Doc is Blog-tastic! : #1 as the CEO of Me Inc.

(Part XII) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (Old-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

 Stuck on stupid! That may be how some described Dave Chappelle when he left his Comedy Central gig six years ago. It was a shock to see him walk away from big money. But Chappelle was at a crossroads. He wanted to give his all to something that made him stand tall. So where is he now?

He’s been sighted on the West Coast circuit. It seems he’s returned to his stand-up roots. People leave jobs they hate and pursue new careers that make them great, all the time. For some it’s a sort of sabbatical where they get to reinvent themselves. Chappelle might be missing-in-action for a reason.

It’s almost as if he decided to man-up. No more selling his soul. He wanted to do his thing without feeling chained. Sometimes this happens during mid-life crisis. People go through a period where they decide to live their dreams to the best of their ideals. So what was the wake-up call for Chappelle?

Only he knows. But normally, a wake-up call is when you decide to be true to yourself. It might come before or after a period that made you wise-up. You no longer live just to get by. Your living has a renewed sense of purpose. Your life has greater value in self-worth and maybe even net worth.

That’s what happens as you reinvent yourself to CEO of Me Inc. Your livelihood is more than just a job. It is seen from the viewpoint of a business. Your skills are not just something you list on a résumé. Instead they’re packaged as a brand. This is when life’s journey becomes like a best-selling open book.   

(Part XII) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (New-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

Believe it or not, it was six years ago. Dave Chappelle ditched his popular cable show. Leaving Comedy Central Gig. Some miss seeing him in a wig. Was it about being stuck on stupid? Or Did Chappelle get smitten by cupid? Walking away from big money. At a crossroads between milk and honey.

Preferring to give his all. To something that made him stand tall. Recently seen at a West Coast club. Doing comedy, not the rub-a-dub. Returning to his stand-up roots. Instead of wearing navy-blue suits. Taking a sabbatical to pave the way. Maybe to reinvent himself and live another day.

Looks like he decided to man-up. No more selling his soul, taking time to wake-up. He wanted to do his thing. Without feeling chained to corporate bling. This happens for some during mid-life. They leave home without telling the wife. Taking another shot to live their dream. Rising to the top like Irish cream.

So what was the wake-up call? His career wasn’t in a free-fall. It’s in choosing to be true. Living each day to become the best you. Deciding to wise-up now not later. No more living to get by, but be greater. Giving life a renewed sense of meaning. With more self-worth or net worth greening.

That’s how you reinvent your game. To reach CEO of Me Inc. fame. Your livelihood more than money as a clerk. It’s seen as a business or vocational work. Your skills no longer just a list. It’s more like a brand with a twist. Life’s journey deserves a second look. In order to become a best-selling open book.

Tip: Reinventing yourself means doing what it takes to be bold before you miss-out, grow old or go cold.

Talkback: Has Dave Chappelle missed-out like Arsenio Hall or do they still have time for a comeback?

Coming Soon: “Star Power Upload: Why Mentors, Role Models and a few Sidekicks Make You Shine!”

(Part XI) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (Old-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

Meredith Vieira said bye-bye to the Today Show gang. After five years as co-anchor, she called it quits. Viera got the job when Katie Couric left for CBS News. At the time, Curry was a regular fill-in for Couric. But Vieira left ABCs The View to land the job. Was Curry disappointed for not getting the nod?

In the meantime Curry worked on reinventing herself. She sucked it up and focused on raising her game. Curry would take non-sexy International assignments. She would report from places not often seen in the mainstream. This was her way of re-creating and broadening her appeal.

Some say she developed a down-to-earth realness as a Journalist. This caused viewers to take another look at how she delivered news with a human touch. Her enthusiasm might have appeared over-done. But the way she began to relate and inter-relate gained her high marks among her peers.

Think of where she was five years ago as a fork in the road, maybe even a career do or die. She could have left NBC for new opportunities. Curry decided to work on herself. This helped to resuscitate her career. The result was like bringing the severely wounded back to life after an earthquake. 

Curry turned her disappointment into something good. She elevated her attitude in order to reach a new altitude. She has proven her skill in reporting. She has grown in stature among her peers. That’s why Curry is now the Today Show Co-anchor. But what really shines through is her sense of gratitude.

(Part XI) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (New-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

Meredith Vieira said bye-bye. The Today Show gang wanted to cry. After five years as co-anchor. She left with little or no rancor. Vieira took over after Katie Couric said yes. For greener pastures with CBS. But Vieira beat-out Curry for the top job. She was so disappointed she could sob.

In the meantime Curry was reinventing. Spending as little time venting. Sucked it up to focus on her game. Taking non-sexy assignments not for the fame. As seen on an International story. That was not tied to mainstream glory. Re-creating and broadening her appeal. Reporting with lots of zeal.

She became down-to-earth real. As a Journalist you could feel. Others started to take another look. Curry was becoming like an open book. Delivering news with the human touch. Showing enthusiasm that appeared over-done as such. Better relating through the years. Gaining high marks with her peers.

Back then she hit a fork in the road. She did not panic and implode. Curry could have left NBC. For new opportunities with cable TV. But decided to settle down. Thinking smile not frown. This helped resuscitate her career. Putting herself in a new gear. Coming back from like the worst earthquake of the year.

Curry turned disappointment into something good. Many knew she could. She elevated her attitude. Reaching for a higher altitude. Proving her skill in reporting. With “best-in-class” audience supporting. That’s how Curry earned peer platitude. Shining through with a sense of gratitude. 

Tip: Reinventing yourself means turning a disappointment into something as miraculous as raising your career from the dead.

Talkback: How much will Vieira be missed or Curry be kissed now that the Big Chair has changed?

Coming Soon: “Star Power Upload: Why Mentors, Role Models and a few Sidekicks Make You Shine!”

(Part X) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (Old-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

 This year’s French Tennis Open is history. The clay court extravaganza provided an exciting finish. International participation was high with Na Li from China and Rafael Nadal from Spain earning bragging rights. Where were the Williams sisters? After recent injuries their game has been put on ice.

Venus suffered a hip flexor strain earlier this year. Serena has been fighting depression after a foot injury, as well as lung artery blockage. Both ladies are on the comeback trail. In the meantime, they’re working on reinventing their game. This involves becoming “new and improved” in technique.

On a recent CNN interview Venus spoke about her love for the game. She discussed some of her passions off the court. There’s probably not a championship that she hasn’t played-in or won. But she has her sights set on the next goal she seeks. Reinventing your game is to align with new goals and roles.

Of-course, everybody loves the Williams sisters for their fashion statements. Their colorful play on the court comes with some sexy attire. When not playing tennis, Venus runs her fashion line. Serena is no slouch either in “After- Five” gear. I suppose both are keen on coming back looking sleek and chic.

When all is said and done, Venus & Serena know it’s going to take hard work. That’s what has made them so accomplished. They bring fire-power and confidence on and off the court. The sisters show what it means to have the heart and will of a champion. Watch as they return for a new round of success.

(Part X) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (New-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

This year’s French Open is done. Na Li and Rafael Nadal had some fun. Winning in exciting style. Adding to their money pile. For the Williams sisters there was no shout. Sadly, both have been out. Recovering from injuries that make you wanna pout. Their game has been put on ice. Career over?… think twice.

Venus had a hip strain. Not from playing in the rain. Serena fighting depression. After foot injury and near convulsion. Both on the comeback trail. Going at slow pace like a snail. Working on reinventing their game. With more championships to claim. Bigger and better in technique. That’s it for a sneak peek.

She discusses her love for tennis on CNN. And the chances of a romantic friend. With a few passions off the court. Like creating designer fashion skort. When not playing for wins. Keeps busy from life’s sins. Staying close to her clothing line. Maybe, every now and then a drink of wine.

Folks love their center court dress. The way they play is no mess. Feeling good, making a statement. With sexy attire for any “After-Five” engagement. Knowing what not to wear. Combining colorful play with fashion gear. Watch and see them looking sleek. With their reputation of being chic. 

When all is said and done. Venus and Serena have a swing like guns. Knowing it will take hard work. To achieve new goals and bigger perks. Bringing fire-power and confidence. Winning is no happen-stance. Showing heart and will of a champion. Rolling into the next success station.

Tip: Reinventing yourself means moving your game from being on ice to being on top at the right price.

Talkback: Is it time for Venus and Serena to retire or do they still have some game left?

Coming Soon: “Star Power Upload: Why Mentors, Role Models and a few Sidekicks Make You Shine!”

(Part IX) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (Old-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

The fast-food industry is one of stiff competition. You can tell by the new campaigns that pop-up often. They’re offering dollar menus and healthier choices. These spots are constantly competing to maintain or gain market share. What did McDonald’s do years ago? They gave Ronald McDonald a makeover.

This fun-loving clown has been criticized over the years. Company officials decided it was time to reinvent their mascot. They needed to take Ronald from “old-school fool” to “new-school cool.” So they reintroduced Ronald as a sort of fitness guru. This was to help emphasize the importance of being active.

They had Ronald upgrade his wardrobe as well. No more looking, “fat, dumb and happy.” He became a “unisex symbol.” His look and feel would better appeal to both boys and girls. He dressed in more sporty attire like that of men and women’s sports. Ronald became a “hot shot that’s hot to trot.”

The company took a leap of faith by adding healthier food options. You can still order a shake. But your order can also come with a salad instead of fries. Company officials did more than just spruce-up Ronald. They opted to respond to the social consciousness of the time.

And what has happened as a result? They’ve seen a spike in healthy-options sales. They’ve also seen a jump in customer spending per order. Some people want to “be like Mike.” Others are hoping to reinvent their game like Ronald. Whichever is true, this takes a makeover in your look, feel and conscious appeal.

(Part IX) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (New-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

Fast-food competition is stiff. Folks love to get a whiff. With new campaigns and a catchy promo. All trying to keep their mojo. Offering dollar menus and healthier choices. Listening to the people’s voices. Constantly competing for market share. McDonald’s made-over Ronald “the clown” with more flair.

Criticized over the years. The company showed it cares. Reinventing their famed mascot. Keeping it fun-loving without an ascot. Kinda like going from “old-school fool.” To being active and “new-school cool.” Looking like a fitness guru. Staying true to red, white and blue.

Yes, a change in wardrobe. That’s good for chains around the globe. No more looking “fat, dumb and happy.” But more about unisex-symbol savvy. Appealing to boys and girls. In the U.S. and across the world. Still popular with tiny tots. But also becoming a “hot shot that’s hot to trot.”

Executives took a leap of faith. With healthier options on the plate. Welcome to the McDonald’s shake. Served with fries or salad, it’s your take. Company did more than a spruce-up. They also did a makeover from the neck, up. Opting to respond with purpose and reason. To a new social consciousness season.

What happened as a result? You can call Ronald to consult. A spike in healthy-option sales. More from everyday folks, not the Prince of Whales. Some people want to “be like Mike.” Or like Ronald whose career has taken a spike. Whichever one is true. Reinventing yourself in consciousness starts with you.                   

Tip: Reinventing yourself means undergoing a makeover in your look, feel and conscious appeal.

Talkback: If fast-food chains were to disappear tomorrow, how would that affect your choices?

(Part VIII) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (Old-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

 Chicago’s United Center was rocking. Oprah taped her final episodes. Thousands of friends and celebs gathered for the send-off. After 25 years, she’s decided to pack it up. But she’s not done. With the launch of her OWN channel, there’s another chapter yet to unfold. How did she stay #1 for so long?

In her words, it was because she kept reinventing herself. We sometimes saw it over the years with a change in style. She changed her hair from long to short. She lost weight and gained it back. At one time she wore clothes that looked outdated. Today she’s dressed by the best and hangs with the greatest.

Many remember her most watched episode. She showed what 67 pounds of fat look like. Oprah realized that reinventing herself also needed to occur in substance. So, she launched many “life makeover” campaigns. This added to her reputation of producing “change-your-life” TV.

She also found a way to reinvent herself in service. Oprah helped give book clubs broader appeal. She made many authors famous. She gave back to the community through her Angel Network. She expanded on her legacy by funding a school for girls in South Africa. These speak highly of her life’s work.

You might look back like she did to appreciate her grandeur. She started as a local TV personality. At some point Oprah was told she wouldn’t make it. Maybe it was at this time she made up her mind to go for it. There’s no denying, the “queen of media” has come a long way from Baltimore to the big leagues.

(Part VIII) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (New-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

The United Center was rocking. The rich and famous were jockeying. As Oprah taped her final show. Daytime TV has been struck a blow. But Oprah’s not done yet. She’s already heard ‘on your mark, get set.’ With the launch of her TV network OWN. There’s no reason to bitch and moan.

How did she stay #1 this long? Will-i-am might answer in a song. She made it work by reinventing. Which is like a farmer who does replanting. Sometimes she did it in style. Looking better and better after a while. Going from outdated looking clothes. To being dressed by the fashion pros.

At one time she lost 67 pounds. Celebrating it all around. Using animal fat to prove. How to lose weight and find a new groove. Reinventing herself in substance. Just as important in style and romance. Promoting many “life makeover” campaigns. With “change-your-life” TV showing the sun and rain.

She gave book clubs broader appeal. Making authors famous for keeping it real. Reinventing herself in service. Helping many who were novice. Giving back to the community. Through her Angel Network property. Expanding on her life’s work and legacy. Funding a school to encourage academic supremacy.

You might look back to discover. Her larger-than-life grandeur. Starting out on local TV. Living her dreams to become the best she could be. Being told she wouldn’t make it. She decided that was bull*. Turning the show into a national bully-pulpit. So there’s no denying. The “queen of media” is not retiring.               

Tip: Reinventing yourself means going from good to better to best in between the times you take a rest.

Talkback: How has the Oprah Show impacted Daytime TV and the national conversation?

(Part 7) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (Old-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

They say a cat has nine lives. Well, P Diddy is no cat, but he sure can reinvent himself. Just look at how many times he’s changed his name. Now his new Diddy-Dirty-Money crew is riding the music charts. He’s got all the big-name collabs on the album. He’s a musician turned mogul. Diddy is sitting pretty.

It’s all about collecting the check. That’s what makes him tick. But it’s his work ethic that makes things click. He’s sometimes seen as a perfectionist. Diddy is willing to work day and night until he gets the track right. His peers admire him for how he’s been able to flip the script in keeping things hip.

First there were the days of Puff Daddy. He was responsible for launching a few well-known artists. Then he became more affectionately called Puffy. He later went by P Diddy as a way to break away from a close call with the law. He wanted to pick-up the pieces and get back to doing what he loved best.

His career started out as a party promoter. This prepared him to become a rapper and record producer. He also found time for movies. His songs became crowd favorites. Diddy knows that reinventing yourself and staying current is in balancing what you love to do with what the marketplace wants from you.

Some people might call him Sean John. Those are his first and middle names. But it’s the name of his clothing line as well. It’s like a reflection of his personal style. This brings fresh and happiness. It’s about swagger and living larger. Throw-in some fragrances and you’ll be looking, feeling and smelling good!

(Part 7) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (New-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

A cat has nine lives. Diddy has no wives. But he knows game reinvention. Just look at his name-changing convention. Now his Diddy-Dirty-Money Crew. Makes him rock like new. Rising up the charts. Playing his music mogul part. Lots of big-name collabs. With others keeping tabs.

The Benjamins make him tick. But his work ethic makes things click. Working day and night. To get the beats and rhymes right. Sometimes seen as a perfectionist. His life-story has some bumps and twists. Peers admire him for flipping the script. Keeping things jumping and most of all hip.

First it was Puff Daddy. Working for artists like a golf Caddy. Launching many careers. Dreaming and believing past his fears. Then affectionately Puffy. By then he was a lot less scruffy. Wanting to break away. From the past to the present day. P Diddy seems more official. But just Diddy makes it crucial.

Started out on the party scene. As a promoter and rap machine. Then as a record producer. Bad Boy Records his money earner. Releasing hit after hit. Not giving up, not wanting to quit. Staying current, keeping pace. Balancing passion and buzz in the marketplace.

Some see him as Sean John. For his clothing line deemed number one. Taken from his first and middle names. But it’s also about his style and acclaim. Mixing fresh with happiness. And good times with success. It’s about swagger and living larger. With fragrances for the grown and sexier.                 

Tip: Reinventing yourself means finding new ways for bringing home the bacon.

Talkback: How has Diddy’s showmanship and reinvention helped boost his career?