A Friend Has Passed
January 19, 2009
Fred Buggie, president of Strategic Innovations, Inc. and a long time Senior Associate of Advent, died last week, just shy of his 80th birthday. When I heard of his passing, thanks to a call from his widow, I was alternately sad and smiling.
Fred, a Yale grad who went on to do some of the best work (in my opinion) done in the late 20th century in the area of corporate innovation (as founder and president of the Strategic Innovation Inc.), was a constant source of new ideas and a wonderful story teller. He loved his work and it showed. He also has a wicked sense of humor, once telling a joke about cats at a client meeting that I forbade him from ever telling again.
I first met Fred when I was Vice President of Special Programs at the Presidents Association of AMA and he came to me to propose a workshop for CEO’s and Company Presidents on his Innovation Process. Later, when I left AMA, we became associated and were involved in a number of projects over the years. Even when not actively working together, we maintained an active correspondence, sharing jokes and new product development ideas.
I will miss Fred’s smiling face, quick wit and thoughtful collaboration. And I will remember him, as well, for the gifts he shared, for times spent together and from the learning he graciously shared. Goodbye, Fred, thanks for the memories.
10 Things You Can Do To Weather The Recession With A Smile
January 14, 2009
Here are my top 10 Things You Can Do To Weather The Recession With A Smile
1) If you read a newspaper, read the comics first.
2) If you need a new work opportunity, remember, you need only one.
3) Remember the words of Robert Schuller, “Tough times never last, tough people do.”
4) Friends can be a great source of support, cherish them.
5) Re-discover the inexpensive and free things you once enjoyed and have lost track of.
6) Practice “Europeanism” by sitting in a cafe (or coffee shop), sipping and watching people.
7) Think of those in the third world, even considering our society’s current level of stress, our lives are infinitely safer, more secure and healthier than most of theirs.
8) You are the sum total of all your thoughts and actions to date. Embrace yourself – hugs begin at home.
9) Sing – in the shower, in the car, on the street, wherever. Singing causes endorphins to flow.
10) Find a recession uplifting partner – someone who you can cheer up and make smile when needed and who can do the same for you, in return.
Now tell me – what are your top tips for handling tough times?
