Wisdom can be found most anywhere, if you just look. Particularly so if you’re like me, and revel in the unexpected linkages between all sorts of things. Not long ago I was doing some research on an area nonprofit, which…
The Fine Art of Surfacing Data
One of my roles as a “management consultant who happens to do tech” is to go into organizations and look for ways in which things can be streamlined and make information more accessible. Organizations of all stripes struggle with this,…
Watching the Detectives
As what some would call a “serial entrepreneur,” I have a soft spot in my heart for small businesses and those fledglings just leaving the nest. Armed with great ideas or better approaches, it’s an exciting time, and I get…
Getting comfy with parallel universes
When Albert Einstein’s dear friend Michele Besso died, Einstein wrote the following to his sister: “Michele has left this strange world a little before me. This means nothing. People like us, who believe in physics, know that the distinction between…
An uncomfortable book hits too close to home
The CEO (and CIO, and VP of IT) have resigned. The board president/former CEO has come back from retirement, to quell any potential stockholder revolt. In the last month, stock prices have fallen 30%. A Mid-level IT Operations Director has…
In Praise of Regular Maintenance
Confession Time: I’m not a very good flosser. Over the years, several dentists in several states have gently (and not so gently) encouraged me to be better. I go through periods of being good, then backslide into my regular, wicked…
Vacation, all I ever wanted…
July 25, 2022 Our family vacations always do multiple duties. For example, over the years with summer camps and activities, it never fails that in spite of our intentions we’re always either en route to vacation on my birthday or…
Think Different
April 21, 2022 “Scott Zarrow had a library.” So began Rabbi Marc Fitzerman’s eulogy of Scott Zarrow, a former client and philanthropist who became a friend, whom I think about often. Scott called me up one day after he finished…
Green Thoughts
For the past 6 months or so, I’ve been riding shotgun for my daughter while she does her state-required 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving practice before getting her license. Recently, when accelerating from a stop sign she said “Vrroom-vrrroom.” I…
IT Makeover
It’s no surprise to say that for most of their 30-year existence, IT departments have not been held in high regard. Organizations grow over time based on perceived need. Every startup or small business I’ve ever known added a bookkeeper…