If you want a strong and diverse team, absolutely. — Several years ago while helping to grow a mid-stage VC-backed start-up, we had budget for only one additional full-time hire in a critical operating team. Experience dictated we needed at least three humans to cover all of the skills and background we wanted to add with just one hire, so…

Identifying priorities in a SaaS company — This past weekend I spent some time with the cofounders of an early stage start up, looking over their draft vision and mission materials. As I was reviewing the summaries, I was struck with a perplexing hurdle, the identity of the customer wasn’t clear. Without a clear customer, it was…

About three years ago I decided to take a 30 day break from drinking. It was like dry January right after the holidays, but instead it was August, starting while at Burning Man. My reasons were pretty specific. I was starting the scary process of separation — ultimately divorce —…

Dear Humanity, I am sorry it had to come to this. Many of you are suffering during this global health crisis. Some of you will die. However, things had gotten a little out of hand. Please trust me: this was an absolute last resort. While I have been impressed with…

“It’s not a faith in technology. It’s faith in people.” - Steve Jobs First, a bit of context. I have twenty years of experience working in NY/Silicon Valley-based media and tech companies, primarily as a lawyer. I coach emerging talent, advise founders and CEOs, invest in start-ups, and teach at…

“Whatever you do, don’t tell people you don’t drink. They’ll think you’re weird.” Last night I attended an international boarding school reunion at a lovely rooftop venue on Park Avenue in New York City. I was among approximately 75 people of many ages, diverse backgrounds, and exotic nationalities, our experiences…

I am regularly asked “how do you do it?” It is usually a young professional considering having a family, or a parent trying to imagine adding an out-of-the-home full time job to his or her already demanding schedule. Men and women approach me about this topic weekly. Until recently, I…

My law school students encouraged me to publish this one: a few tips on how to inspire confidence in and ensure unintended habits don’t hold you back. Do: Maintain Eye Contact Learn how to hold eye contact throughout an entire communication — both as the speaker and the listener. It can…