Month: March 2014

Gwyneth Paltrow’s Breakup Gives New Meaning to an Economic Paradigm Shift

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Theme:– Operation J.U.M.P. For Jobs, Justice & Unsung Dreams

It seems in the space of one week we went from relationship hookup to relationship breakup (not with the same couple). First it was news of NBCs Savannah Guthrie tying the knot and adding that they’re expecting. But it’s Gwyneth Paltrow’s breakup that’s giving new meaning to an economic paradigm shift.

After 10 years of marriage to musician Chris Martin, Paltrow announced that they’re parting. It’s not the first time that celebrities have called it quits. But it’s the first time that a separation has been referred to publicly as a “conscious uncoupling.” Who knew that there was a more sophisticated way to say divorce?

Apparently, while the term is new to the cultural zeitgeist, it’s not new to the marriage therapist who coined the phrase. The idea is to approach the separation with mutual respect and human sensibilities. This way they can minimize the level of feelings getting hurt and pocketbooks getting burnt.

Wouldn’t it be nice if another approach were to be tried when dealing with the long-term unemployed? They have been experiencing a job market separation for a long time. Operation J.U.M.P. might call it a “conscious re-coupling” into the job market where they can re-connect with a sense of economic worth.

For Paltrow and Martin things are coming to a bitter-sweet end. So their “conscious uncoupling” will hopefully make the money decisions less painful. In the case of the long-term unemployed they’d like to see an economic paradigm shift that moves their self-worth from “bitter-sour to dollars per hour.”

Footnote: Operation J.U.M.P. is a new sophistication in human resources that provides a social change and empowerment approach of advancing public policy initiatives and professional incentives for jobs, justice and unsung dreams.

Becoming a Powerhouse: Steve Harvey’s Branding Moves Hit a New Groove (Part 9)

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (Old-School Flava)

What does the name Steve Harvey bring to mind? That could depend on the first encounter. Some people might go as far back as his days doing Amateur Night at the Apollo. Others might know him from his comedy circuit. No matter how he brings it, Harvey’s worked his way up to becoming a powerhouse.

That’s no small task. In every career pursuit or dream track you’ll find lots of high achievers. These are people who demonstrate passion in their work. They operate with an engaged sense of purpose. But the ones who become a powerhouse figure in their fields are those who possess PQ or personality quotient.

Everybody knows what IQ can do for you. It’s a measure of your intellectual edge. In the case of PQ, it’s about connecting people with the essence of your personality and the warmth of your authority. So while it’s good to be smart, it pays to be personably smart. This way people can connect with your heart.

That’s the whole idea behind shifting gears or turning things around on the job or in business. There’re lots more people in the pot than there’re those ready to land a spot. So to separate from the pack you have to have had made a name for yourself or to offer more than what people can get off the shelf.

It seems even when Harvey is in downtime he’s still making things happen. He might not be on the clock but he’s still on his game with his work in philanthropy. It’s about planting seeds, meeting needs and taking heed to the real power of his life’s calling. After a while he keeps doing what he’s doing with style.

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (New-School Flava)

What does the name Steve Harvey bring to mind? Depends on what a Google search might find. Some people go back to his Amateur Night days. Others think about his comedy circuit craze. Whether Harvey brings it like a bull or a mouse. He’s worked his way up to becoming a media and biz powerhouse.

No small task for today’s brand at work. Many doing better than most to earn their perk. Happens in every career or dream track. Lots of high achievers listed front to back. Purpose in work served with passion. From the boardroom to the runway fashion. Where personality quotient or PQ is not in ration.

Everybody knows about IQ. What intellectual edge can do for you. There’s more in store with PQ. A measure of how your energy comes through. Connecting people with the essence of your personality. As well as the warmth of your authority. Yes it pays to be smart. So personably smart comes from the heart.

That’s the whole idea behind shifting gears. On the job or during your business years. Lot’s more people to be found in the pot. Than those ready to land a spot. So in order to separate from the pack. Could mean getting on the dream track. By making a name for yourself. Offering more than sold off the shelf.

Seems even when Harvey’s in downtime. He’s making things happen in primetime. He might not always be on the clock. When hanging-out fishing from the dock. Yet he’s still on his game. Adding philanthropy to his name. Planting seeds, meeting needs. Taking to his life’s calling heed. Putting style in good deeds.

Tip: Using personality to connect with your authority is an important element to becoming a powerhouse.

Talkback: When do you remember first hearing about Harvey and his brand?

Giving Back for Tomorrow: Steve Harvey’s Branding Moves Hit a New Groove (Part 8)

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (Old-School Flava)

A few years ago the Disney Company approached Steve Harvey about partnering on an initiative known as the Disney Dreamer’s Academy. Harvey says it was a “no-brainer” because the program’s ideals were similar to why he started his foundation to provide mentoring. He sees it as giving back for tomorrow.

In some circles this might be thought of as “paying it forward.” It’s about giving back to those who’re coming behind you. The idea is tied to investing in the future of others. It might also be a way of serving people of different stars and stripes so that today’s investment becomes tomorrow’s achievement.

Some of this is in how you live, in how you treat others and are treated by others. Some of it might also be how we live-up to our social/civic responsibility. This calls for a bigger kind of love than ice cream and cookies. It’s said that “people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care!”

If job uncertainty, career-quakes or a business setback feels like lemons, well you know the rest. Where to start is usually the question but where to go might be the real decision. How you live has a way to come back to you like karma. So think about how you give of yourself to use legacy as a driving force.

Each year a new class of students is announced for the academy. They receive some ‘dreamer’s boot camp’ training that will last them a lifetime. How you live might say a lot about you. How you treat people might give others a lot to say about you. But it’s how you leave a legacy that speaks volumes over time.

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (New-School Flava)

Few years ago Disney approached Harvey. Wanted to partner on Dreamer’s Academy. Harvey saw it as “no-brainer.” This could be done on retainer. But it really wasn’t about the money. But about program ideals beyond funny. It’s why he started a foundation to do mentoring. Giving back for tomorrow’s rising.

In some circles seen as “paying it forward.” It’s about giving of yourself by looking backward. Not long ago you were in those shoes. Now you’re trying to help pass along life clues. Tied to the future yet to come. Serving people of different stars, stripes and then some. Showing others what achievement can become.

This in some sense is in how you live. How others treat you reflects how you give. In being aware of your social duty. As well as your overall civic responsibility. Calls for a bigger kind of love. That floats with grace like a dove. More than raisin cookies or ice cream. Caring enough to see others reach their dream.

Job stress, career or business quakes? Feels like lemons or gives you the shakes. Where to start usually the question. Where to go might be the real decision. How you live comes back like karma. Don’t get hooked on prescription pharma. Think more about how you gave. As legacy’s driving force of the brave.

Each year’s academy class he has to announce. Some names Harvey might fumble to pronounce. They then become dreamer’s in-training. To spur a lifetime of ongoing learning. How you live might say a lot about you. How you treat others says what’s true. Your legacy speaks volumes as dreams come through.

Tip: “If you can dream it, you can do it!” – Walt Disney.

Talkback: In looking back, how did a teacher, neighbor or other adult impact your life’s journey?

Congressman Paul Ryan Walks Back Comments on Culture and ‘Fartherless Problem’

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Theme:– Operation C.R.U.S.H. Against Gun Violence, Bias and Clouded Vision

Recently, President Obama unveiled his administration’s “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative. It was well received by a throng of supporters at the White House. He hopes to make a dent in dealing with some of the inner city struggles. Well, Paul Ryan had to walk back comments on the ‘fatherless problem.’

He was asked during a radio interview about the subject. He seemed to step on some toes by defining the problem in what was seen as “put down” terms. Ryan’s comments enraged a fellow congressional colleague. So he later issued a statement to clarify his take on some of the inner city culture woes.

Maybe the congressman was continuing in the realm of comments he made related to poverty. A medical doctor will say that we can’t confuse the symptom with the problem. It’s like with the issue of gun violence and attempts at passing laws on background check. Opponents say forget it while studies say differently.

This topic engenders emotional reaction to the Nth degree. It’s hard to convince parts of our culture on the merits of background checks because it’s hard to get some to do self-checks. That’s changed with women regarding breast exams and it’s also changed when it comes to wearing seatbelts. Go figure!

In order to address the effects of some of our pressing social/cultural challenges we need to be willing to see it for what it is. Increasing highway traffic fatalities caused our elected officials and culture to enact seatbelt self-check mechanisms. So has the concern for breast cancer. No clouded vision there!

Footnote: It might be hard to convince some of the merits of background checks because human nature has a tendency to shun self-checks. That’s changed for women and for drivers wearing seatbelts because they had the repercussion of public health/safety in mind.

Stretch the Rules like Plastic: Steve Harvey’s Branding Moves Hit a New Groove (Part 7)

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (Old-School Flava)

When was the last time you heard these words, “bend and stretch, reach for the stars?” If you’re from the millennial generation you have no clue from whence those words came. If you’re a generation Xer or baby boomer you know it came from a television show for kids. There they were taught the golden rules.

The show was called Romper Room and no it wasn’t about the relationship romp. It was a show for pre-schoolers sort of like Sesame Street. Those shows work for learning the ‘abc’ rules while Steve Harvey’s books are about learning the dating rules. He’s come-up with a 90-day rule for love and romance.

So what’s that got to do with finding a job, changing careers or living your dreams? Sometimes life can put us in situations where someone has to stretch the rules like plastic. It’s one thing to break the rules. But it’s another thing to stretch the rules even without rocking the boat in order to raise the game.

That’s helped Harvey hit a new groove. The ideas in his books about a successful relationship can apply to having career/business success as well. Yes, you have to learn the rules of the road. But sometimes you have to unlearn outdated rules that might be keeping you stuck in professional/relationship neutral.

Harvey was heard on Ryan Seacrest’s LA radio show giving some of his golden rules of relationship. Not everybody is on board with his “straight talk, no chasers” dating advice. But whether making room to grow personally or professionally to avoid melancholy, it might take re-learning the rules to reach the next level.

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (New-School Flava)

Last time you heard these words.. Bend, stretch, reach for the stars nerds? A millennial might have no clue. Those words aren’t stuck like glue. Gen Xer or baby boomer can think back. To their days watching TV without the laugh track. For this TV show was made for kids. Putting the golden rules on fridge grids.

Show was Romper Room in case you forgot. No, it wasn’t about keeping a relationship hot. Geared to pre-schoolers and their child-like beat. Sort of like a trip to Sesame Street. Those shows good for learning ‘abc’ rules. While Steve Harvey’s books about not dating fools. With a 90-day rule for romance old-school.

So what’s that mean for finding another 9 to 5? Changing careers or letting your dreams thrive? Life can put us in situations sure fantastic. Where we hope someone stretches the rules like plastic. It’s one thing to break the rules yesterday. But another thing to stretch the rules today. In order to keep yourself in play.

That’s helped Harvey hit a groove. As he makes each market move. Real talk about personal friendship. And tips on a successful biz relationship. Might even apply to career/business dreams. Using rules of the game for winning teams. Might mean unlearning outdated stuff. That’s keeping you from achieving nuff.

Harvey took the airwaves on Seacrest’s LA radio show. Sharing golden rules for being in the relationship flow. More of his “straight talk, no chasers” advice. Not everybody wants to hear it twice. Whether making room to grow personally or professionally. Might take re-learning some rules to avoid melancholy.

Tip: Sometimes a breakthrough in relationship or business partnership is made possible when you stretch the rules, reach for the stars and unlearn or re-learn the scoop for making the big catch.

Talkback: What are some of life’s “golden rules” that you’d rather forget, change or re-learn?

Can Pharrell Williams’ Happy Song Teach Us Anything About Landing a Dream Job?

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Theme:– Operation J.U.M.P. For Jobs, Justice & Unsung Dreams

Every so often there’s an artist who’s on the hot list. That person seems to be everywhere or have collaborations with lots of industry stars. Maybe it’s just Pharrell’s time as he’s getting his day in the music biz spotlight. So can Pharrell Williams’ happy song teach us anything about landing a dream job?

Well, oftentimes it’s more a journey than an arrival. He’s been working on his craft behind the scenes with a host of artists. These days it’s his song Happy from the Despicable Me soundtrack and on his own album titled Girl that’s raising his mainstream appeal. He even had a chance to perform it at the Oscars.

For those who just want a job or a better one right now it might be hard to clap along. The recent Bureau of Labor Report had mixed reviews on the jobs front. It’s been like a seesaw in new hires with some months a lot better than others. Maybe the job market could do with some “dreamscaping services.”

Imagine a homeowner trying to keep a green lawn. After using different off-the-shelf products the decision is made to contact a landscaping or lawn treatment service. The experts recommend a “weed and feed” program to enhance deeper root growth and thicker turf consistency. This will help bring the “green” back.

Landing your dream job or getting the job market back might take some “weed and feed” too. This means zapping social, political, professional and personal “weeds” to employment. It might also mean providing hometown motivation tips to feed a new sense of purpose/optimism leading to a happier market feeling.

Footnote: Operation J.U.M.P. is like a “weed and feed” program for the job market. It’s about zapping the weed forces that contribute to employment gaps/disconnect and feeding the roots of dreams that will help to trigger new growth in career turf and bring the green back.

Surround Sound Playground: Steve Harvey’s Branding Moves Hit a New Groove (Part 6)

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (Old-School Flava)

Friends come, friends go and some stick around for a lifetime! That’s one way to see relationships on the block, in business and in a pinch. Friendships usually develop from the social or work scene. You run into someone with whom you build a connection. Friendships are like surround sound from your playground.

That might make sense to Harvey who’s been around the block a few times. From his days doing laugh-a-lot gigs he ran into a host of people. Most friendships start out as casual and can become close or even a homie. Plus, BFFs know you well enough to give feedback that echo a deep base of validation.

Just think how Harvey turned friendship into a staging ground for success. He teamed-up with three friends who were fellow comics. They became known as ‘Kings’ on the circuit. Each person in the group has gone on to do big things. One of his best buddies Cedric is seen on the Millionaire TV game show.

So, want to get a handle on the happenings in an industry? Email a relative! Want to be in the running for urban planning? Linkedin a networking contact! Want to let your hair down or just chill? Phone a friend! Harvey’s seen personal/professional “surround sound” friendships become meaningful collaborations.

Friendships are like a two-way street. There’s give and take that create memories for old-time sake. A friend might come into your space for a reason. This means it’s not by chance. Sometimes they last for a season. They’re there in pre-school but a distant memory in grad school. Others last for a lifetime stretch.

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (New-School Flava)

Friends come, friends go. Some stick around for the big show. A way to see relationships on the block. In business or in a pinch time-clock. Shaking hands at the workplace. Or a friend connection in the social space.  Real friendships are like surround sound. With high cheers and deep cares from the playground.

Might make sense from Harvey’s trips. Been around the block and has a few tips. From his days doing laugh-a-lot gigs. Running into a host of people small and bigs. Most friendships start out as a casual thing. Becoming closer like a homie or round-the-way fling. With BFFs giving feedback that’s validating.

Think how he’s turned friendship into a staging ground. Taking his success from bottom to the top of the mound. Teamed-up with friends who were fellow comics. Became known as ‘Kings’ in Comedy funkadelics. They’ve gone on to be major players. Best bud Cedric quizzing Millionaire Show gamers.

Want to get the scoop on an industry? Email a relative who’s got the skinny! Want to be in the big city running? Linkedin a contact in urban planning! Want to let your hair down and just chill? Phone a friend, hangout and split the bill! Work and play friendships go a long way. Ask Steve, hear what he has to say.

Friendships are like a two-way street. The value of a good one is hard to beat. There’s one way of give and another of take. Creating lasting memories for old-time sake. A friend might be there for a reason. Some stay for a longer season. Not by chance but by divine sketch. As others last for a lifetime stretch.

Tip: Good friends are like surround sound that help bring out the best quality in the song your life sings.

Talkback: Before your homeboy/homegirl was a close friend or BFF they were…?