Nice vs. Kind
Often I hear people say some version of this: "Don't be nice. Be kind." It gets said like it is deep wisdom. Like it is some advanced leadership philosophy. Like "nice" is weak, fake, soft, or naive, while "kind" is honest, strong, and clear. I think that whole...
Human Interaction Is Not a Soft Skill, It Is the Competitive Advantage in an AI-Driven World
For years, people have treated human interaction like it is some nice extra. A bonus. A leadership add on. A warm and fuzzy concept that belongs in culture conversations, but not in serious discussions about growth, innovation, client loyalty, talent retention, or...
AI Readiness Is Not Enough, We Need Human Readiness
Why employers, associations, and communities must prepare people, not just adopt technology Artificial intelligence is changing core parts of our world, and the changes are coming fast. Every day, new conversations emerge about AI readiness, workforce transformation,...
The Cool Kids Table – Now With Better Furniture
The Cliques Never Really Went Away I have been thinking a lot about the "cool kids table" from high school. I did not sit there. The cool kids knew me, but I was not invited to their parties. I was not picked on, and I was not some total outsider either. I lived in...
Human Interaction (H.I.) Manifesto
Why People Matter More Than Ever in an AI-Driven World I have been talking about this topic of Human Interaction (H.I.) for a long time. Not because it was trendy. Not because it was easy to package. Not because it sounded futuristic. I have been talking about Human...
Upcoming Book, Vibe by Adam Grant
Adam Grant’s new book Vibe is a signal, and meeting planners should pay attention I just saw the announcement for Adam Grant’s upcoming book, Vibe: The Secrets of Strong Connections in a Lonely World, coming October 13, 2026. I’ve admired Dr. Grant for years. He does...
Corporate Citizenship Is Quietly Declining, and It’s Time to Bring It Back
For a long time in America, big companies did more than create jobs and ship products. They were civic institutions. They funded the local arts and education, their executives served on boards, they helped build hospitals, sponsor youth programs, and support the...
Lawyers and Business Development / Sales
Relationship selling is way better than transactional selling, especially in the law firm world where trust and risk matter more than clever pitches. If you are in business development and somebody is already working with one of your competitors, it is hard to unseat...
The Missing Link in Artificial Intelligence: H.I. (Human Interaction)
Why the Human Algorithm is the only competitive advantage left Every company I know is racing to plug AI into everything. As CEO of the Austin Technology Council, I see it daily. Founders, executives, sales leaders, attorneys, marketers, and teams across the Austin...
How to Become a Professional Speaker, A Real World Guide With No Shortcuts
If you want to become a professional speaker, welcome to one of the most misunderstood businesses on the planet. A lot of people think the speaking industry is a magic door. You walk through it, you get “discovered,” you land an agent, and suddenly you are flying...