WPW: And away she goes - Sal & T are London bound

WPW: Bitter-sweet, I think is the term. Sally leaves Austin, and is off to re-connect with Taylor in ATL before heading to London! Let the adventure begin . . . and thanks for the sweet note.

Read Write Think and Stay Whole Lucy

Lucy,

We put Sally on the plane this morning back to ATL and soon departing for London! Super exciting, but miss her already. What an adventure for your sister and Taylor!

Sally and I have been listening to an 'oldish' Tim Ferris Podcast: Maria Popova on Writing, Workflow, and Workarounds (#39). I have replayed this one several times over the past week. So much good material and I will most certainly feature Maria soon on a WPW. See Maria's extensive body of work on brainpickings.org - where she describes herself in this manner:

I am a reader and writer, and I write about what I read here on Brain Pickings — my one-woman labor of love exploring what it means to live a decent, substantive, rewarding life. Founded in 2006 as a weekly email to seven friends, eventually brought online and now included in the Library of Congress permanent web archive, it is a record of my own becoming as a person — intellectually, creatively, spiritually, poetically — drawn from my extended marginalia on the search for meaning across literature, science, art, philosophy, and the various other tentacles of human thought and feeling.

For Stay Whole Tuesday, I'm going with this from her sit down with Tim back in 2007:

Tim: When someone asks you, what do you do? How do you answer that?

Maria: Well, I've answered it differently over the years in part because, I think, inhabiting our own identity is a perpetual process. Right now, I would say, I read and I write, in that order. And in between, I do some thinking. And I think about, how to live a meaningful life, basically.

I love that process, Lucy!

Read, write, and in between, do some thinking,

Dad

P.S. Ties in nicely with this week's Make it a Great Monday on 'Thinking Matters'.

MiaGM: 7 circles and 16 things you won't learn in school

 

Mornin' Lucy,

Good times yesterday walking and talking with Stanford freshman, Sadie Englemann, plus her dad and my good friend Mike Englemann. Sadie is not on campus yet, so she is taking classes virtually and keeping her golf game sharp at Austin CC. Seven circles on the card and a round of 70, means your dad is $15 poorer, even though my 10 handicap to her +5, gave me 15 pops! (Those birdies above hand-drawn by Mikey. A special bookmark for my birthday.)

Sadie helped me with my short game, and in exchange, I helped her understand the importance of a well-done LinkedIn profile, even if the ultimate goal is the LPGA Tour. She's taking a full course load, including a required freshman class at Stanford called 'Thinking Matters'!

Which brings me to something Uncle Ricky sent for you yesterday, titled 16 things school does not (necessarily) teach you:

There it is and MiaGM!

Dad

P.S. Check out the Stanford Thinking Matters course listing here. Great stuff! And on Stay Whole Tuesday, I'm introducing a related concept from Maria Popova: Read, Write, Think.

Mental health on FaaFF: Social Dilemma

 Good morning Lucy May,

It's another Fit as a Fiddle Friday and I'm thinking we 'flip' the script on the new Netflix documentary, Social Dilemma. Have you found time to watch? I've been discussing with your sisters, your mom, the young men who love my daughters; as well as with the account teams I lead at Autodesk for Google, Facebook, and EA. 

There's a quote I like, though I'm not sure who said it:

I'm not ready to toss my clients under the bus on this one yet. I didn't grow up with AI engines and machine learning tracking my every move, so perhaps that gives me an advantage. That noted, I live a balanced, distraction-free life and believe it is possible for everyone to do the same. And you know I love the technology that allows me to 'connect' more easily with others.

So, I'm looking at this thing upside down (always a good idea) and having fun discussing it with others.

Stay fit LuLu - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually - and turn off your notifications, if you so choose. (-;

Love,

Dad

Two for gPa on his 61st from my Woman Power Wednesday ladies and their fellas (thanks for the kind words!)

Mom:

1. I appreciate how much you continue to appreciate me. For 34 years you have complimented me on many things. It truly makes a girl feel special every day .... and that goes a long way when things get a little testy. 

2. I am amazed at your endless energy and zest for life. You are truly a multi-tasker. Juggling Autodesk, new ventures, networking, connecting, mentoring our girls, and showing the importance of putting your best foot forward. (Like the importance of a good looking 'front porch' on LinkedIn for example.)

Taylor: 

1. I respect and admire how FIL (father-in-law) is willing to continually reinvent himself to stay 'relevant'. His self-awareness is second to none. I know that takes (difficult and humbling) work. He is willing to use that self-knowledge and take concrete action in his work and personal life. As an example, I have never met someone in his peer group so avid about LinkedIn as a communication tool. He has inspired all of my own work and desire to be self-aware, and I always enjoy being around him. 

2. Page is a crazy man when he puts his mind to something, and I love that he will readily admit it! I've enjoyed being on the front line while he tries to help Build Change with FutureProof. Keeping us informed every step of the way so we would benefit. You know there is something cosmic going on when Kyle can't get a word in at the dinner table ;). It will be fun to watch Page maneuver down the many paths that the project has opened.

Sally:

1. I love how Dad is always on the move. I am thankful to have a Dad who promotes staying active, relevant, and healthy. In comparison to the other 61-year-olds, he is unmatched. Actually, in comparison to the 28-year-olds I know, he is unmatched! I have always known he operated at a different speed than most, but this month at home has really made it clear that he has a unique drive. The amount he accomplishes in a day is incredible and he doesn't half-ass any of it. He puts his heart and soul into everything he does and is the best role model for his girls. There is truly no one like our Dad. I can't wait to see how things continue to develop with his goal of helping Build Change make their goal of 10 in 10, I have no doubt something special is going to happen. 

2. I love how Dad takes the time and effort to make sure we are all taken care of and staying balanced. I love that he has gifted us all with the Birkman Assessment this year and encouraged all of us to take the next steps in our careers. There is a lot of change 'churning' in the Singletary family in 2020 and we really have succeeded thanks to his linked in boot camps, resume editing, connecting, and overall advocacy. Thank you, Dad, for all you do to help each of us reach our potential!

Kyle:

1. I appreciate Page for showing his dedication to continue to work hard even as he enters the home stretch of his successful career. It would be very easy to pack it in and wait for retirement, but that’s not the way Page does things. Always more goals and new things to learn and it’s a great example for everyone. 

2. “The art of good business is being a good middle man and putting people together.” That’s a quote from a movie (Matthew Vaughn’s Layer Cake) in 2004 and no one is better at it than Page. Whether it’s for work or socially. It’s fun to watch and be a part of and I have certainly learned from him doing this.

Emily:

1. I love how passionate Dad is about everything he does. Whether it’s striking the golf ball the right way, starting an incubation project, closing a deal at Autodesk, and even posting on Facebook- he doesn’t do anything half-assed. He is the least lazy man I know and I appreciate his love of life. He will forever be the person I go to for advice. I love Dad a lot!

2. I love that Dad can now beat me at golf. (But I still hit it farther off the tee!)  He has put in the work and it has paid off! I am so excited he can focus on a game he loves so much. His fitness and mental health will allow him to play the game forever and I’m proud of him for working so hard to maintain both.

Lucy:

1. I love how Dad is the most inclusive, conversational, and overall loving person I know, to friends and strangers alike. We all know he is a great networker. But, I also love how he has a genuine passion and desire to know someone’s story and in turn, makes them feel known and seen. It is such a cool gift! 

2.I love how Dad is always willing to learn and try new things! Whether a new business idea or a new activity, he puts himself out there! I hope when I am 61 I will be as willing and as teachable as Dad is today. You make our life so much more exciting Dad! I love you!

Little gPage here . . .

gPage at sixty one

 sixty-one

having fun

sixty-one

beat the drum

sixty-one

ho ho-hum

sixty-one

I'm not done

Thanks, family for a great birthday

kind words

from my favorite 

Woman Power Wednesday ladies

and their fellas

Two for gPage

#BLESSED

Incubation at Autodesk: Swing and a drive to deep left field

Good morning Lucy,

It's Stay Whole Tuesday and I am doubling down on Stephen Covey:

“When you engage in a work that taps your talent and fuels your passion -- that rises out of a great need in the world that you feel drawn by conscience to meet -- therein lies your voice, your calling, your soul's code.”

We hit it hard, but in the wrong direction: Starting Pitcher and Incubation at Autodesk.

But, as noted above, sometimes the best ideas literally come out of left field!

Never give up,

Dad

MiaGM: When, at last the sun has set

Lucy,

A fun four-ball yesterday, on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, with three of my favorites: Kyle Cazzetta, Paul Pullen, and Taylor Wilkinson. This was Taylor's final round in Austin before heading to London with your sister for the next 2-3 years! Check out the estate with guest cottage below where they will spend their 14-day quarantine in the English countryside. Prayers are up for Sal and T. What an adventure!

Congratulations Bryson DeChambeau for pulverizing the field at the 120th playing of the U.S. Open Championship. Regardless of his likability, you have to respect his work ethic, ingenuity, and willingness to push limits. Isn't that how entrepreneurs disrupt and start entirely new business categories? A fascinating read, for golf fans and non-fans: 'He's never going to stop': This is just the beginning of the DeChambeau revolution. 

On Make it a Great Monday, I'm sharing this American Express commercial and a poem that rings true, whether after playing golf or navigating a busy day. With credit for the verse to Bo Links, a San Francisco lawyer with a 4 handicap. 'Links' makes me think of my golfing buddy here in Austin, Brian 'Duff'!

Here's the stanza, from Links' poem, The Wind by Any Name:

When, at last

The sun has set

And dusk begins to grow

With all our strokes recorded

We’ll reflect, and smile, and know

That though the wind was raging

And stole from us the score

We’ll rise at dawn tomorrow

To battle it once more.

And the commercial:

That's the goal LuLu. I hope you feel like that at the end of your Make it a Great Monday!

Battle it once more,

Dad

Fit as a Fiddle Friday: Deceleration with Tom Kite

Lucy,

On Stay Whole Tuesday, I shared how Hall of Famer, Tom Kite has helped me at T4TG, the world's best gym. Tom saw me doing a drill taught by Jon Tattersall (Fusion ATL, another excellent gym) as shown in the first video below. It reminded him of a different drill, using a long stick or pole. In the second video, I am demonstrating this move. (Queue funny comments about my grunts and my lack of speed. But hey, I'm working on it!)

Tom's drill was to hold the pole as seen, go to the top of the backswing and then rip the pole down trying to make the non-handled end shake as much as possible. This drill teaches the proper 'deceleration' of the hips, so your upper body can 'catch up' and benefit from the thrusting of the hips. I had to reengage Tom the next day to make sure I understood. I told him the word 'decelerate' was confusing to me, as I thought the club needed to be accelerating into and past the ball. He quickly reminded me, "I didn't say anything about the club. I'm talking about the hips."

Here's my question for you, Lucy: How would the term 'deceleration' apply in the business world? I've learned in sales there is a cadence to every deal. Sometimes you push, sometimes you pull. Sometimes you slow down and wait for others to catch up. Or perhaps you might back up and come at it from a different direction. But stay present, stay focused, and keep trying; and eventually, the trophies come your way!

Above is Tom holding the 1992 US Open trophy, a defining moment in his amazing career. We are blessed to have Tom at Austin CC and he is so generous to share his knowledge of the golf swing.

Be fit,

Dad

P.S. Blast from the past #1: Sadie Englemann now a freshman on Stanford golf team! Tom Kite Parent Child

Blast from the past #2: Good times helping Tom and my friend Chuck Munson replace their lost NCAA Championship rings. Rudy's 360 boys with Tom Kite - two time NCAA champion!

Letters to Harvey from The Kingdom:

• Dear Harvey: Bucket list month of July 🎾 ⛳️🏆
• Dear Harvey: Portsmouth UK & Hayling GC ⚓️ 🐚 🚀 ⛳️ 🕵🏼‍♀️
• Dear Harvey: On business in Spain (Parador de El Saler GC) ⛵️🍤🍷🏌️‍♀️🏖
• Dear Harvey: St. Enodoc Golf Club - Church Course (Cornwall) ⛳️ ⛪️ 🎢
• Dear Harvey: Trevose Golf & Country Club (Cornwall) 🏌️‍♂️⚓️🦈
• Dear Harvey: Ernie Els or Ernie the Milk Man 🥛🍼🥛
• Dear Harvey: Grateful is the right word (#GDTBATH)
• Dear Harvey: (Uncle Charlie) McDowell trumped by (Great Uncle Fred) McLeod
• Dear Harvey: The Jack Burke Sr. Golf Legacy Tree
• Dear Harvey: gPage-A-Palooza 2022
• Dear Harvey: The Stage Golfing Society (London)
• Dear Harvey: First Woman Captain (The Richmond Golf Club)
• A couple of gems: Muirfield and North Berwick
• Tube to Tee: Sudbury Golf Club
• Hugging Harvey Goodbye and off to London for a Bit

Other 'golfy' scribblings:

• I Knew Harvey Invitational Golf and Dinner + Ode to Harvey (tribute poem)
• Dear Harvey: "Up against a kid" by Bo Links (slightly modified for gender)
• Dear Harvey: Life is long if you know how to use it
• Stay Whole Tuesday: Stillness, Rome, Herb Brooks, and Harvey Penick
• Patty Sheehan: "Some kind of peacefulness about what you are doing."
• Oscillate, as in Oscillating Dynamic Variable Resistance
• All bets are won or lost on the first tee
• 5.5.05 - 5.5.20 It has been 15 (Bart Star) years since I wrote this . . . Stay Whole!
• Pete Dye (1925 - 2020)
• Dear Harvey: Ace on 16
• Swing sequence - 4th of July (thanks, Emily)
• Fit as a Fiddle Friday: Deceleration with Tom Kite
• My Flat Ass Fitness Rules (12 of them)
• Rudy's 360 boys with Tom Kite - two-time NCAA champions!
• Roane Puett: Austin CC Legendary Golf Member and Friend
• It's complicated: A special video clip from Emily's college golf experience
• Celebrating Dan Bates: Why do men have a hard time getting to know each other?

"Millions of people were charmed by the homespun golf advice dispensed in Harvey Penick's Little Red Book, a sports classic that became the best-selling sports book of all time. Yet, beyond the Texas golf courses where Penick happily toiled for the better part of eight decades, few people knew the self-made golf pro who coaxed the best out of countless greats -- Tom Kite, Ben Crenshaw, Betsy Rawls, Mickey Wright -- all champions who considered Penick their coach and lifelong friend." - Kevin Robbins, author of Harvey Penick: The Life and Wisdom of the Man Who Wrote the Book on Golf.

"And if you play golf, you are my friend." - Harvey Penick

32. Cate

 

thirty-two times

we ring

the anniversary chimes

life stops, 

on a dime

and we contemplate

never been happier

never been sappier

never felt less crappier

cause with you

CATE

life is indeed great

a full plate

of all that matters 

most

a pot roast

BeBe's ghost

Pop's prayer 

and a toast

a Nugget post

fate

put us together

regardless of the weather

the ups and the downs

you for me

me for you

32. CATE! (31 other reasons here)

Happy Anniversary

(aka Catherine 'fun' Singletary)

I love you

Woman Power Wednesday: Lynelle Cameron

Good morning Lucy,

Celebrating Autodesk colleague, Lynelle Cameron, on Woman Power Wednesday. Lynelle is our Autodesk Sustainability Vice President, as well as CEO of the Autodesk Foundation. I know you are familiar with the foundation's deep engagement with Build Change and Dr. Hausler. Be sure to check out all links.

I recently heard Lynelle featured on a panel discussion discussing the importance of 'connecting with purpose' in your work and life. This session fits well with our recent deep dive on Covey's 8th Habit: Find your voice and encourage others to find theirs.

You will love this two-minute exchange, as it reminds me of your intentional approach to finding your calling in life! I am excited Lynelle gave me the green light to share. (Excuse the shakey screen capture of the video. Just pretend Lynelle is on a boat!) The moderator for the session is Harald Oettl, Autodesk Vice President, Demand Generation, who poses the question: "Lynelle, when did you first become so interested in environmental issues and causes?"

Above: Historic replica of the Desk Sign President John F. Kennedy kept on his desk in the oval office.

With purpose,

Dad

P.S. Great job on your LinkedIn profile updates, Junior on a Mission, Lucy May Singletary! You are crushing it. Now, can you use LinkedIn to post and share some thought-leadership around your goals and passions? Best example yet, among those I mentor: Onto the Next Round: From Golf to Business. Congrats @Wehman Hopke for starting an exciting opportunity at PWC!

Two 'wholes' and get it in the hole on Stay Whole Tuesday

Lucy,

Three things on my mind:

• Whole Person Paradigm: Read and learn about Stephen Covey's Whole Person Paradigm in The 8th Habit - From Effectiveness to Greatness. See the diagram below for an easy to understand visual.

• A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule The Future by Daniel H. Pink. This link takes you to a short series I wrote on Nuggets back in 2013. I think you will be able to relate as it reminds me of your decision to study both Communications and Art! Pink teaches six aptitudes that must be mastered in order to thrive in the future:

• Not just function but also DESIGN
• Not just argument but also STORY
• Not just focus but also SYMPHONY
• Not just logic but also EMPATHY
• Not just seriousness but also PLAY
• Not just accumulation but also MEANING

• Get it in the hole! US Open 2020 at Wingfoot. Can't wait for the golf this week!

On Fit as a Fiddle Friday, I'm excited to share a new drill that Tom Kite (speaking of the US Open!) taught me in the gym last week. It involves the word decelerate. Do any of my golfers know why Kite is talking deceleration?

Stay tuned to your Nugget churner,

Dad

Find your VOICE and Make it a Great Monday

Lucy,

I've been thinking a lot these past weeks about two of my top five most impactful life coaches or motivators: Stephen Covey and Jim Loehr. (Others would be Zig Ziglar, Brian Tracy, and the newbie to the list, Ryan Holiday.)

You know I gravitate towards these words from Covey:

“When you engage in a work that taps your talent and fuels your passion -- that rises out of a great need in the world that you feel drawn by conscience to meet -- therein lies your voice, your calling, your soul's code."

I believe that is one of the greatest sentences ever written. I have burned it into my memory, writing it down hundreds of times, usually in my morning journals. It comes from Covey's book The 8th Habit - From Effectiveness to Greatness. 

How many of the seven habits do you practice?

Habit 1: Be Proactive

Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind

Habit 3: Put First Things First

Habit 4: Think Win-Win

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood

Habit 6: Synergize

Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw

And what is The 8th Habit?

Habit 8: Find your voice and inspire others to find theirs.

I am blessed to feel so engaged and purposeful in my work. I am blessed to have found Autodesk, a company with an empowering, meaningful brand. I am blessed to work with so many smart people, most of whom check their egos at the door. And I am blessed to have three amazing clients: EA, Google, and Facebook. 

And lastly, I am blessed to have aligned with Dr. Hausler and Build Change, as we continue to explore and expand possibilities, whether it be through incubation at Autodesk or through other means.

Make it a Great Monday Lucy May!

Dad 

P.S. Covey gives Jim Loehr a lot of credit on the development of his 'Whole Person' concepts. See pages 63 and 332 in The 8th Habit if interested in learning more. You will also be happy to know I have succeeded in running down Jim Loehr, and he will soon be signing a new copy of The Power of Full Engagement, to replace my lost copy. (Subtitle: Managing energy, not time, is the key to high performance and personal renewal.)

Sunday Nugget: Remembering Cole

 Lucy,

I'm honoring Cole Hogan on Nuggets this Sunday morning. Your mom's first serious boyfriend, who later in life, helped me shop for the first Christmas present I ever gave your mom, one Saturday afternoon in Macon, GA. (A little wooden box.)

'He loved his country': Friend keeps the memory of fallen Macon soldier who died on 9/11 alive with flags, markers

The above link, is a special piece featuring Andy Greenway, a dear of friend of both Cole and your mom. Hard to believe next year will be 20th anniversary of 9/11.

Be sure to watch.

Love,

Dad

P.S. Adding this note (and photo) from your mom: "Thank you for the special Nugget, Page. Cole was a great warrior and friend. Pop was his mentor throughout his military career and Cole’s mother, Jane, has been my role model since I met her at 16. Here is a picture of the antique box."

FaaFF: A Bugs Life ("Honey, I said to the left!)

Great family hike last weekend. Stay Fit!

Prolific writers: Brian Carle and Scott Sheppard

 
Lucy,

On Make it a Great Monday, I shared How to write a compelling white paper, sub-message: How we plan to turn our incubation proposal (fairly complex subject) into something easy-to-understand. The writing tips came from my buddy Brian Carle, Senior Director of Strategic Alliances at Salient. (Photo above on the left.)

My talented colleague and technology futurist, Scott Sheppard took the time to provide some great feedback on how he has managed to post over 4000 blog articles! You can see his feedback here in the comments. Really good stuff, so take the time to read. 

My favorite bit of guidance was this:

To get a project adopted by upper management, your proposal needs a one-sentence version, a one-paragraph version, a one-page version, and the full project proposal. That way, a project can be pitched in any context.

For more on Scott check out his blog, It's Alive in the Lab.

Anything goes on Thursday,

Dad 

WPW - Louise May and Lucy May

 

Lucy,

Going with Louise May and Lucy May on Woman Power Wednesday!

Let’s go back in time 20 and a half years, borrowing from a Nugget I wrote a while back: 

On March 13, 2000, Baby Lucy came into the world at 9AM with an operating room full of specialists and surgeons prepared to rush her to surgery. After a series of tests lasting all morning, the doctors announced that she was perfectly healthy. A true miracle!

What a glorious day. We named you after your maternal great, great grandmother Lucelia VanPatton and in honor of our long friendship with Ricky May (i.e. Uncle Ricky) and his special parents. At the time, Ricky’s father, Grandpa May, was gravely ill, though he recovered. A couple of years later, we were all saddened by the loss of Ricky’s mom after a battle with cancer. 

There is no doubt that a little bit of Louise May lives on in the young life and spirit of Lucelia May Singletary. In fact, Ms. May made that very clear at the time of your birth, when she stated, "It would be necessary for Lucy to be smart, pretty, and witty if we were to use the family name!" A great example of her wit and fun-loving approach to life.

I am pleased to report you are hitting on all cylinders.

I found Uncle Ricky's notes from his Mom's memorial service. They are hand-written and shown above. Ricky is a captivating public speaker and he speaks extemporaneously, so these notes were it. I immediately zeroed in on number 10 on the list: confidence and courage! Those were two traits that Uncle Ricky got in spades and it never hurts to just repeat those words to yourself when you need a little something extra. 

It works!

Dad

Stay Whole Tuesday: Stillness, Rome, Herb Brooks, and Harvey Penick

I love my messages I occasionally get from Taylor (son-in-law) and Kyle (Emily's boyfriend), pecked 'one letter at a time' on Granddaddy Singletary's Royal. Click image above to see Taylor's thoughts on Stillness and Kyle reminding us that Rome was not built in a day, plus something special from Herb Brooks. I appreciate these notes and the thoughtfulness behind them. Funny to think that Mom and I both took typing classes in high school!

Speaking of Stillness, here's a good one from a Make it a Great Monday back in February: A couple of questions to ponder on MIAGM.

I like the idea of striking a balance between a burning desire to accomplish something that you enjoy but from a place of quiet-confidence rather than a place of fear, ego, or frustration.

And speaking of hockey, I put together a fun four-ball yesterday at ACC with the below group. Ed Healy (under Tom Kite on the right), who played for another legend, Jack Riley at Army, Trevor Schick (blue shirt, new to Austin, COO Amherst Residential), and Andrew Bourdillon (tall South African, UT MBA helping Sal and T with their London relocation plans.) Good time had by all and proving once again . . . using Harvey's famous line: If you play golf, you are my friend.

How to write a compelling white paper

Hey LuLu,

On Friday, I wrote about being a Starting Pitcher and Incubation at Autodesk. I also promised to share how I plan to turn my proposal (fairly complex subject) into an easy-to-understand white paper. There's a process you can follow when you need to simplify and explain your 'pitch'. I learned this method from Salient Systems' talented Senior Director of Strategic Alliances and good friend, Brian Carle. Note that Brian literally wrote the book on Understanding Video Management Systems. Go Salient!

Here's how Brian describes his method:

Start by summarizing the idea into one sentence. From there write a paragraph with a bit more detail. This is the elevator pitch. These two things are the hardest part but helpful steps to distill all the concepts and technological components into only the most important items for the reader. Also, a succinct statement is much easier to understand, and this, in a way, trains you to express ideas in a succinct way, which is important for developing the rest of the document.

Here's an examples of where we might land on step one:

FutureProof enables investors to maximize rental yields in emerging and developed economies alike, while specifically mitigating their housing investments’ exposure to three main long-term risks: (a) construction sector governance & compliance, (b) climate change, and (c) exposure to natural disasters. FutureProof means higher rental yields, better risk control, and greater geographic diversification.

Next, based on the elevator pitch take the three to five biggest concepts or steps in the idea and use that as your outline for the two-page document. Create the section headings, and then fill in the sections. Each of the three to five concepts is a section heading. Add an executive summary and conclusion.

Tada! Each section should have an intro then two to three paragraphs of info related to the section heading.

Brian says he always writes using some twist on this method.

Good stuff,

Dad

PS. A great family meeting yesterday on two topics: (1) How to load a dishwasher and (2) How to use LinkedIn as a young professional. Thanks for playing along and special thanks to Uncle Ricky for his contributions! I found this post from 2015, focused on the LinkedIn topic. And a nice job yesterday with the dishwasher! Huge improvement.

Starting Pitcher and Incubation at Autodesk (Postscript noted in bold under chart)

Lucy May,

This morning I'm thinking 'Starting Pitcher' - the title I use to describe what I do well. I've been 'pitching things' my entire career, whether class rings, caps and gowns, software, and services. Perhaps I gained the ability to throw fastballs, curveballs, changeups, sliders, and the occasional knuckleball from my Grandfathers, whom I refer to as The Peddler and The Preacher. See below to learn more about how I am a combination of those special men.

Back in the day at Ridgecroft High, I was a pretty good baseball player. That's me (above) in the dugout at the State Finals my Senior Year. We finished the season 26-2. I was actually an infielder and lead-off hitter and not part of the pitching rotation. This week, I challenged myself by going out of my comfort zone and submitting a proposal to the Autodesk Incubation Board.

"Incubation" refers to a specific approach we take at Autodesk to identify, select and nurture promising projects which have the potential to turn into new, material lines of business for Autodesk.

Submitting an opportunity proposal is a volunteer and extracurricular activity. My proposal involves AI and has a global social impact. You are aware of my developing friendship with Build Change founder, Dr. Elizabeth Hausler. After connecting Elizabeth to our neighbor and data-savant, Sean Dobson, some interesting things have happened. I'm reminded of my favorite Stephen Covey quote: 

“When you engage in a work that taps your talent and fuels your passion -- that rises out of a great need in the world that you feel drawn by conscience to meet -- therein lies your voice, your calling, your soul's code.”

Incubation at Autodesk is based partly on a consulting engagement with Geoffrey Moore and his work reflected in Zone to Win. This diagram shows where you want to land with a proposal, basically in deep-right field.

Win or lose, it has been a fun project and a great way to learn and grow. (PostScript Sept 22, 2020: My proposal ended up in left field, but it sure has led me to some powerful learning and some new business friends. Appropriate for incubation, but less likely to pursue.)

Next, on Make it a Great Monday, I will share how you can take a complex business proposal and turn it into a compelling (easy-to-understand) position paper. There's a process you can follow when you need to simplify and explain your 'pitch'.

Love,

Dad

PS. My grandfather, Poppy (Billy McDowell), was a businessman and salesman. He often referred to himself as a 'peddler.' I spent a lot of time with Poppy when I was a child, riding in his car, talking on his rotary-dial 'car phone,' learning the fundamentals of selling. "A good salesman always has a pen . . . listen more than you talk . . . and remember this poem: What's behind the door, I am not sure, but this I know and know it well, the more I open, the more I sell."

My father's dad was a Baptist minister who passed away two years before I was born. I have come to realize I have a lot of my Granddaddy Singletary in me. People feel good around me, people come to me for counsel, people trust me . . . all qualities of an outstanding minister.