Posts Tagged ‘ted’
One person is listening. Perhaps more, but at least one. I’m so pleased.
I was asked by many people on Monday morning about the AFC championship game that I attended on Sunday night. One of the most frequently asked questions was: “What time did you get home?” I arrived home on Sunday night around 1:00 AM, but I explained that it was fairly early given the fact that I…
Read MoreBest introduction ever
I find myself speaking on stages quite often these days. Prior to taking the stage, I am often introduced by a host of some sort, and the introductions are often quite lovely. Kind words, generous anecdotes, and long lists of accomplishments. It’s great to hear someone speak so highly about you in such a public…
Read MoreTEDx Berkshires: Homework for Life
Watch my most recent TEDx Talk, “Homework for Life,” below. In this talk, I discuss a simple strategy – stumbled upon accidentally – that you can use to slow down time, find greater meaning in your life, and give your future self one of the best gifts imaginable. And if you’re a storyteller – on the…
Read MoreTEDxNatick: “Live Life Like Your 100 Year-Old Self”
I’ll be speaking at TEDxNatick at the Natick High School in Natick, MA on January 23, 2016. The conference begins at 9:30 AM and wraps at 3:30 PM. Lunch is provided. Tickets to the conference are selling fast. They can be purchased here. I will be speaking on the topic: “Live Life Like Your 100…
Read MoreTeachers: Stop commenting, positively or negatively, on your student’s physical appearance. It’s only hurting them.
As an elementary school teacher, I have made it my policy for more than a decade to avoid commenting on a student’s physical appearance. A student’s appearance should be the last thing of concern to a teacher, but more importantly, these comments, even when positive, can be damaging and hurtful to kids. This policy has…
Read MoreMegan Washington’s stutter is just perfect
I’m not sure why this effected me so much. Maybe it’s because I also spend a lot of time onstage, taking to strangers, and can’t believe Megan Washington’s courage. Maybe it’s her honestly. The grace and humor that she exudes. Her unwillingness to accept our sympathy. It’s a beautiful talk, and it’s a beautiful song.…
Read MoreThe three great leaders of my life
Truly great leaders are hard to find. In my professional life, I have worked for three. Allison White and Jalloul Montacer were McDonald’s general managers. Plato Karafelis was my principal for fifteen years. Allison taught me the importance of being the thing that you expect from your employees. She taught me that every job, as…
Read MoreStop and watch.
These two TED Talks, published on the TED Talk podcast feed last week, are extraordinary. The first, by author David Epstein, is on the science of athleticism. Are athletes of today really stronger and faster than the athletes of the past? The answer will surprise you. The second talk deals with autism in no uncertain…
Read MoreAn analysis of humor that will make you a funnier person
This is supposedly a TED Talk about the anatomy of a New Yorker cartoon, but it is also a dissertation on the nature of humor and what makes things funny. It’s brilliant.
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