Author: Douette O. 'Doc' Cunningham

Sal Khan Could Easily Be the Bill Gates of Public Education

Posted by

0

doc_lg

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (Old-School Flava)

To be profiled on CBS’ 60 Minutes is a big deal. But for Sal Khan it came across as another day at the office. He’s bringing needed innovation to public education. With the help of a few tools, Khan creates user-friendly subject lessons on the Internet. Sal Khan could easily be the Bill Gates of public education.

It all started as a family service. His relative was having trouble in math, so Khan developed tutorials that she could review online. He later quit his job as a hedge fund analyst to focus on this idea full-time. Tech pioneer Bill Gates is so impressed that he’s pouring lots of money into Khan’s social-capital venture.

Khan’s vision holds lessons beyond the classroom. There’re opportunities for more ‘social-preneurship’ around the country. With so many unmet needs and untapped benefits of reversing joblessness and gun violence in the community, we can move beyond select success to help shake broader urban distress.

Sometimes it takes an outside face (or voice) for starters. Khan says “too many people are forced to learn through a system that doesn’t meet them individually.” Sometimes it takes a shift in the user space. It’s like going from 4-way stop signs to traffic lights. The technology creates greater flow at the intersection.

In a way it takes a sense of calling. Soledad O’Brien shows it in her new role after CNN. Some workplace assignments are meant for the right training. There are others meant for the right following. But many of the social or market challenges today require a sense of calling based on service to the human family.

sal-khan

The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (New-School Flava)

Getting on CBS 60 Minutes a big deal. A smart, savvy and larger-than-life feel. With a spotlight on Indian-American Sal Khan. Wonder if Bollywood’s in his plan? With help from a team and some tools. Khan creates subject-lesson study pools. Could easily be the Bill Gates of online-ed rules.

Starting on a family path. His kin was having trouble in math. Building Youtube tutorials she could see. Then others began tuning-in for free. Quitting his hedge fund analyst gig. To do something he really did dig. Landing support from Tech pioneer Bill Gates. Pouring in lots of money to fill his plates.

Khan’s vision for the classroom. Might even apply to the boardroom. Where public education so needs a makeover. And Main Street could use a do-over. Social-preneurship as another way to go. With unmet needs and benefits to grow. Ideas for moving past select success. Dealing with broader urban distress.

From outside face (or voice) on the scene. Working with red, yellow & green. Too many learning through a system. That doesn’t meet the student’s rhythm. Making a shift in the user space. Thinking beyond the 9 to 5 rat-race. Like going from 4-way stop to traffic light. Technology speeds-up the flow and flight.

It’s having a sense of calling. That’s what Soledad O’Brien is showing. Some workplace assignments based on training. A matter of applying formal learning. Others meant for the right following. A matter of what it is you’re selling. But social and market challenges today. Need a sense of calling at work and play.

Tip: Upping your game can mean applying formal learning or directing your social following to pursue a greater sense of calling.

Talkback: How did 60 Minutes or Soledad O’Brien’s CNN Special do justice on innovation in education?

Mark Zuckerberg’s Taking on the Internet as a Social Justice Project

Posted by

0

doc_lg

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (Old-School Flava)

When you think of the Industrial Revolution, Ford Motors comes to mind. They led the way in automated vehicle assembly. Well, there’s a new sheriff in town named Mark Zuckerberg. He hopes to lower the barriers and raise access to the web worldwide. He’s taking on the Internet as a social justice project.

As Facebook founder, Zuckerberg’s no stranger to the information technology revolution. He aims to bring the Internet to the other two-thirds of the world’s population. He thinks it’s gonna take some new efforts. This is true for gaps with the Internet as with the long-term jobless and gun violence that’s so senseless.

Zuckerberg wants to put everyone everywhere online. This means less developed countries and less affluent neighborhoods. It means exploring new models of business efficiency and effectiveness. This new model in business and social justice is like turning the words of Dr. King into economic evangelism.

In a recent article, Zuckerberg said “We’re focused on it more because we think it’s something good for the world, rather than something that is going to be really amazing for our profits.” Whether in business or community the return value is in finding new solutions as a stepping stone to solving age-old problems.

Zuckerberg’s a good example of business innovation with social activism. He’s not shy in putting his money where his mouth is. To all the ‘powers that be’ he’s showing how you make the case and then make things happen. It’s not enough to have power over people. It’s really how you empower people.

mark-zuckerberg

The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (New-School Flava)

Think of the Industrial Revolution. Ford Motors led the innovation. With automated vehicle assembly. And faster new-car delivery. Well, a new sheriff’s in town. Mark Zuckerberg leads the countdown. Hopes to slow the social slide. And raise online access worldwide. Taking the Internet on a social justice ride.

As Facebook CEO & founder. To technology revolution he’s no stranger. Aims to reach the other two-thirds. Of world’s population that’s unheard. Thinks it gonna take some things new. With efforts coming out of the blue. True for the Internet and long-term jobless. Maybe even gun violence that’s so senseless.

Wants to have everyone connected. From the barrios to the pre-selected. Less developed countries and neighborhoods. Internet access even in the woods. With ‘new and improved’ business models. Riding in generation-next saddles. Business mixed with social activism. Like King’s words of economic evangelism.

Loves on top and doing good. Rather than amazing profits ever could. Focusing not so much on money in the banks. But lending a hand and giving thanks. Whether in business or community. The return value adds authenticity. Finding solutions as a stepping stone. Solving age-old problems down to the bone.

Zuckerberg brings a new Internet creation. From the business and activism station. Not shy to put money on the line. Letting his actions deliver the shine. Showing to all the ‘powers that be.’ And peeps across the world to see. Life’s less about power over one or two. Lifting unsung dreams to ‘make it do what it do.’

Tip: Upping your game can mean positioning an unsung dream as if it’s a social justice project.

Talkback: Has Mark Zuckerberg gone too far or has he taken a page from Henry Ford and Dr. King?

Dr. King’s Speech and Life Have Set the Gold Standard to Inspire Unsung Dreams

Posted by

0

doc_lg

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (Old-School Flava)

The headline in the Jamaican paper said “Church Ended Early to Watch Bolt Run.” 50 years ago the headline in the U.S. paper might have said “Church Ended Late to Hear King Speak.” What Bolt is today on the track, Dr. King was back-in-the-day at the mic. He set the gold standard to inspire unsung dreams.

His example showed that making it great is not about your race but about your content. The content of Bolt’s get-up has made him the fastest man ever. 50 years ago Dr. King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech made the point that was like saying content is to character as yeast is to bread. It brings rise to the occasion.

Bolt’s come a long way from small-island to global reach. This reminds us that making it great is not about your current place but about your vision space. Dr. King might have put it this way; “Don’t worry about how far behind you are in world-rank. Be happy how far ahead you see around the block or river-bank.”

Even if you’re almost next to last, Dr. King would have echoed words like “the last shall be first.” Making it great is more than your race or current place. It’s about what you dream. Imagine, 50 years ago a kid named Al Sharpton was inspired by Dr. King. Now he’s leading Realize the Dream with Martin L. King III.

Bolt may be the most God-gifted athlete to grace the planet. Dr. King was one of the most God-gifted orators to grace a podium. They are among the champions past and present. King’s legacy shows how persistence & patience can take unsung dreams from bottom of the charts to breaking the glass ceiling.

dr-king

The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (New-School Flava)

“Church Ends Early to Watch Bolt Run.” Evening news in the island sun. “Church Ends Late To Hear King Speak.” Years ago could’ve been a headline leak. Dr. King at the mic any given day. Was like Bolt on the track winning anyway. Never a dull moment out of the gate. The gold standard for making dreams great.

Showing it’s not about being judged by race. But about the content of your grace. Bolt’s get-up makes him the fastest for sure. King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech with content to endure. Kinda like saying content is to character as yeast is to bread. Rising to the occasion, things not going to your head.

Bolt’s a star in his speed game. From lil’ country start to global fame. Care not so much about your place. But about how vision biggups your space. Take a page from King’s speech bank. Don’t worry where you are in world rank. Be happy on this side of the clock. See farther ahead of the riverbank or block.

Even if you’re almost next to last. Use as fuel lessons from the past. “The last shall be first,” echoes of Dr. King. Believe that… it has a nice ring! So, let’s move beyond what you face. Put your dreams in its rightful place. Imagine, 50 years ago Sharpton as a kid inspired. Now leading Realize the Dream no ways tired.

Bolt could be the most gifted non-cheat. These days seems so hard to beat. King’s one of the most gifted of orators. Among our everyday motivators. Stories of starts and finishes. Historic speeches and wishes. Showing persistence and patience go a long way. From unsung dream to break the glass-ceiling payday.

usain-bolt

Tip: Upping your game means turning what you’re made of into more than what you’ve dreamed of.

Talkback: If you had to write today’s “dream headline” for Dr. King, Bolt or someone like yourself, what would you say?

Lee Daniels’ The Butler Pulls Together 5-Star Cast to Re-tell an American Story

Posted by

0

doc_lg

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (Old-School Flava)

Can you imagine going back in time to the 50’s when urban style was still ‘under construction?’ This was also a period when American civil rights took hold. Some say we’ve grown-up while others say, “not there yet.” The jury is still out. But Lee Daniels’ The Butler pulls together a 5-star cast to re-tell an epic story.

It’s based on the life of Eugene Allen who served as Butler over eight presidential terms. It’s a throwback to when un-equal was in, diversity was out and unrest was on-the-ready. It’s directed by Lee Daniels who wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer, even from Oprah. It tells a story within a story, a dream within a dream.

Forest Whitaker’s lead role gives a glimpse into the everyday human struggle. Oprah’s role as his wife gives us a look at the social juggle. But the movie also has role players that help to give it crossover appeal. The story bridges the gap between young and old, rich and poor, old-school and new-school.

So, how far have we come? That’s the reality-check question of the day. We’ve made it to the top in some ways but close to the bottom in others. We’re better off in some respects but written-off in other surveys. We’ve gotten a taste of the American Dream but wonder if things are slipping back to a nightmare.

Some will see the movie as stoking the fire of discontent, others as a history lesson for the ages. But consider the takeaway based on the hopes of those who came before us. Yes, make money while the sun shines but also serve a larger good because even when it rains there’s purpose in the moment.

lee-daniels

The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (New-School Flava)

Let’s go back in time. To the 50’s when urban style not yet prime. A period when civil rights was under construction. And a few wanted to televise the revolution. We’ve grown-up now some will say. Not there yet, room for equal pay. Jury’s still out on civic duty. But Lee Daniels’ The Butler re-tells an epic story.

The life of Eugene Allen, hero unsung. Who served over eight Presidents at the bottom of the rung. A throwback to when un-equal was in, diversity was out. Where unrest was on-the-ready and used as clout. Directed by Lee Daniels with Oprah in the mix. A story and a dream closer to a modern-day fix.

Forest Whitaker’s role of everyday human struggle. Oprah’s role as wife dealing with the social juggle. Many supporting actors with crossover appeal. Giving an insider’s look at how people did feel. Bridging the gap between young, old, rich and poor. Across blurred lines of ebony, ivory and racial uproar.

So how far have we really come? Survey says room to go some? At the top in a few ways. Still hard to find the glory days. In some respects we’re better off. In another context still being written-off. We’ve gotten a taste of the American Dream. But the American nightmare is to be left off the team.

Some will tag it as stoking discontent. Others will be happy to pay the rent. Maybe a lesson for the ages. Or a refresher on civil rights stages. But there is a larger story to see. During a chat over coffee or ice tea. Yes, make money while the sun shines. Even when it rains the purpose of the moment makes things fine.

Tip: Upping your game takes some struggle and juggle but pays off with purpose in the hustle and bustle.

Talkback: So how far would you say we have or haven’t come in this American journey?

Steve Harvey Turns the ‘Gift of Gab’ for Comedy into a Branding Powerhouse

Posted by

0

doc_lg

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (Old-School Flava)

Steve Harvey likes to make people laugh. His career is one that likely started at the bottom. But now he’s here at the top. Harvey’s heard on morning radio and seen on daytime TV. He gives back to the community through his foundation. Harvey turned his ‘gift of gab’ for comedy into a branding powerhouse.

He’s worked hard at bringing content to audiences and audiences to advertisers. Over the years Harvey has used comedy to sellout venues. He’s now become a high-profile, multi-media brand. Harvey’s work has achieved the kind of ratings that seem to make the haters hate and the fans appreciate.

Maybe he uses Oprah’s success as inspiration. While not trying to walk in her shoes, Harvey knows something about reaching those who might be hurting. He connects with the pulse of the community and the pain of the down-but-not-out. It’s a special thing to have wealth and be able to show you have heart.

Listen to how he gives advice and you can tell that Harvey is big on lifelong learning. He knows when you stop learning you stop growing. When you stop growing you tend to surrender your success. The setbacks and disappointments he had back-in-the-day was then. Today he’s focused on being in the now.

Each year Harvey hosts his annual Neighborhood Awards. It’s one of the ways his brand uplifts the community. Some see it as the party of the year. But Harvey might have a greater purpose in mind. He knows that when all is said and done, life’s favorite moments will stay with you a while, so have some fun.

steve-harvey

The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (New-School Flava)

Steve Harvey’s a man of many jokes. Bringing laughs to kids and grown folks. A career starting from the low. Now he’s at the top of his flow. Heard on morning radio, seen on daytime TV. Giving back, paying it forward without a fee. Turning his ‘gift of gab’ for comedy. Into a multi-media escape from poverty.

Works hard to meet people where they’re at. Bringing content and audiences together, got it down pat. Having used comedy to sellout venues. Now he’s pulling high-profile multi-media revenues. With ratings that seem to make the haters hate. But he keeps doing his thing so the fans appreciate.

Could Oprah’s success be inspiration? He’s also got the ear of a nation. Not trying to walk in her shoes. Done a lot to pay his dues. Giving his time to spread more good. To the down-but-not-out in the neighborhood. Feeling the pulse and pain on the ground. A special thing to have wealth and be profound.

Hear how he gives advice. Lifelong learning, he could charge a price. When you stop learning you stop growing. That’s some of what he’s showing. When you stop growing you kill success. That’s the word from the Harvey press. With setbacks and lean times back-in-the-day. Today he’s on point in every way.

Radio, TV and Awards host. Maybe a role he loves the most. Just one way his brand is a hub. Uplifting the community like a club. Some see it as the party of the year. But Harvey has a greater purpose to share. He knows when all is said and done. Life’s fav moments stay with you so rock the fun.

Tip: Upping your game means turning everyday learning into fun-favorite moments of high earning.

Talkback: How has Steve Harvey’s Neighborhood Awards made a difference in the community?

J.K. Rowling Got ‘Busted for Flying Under the Radar’ with Her New Book

Posted by

0

doc_lg

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (Old-School Flava)

The secret’s out the bag! The Cuckoo’s Calling is not by some newly emerging author named Robert Galbraith. Instead it’s written by Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling. Many publishing industry insiders were fooled and even stunned. Rowling got ‘busted for flying under the radar’ with her new book.

With limited sales and some mixed reviews, this crime novel didn’t debut with much fanfare. Rowling wanted to reinvent her writing without the added pressure of media hype. She wanted to connect with a new stream of audience feedback. So she came up with the fake name and storyline bio.

Sometimes this is how athletes and celebs reinvent their careers. First, there’s a time for ‘flying under the radar’ just to regroup. They look for new opportunities to connect their skills. Some go from retired to re-hired in a fresh role on Reality TV. Their careers get a new identity and 1-page bio.

Then there are the top-dogs in business who look to reinvent their brand. While ‘under the radar,’ Rowling was busy re-branding how she ‘dots the i’s and crosses the t’s.’ As @TaraDowdellGrp tweet reminds us of a Walter Landor quote, “products are made in the factory but brands are created in the mind.”

If there’s a plot line to Rowling’s makeover success it’s in moving from brand development to discovery to name recognition. The book went from bottom to #1 on Amazon. In baseball ‘the game’s not over until the fat lady sings.’ Well in career and business it’s not over as long as the brand name in the market rings.

j-k-rowling

The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (New-School Flava)

Secret’s out the bag! Author with unknown tag. The Cuckoo’s Calling not by some new writer. Instead by J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter creator. Robert Galbraith was the pen-name. Editor for both found to be the same. Insiders stunned and feeling the fool. Rowling ‘flying under the radar’ around the press pool.

Limited sales, modest reviews. A crime novel with some hidden clues. Low attention on the pop culture front. Many glossed over deciding to punt. Wanting to reinvent her writing career. By shifting her game starting last year. With a new fan-feedback stream. Adding a fake name, bio and PR team.

Athletes and celebs do it all the time. Reinventing their careers at the drop of a dime. First, ‘flying under the radar’ to regroup. Adding skills that bring opportunities to recoup. Some go from retired to re-hired in a ‘New York minute.’ Using Reality TV to take things to the limit.

Other top-dogs in the world of biz. Look to reinvent their market fizz. Rowling went under the radar for a reason. To re-brand her work for a new season. By how she dots i’s and crosses t’s. With her own style of abc’s. As @TaraDowdellGrp tweet reminds. “Products made in the factory, brands made in the mind.”

A plot line to Rowling’s makeover success? Moving brand thru development, discovery and recognition in the press. Book went from bottom to #1 ranking. On Amazon and Kindle Rowling is banking. In baseball ‘the game’s not over ‘til the fat lady sings.’ Well, in biz it’s not over if the brand name still rings.

Tip: Upping your game means working on a new idea you hatch and sometimes having to start over from scratch.

Talkback: What do you remember most about a favorite celeb, artist or athlete who made a career move that gave their brand new life?

#TrayvonMartin Didn’t Stand a Chance Dead or Alive

Posted by

1

doc_lg

The verdict came in after a day and a half of jury review. ‘Not guilty’ of Second-Degree Murder was the ruling. It seems the charge of Manslaughter was dropped from discussion. Even though Zimmerman went with basic self-defense over Stand your Ground, Trayvon Martin didn’t stand a chance dead or alive.

This case showed how hard it is to prove without reasonable doubt someone’s ill intentions. Zimmerman might not have left his house with the intent to cause harm. But his actions that evening lead-up to the tragedy. The Prosecution must have known the risk of not going with Manslaughter as the main charge.

It’s like leaving home to run an errand and getting a traffic ticket. No one leaves home saying “today is a good day for a ticket.” Even with the best of intentions it can happen. The officer will likely give the reason for the summons. Well, investigation at the scene of this case was influenced by Stand Your Ground.

Stand Your Ground gives someone the right to defend their space. The law is a ‘step-child’ of the Castle Doctrine argument where an individual has the right to use deadly force against a home intruder. Maybe Stand Your Ground and Racial Profiling have gone from ‘step-child to problem child’ in the justice system.

Some on CNN are asking the difference between criminal profiling and racial profiling. Criminal profiling does not always introduce race as a factor. However, racial profiling as a step-child of criminal profiling is where by using race you can cause real factors to be overlooked and assumed factors to be overplayed.

Trayvon Martin

Zimmerman made some assumptions about Martin based on past incidents. The legal experts and social scientists have to figure-out whether racial profiling is insensitive or an injustice. If emotion should take a backseat in legal arguments then racial profiling is an injustice as it brings a form of bias to the front-seat.

Many feel we’ve been here before. The justice system seems to play hardball with certain groups of people. Why is that? Well, we know that the system is imperfect. It is based on laws written by imperfect people. The problem is that the system’s imperfections tend to throw certain groups ‘under the bus.’

More often than not, these groups end up being treated unfairly by the system. Sometimes due to reasons like mandatory minimum drug laws or the inability to hire high profile Attorneys. These are not always matters of racial discrimination. But at a minimum they are examples of legal system dysfunction.

Martin was doing nothing wrong that fateful evening. He was just a normal teenager, being profiled by a neighborhood watch volunteer, who was carrying a loaded semi-automatic and was familiar with the Stand Your Ground law. A sadder reality beyond the verdict is Martin didn’t stand a chance dead or alive.

Tip: Equal justice and racial justice are not always the same due to legal system dysfunction.

Talkback: Which played a bigger role in this case, racial profiling or stand your ground?

Mohammed Morsi’s Social Revolution Was Like a Flashmob for Change

Posted by

0

doc_lg

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (Old-School Flava)

Another official is sent packing! Mohammed Morsi, Egypt’s first elected President was removed by the military after one year in office. It seems the Egyptian people lost their patience. Some say it was a coup while others see it as course correction. In our social media age, a flashmob is easier but change is hard.

It’s easier to be a witness than an agent of change. In Egypt we watch as the country makes change a reality. First they got past the fear of dictatorship. Then they moved beyond the doubt that change was even possible. But making change stick means getting past the bad habits of status-quo military rule.

Consider the gun violence situation in Chicago. People feel like they’re under siege in some neighborhoods. While Egypt’s revolution coverage was easier, the events in Chicago may need change coverage. Let others see life is like a boomerang. What you put out comes back without a doubt.

Social change is not just rallies and speeches. It’s about shifting the mindset that’s blocking change. That’s how 12-step programs work. Gil Scott-Heron once said that “the revolution will not be televised.” Let’s just say change happens more by kicking bad habits than by having an addiction to revolution.

The Arab Spring saw demonstrations in Egypt’s Tahrir Square. The Chinese protests in ‘89 happened in Tiananmen Square. Maybe these say something about the power to change. At times change is more ‘square than round.’ It takes one or more shifts to see a change in direction or course correction.

tahrir-square

The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (New-School Flava)

Another official sent packing! Egyptians think he was slacking. Mohammed Morsi got the pink slip. People lost patience, no longer seen as hip. Some say this was a military coup. Others see it as a course correction from old to new. In this the social media age. Flashmob is easier but change hard to stage.

Ready to be an eye-witness. Than to demonstrate change fitness. We watch as Egypt comes around. To a new reality that seems sound. Getting past the fear of dictatorship. And even past doubt by assuming ownership. What’s it gonna take for change to stick? Subtracting bad habits, that’s gotta be the trick.

Consider gun violence in Chicago central. Not simply by those gone mental. Some areas already under such stress. Feels worse than a living mess. While Egypt receives revolution coverage. Chicago needs to apply change leverage. Let peeps see life’s like a boomerang. What you put out comes back bang-bang.

Social change, a lot it teaches. Not just rallies and long speeches. Shifting the mindset to unblock change. That’s how 12-step programs flex your range. “The revolution will not be televised,” that’s what Scott-Heron said. You change by kicking bad habits and not letting revolution go to your head.

Arab Spring demonstrations in Tahrir Square. On TV it felt like you were there. Tiananmen Square and other places too. Some spots where social change began anew. At times change more ‘square than round.’ By shifts in direction and course correction from the hog pound.

Tip: Upping your game by embracing change means kicking bad habits and avoiding an addiction to revolution.

Talkback: From Flashmobs to Occupy Wall Street, how has social media changed the revolution game?

Has Paula Deen’s Food Franchise Gotten Lost in the Sauce?

Posted by

0

doc_lg

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (Old-School Flava)

It seems like Paula Deen’s ‘bread & butter’ franchise is in a tailspin. Reports surfaced that she used racial slurs in the past. One by one the big-box retailers began dropping her like a hot potato. Her public responses have been more ‘miss than hit.’ Has Paula Deen’s food franchise gotten lost in the sauce?

So she’s hired Judy Smith to help with crisis management. Smith is the inspiration behind the highly-rated TV show Scandal. To help make a comeback Deen has gone from PR to ER in handling the situation. Her public relation has been a disaster. Now things call for an emergency response to stop the bleeding.

Where did Deen go wrong, and can Smith make things right? She might help Deen see the difference between being closed versus locked. A door that is locked is also closed. But a door can be closed without being locked. Career or brand comebacks are possible before doors go from closed to locked.

R&B Music star Charlie Wilson is a good example of a comeback after being ‘down but not out.’ His career went from highs to lows. Sort of like Deen and others faced with a business setback or slow job market. But with the right support, focus and pure genius he found a way to go from zero to hero.

We tend to forget scandals after a while. The short-term pain can be difficult. But the long-term effects are lessons for a lifetime. Smith will coach Deen on putting her brand back on the block. It’s probably not too late since comebacks are a matter of leaving a mark so that when you’re gone you’re not forgotten.

paula-deen

The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (New-School Flava)

Seems like Paula Deen’s franchise is in a spin. Many lost opportunities to win. Reports surfaced of using racial slur. Saying her past was just a blur. Big-box stores dropped her one by one. Like a hot potato her biz put under the gun. Public responses haven’t been a hit. Will these troubles cause her to quit?

Added Judy Smith to her crisis team. A point of inspiration from a bad dream. With TV show Scandal based on Smith’s story. Deen hoping to strike-up new glory. Going from PR to ER in this situation. As an emergency response to bad public relation. To help stop the bleeding and personal frustration.

Where did Deen go wrong? This was like a bad song. With branding advice Smith is stocked. Knowing the difference between closed and locked. Door that is locked also closed. But doesn’t always mean your chances are hosed. Market comeback may still be doable. Closed, not locked says brand is renewable.

R&B Music star Charlie Wilson a good example. Of a ‘down but not out’ music gamble. Going from career highs to new low. Falling out the pop culture flow. Like Deen and other biz setbacks. A slow job market means a hard comeback. But with the right support and focus. Takes pure genius, ditch the hocus pocus.

Scandals are forgotten after a while. Short-term pain can affect your style. Long-term effects are lessons in forever. As the saying goes, “never say never.” Smith will coach Deen through the paces. To put her brand in good graces. Not too late to be back on the block. From leaving a mark while punching the clock.

Tip: Upping your game means seeing ‘down but not out’ as a preview for going from zero to hero.

Talkback: What do you think Paula Deen can do to get back in good graces?

Supreme Court’s Ruling Could Take Civil Rights Branding to Another Level

Posted by

0

doc_lg

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (Old-School Flava)

It was the news of the day as the Supreme Court (SCOTUS) gave its opinion. Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act would be struck down. Section 5 could also be affected by default. Not what many in the Civil Rights arena hoped to hear.  Maybe Civil Rights Branding needs to go to another level.

Some believe the ruling is like a dagger to the civil rights legacy. But what if it was really a trigger to reset our laws? The SCOTUS ruling in effect sent the case back to the lower court. The expectation is that Congress will have to rewrite sections of the Voting Rights Act to reflect the current day situation.

This should apply to other cases like the Mining Law of 1872. Yes, some things have changed, but some things remain the same. Maybe the SCOTUS ruling can be a trigger to reset our politics. It has become more “win-lose-draw,” where some politicians win, others lose but the citizens feel like nothing changed.

50 years later what would Dr. King think? Well, that’s hard to know. Maybe this is a trigger for us to reset our advocacy. Could this be a time for “I Have a Dream 2.0?” Our focus should be as much about what we’re doing to (or not doing for) ourselves as about what others are doing to us.

Most business leaders will tell you that every now and then you have to reinvent yourself or the business. What used to generate revenue no longer does. The SCOTUS ruling has unnerved many who know the struggle. But before all is said and done, this might just be a tune-up for how we reset our game.

supreme-court

The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (New-School Flava)

Twas the news of the day. Many tuned in to what SCOTUS had to say. Section 4 of Voting Rights struck down. Section 5 untouched but still others frown. Not what folks in the struggle were hoping for. Feels like SCOTUS kicked Civil Rights to the floor. Maybe Civil Rights Brand needs to go big even more.

Some believe ruling is like a dagger. But suppose it’s really like a trigger. Civil Rights legacy remains in tact. But other laws need to change, that’s a fact. Ruling, in effect, sends case back to square one. Congress will have to rewrite law to get it done. So that it applies to current day situation under the sun.

Mining Law of 1872. Another one that needs review. Yes, some things have changed even in name. But other things seem to remain the same. Maybe SCOTUS ruling will help reset our politics. To involve less dog-and-pony tricks. Enough of their win-lose and we draw. Leaving citizens grasping the straw.

50 years later what would King think? He’d probably pause and give a wink. Maybe he’d say it’s time to upgrade our advocacy. While the Fed tackles issues of foreign diplomacy. Could this be a time for “I Have a Dream 2.0?” Well, hard to say or even know. Our focus should be on how we shift and grow.

Most biz leaders would admit. To reinvent yourself you have to commit. What used to generate revenue no longer works. A healthy business means retooling the perks. SCOTUS ruling has upset many. No where near anything funny. Before all is said and done. Might just be a tune-up for Civil Rights’ next run.

Tip: Upping your game means resetting the way you process the good, the bad and the ugly.

Talkback: How do you think the SCOTUS ruling will affect Civil Rights past, present and future?