Monthly Archives: October 2011

Make a difference.

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Making a difference.  That’s what it’s all about.  That’s why we’re here.  It’s not to make money.  It’s not to amass power or might.  It’s not to achieve celebrity.  Each of us, no matter where we live, have a responsibility to make a difference in this world… to make it better, to make it nicer, to make it more sustainable, to make it more enjoyable.

I just came from the Richard J. Currie Center at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, Canada.  Today was its grand opening.  It is a beautiful, state-of-the-art athletic and convocation facility that is among the best in North America.  And it is thanks to UNB’s Chancellor, Dr. Richard Currie, a Canadian business icon, who generously donated approximately $20 million towards its construction.

Few of us can afford to make these types of financial donations.  But everyone has the ability to give time, give energy, give passion, and do things that truly can have an impact on someone else.  When someone says something as simple as “thank you”… that leaves an impression.  It leaves a mark.  The recipient feels good.  When someone holds open a door, offers a seat on a crowded bus, teaches or coaches our kids, opens a business, or fights for a cause… each of these leaves a mark… makes a difference.

We each have a duty to leave our mark.  We each have it in us.

So what are you doing to make a difference…  To leave your mark?

Steve Jobs 1955-2011

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October 5, 2011.

This is a sad day in the history of business, of technology, of consumer products, of innovation, of popular culture, and of life.

I never met Steve Jobs.  Never even came close to having a chance to meet him.  In fact, I’m pretty sure I do not know anyone personally who met Steve.  But I admired him.  And damn, did he ever give us so many amazing new ways to enjoy life and connect with each other.  That is what Apple has been all about.

Last year, I was searching for inspiration for a strategy I was developing for a client and I came across the legendary commencement address that Steve Jobs gave at Stanford in 2005.  I shared this in a post about a year ago (here).  In his speech, he talked about how “it’s impossible to connect the dots in your life when looking forward… and that you can only do it when looking backward.  And that you have to trust that somehow the dots in your life will connect… and trusting in that makes all the difference…” I think of those words often… of the importance of trusting that things will work out, that the dots will connect.  Yes, hard work and commitment are critical but in the end, so much is about “belief”… in what could be.  Imagine if Steve had not believed in what could be… for us.

Macintosh.  Pixar.  iPod.  iPhone.  iPad.

Another one of his quotes, which I have had written on my white board for… 3 years I think.  “Do you want to make sugar water for the rest of your life or do you want to come with me and change the world?”  It is said that Steve asked this question while interviewing a prospective executive from Pepsi.  I have no idea if it really happened and I don’t really care… ’cause damn straight… I want to change the world!  I haven’t yet… someday…

It is certain that the business world has lost a giant, silicon valley has lost a friend and colleague, and that Apple has lost a dear member of its family.  I offer my deepest sympathies to those who knew Steve and say “thank you” for what he created for all of us.

(written on my Mac)