For those who prefer to think rather than be told, weekly messages crafted to spur thought, broaden perspective, and foster growth.
Be prepared to reexamine your views on subjects like hypocrisy, generosity, fear, forgiveness, sex, faith, and any other area warranting sincere reflection.
Founder, Purpose Tea
There have been so many times Richard's words...have gotten me through the toughest days along this entrepreneurial journey. If you're looking for weekly inspiration, sign up for 52 Steps Forward. You'll thank me later!
Founder, curiate
Richard crafts a rare combination of gentle, purposeful, meaningful, and incisive thought within each of these pages. I'm left not only with different ways of looking at things, but with means to be a better me.
COO, Blount Fine Foods
Richard’s subject matter and writing style are the perfect combination to provoke and inspire new ways of thinking. I encourage you to read 52 Steps Forward so you can become similarly inspired.
Everything Wrong with Me Today’s message is not merely a confession; I invite you into the conversation by interjecting questions requiring self-reflection. Usually, I would not drag someone else down with me, but “Sam” was my able accomplice. Fortunately, he is good-natured and open to sharing this experience to help others. His presence also illustrates I am not alone in
The Groundwork Just writing the title gives me anxiety, as the word “pulpit” has a potentially negative connotation and can trigger a defensive reaction. I hope you trust me enough to hear (read) me out. I do not approach this subject with any moral or religious authority. I have not been perfect (sometimes not even good), am not currently perfect,
And Hate Them All? Examples Abound It is the racist White guy who truthfully has Black friends. It is Bob who announced during bible study that he hates White people. While I am confident his proclamation does not apply to me, I accept his words and believe he generally dislikes White people. It was the Nazi in charge of deporting
Here are the “Receipts” Mentees secure the most significant value and express the greatest appreciation of mentorship through their actions. Respectfully listen and carefully consider the information provided or discovered, use what you believe is valuable, and disregard the parts you think are inapplicable or incorrect. Mentors do not expect to be followed like an orchestra conductor but will lose
How to Work It Mentees, resist the temptation to implore, “Just give me the answer!” Outside of specific subject matter expertise or in perilous circumstances requiring a strong hand, mentors should not even recommend a course of action. You are not a child needing or seeking parental instruction. There are practical reasons for not feeding you an answer. First, history
Hiding in Plain Sight You can cast a wider net since specific subject matter expertise or a close personal relationship is not required. A mentor may be a member of your cycling group, a former business colleague, a fellow supporter of your favorite charity, etc. A mentor is not a prospective client, as the possibility of a business relationship unavoidably
Everything Wrong with Me Today’s message is not merely a
The Groundwork Just writing the title gives me anxiety, as
Here are the “Receipts” Mentees secure the most significant value
Susan O’Brien
Founder, Hail Merry