Fellow Riskologist, Not long ago, I was riding in the car with my friend, J.D. Roth here in Portland. I don’t remember where we were going or what we were talking about, but I do remember we were stopped at a set of train tracks while a long, slow train rumbled through town. I also… Continue…
Category Archives: Leadership
The "Don’t Own Stuff You Can’t Fix" Plan for Life
Fellow Riskologist, A few weeks ago, I sat down in my driveway with a pile of tools, a YouTube video loaded up on my iPhone, and a little ambition. I was ready to take on the task of changing the bearings on my Subaru. It was a bear of a task. One full day. Five… Continue…
What is Risk? This Formula Will Explain Everything
Fellow Riskologist, I’m just starting to come back to life after two weeks with the flu. In between the fever-induced hallucinations and general mutterings of a mad man, it gave me the opportunity to think about risk in another light. Why did I get sick? Most people fall ill, get better, and hope it never… Continue…
What My Fat Chicken Taught Me About Smart Risk-Taking
Fellow Riskologist, Meet Bertha: Bertha is a big girl—almost twice the size of her three sisters. She lives in my backyard where she and the others run around pecking, clucking, and scratching all day. But why is she so big? Is it her breed? Is it her genetics? Yes, these things could play a role,… Continue…
Why Big, Crazy Dreams Are Easier To Reach Than Small, Ordinary Goals
Fellow Riskologist, What propels the people we admire to take risks on things we tell ourselves we could never do? How do people like Alan Arnette summit Mt. Everest time and again while raising a million dollars for Alzheimer’s research when we can’t even get the vacation time to go to the mountains? Why is… Continue…
If You Bet The Farm, Be Sure To Have More Farms
Fellow Riskologist, The other day, I was driving through a Native American reservation on the way home from a short weekend trip when I spotted a casino. Fancying a little blackjack, I stopped in to play a few hands. There was $100 in my wallet, but I only cashed in $20 for chips. The strategy?… Continue…
This Is How An Everest Guide Gets Nearly Every Climber To The Summit
Fellow Riskologist, In the world of mountain climbing—particularly on Mt. Everest—there’s one person who gets the lion’s share of attention. His name is Russell Brice, founder of Himalayan Experience, and he’s been guiding on Everest since 1974. A few years ago, the Discovery Channel even made a documentary about him. Russell is an excellent guide,… Continue…
What's Your Secret Mission?
I’m a huge fan of secret missions; they add a really important layer of excitement to life. But, it seems there’s a lot of misconception… Continue…
How to Write Your Biography 40 Years Early
Here’s an idea: rather than waiting the rest of your life to write your biography, why not start now? Sounds odd, right? I’m fine with… Continue…
The Best Negotiators Never Win
Here’s an idea: The best negotiators in the world never actually get the very best deal. Well, I suppose that may depend on how you… Continue…