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This is for all the storytelling/science fiction/organization behavior nerds. Warning – if you aren’t caught up on Game Of Thrones and the Battle of Winterfell, the following contains spoilers. You won’t be warned again. Studying organizational psychology, you see a lot of patterns repeat, in books, in stories and life. It makes sense, we’re all human and our programming is pretty similar. The ending of the Battle of Winterfell got me thinking about a current pattern I’ve been seeing a…

There is increasing discussion and awareness around the increasing student debt load in America. Debt and its effect on our economy and national morale should be a cause for concern. I submit that student load debt mortgages our future indentures our youth, and helps maintain the current power systems. This obviously disproportionately hurts those who are the most vulnerable/”lower status” (e.g. women, working class, immigrants, people of color), hurting their ability to negotiate for equality. Overwhelming debt hurts progress because,…

They all understand that power and responsibility are inextricably linked. Not simply as moral encouragement – as in Uncle Ben’s admonition that, with great power, comes great responsibility. And also, With Great Responsibility, comes Great Power Major problems in organizations occur when credit (power) for work is disconnected from the folks who are responsible for doing the work. When bullies take credit, they are taking advantage of systemic inequities and information and social asymmetries that can not (and should not)…

I’ve been a bit slow posting here lately. I’ve been experimenting with humor, storytelling, and coaching. You can follow along for my comic sketches on my instagram @matagi.me and for OB nerdiness check out the new @brenegosling.  After almost two decades working in the corporate, I’m finally coming around to trusting my funny bone. It’s a weird highly litigious polarized time to be alive. If I make joke publically, I need to accept that I will offend people: There will…

This poignant letter by Nick Cave reminded me, as so many things do, of the chakras. I’ve shared with some of you how I use chakras as a meditation framework. One of the things I learned about the chakras is what blocks them. In the letter, the artist talks about how grief is intertwined with love, which resonates with my understanding of these energy centers. Instead of thinking of these shadow as “blockers”, consider perhaps ways you can accept them and move through them as…

Some observations and thoughts… Molly Q. Ford – Bring a folding Chair Of all the speakers, Molly’s mission most aligns with my own. Working in creative innovation, diversity of thought, inclusion is a big part of my purpose. I have also felt the isolation of L-only-ness, and I know most of us are all looking for allies and advocates. For a while seeing the ways bias manifest in the corporate world felt like a betrayal and made me very angry and skeptical…

My freshman year, I seriously twisted my ankle during a tournament. That evening, I limped to my dorm and took a long hot shower to relax and “heal”. When I couldn’t walk the next day, folks who know about acute injuries, won’t be surprised that the doctor told me a hot shower was the OPPOSITE of what I should have done. Handing me a pair of crutches and she schooled me in good ol’ RICE – Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. Since then.…

Whenever I come across anything related to Harry Potter (i.e. events, theme park tickets, wands, games etc.),  I forward it to my friend Mary. It’s also a fun reason to send her a note. (I even made this blog post for her). How does this relate to your job hunt? Your network has access to more opportunities than you do. Imagine if instead of delivering all things “Harry Potter” — your friends sent you perfect job leads and opportunities. For this to be successful…

Americans need to learn to separate entertainment from news and politics as a bloodsport. “How” the news is presented is as important as what is and what is not presented. Start to notice the words, the tone, and the emotion that is evoked. Storytellers and novelists want to evoke a reaction and conflict creates drama. Media often uses these same techniques to draw attention. I’m not suggesting I know where the exact line is — but I do think we…