T-M-I from T-I-M

The No Blah-G Zone: Justin Lassen

About 2 years back I was working with an early stage video game company that had a pretty cool concept.  One of the individuals on the team asked me to speak to a friend of his who was scoring (or writing the music) for the video game.  In short order we were having in depth discussions about the meaning of The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, the indelible nature of memories, the confusing reality of how our world takes beautiful souls like Gandhi, MLK, John Lennon, etc. by force (ironically out as I was weeping in front of Extreme Pizza of all places!) and many other deep worthwhile topics.

Justin Lassen has opened my worlds in ways that I never dreamed possible.  He's completing his second symphony in Budapest titled A Suite of Grimm in the Mind of the Darkly Inclined.  He's an acclaimed remixer having worked with worldwide known super groups like Nine Inch Nails and Linkin Park.  We exchange our art regularly.  He sends me a song, I send him a poem.  We both feel comfortable sharing our honest points of view about each other's work.

The great thing about it all is that my friendship with Justin has a sturdy foundation of honesty.  Sometimes it takes a while to understand where we're coming from (noir symphony composer and MBA from Wharton are not necessarily...well normal I guess).  That's the beauty, we're both comfortable with that.  We share how it feels if we get uncomfortable with feeling abnormal patiently letting the other person express.

The last twist to our relationship is that we've never met in person.  We've exchanged emails to fill a novel and have had a few lengthy phone convos.  Yes, I know, it's not normal but that's us.

Justin Lassen steps into The No Blah-g Zone.

The No Blah-G Zone: Shellie R. Warren

Three years or so ago, I went to Nashville to see Aimee Donahue (a friend) perform as the lead singer of a group called Plural Z.  Aimee (which, interestingly, means beloved in French) had recently recommended a book called Inside of Me:  Lessons of Love, Lust and Redemption by Shellie Warren.  I looked for the book out here in SF unsuccessfully.  Upon my arrival in Nashville I bee lined to a store and bought a copy.

A day and half later I finished....and gave the book to a young woman at the front desk because I knew Shellie's message needed to spread (see her website). The book is about her life's relationship journey.  She was abused as a child by her brother's father.  She had a string of relationships where sex ruled over making love and had four abortions.  She did have one loving relationship with a man named Damien...who was killed in a car accident.

I've since bought 5 copies and just given them out to people because I was meant to.  I remember shortly after I got back from Nashville, Aimee was at one of Shellie's book signings.  Aimee handed her the phone and we talked for a minute or so.  Since then I've been a regular reader of a published series of her takes on life, love and God.

I emailed her when I started The No Blah-g Zone and just recently caught up with her.  Never could an expression be more appropriate. You see, with Shellie, you have to keep up or ultimately you will be catching up...doubled over panting.

Sometimes I do these interviews via emails exchanged. Thank goodness I spoke to her on the phone.  I am doubled over, panting (in some literary sense....) breathing short and quickly because we just hung up.

She collects butterfly related things.  Never could a hobby be more appropriate.  You see, with Shellie, she's almost unaware of her deepest inner beauty but it's in that beauty that she exists....sort of like a butterfly.

I did my best (and it wasn't easy) to get a snapshot of her flowing grace and beauty.  She told me about the emperor butterfly which hatches itself from its cocoon when its ready (so they stay there for varying lengths....).  Scientists did a study and thought they had figured how long they typically stay.  When they cut some open, the butterflies emerged, straight upwards and died.

The lesson:  the butterfly emerges when its ready, so give it time. I'm honored that now is the time for me to share a light of pure love with you.

Shellie R. Warren steps into The No Blah-g Zone.

The No Blah-G Zone: Paul Witkay

About 5 years ago, Randy Williams, founder of the Keiretsu Forum gave me the opportunity to start my business, working with start-ups getting financing. Randy is not only a genuinely compassionate person and super savvy business person, he also is the best networker I have ever met (I refer to going to Keiretsu Forum events as “networking on steroids”.) In one of my first few visits to Keiretsu I met Paul Witkay, founder of The Alliance of CEO’s.

The Alliance is a group of 250+ CEO’s that meet in groups on a regular basis in which CEO’s of companies of all types share real-time challenges they are facing, usually in the context of business (a shared language and passion). Paul is passionate, polished and entrepreneurial. I didn’t have to dig deep to realize he is also curious, honest and compassionate. I had the distinct pleasure a couple years back to have an extended breakfast with him wherein we cemented a strong relationship based on mutual respect.

I’m very direct and curious. It is rewarding to know Paul because he doesn’t sweat my technique while also having his own opinions about things that we discuss (whether we ultimately agree or not). I find it inspiring that as a passionate leader of an organization of passionate leaders humility guides him to success, and he’s a cool dude to boot! And in the midst of his swirling centrifuge of a professional life, I’m honored that he took the time to help me share him with you.

Paul Witkay steps into The No Blah-g Zone

 

The No Blah-G Zone: Dave Kindred

A few weeks ago I posted a review of the book Sound & Fury by Dave Kindred which is about the relationship between Muhammad Ali and Howard Cosell.  The book was cool on a lot of levels. 

Something happened recently that was cool in its very own way.  The author contacted me after reading the review telling me he appreciated it.  Then soemthing even cooler happened.  He agreed to come into The No Blah-g Zone.  Score one for virtual connections!

Dave's bio on The Sporting News website which I found quite humorous is:

Dave Kindred has eaten breakfast with Katarina Witt, lunch with Stan Musial, and dinner with Tiger Woods. In between, he has written 7,126 columns, give or take.

Actually, he's been State Sportswriter of the Year 15 times (in 3 states....and I think that's like geographical states..not emotional states..,), National Sportswriter of the Year in 1998, received the Curt Gowdy Award in 2000 and has written 6 books.

For me, what I found unusual about the book is how he felt...real.  Like he cared about the people whose lives he was chronicling and as he did it, he saw them rise, shine and fade to a certain extent.

I'm absolutely blessed that he agreed to let me share you with him.

Dave Kindred steps into the No Blah-g Zone.

The No Blah-G Zone: Dr. Gary Mitchell

    I grew up in South Bend, IN, the very definition of the Midwest.  Our family hung out with a number of other families in the town.  I have fond memories of those days, in fact I probably often wished them away.

    I was talking with my Mom and she brought up one of the parental posse, Dr. Gary Mitchell.  (Actually, I've decided that I will "give myself permission" to call him Gary.  Of course that has two levels:  the doctor power and the friends of the parent thing but I can get past it and use Gary)

    Garyis a big, friendly dude whose family seemed to share a loving light whenever I was with them.  He had a 'do reminiscent of Will Ferrell's piano playing church school guy from Saturday Night Live and a humor to match.   

    The reason I wanted to share Gary's story is that in 1997 and 1998, he went to Kenya to teach Med school.  That's not all that unusual, but there's a twist that fascinated me....

    It's eye opening to talk to someone like Gary on a direct, open and honest level.  Friends of parents are cool and loving but they pretty much serve as rides and spheres of decisional influence (a fancy way of saying that they decide if you can have a sleep over or go out and play).   I'm blessed that he's a part of my life and I'm honored to share him with you.

    Dr. Gary Mitchell (or "Gary" as I call him...yeah, I'm in the game...) enters The No Blah-g Zone.

The No Blah-g Zone: Ben Casnocha

A year and a half ago I ventured over across the Golden Gate Bridge to Marin Joe’s one Monday night to join a regular dinner that a friend of mine Max Shapiro of Peopleconnect was hosting. I ate dinner across the table from Ben Casnocha. One of the essential beauties in life to me is how two paths move along and meet exactly when they are meant to.

I was at the dinner that night because I was helping a client raise money. Ben was there for networking and learning about raising money. You see Ben has his own company Comcate (his second start-up) that at that time had a sizable trailing 12 month revenue, great growth prospects and a CEO (Ben) with vision.

He talks and dreams big like most other entrepreneurs I know. He contemplates and stays curious like some of the entrepreneurs I know. He delivers and stays focused like a handful of the entrepreneurs I know.

I was at the dinner that night because I was helping a client raise money. Ben was there for networking and learning about raising money. You see Ben has his own company Comcate (his second start-up) that at that time had a sizable trailing 12 month revenue, great growth prospects and a CEO (Ben) with vision.

What differentiates him for me was a meeting shortly after that night. We met on

Union Stree and instead of doing the typical network thing, we ended up having tea in a garden behind a shop called Gity Joon, a spiritual store that’s been around forever. We talked about all types of things none of which involved business.

I am somewhat loathe to mention it, but Ben is 18 years old. He’s writing a book, gets interviewed all the time, speaks on numerous panels, etc. etc. I understand there is a fascination with him because he’s 18, and admittedly that may be part of why I want to share him with you. But no matter how old he is, he is a business leader and the moments I shared with him in the back of Gity Joon that day were inspiring to me. And I’m hoping in some way you’ll feel it.

   Ben Casnocha enters The No Blah-g Zone

The No Blah-g Zone: Bob Bozeman

    A few years ago, I had the most valuable orange juice of my life.  It cost me $1.50.  It was valuable because I drank it while I spoke with Bob Bozeman.  I've been in the start-up, angel, vc world for about 5 years now. 

    I met with Bob a few years ago and learned a bit about how he and a 3 others started The Angel Investors, LP.  The information that's available on the site stuns me every time I look at it.  They were first investors in a few well known world changers (most notably Google) and a number of lesser known investor pleasers.

    I am still a little confused as to why their story isn't better known.  But since it's not, the interview focused, relatively, more on his business philosophies.  What's great about Bob s that those philosophies are directly related to a way of life that I vibe with (the best way I can describe it is fearless humility).

    I love entrepreneurs and have a rule that I work/interact with people I like.  I like Bob.

    Bob Bozeman enters The No Blah-g Zone.

The No Blah-g Zone

Last week I had an idea.  I know tons of people who I think have great stories that I want to share.  I tend to share portions of them, one off with friends or associates. 

I decided to start interviewing some of my "peeps" if you will.  I want to help you get some sense of what it's like to know them.  Generally speaking I will:

• If I don't see their name enough or at all, I will tell some of their story and comment as I'm moved to.
• If there's a ton out there already, I will try to focus on what's not out there.
• Oh....and I'll ask one question every time:  What advice would you give to my 5 year old (or however old she is) daughter?

I will talk to people in business, entertainment, medicine, government and, actually just about anywhere, as long as I think it might be interesting to you.  It's interesting to me that I sent out a request to 5 people and within 24 hours two agreed.

Ben Casnocha, who fittingly, was the one who got me into blogging and Bob Bozeman (who is interview #1) who was a part of a extraordinarily successful angel group several years back.  Both are extremely busy.  Both are friends and business associates. 

They really don't have any reason otherwise to be a part of it (after all it's brand new...) but they still did.

I realized after deciding to do this, that to a certain extent I am stealing Ben Casnocha and Chris Yeh's SV Junto where subject matter experts (in SV Junto's case business people) talk about subjects outside of their day to day expertise (non-business issues in SV Junto's case).  They do groups, I do individuals (interviews that is...)

Further, I am showcasing my ability to copy things by creating "The No Blah-g Zone" like Bill O'Reilly's No Spin Zone.  The reasons I called it that are that it's downright snappy and because I'm committed to avoiding political correctness, which divides not connects us.

In case you're wondering, I'm at peace with my lack of creativity.....

Part of why I'm doing this, I think is because I love writing and while I'm not the best of all time like whoever wrote the Bible (sorry bad example) I am gifted at it.  I know that the my gift for writing will find the words inside of people who are meant to share them (whether I know them or not).

If you have suggestions I'm open.....