On The Fly

In this episode, why "Cool" is the Enemy of Growth Last night, Lori and I joined our friends (team #1) in a professional kitchen at Sur La Table in Carlsbad, CA., for a "Date Night in Southern Italy." On the menu: Steak Tagliata, Sautéed Shrimp with Fried Capers, and handmade Garganelli. The experience was amazing, delectable food and an exceptional highlight: the Amalfi Lemon Gelato, complemented by the barrage of questions. When I’m with someone like Chef Gaetano, who’s incredibly patient, I tend to ask a lot of questions quickly. “Why use a fork to whisk the eggs and not a whisker?” “What exactly is the chemical transformation of a fried caper?” “If I roll this Garganelli a half-inch wider, does the sauce-to-pasta ratio collapse?” I could see the look on a few other students' faces: Is this guy for real? Just eat the shrimp, Patrick. But here’s the wisdom I’ve gathered after nearly six decades of being the annoying guy in the front row: The quality of your l...

In this episode - What Can You Teach Me . . . Have you ever noticed that some people are more skilled at connecting with others and convincing them of their ideas than most? The secret to their success lies in mastering fundamental skills like empathy, communication, and leadership. By revisiting Dale Carnegie's timeless guide, "How to Win Friends and Influence People," we are reminded of the essential techniques to win over even the toughest audiences. Developing these skills will open up opportunities and help you succeed in all areas of your life. For example, recently, while participating in a Zoom sales call with a client regarding the upcoming possibility of Community Solar in California, let’s call him Joe. Joe - was willing to share the video of himself - seated at his office desk with a non-committal frown on his face waiting for the sales pitch. So, instead of pulling up the PowerPoint slide deck with company and program details, we asked him directly, “How do y...