create a product that resonates with audiences while leveraging the latest technological advancements. Here’s how it could happen. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/concert-films-see-steady-resurgence-kelli-richards-6y84c
WHO KNEW The Smartest People In The Room – David G. Wilson and Kelli Richards
Join me along with David Wilson for an episode chocked full of amazing stories and wisdom. I promise you will leave smarter and more inspired than when you arrived. Watch it here: https://youtu.be/5N2izMh8LXE?si=xdck8FEuJeVS79DE
Give Yourself the Gift of Downtime during the Holidays
LinkedIn.com, December 2023 – Giving ourselves the gift of downtime during the holidays is a wonderful idea – and it’s definitely do-able. Here are some practical ideas to try. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/give-yourself-gift-down-time-during-holidays-kelli-richards-5eilc
Why People Sometimes Waver When Investing in Themselves (and some ways to navigate through these blind spots)
LinkedIn.com, November 2023 – I share 10 insights that can help you break through the barriers that may be holding you back. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-people-sometimes-waver-when-investing-themselves-some-richards-jsscf/?trackingId=9YkjlzqGQZqiK7gMHEUO3Q%3D%3D
Demystifying the Creative Process
LinkedIn.com, October 2023 – Demystifying creativity involves breaking it down into its components, gaining an understanding of the underlying principles, and revealing the steps and strategies that many creative individuals often use. Here’s how. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/demystifying-creative-process-kelli-richards/?trackingId=9YkjlzqGQZqiK7gMHEUO3Q%3D%3D
Why It’s Important to Flow with Annual Business Cycles
LinkedIn.com, September 2023 – How to pay attention to the flow of annual business cycles and to align your efforts with them. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-its-important-flow-annual-business-cycles-kelli-richards/
The Costly Consequences of Making Assumptions
LinkedIn.com, August 2023 – Mistaken assumptions can lead to damaged relationships. Here’s how to bypass them through clearer communication.
The Benefits of Reading for Pleasure
LinkedIn.com, July 2023 – Reading for pleasure is not just a leisure activity; it’s a powerful tool for personal development. In this article, I list key reasons why reading for pleasure is so significant. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/benefits-reading-pleasure-kelli-richards/?trackingId=9YkjlzqGQZqiK7gMHEUO3Q%3D%3D
In Flow – Take The Path of Least Resistance
LinkedIn.com, July 2023 – You are never alone in this journey unless you choose to be.
Media Companies Have Consistently Resisted Tech (to their peril)
LinkedIn.com, May 2023 – Those who have embraced tech have been able to enjoy richer consumer engagement and new revenue streams. And for those who don’t… Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/media-companies-have-consistently-resisted-tech-peril-kelli-richards/?trackingId=9YkjlzqGQZqiK7gMHEUO3Q%3D%3D
Insights on the Explosion of AI (with a little help from some of my friends!)
LinkedIn.com, April 2023 – Tapping key visionaries to provide you with a crash course on AI for those who are eager to learn more about where it’s heading next. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/insights-explosion-ai-little-help-from-some-my-friends-kelli-richards/?trackingId=9YkjlzqGQZqiK7gMHEUO3Q%3D%3D
Serious Fun – How Millions of Kids Were Introduced to Classical Music via Cartoons
LinkedIn.com, April 2023 – There’s a real marriage of the timeless appeal of Classical music and animation that continues on which is fantastic because of how it exposes the genre to kids and remains forever cross-generational. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/serious-fun-how-millions-kids-were-introduced-music-via-richards/?trackingId=9YkjlzqGQZqiK7gMHEUO3Q%3D%3D
Steve Jobs (& other voices) Reanimated via AI
LinkedIn.com, March 2023 – Recently, there have been attempts to reanimate Steve – at least his voice – using AI-assisted technologies. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/steve-jobs-other-voices-reanimated-via-ai-kelli-richards/?trackingId=9YkjlzqGQZqiK7gMHEUO3Q%3D%3D
The New Venture Capital
On this show, I join Mona DeFrawi to talk about the new wealth creation and startup funding paradigm that is disrupting the venture capital industry. With $80T of US retail investor assets and years of dedicated SEC efforts and regulations to support capital formation and retail private market access – the Future Has Arrived!
The Many Benefits of Seeing New Possibilities
LinkedIn.com, Feb. 2023 – Having access to fresh ideas and possibilities can help to broaden your horizons, expand your thinking, and enhance your ability to adapt to change and stay relevant in a constantly evolving world. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/many-benefits-seeing-new-possibilities-kelli-richards/?trackingId=9YkjlzqGQZqiK7gMHEUO3Q%3D%3D
January Can Be a Challenging Month for Many
LinkedIn.com, Jan. 2023 – Let’s aim for a sense of wholeness in all areas of our life where the primary goals are contentment and a sense of feeling fulfilled. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/january-can-challenging-month-many-kelli-richards/?trackingId=9YkjlzqGQZqiK7gMHEUO3Q%3D%3D
Some of My Favorite Holiday Traditions
LinkedIn.com, Dec. 2022 – During this festive season, it’s a good time to celebrate and reflect upon the many gifts in our lives like great friends and colleagues. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/some-my-favorite-holiday-traditions-kelli-richards/?trackingId=9YkjlzqGQZqiK7gMHEUO3Q%3D%3D
The Waiting is the Hardest Part
LinkedIn.com, Nov. 2022 – What’s stopping you or holding you back from what you most want to manifest for yourself?
Why Apple Music as Sponsor of Super Bowl Halftime Show Makes Sense
Medium.com, Oct. 2022 – The sponsorship makes sense for Apple Music as it competes against Spotify for the most listeners. But it gets even more interesting as we dive deeper into the details Read the entire article here: https://medium.com/@kelli-richards/why-apple-music-as-sponsor-of-super-bowl-halftime-show-makes-sense-bcce3ca5e8b0
Honoring the Passing of Queen Elizabeth II: What’s Next?
Medium.com, Sept. 2022 – Time will tell how things evolve, but one thing’s for sure; a grand lady who left a major dent in the universe has passed, and a new era has begun. Read the entire article here: https://medium.com/@kelli-richards/honoring-the-passing-of-queen-elizabeth-ii-whats-next-1c7b502c7ac6
Apple Continues to Evolve as a Lifestyle Company
Medium.com, Sept. 2022 – Apple announced several new product enhancements at its annual Fall event this past week. Here’s what I saw. Read the entire article here: https://medium.com/@kelli-richards/apple-continues-to-evolve-as-a-lifestyle-company-453cef99dc95
Choose to Prioritize What Really Matters
Medium.com, August 2022 – We can choose to prioritize what matters most, and to surround ourselves with kindred spirits and loved ones; and that can make all the difference in a life well lived. Read the entire article here: https://medium.com/@kelli-richards/choose-to-prioritize-what-really-matters-fe908d855522
Celebrate the Everyday Gifts
Medium.com, July 2022 – Among life’s challenges there are everyday gifts. We just have to remember to see them. Here are a few examples. Read the entire article here: https://medium.com/@kelli-richards/celebrate-the-everyday-gifts-ef358adf504e
Breakdown Dead Ahead: The Decline of Customer Service
Medium.com, June 2022 – 63 percent of consumers said companies need to get better at listening to their feedback. I agree, and present my own real life examples. Read the entire article here: https://medium.com/@kelli-richards/breakdown-dead-ahead-the-decline-of-customer-service-c842df028862
RIP iPod
Medium.com, May 2022 – Honoring the little device with a big legacy – Apple announced it was officially ending the life cycle of one of its most iconic products — the beloved iPod. Read the entire article here: https://medium.com/@kelli-richards/rip-ipod-d997ec4e26ca
What’s Happened to Rock Music?
Medium.com, April 2022 – Most rock and metal bands make most of their revenues by performing live, but what happened to album sales? Read the entire article here: https://medium.com/@kelli-richards/whats-happened-to-rock-music-5f729269eb31
Cultivating Curiosity and Wonder
Medium.com, March 2022 – 9 Ways to Embrace Curiosity and Tap into Your Creativity Read the entire article here: https://medium.com/@kelli-richards/cultivating-curiosity-and-wonder-15caf048560a
Riding the Wave: Navigating Web3 and Music
Medium.com, Feb. 2022 – Web3 is emerging as one of the most dynamic of all the waves we’ve experienced thus far related to multimedia platforms and new forms of content creation, engagement and monetization. Here’s how. Read the entire article here: https://medium.com/@kelli-richards/riding-the-wave-navigating-web3-and-music-980a6486a05f
Cultivating Presence Matters for Leaders
A key challenge that I’ve observed in business is that many execs are struggling with the need to be present, especially at a time when many valuable employees are choosing to leave their jobs. Companies are left struggling to find great talent. As a result, it’s more important than ever to view employees as individuals, to be sensitive to their unique needs, to pay attention and to listen to them carefully, to validate them, and to honor what’s most important to them — in order to attract and retain your best people. As a leader, presence is one of the greatest skills you can master in two directions. First, it allows you to be there fully for those around you as they seek guidance and observe how you show up. And secondly, it allows you to be be yourself more fully and authentically in the moment. When you convey presence, people respond as they feel seen, heard and valued. And at the same time, you operate at peak performance levels tapping your gifts and talents in real time. Your relationships with others improve by default. Being fully present allows for richer, more meaningful connections that foster trust, credibility and loyalty because others sense you have their back and genuinely care about doing right by them. You’re fully engaged, switched on, and aren’t focused on conflicting agendas. It turns out your presence is just about the greatest gift you can give to those around you – including your employees, co-workers, shareholders, friends, family and others. During my many years at Apple, I had some great bosses. For example, I recall how meaningful it was when I announced my engagement that my supervisor at the time made a big deal out of pausing the meeting to acknowledge the news. His reaction was more that of a caring uncle vs a manager at work, and he subsequently arranged a party to celebrate this important milestone in my life. I don’t see that in the workplace much these days (or even back then); it meant a great deal to me, and it engendered even greater loyalty to him as a leader (and to the company!) than I already felt. On a personal note, I was at a family gathering awhile back; an important one — my aunt’s 80th — and I don’t get to spend a lot of time with my immediate or my extended family, so I was really looking forward to it. I’m so used to operating with my To Do list and unfinished tasks to take care of in my head. My mom had to remind me to focus on being present and in the moment. In fact, we went into a book store near the event, and she bought me a book entitled “1001 Ways to Live in the Moment.” Of course I embraced it immediately; how perfect. It was an act of grace that the book showed up at that moment and re-framed the importance of being present. As my mentor Alan Cohen is fond of saying, “you can change the world by the power of your being.” So as we power into this year, consider what you can do as a leader to be more present to your own employees and teams. What can you do to make each individual feel genuinely valued, validated and appreciated? Your presence will pay off in terms of allegiance, increased productivity, greater teamwork and increased retention. And it will go a long ways towards fostering long-term trusted relationships that may extend well beyond your current workplace and throughout your entire career.
Pay Attention When Opportunity Knocks — Embracing Serendipity
Medium.com, Jan. 2022 – How to be better prepared when opportunity knocks.
Reinvention and Transformation are Key Trends this Year
In addition to the challenges, there have also been a number of unanticipated gifts during the pandemic. The “Great Resignation,” is an example in which employees are voluntarily choosing to leave their jobs in the pursuit of a more flexible (and meaningful) lifestyle. This phenomenon was fostered as we were all tethered to our homes throughout the pandemic, and many of us realized that we had more time with our families and loved ones – and reduced stress and loss of time as a result of fewer meetings, office politics, and soul-crushing commutes. We started to realize what really mattered to each of us – and it wasn’t necessarily more material goods, but instead doing things that best used our talents and passions, and that created meaning, legacy and impact in our lives. Many of us realized that through technology we had the means of being able to work from home remotely and do just as good a job as we could have done in the office – if not better without a commute and fewer distractions. And as importantly, the reasons why many choose to leave companies is because of bad managers that don’t honor, empower and validate them as unique individuals. As a trusted advisor, this is the work I do with my clients who are often at a “what’s next” crossroads. My goal is to empower them, help them see possibilities they may not see for themselves, and transform the quality and the meaning of their lives so that they do more of what lights them up and fulfills them now — not waiting for someday — vs what others think they should do, and living with constraints imposed on them like shackles. We weren’t meant to live life that way; that’s simply a recipe for despair. Imagine instead a life of following your intuition, knowing exactly what you are meant to do in this life, and having the ability to pursue the path that’s calling to you. Imagine having a sense of direction, living life to the fullest, and playing full out on your own terms with a sense of agency and sovereignty. When people are following their passion, living their gifts and talents, and pursuing what they are called to do, they are happier, more fulfilled and operating at peak capacity, and they create a ripple effect that uplifts others in their circle by extension. So the transformation at hand is a reflection of the insights many of us came to during this period of isolation and remote work, fueled by the pandemic, which has caused us to re-assess all of these things and more. Here are a few tips to consider as you contemplate transforming aspects of your work and life: Do you enjoy what you do for work? – If not, what can you to do take steps to shift into something that’s a better fit? Do you have a clear vision for what you want your life to look like – your relationships, your work, your lifestyle, and how much you really need to have the life you envision that would bring you the most pleasure? Can you afford to make a change that would bring you greater meaning and fulfillment? If not, what steps can you take to adjust your lifestyle – from paring back on unnecessary expenses to re-locating to a more affordable location? Do you have a support network that works for you – or are you tolerating relationships that no longer serve you (professionally and/or personally)? If so, it may be time to take stock, re-assess and make changes that will ultimately create more happiness, peace of mind, and bring you greater fulfillment. Last but not least, what is it that gives your life meaning and fulfillment? How many of the things that do are in your life right now today, and what can you do to manifest more of the things you envision? Starting creating and living your legacy today. Reinventing and transforming your life can be challenging, yet at the same time the rewards are well worth whatever transitions you go through to craft a life that empowers and lights you up on all fronts. That’s something worth paying attention to this year!
The Importance of Continuously Reinventing and Innovating with Kelli Richards
In this episode, Annemarie Cross speaks with Kelli Richards to explain why you need to innovate and reinvent within your personal life and business. She highlights how visionaries pave the way for industry trends and how we should navigate them. Kelli also delves into finding success as a woman in male-dominated industries. Then, she speaks about how working with a trusted advisor can help you accelerate your vision.
The Benefits of Living Your Life on Purpose
Medium.com, Nov. 2021 – Many people equate success with the amount of wealth they have created, the status they’ve achieved, or the material trappings that demonstrate to the world that they’ve “made it”. But is that really how success should be measured?
The Lost Art of Following Up
Medium.com, Oct. 2021 – There’s an old saying in business that goes “the fortune is in the follow up”. Whether you’re talking about business or even in personal and social situations, the dynamic holds true.
10 Years After: Honoring the Legacy of Steve Jobs
Medium.com, Oct. 2021 – Steve’s legacy and impact spans multiple industries and categories. Here are my thoughts 10 years after his passing.
Reflections on the Importance of Sleep & Rest
Medium.com, Sept. 2021 – According to the CDC, 1 in 3 of us don’t get enough sleep on a regular basis. But we can change that! And in this post I explain how. Read the entire article here: https://medium.com/@kelli-richards/reflections-on-the-importance-of-sleep-rest-dd93f74070a0
Podcasting as an Arrow in Your Quiver
Medium.com, Aug. 2021 – Podcasting is the new blogging — everybody’s doing it, especially thought leaders. If you do it well, you could see a real impact for you and your business. Here are some tips to get your show headed in the right direction. Read the entire article here: https://medium.com/@kelli-richards/podcasting-as-an-arrow-in-your-quiver-2bb7213850ac
Bridging the Gap — Human & AI Voice Synthesis in Speech and Music
Medium.com, Aug. 2021 – A brief history of voice synthesis and how it migrated from a military technology to one that has infiltrated music and that many artists have embraced to enhance their performances. Plus, a heartwarming Val Kilmer story. Read the entire article here: https://medium.com/@kelli-richards/bridging-the-gap-human-ai-voice-synthesis-in-speech-and-music-8b30f78a496a
The Power of Intention in Manifestation
Medium.com, July 2021 – When you ask for what you want, be prepared to receive it. Do you realize you have the power to create a reality for your life that lights you up and fulfills you at a deep level? Read the entire article here: https://medium.com/@kelli-richards/the-power-of-intention-in-manifestation-1172aeb8daf6
Kelli on Finding your North Star with Finbar O’Hanlon
One of my creative tech genius friends is Finbar O’Hanlon who is a composer, musician, polymath, inventor and entrepreneur based in Australia. He also holds over a dozen patents for inventions in science and technology relating to video and audio. He recently invited me to be a guest on his YouTube podcast he calls “Raiders of the Lost Art”; my episode is entitled “A Conversation with The Starmaker: Kelli Richards.” It’s a wonderful conversation that I think you will enjoy.
Kelli Interviews Miles Copeland!
I sat down with Miles Copeland, former manager of The Police and founder of I.R.S. Records that produced R.E.M., The Bangles, Berlin, Dead Kennedys, The Go-Go’s, and others, for this terrific interview filled with lots of insights about the music business. This is one conversation you’ll want to watch!
3 Tips for Success with Word of Mouth Referrals in a Hyperconnected World
Medium.com, July 2021 – Dive into the realm of human connection and value, and you’ll experience exponential returns in your professional relationships and your business growth. Read the entire article here: https://medium.com/@kelli-richards/3-tips-for-success-with-word-of-mouth-referrals-in-a-hyperconnected-world-f7c13360dbf6
Life Beyond Labels
Bust through Barriers, Move Past Mediocrity, and Embrace Your Creativity as a Result! Beyond the pandemic that has affected us across the globe externally, there is an equally insidious epidemic that has happened to many of us internally that is not widely discussed but which can be just as crippling – and for far more than a couple of years; for many of us it’s something that if not addressed consciously and mindfully can affect us for our whole life. I’m talking about the impact of imprinting and conditioning that starts when we’re small and builds over time. Simply put, the effect of others labeling us – and ultimately labeling ourselves – without regard to the often crippling consequences. No Surgeon General’s Warning You know how on packs of cigarettes there used to be a warning about how smoking cigarettes could be harmful to your health (duh!)? Well, unfortunately, there’s no such warning about the impact of imposing (nearly always false!) labels on others and ourselves – I wish there were! Did anyone ever tell you that you weren’t good enough at something? Or that you’d never amount to anything? Or that you weren’t smart enough? Or that you weren’t creative? That kind of labeling starts when we’re young, and it can leave a lasting, lingering imprint if we don’t address it. By contrast, when we have parents, relatives and teachers who encourage our individual gifts and talents, we’re far more likely to thrive – in school, at work and in life! An avid reader as a child (and something of a loner inherently), I was told I wasn’t good at sports and should stay focused on my intellectual side. As a result, I never engaged in team sports and didn’t pursue athletics in any way other than as an observer. No surprise, when people were chosen for sports teams in school, I was always among the last to be picked. Though my mom encouraged my sister and me to engage in arts and crafts. Though I actually won awards for my projects, my sister was dubbed “the artistic one,” and me “the intellectual.” When John Lennon was five, at school his teacher asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up. He wrote down “Happy.” She told him he didn’t understand the assignment, and he told her that she didn’t understand life. Wise beyond his years even then at five years old! More recently my friend rocker Paul Stanley of KISS recently observed something similar. A mother tweeted how her six-year-old daughter painted an amazing scene in an after-school art club and the art teacher told her she’d done it wrong. She was so upset as art was her favorite thing to do. Paul was mortified. He responded to the child through her mother, “your art is AWESOME!! There is no such thing as doing art ‘wrong.’ There are only teachers who are wrong! Keep doing exactly what you’re doing; I LOVE it!” How about you? What labels have you carried throughout your life, and how have they impacted how you saw and interacted with the world in terms of barriers or constraints? Busting Through (Usually False) Labels Is Liberating As a result of growing up and living these false labels, we adopt belief systems about who we are and what we are and aren’t capable of. And we diminish our capabilities, hold ourselves back, and limit our life circumstances – all because of things others said that we took on as being true about us. When you realize that you are not the labels others have imposed on you, you can free yourself to take back your power and choose to see yourself differently. When you see that those were just belief systems that no longer serve you (and never did – and weren’t even true!), you are free to take on whatever is calling to you to be and do now. For example, you’re being led to take up painting (maybe for the first time ever) – but you’ve held that you weren’t creative all your life – try taking a class and dabbling in it; wade in and prove that in fact that believe was a lie. One highly effective tool to begin breaking loose these old beliefs and thought patterns about ourselves is to question the truth about them. Byron Katie is an author and speaker who teaches a method of self-inquiry known as “The Work” (and has published books and courses on this approach). Effectively it encourages us with four powerful but simple questions to address stressful beliefs, anxieties, and assumptions that may have held us in their grip for years and gently moves us to self-evaluate whether these are really true – and to re-frame new possibilities that are likely to be more positive and freeing allowing us to move forward in our lives with peace and ease. What Might Be Possible if You Embrace the Label of “Creator” (Get Curious) A colleague of mine, Steve Chandler, is an inspiring coach and author. One of my favorite books of his addresses this topic head-on – and it’s simply called “Creator” (I highly recommend it). Can you see how powerful it can be to make some time for introspection to consider where you may have held yourself back by living old beliefs, labels, and limitations that others (or you yourself) have imposed on you that have resulted in you playing small or holding yourself back in life? Can you also see the promise and potential in terms of what’s possible in your life when you shift out of those debilitating mindsets? I hope you’ll make the time and effort to get curious, take a closer look and evaluate this for yourself. You owe it to yourself and to those you love to take the reins of your life, embrace the truth about your gifts and talents and who you really are, and plot a truly empowered course from here forward. I’d love
Mastering the Art of Celebrity Wrangling
Medium.com, June 2021. From Seinfeld to Jason Momoa, from Lady Gaga to Gwen Stefani… How to engage the right celebrity for your event. Read the entire article here: https://medium.com/@kelli-richards/mastering-the-art-of-celebrity-wrangling-fd5f11d81798
What Do You Long to Resume Post-Pandemic?
Medium.com, June 2021. Some thoughts as I walk into the light of day… Read the entire article here: https://kelli-richards.medium.com/what-do-you-long-to-resume-post-pandemic-bdb35c3ad006
When You’re at a Fork in The Road; Re-inventing Your Life and Legacy
Medium.com, May 2021. When the Magic Question is: What’s Next? (Reinventing Your Life Around Your Values, Passion and What Matters Most as Your Legacy). Read the entire article here: https://medium.com/@kelli-richards/when-youre-at-a-fork-in-the-road-re-inventing-your-life-and-legacy-db044f71bf3c
A Treasure Trove Series for Beatle Lovers
Medium.com, May 2021. Beatleologist Scott Freiman has archived all manner of photos, video clips, and other rare and unique Beatle memorabilia. Here’s more about it! Read the entire article here: https://medium.com/@kelli-richards/a-treasure-trove-series-for-beatle-lovers-61aed23dd0ba
Sharkpreneur Podcast with Seth Greene & Kevin Harrington
I was Seth’s guest on the June 7th show. It’s a brief and punchy podcast that was a lot of fun to do. You can listen to it here. I think you’ll like it!
Forget Your Troubles, Come On Get Happy
Over the past year, since the pandemic and subsequent shut-downs have up-ended our world, there have been many things to worry about (legitimately). That said worrying is most often a complete waste of time and energy. It doesn’t solve the issues we’re faced with. Clear thinking and focused action solve problems. Worry and anxiety simply mask our thinking (like a Band-Aid) and drain us of vital energy when we could be applying our minds towards tangible solutions. Here are a few tips to support you in reducing your worries and embracing your life. Take a Closer Look The next time anxiety strikes and you feel overwhelmed or paralyzed, the best thing to do is to slow down and pause to stop the monkey mind that goes on in your brain. With just a brief break in the action and a deep breath, you can regain your composure, reflect on the situation objectively, and identify possible options to address it. You can reach out for support from trusted others around you as desired to provide you with much-needed perspective and insights. From there, map out your worry about the situation in detail—and jot down at least three alternate courses of action you could take to address it. Options demonstrate there are several ways you can look at what’s going on, that you have choices, they can support your confidence, and provide you with the realization that you have more control over the situation than you first thought. It’s all about how you react. By giving yourself a temporary pause, writing down and reflecting on the cause of your anxiety, you gain emotional distance. From there you can more objectively evaluate your options and which one feels like the best course of action in the moment. The more action you take, the more your worries fade away and the better your feel. Accept the Worst-Case Scenario When you break down your fears and get to the essence of what’s creating your anxiety, you come to the worst-case scenario around a given situation. At that point, you can see whether you could accept that scenario (the answer is usually yes if you get creative with options), and you can also evaluate objectively the likelihood of that worst-case outcome really taking place. Most often the reality is that it won’t happen, and if it did, that you’d be equipped to handle it. For example, let’s say that you or your spouse gets laid off from your job unexpectedly. That’s a big fear that many people have! Typically either you have some emergency savings set aside in a rainy day fund and/or you’ll have some form of severance (and unemployment pay) and/or one of you is still bringing in an income. Reducing your spending while the person out of work seeks a new job is often quite helpful—and you find that you may have been overspending on things that you didn’t really need to, which in itself can lead to better habits moving forward. You probably wouldn’t lose your house, and if you did then what? You may be able to move in with family or friends temporarily (or rent a place) until you got back on your feet financially. Would these be challenging options to have to deal with? Yes, but you would survive what undoubtedly would be a reasonably temporary situation. If you had to start over you could. Knowing that you could survive your worst-case scenario provides you with a sense of calm, confidence, and peace of mind allowing you to take action and forge ahead. Contain And Address Your Concerns The best way to address your concerns (assuming they are valid versus your mind running amok) is to take focused action to move through them. When you can compartmentalize the situation at hand that’s got you in its grip, you can take the actions that are yours to take—and then get on with the rest of your life. Whatever’s causing the anxiety doesn’t need to paralyze you and your whole world as long as you’re taking productive steps toward resolving your concerns. Again, this is where having a great support system and people in your inner circle that you can talk through options with can be instrumental in helping you get through trying times and unexpected challenges. They can support you emotionally and mentally to re-frame your reality, provide perspective, and often come up with creative options and solutions you may not have thought of in the heat of the moment when you’re too close to the situation at hand. You’ve Got This When something shakes up your world, give yourself the gift of a “time out” to pause, reflect and address the situation with calm, objectivity and support. That in itself should provide some much-needed relief. Keep breathing and keep the faith. When you trust yourself and come from a position of agency and composure knowing you can take care of virtually any situation (and manage your anxiety when it arises), you can often right the ship by identifying solutions and specific actions you can take to handle whatever is going on in your life. Remember that when you take care of today, tomorrow takes care of itself. No matter what, you’ve got this!
My SPITR i’view with Lee Abrams, Legend/Visionary/Architect of Media Evolution
The video podcast series “Who Knew – Smartest People in the Room” continues to deliver a range of terrific fireside chats with leaders in music/tech sharing their experiences and insights that have (and continue to) shape the space over time. I’m a guest host for the series, and recently enjoyed a wonderful conversation with Lee Abrams on media evolution.
The Lost Art of Being HONORABLE
Doing Right By Ourselves and Others as a Mindful Practice Many of us were raised with the edict of “The Golden Rule.” You remember that one, don’t you? Essentially “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It seems to me people used to treat each other with more kindness and respect, with an intent to honor their commitments to one another, and to lift each other up with an eye towards improving and enhancing each other’s lives. Was that some utopian vision of yore? I don’t think so. But in recent times it appears those social mores have gone by the boards to a certain extent – and I’m hoping that as conscious individuals many of us will do what we can to restore them in our daily rounds and interactions with others. Because to do so is a sign of embracing our humanity and empathy and is something we are in control of. What it Means to be Honorable and Why it Matters Another timeless saying in our society is “your word is your bond.” The implication is that we act with honor and integrity and that when we make a commitment to someone or something, we follow-through and do what we say we’re going to. People can count on us; we are accountable. And again, that seems to be something that is more the exception than the norm. We need to be able to count on each other in life and in business; it’s how we make our decisions about who to be in a relationship with – in our choices of partners, friends, and in our business colleagues, bosses and the businesses and organizations we choose to engage with. When people behave honorably and honor their word, that’s when trust develops. Without it, at best we become cynical and operate at arm’s length with others – and life can become a long slow trod through enemy territory where we have to be on our guard at every corner. By contrast, when we engage with people who are honorable (and we are ourselves), we can relax and be our authentic selves, do our best work, and have an impact in creating the type of society and communities we choose to live in, a world where we have each others’ backs, and where we can count on each others’ support. That’s the type of role model we seek to create as an influence on our children and future generations. In this orientation, we can truly thrive. How Being Honorable Makes a Difference for Ourselves and Others There are many facets of how this looks and plays out – many examples beyond what we can cover in this brief article. One is transparency in business. Are we authentic and straightforward with our partners, colleagues, clients and shareholders in good times and bad, even when things have gone awry? Another is practicing kindness to others. Instead of bemoaning that a homeless person comes into an outdoor dining area with their shopping cart and sits among you and your fellow diners – do you chastise them and wish they would leave, or do you pick up the tab for their meal realizing one act of kindness can have a ripple effect to relieve someone’s misery and an otherwise challenging existence? And of course, there is being honorable to yourself. When you make a commitment to improve your own health and well-being, do you do what you said you were going to do in terms of regular exercise, eating healthy food, and practicing other self-care habits that can get you there, or do you succumb to self-sabotaging habits that contributed to the state you’re in that you’re seeking to shift out of? These are all things that can not only improve our own condition and that of our society (one act and mindful commitment at a time) – but that have a ripple effect on those we engage with. And the best news is that we’re in full control of behaving honorably many times in a given day. Ideas to Improve Being Honorable as Part of a Mindful Practice *When you make a commitment to yourself and others, show up and take action, and do what you said you would do (simple as that). If you can’t or you’ve changed your mind, choose again, recommit to your new direction, and let others know what they CAN count on you for. *Be authentic and transparent – that’s honoring in and of itself. If a mistake gets made or circumstances change and you can’t honor your original intention – let those around you know, take ownership and responsibility, and share what you are willing to do from here forward. Don’t disappear, “ghost” others, and retreat – that’s cowardly and makes problems worse. *Adopt a mindset of kindness and do what you can to support the well- being and success of others when you can. It can be simple gestures like smiling and waving at others, lending an ear or a shoulder to someone who’s having a challenging time, or something more complex like making a referral or writing a check when you can that has the potential to make a real difference in someone’s life. You’re literally investing in someone else’s success and paying it forward. What would life be like if more of us chose to behave this way on an ongoing basis? We don’t have control of a lot in this complex world – especially in times of challenge and chaos as we’ve been enduring with the pandemic and other global circumstances of late, but we DO have control over how we treat ourselves, and how we interact with others – which with daily practice and intent can have a ripple effect in creating the type of society and world we choose to inhabit. What are you doing to practice being honorable? I’d really be interested to know.
A Tale of Two Rockers Embracing Soul Roots
Medium.com, March 2021. How Paul Stanley and Todd Rundgren are stepping out of their best-known “lanes” to showcase their musical talents cross-genre. Here’s a look at each of their soul-infused projects, and why you may want to tune in. Read the entire article here: https://medium.com/@kelli-richards/a-tale-of-two-rockers-embracing-soul-roots-ecf4fc214567
My SPITR interview with Jacquelle Horton, CEO of Fave
In this podcast interview, Kelli chats with Jacquelle Horton, a former Product Manager at Google and YouTube, who is currently Founder/CEO of Fave (which was the 2020 ‘Startup of the Year’ in music tech), and was also named to the Forbes 30 Under 30.
The Magic of Asking for What You Want
Do you believe you can have virtually anything you want? I do. We all have a magic wand that can help us achieve our desires, but we forget that we do and overlook the power at our disposal to dramatically increase the odds of having what we say we most want in our lives. We simply need to make requests of others and ASK for what we want. That’s the big secret and the big opportunity. I’m often asked about my experience in having Steve Jobs as a mentor for many years — and how that came about. We both grew up in the same town (Cupertino, CA) in what would become known as Silicon Valley; Steve was seven years older than I. When I was in high school, I was a member of a group called Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and we were challenged with approaching someone in business who we admired to ask if they’d be open to mentoring us. I chose Steve because I saw his genius early on (even at my young age) and was fascinated by Apple as the Wonka factory in my own backyard. I approached him at one of a couple of favorite healthy restaurants in town that I’d see him at periodically when I went out with my Mom.
Nine Steps to Making Change Easier
Los Altos Hills Living, February 2021. Change doesn’t have to be hard; here are some tips to make it a smoother process. Read the entire article here: https://kellirichards.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/KR-article_LAH-Mag_February2021.pdf
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