Since my Mom died (see “My Mother and Her Shoe Boxes”), holidays can be a bummer, frankly. Since my Mom died, I anticipate my birthday with dread, honestly. Family events highlight her absence. By way of background, my mother and I were very similar personality types: extroverts, who like to joke and make things happen.
Veterans Day and Yale’s Memorial Hall
I met a WWII veteran a few days ago. He is J. Kenneth Brody, Yale ’44. I met him only briefly, but heard a lot about him from a family member. He hurried up his studies in order to serve. He joined the Navy and then served in three theaters of battle. He was at
The Yale Whiffenpoofs
A white-knuckle drive through a snow storm. Car accidents. A winter wonderland. The Yale Whiffenpoofs. That was a day in my life. I went back for my college’s annual alumni assembly. It was my first time to this event, as I was asked only recently to represent my class. Man, what a tough drive over.
Thoughts on the Election
Whether your side won or lost last night, there’s one conclusion that is clear: the U.S. is a different country now. The politics of the day used to revolve around winning the “white” vote. Well, Romney carried that vote, and he lost. Women and minorities pushed Obama over the magic 270 Electoral number. In other
When Big Companies Choke
Big Companies struggle to take risk and manage for the long term. Many choke. I know that sounds like a sweeping statement. Admittedly, it is. But, I’ve seen various situations over and over, and that’s my conclusion. The latest example happened last week. An entrepreneur called with an update. A very Large and Known Public
“Making Partner” at a VC Firm
I read recently about another venture capital investor switching firms. I don’t know the specifics behind that move. But, I do think more career moves like this will be commonplace. It’s a stark change from what VC used to be. When I joined the business in the late-1990s, VC firms promoted partners from within. In other