This New Year's edition introduces two leadership heavyweights - Susan Cain and Patrick Lencioni, who are working to empower a new generation of authentic leaders and speaking out against the charismatic, loud, celebrity leadership stereotype.

Why Aren't Teens Partying Anymore?

Kevin is a 17 year old from San Diego. When asked what makes his generation different he exclaims, “I feel like we don’t party as much. My generation, they don’t have physical get-togethers".  Even college students are spending much less face to face time with friends. What are the implications? (Wired.com)

Make Your Bed or Don't Make Your Bed 

Should you do something simple to set the tone for the day or do something bold to jump start your day? You decide. (BusinessInsider. com and Medium.com)

What's New in Technology in 2018

What's coming - good and bad. A crystal ball look into the new technology that will come on the scene in 2018. (Washington Post)

What is Cryptocurrency? An Explainer

I am fascinated by the idea of mined "digital gold". I confess to buying my first cryptocoins over the holidays to educate myself and ease my personal FOMO (the Fear of Missing Out)! There are approximately 40 currencies with Bitcoin (CNN) being the most discussed. (NGPF.org)



Book tip: Together is Better 

The author, Simon Sinek is on a mission to create leaders who help us all feel safe and fulfilled in school or at work. This short book (15 minute read) has so many inspiring messages it's a must to own and refer back to time and again.

An Inspiring Moment

"Faking It - How Introverts Succeed" with Susan Cain (2:15)

Ms. Cain is the leader of the Quiet Revolution. Her groundbreaking book "Quiet - The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" has earned her a platform to extol the virtues of introverts as leaders.

A Leadership Moment

"Vulnerability Trust" with Patrick Lencioni (1:10)

Mr. Lencioni is an expert on the importance of trust for all leaders. A person who is trusted has earned the right to lead. A group of people who trust each other is called a team.

On a recent flight out of Houston Intercontinental I entered a gate area in Terminal C and I saw a world I hadn't seen before - row upon row of screens. Every gate seat had a tablet attached so I could browse in solitude or order a drink online while I wait. At the kiosk shop, I picked up some chapstick and looked to checkout. There was no clerk - just grab, swipe and go. Is this the future? Will every place we go have a device, feeding an addictive desire to connect? We don't need studies to confirm that the more time we spend with a screen, the less time we spend learning how to build and manage relationships, the less productive we are due to constant distraction, and the less physically active we are.

In December, Facebook launched Messenger Kids , a messaging tool for kids who are too young to have their own Facebook accounts. Few big tech companies have dared develop online tools for kids younger than 13. While this is just one tool, it symbolizes a trend toward more and more digital interaction and the creation of new and troubling social problems. This should ignite a spirited debate (NY Times) in every household. How young is too young? How do families set digital boundaries? The daily creep o f technology integration in our lives may be the most important social issue we are currently facing.

- Mr. Kafoglis