Lessons from the Trenches
Thoughts on leadership, product strategy, growth, and life — from 25+ years of building things.
The Silver Spur Adventure: A Father-Daughter Journey into the Wild
What began as a random Instagram ad turned into an unforgettable week-long horseback adventure at Silver Spur Ranch in Idaho -- a father-daughter journey before college.
10 Revenue Mistakes B2B Startups Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Bad revenue is like junk food -- it tastes great in the moment but hurts your long-term health. Here are 10 of the most common revenue mistakes B2B startups make and how to avoi...
10 Nuggets from Amp It Up by the CEO of Snowflake
Key insights from Frank Slootman's book Amp It Up -- lessons on raising standards, sharpening focus, and driving breakout growth from the CEO who took three software companies p...
The Comprehensive Blueprint To Running a Product Led Sales/Product Led Growth Model
A complete guide to running a Product Led Sales motion -- from defining PLS, to building the flywheel, to aligning product, marketing, sales, and customer service for maximum gr...
What Product Managers Can Learn from a $3.2 Billion Dollar Blunder
The Ford Edsel is one of history's most expensive product failures, costing $350 million ($3.2 billion today). Here's what product managers can learn from this legendary blunder.
How to Get Your Product Right, Right Now
Most products fail because teams become emotionally attached to past decisions. Here's how to involve customers early, admit failure fast, and build what people actually want.
Family Ski Trip to Banff Canada
Our family ski trip to Banff, Canada -- an overview of the experience with tips and reviews for families planning their own Canadian Rockies adventure.
Let's Stop Zombie Products
Zombie products drain resources and distract teams from building things that matter -- here is how to identify them and make the tough call to let them go.
How I created my first Amazon Alexa skill
A step-by-step account of building my first Amazon Alexa skill -- from idea to publication, including the tools, challenges, and lessons learned along the way.
Our Alaska Family Adventure
Our family adventure to Alaska -- exploring glaciers, wildlife, and the stunning wilderness that makes the Last Frontier an unforgettable destination.
A simple how-to for living your best life
A practical framework for designing and living your best life -- simple steps that anyone can follow to create more meaning, purpose, and fulfillment.
41 tools you need to write your first book
A comprehensive list of 41 tools and resources for aspiring authors -- from writing software to publishing platforms, everything you need to write your first book.
The ultimate pool basketball setup for $75
How to build the ultimate pool basketball setup for just 75 dollars -- a fun family project that delivers endless summer entertainment.
Are you writing to change the world or yourself?
Writing is not just about communicating with others -- it is a powerful tool for self-discovery, clarity of thought, and personal transformation.
Can two simple words make life better?
Two simple words can shift your entire mindset and transform how you experience daily life -- a practical approach to living with more intention and positivity.
Life lessons on gratitude
Gratitude is the foundation of a happy life -- when you focus on what you have rather than what you lack, everything changes for the better.
Life lessons on getting things in order
Getting things in order -- whether physical spaces, finances, or priorities -- creates clarity and peace of mind that frees you to focus on what truly matters.
Life lessons on giving back
The holiday season reminds us that giving back is not just a seasonal activity -- making generosity a daily habit transforms both your life and the lives of others.
Life lessons on opinions & peer pressure
Having your own opinions and resisting peer pressure requires courage -- think for yourself, stand by your values, and do not let the crowd dictate your choices.
Life lessons on leadership
Leadership is not about a title or position -- it is about serving others, setting an example, and bringing out the best in the people around you.
Life lessons on uncertainty
Uncertainty is frightening, but it creates meaningful lives. From trail running to career changes, embracing the unknown opens doors we never knew existed.
Life lessons on adversity
Adversity changes us, either for better or worse. We can use this force to become a diamond, or we can go through life as an ordinary piece of coal.
Life lessons on art
Art is powerful in ways few things can match -- it stirs emotions, connects people, slows time, and opens minds. Here's why art matters and what it can teach us.
Life lessons on problem-solving
Life presents thousands of moves and problems around every corner. Problem-solving is a learnable skill -- here are strategies for finding solutions, rethinking boundaries, and ...
Life lessons on laughter
Laughter is medicine for the soul -- it reduces stress, strengthens relationships, and makes every experience more memorable and enjoyable.
Life lessons on happiness
Happiness is not a destination but a practice -- it comes from gratitude, relationships, purpose, and the daily choices you make about how to live.
Life lessons on storytelling
Storytelling is the most powerful way to communicate ideas and connect with others -- a well-told story can change minds, inspire action, and create lasting memories.
Life lessons on fear
Fear is a natural response designed to protect us, but it can also hold us back from our greatest achievements -- learning to act in spite of fear is transformative.
Life lessons on titles at work
Titles do not define your worth or impact -- what matters is the value you create, the problems you solve, and how you treat the people around you.
Life lessons on candor and feedback
Honest feedback delivered with care is one of the greatest gifts you can give -- candor builds trust and accelerates growth for everyone involved.
Life lessons on deciding how to spend time
How you spend your time is how you spend your life -- being intentional about your daily choices is the key to building the life you want.
Life lessons on marriage
Marriage is a partnership that requires daily investment -- it is the most important relationship you will ever choose, and it deserves your best effort.
Life lessons on asking for help
Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness -- the most successful people know they cannot do everything alone and are not afraid to reach out.
Life lessons on what I want to be
What you want to be matters less than who you want to become -- focus on the character traits and values that will guide you through any career or life path.
Life lessons on meeting new people
Meeting new people expands your world in ways you cannot predict -- every person you meet has something to teach you and may change the trajectory of your life.
Life lessons on compound growth
Compound growth applies to more than money -- knowledge, relationships, and habits all compound over time, making small consistent efforts incredibly powerful.
Life lessons on the friends you keep
You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with -- choose your friends wisely because they shape who you become.
Life lessons on reading
Reading is the fastest way to learn from the greatest minds in history -- a consistent reading habit compounds knowledge and opens doors you never knew existed.
Life lessons on self discipline
Self-discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment -- it is the ability to do what needs to be done even when you do not feel like doing it.
Life lessons on productivity
Productivity is not about being busy -- it is about making the best use of your time to achieve what matters most to you.
Life lessons on fixing things yourself
Most people view home improvement as impossibly complex, but changing a light fixture is just three wires and two screws. Here's why learning to fix things yourself matters.
Life lessons on sales
Starting a career in sales is an excellent foundation for building wealth. With 20+ years of experience, here are the essential principles every salesperson should know.
Life lessons on writing
School made writing feel like tedious work rather than creative expression. But writing is one of the most powerful skills you can develop -- here's why.
Life lessons on imagination
Imagination diminishes with age as knowledge creates self-imposed limits. Here are ten strategies for keeping your imagination alive and thriving.
Life lessons on popularity or being cool
Being cool is fleeting but being kind, curious, and authentic lasts forever -- popularity fades but character endures.
Life lessons on impatience and instant gratification
The marshmallow test reveals a powerful truth -- those who can delay gratification achieve dramatically more in life than those who cannot resist the immediate reward.
Life lessons on inventing
Inventing is about seeing problems as opportunities and having the courage to create solutions -- anyone can be an inventor with curiosity and persistence.
Life lessons on saving money
Saving money is really about buying freedom -- every dollar saved is a step closer to having choices about how you spend your time and live your life.
Life lessons on getting an education
Education is not just about what you learn in the classroom -- it is about developing the ability to think critically and see the world through new eyes.
Life lessons on living in the moment
Living in the moment does not mean ignoring the future -- it means being fully present and intentional about how you experience each day.
Life lessons on admitting mistakes
Admitting mistakes takes courage but builds trust and respect -- the ability to own your errors and learn from them is a hallmark of strong character.
Life lessons on commitment
Commitment separates dreamers from achievers -- when you fully commit to something, obstacles become challenges to overcome rather than reasons to quit.
Life lessons on expectations
Your expectations set the ceiling for your achievements -- raise them high and you will surprise yourself with what is possible.
Life lessons on communication
Communication is the vehicle for everything you want to achieve -- mastering how you share ideas, listen, and connect with others is a lifelong pursuit worth prioritizing.
Life lessons on mentors
Great mentors accelerate your growth and help you avoid costly mistakes -- finding and nurturing these relationships is one of the wisest investments you can make.
Life lessons on public speaking
Public speaking is one of the most valuable skills you can develop -- it builds confidence, advances careers, and amplifies your ability to influence and inspire others.
Life lessons on taking risks
Calculated risk-taking is essential for growth -- every meaningful achievement in life requires stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing uncertainty.
Life lessons on procrastination
Procrastination is the thief of time and opportunity -- understanding why we delay and developing strategies to take action can transform your productivity and life.
Life lessons on networking
Networking is about building genuine relationships, not collecting business cards -- the connections you make can open doors you never knew existed.
14 things I learned about life from sports
Sports teach invaluable life lessons -- from teamwork and discipline to handling pressure and learning from defeat, the playing field prepares you for life.
Life lessons on experiences
Life is about living, not watching. Push past your comfort zone, erase boundaries, and be intentional about creating new experiences.
Life lessons on the words you use
Words carry tremendous power -- they shape our development, our relationships, and even our biology. Choose them wisely, both when speaking to others and to yourself.
Life lessons on goals
According to a Harvard study, only 3% of Americans write down their goals -- and they are 30 times more successful than those without goals. Here's why goal-setting works.
Life lessons on self-confidence
The key word in self-conscious and self-confidence is self. People rarely notice the flaws we obsess over. Here's how to build the confidence that unlocks your potential.
Life lessons on family
Family is the most amazing club you will ever belong to -- money cannot buy membership, but you have a lifetime pass with people who will always love and support you.
Life lessons on taking action
A mayor challenged me to stop waiting and take action on my vision for a sculpture park -- one first step led to the Bee Cave Arts Foundation and a reality that exceeded expecta...
Life lessons on perspective
College changed everything about how I saw the world -- through new settings, time for reflection, knowledge, and experiences, perspective is the lens that shapes our reality.
Life lessons on pay vs. passion
The passion vs. pay matrix helps visualize where you spend your time -- from the Hamster Wheel to the Holy Grail, small steps can move you toward doing what you love.
Life lessons on worry
Worry once saved our lives but now it can kill us -- practical strategies for managing worry include recognizing stress signals, accepting worst outcomes, and physical activity.
Life lessons on time
Time killers like social media and Netflix add up to 5,200 hours over five years -- that is 2.5 years of a full-time job. How you spend your time determines your future.
Life lessons on hard work
Hard work was expected in my family, not rewarded -- from replacing roofs to paper routes, these early experiences taught that sustained effort is the foundation of success.
Life lessons on money
Money is a tool, not an end -- from grandfather's hundred dollar bills in college letters to a values-based approach to spending and saving that can transform your financial life.
Life lessons on food and health
Food is fuel for your body -- put the right things in and you get more energy, strength, brainpower, and life. The Emoji Food Matrix helps kids understand the choices.
This will make you rethink your life
Turning 40 prompted deep reflection on life direction -- we are not creating our future, we are creating our past, and intentional choices today build the life we want to remember.
Life lessons on giving back
Giving back is good for others and science shows it is good for you too -- one act of generosity at a McDonald's drive-through created a chain reaction of 167 customers.
Life lessons on persistence and determination
From Navy SEAL training to a 13-year-old saving hundreds of trees from a highway project -- persistence and determination are the muscles that power achievement.
A Woman For All Seasons
A republished 1978 newspaper article about my great grandmother, Concetta Castelli -- a mother, entrepreneur, and force of nature who built a business from nothing.
Surfing: My new favorite thing to do in Austin
NLand Surf Park brings surfing to landlocked Austin -- a unique experience with real waves, no sharks, and fun for the whole family.
Life lessons on disappointment
Four years of training for a pole vaulting record ended in three faults at the state finals -- but the pain of disappointment is temporary when you keep perspective.
4 Steps to a Family Mission Statement
Using The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People as inspiration, our family created a mission statement through a collaborative process of reflection, voting, and slogans.
Life lessons on trying new things
If curiosity pushes you to explore new things, fear pulls you back. Studies show we fear the unknown more than a known bad outcome. Here's why you should push through that fear.
Life lessons on responsibility
Being responsible means you do what is expected and accept the results of your actions. Every time you show you can handle more, you earn more trust and freedom.
Life lessons on curiosity
Curiosity is a desire to know or learn -- an internal drive to discover and understand. Here are six strategies for maintaining curiosity throughout life.
Life lessons on apologies
A genuine apology has four essential components: admit your mistake, accept responsibility, ask for forgiveness, and change your behavior.
Life lessons on being honest
When George Washington was six, he damaged his father's cherry tree and admitted it. My experience at age six was very different -- and nearly cost us our lives.
Life lessons on doing things well
Excellence is built through daily practice. Three principles for doing things well: take your time, prepare properly, and be honest with yourself about the quality of your work.
Life lessons on being true to yourself (integrity)
Integrity means being true to who you are, what you say, and what you believe. Small moral compromises lead to larger ones -- 100% of the time is easier than 98%.
Life lessons on learning
The most important thing about learning is developing a deep passion for it. It's not about what you will learn -- it's about knowing that you can learn anything you want.
Life lessons on buying stuff
From a 700 sq ft apartment to a 3,400 sq ft house full of stuff -- learning the difference between wants and needs, and the true cost of every purchase.
Life lessons on attitude
From a 12-year-old's bold declaration about owning a jet to starting a web development company in college -- attitude is the difference between seeing obstacles and seeing oppor...
Wipe out clutter and change your life
Professional organizers helped our family declutter and the results were transformative -- less stress, saved time and money, and a clearer mind.
Life lessons on humility
Humility is not humiliation -- it's a way of behaving that shows you don't think you are better than others. Jordan Spieth's sportsmanship shows how powerful it can be.
Life lessons on failure
Seven years of failing as a soccer goalie taught me that success is a process -- and that failing does not make you a failure unless you stop trying.
73 things I want my kids to know
A comprehensive list of life lessons every parent should teach their children -- from failure and humility to leadership and gratitude, each one turned into a letter.
This technique will make you love family travel planning
Using a product design sprint method to plan a year of family travel -- complete with brainstorming, voting rounds, and calendar setting that gets the whole family involved.
The Opposite of Spoiled :: Book Review
A quick video review of The Opposite of Spoiled -- a guide for parents on raising kids who are grounded, generous, and financially smart.
Five guys in Cuba: Lessons and tips
A group of college friends celebrated turning 40 with a trip to Cuba. Here are the lessons learned and practical tips for making the most of this unique destination.
The Five Second Rule :: Book Review
A quick video review of Mel Robbins' The Five Second Rule -- a simple technique to push past hesitation and take action in any moment.
Learn to write, right now!
Writing is the foundation of communication in the knowledge economy. An online course and a few tools can dramatically improve this essential skill.
What's in a name?
Brooklyn develops a business name, logo, and brand for her homemade scrubs and lotions company -- learning about trademarks, design, and the power of branding along the way.
Teaching a 9-year-old to sell
After developing products and setting prices, Brooklyn tackles the next challenge: reaching her $100 profit goal by learning to sell through her network and beyond.
Riding your way to entrepreneurship
Horseback riding teaches kids valuable entrepreneurial lessons -- from following your passion and finding mentors to overcoming fears and working hard.
Teach children to be entrepreneurs
Teaching children entrepreneurial skills through practical experience -- from reading books together to setting a $100 profit goal. Here's how to get started.
Find your child's passion
Guiding Brooklyn through discovering a business idea by starting with her interests and passions -- because the best businesses are built on things you genuinely care about.
A recipe for success
Teaching Brooklyn to create a product from scratch -- from recipe research to product-market fit to building a P&L spreadsheet. Finding product-market fit is one of the hardest ...
Every week you wait, the gap widens.
The companies pulling ahead right now aren't smarter — they're getting better advice, faster. One conversation is all it takes to find out where your biggest opportunity is hiding.