Home: South Beach, Miami. Age: Sixty-something. Profession: Private investor, entrepreneur, publisher. Organization: The Principal Post. Title: Founder and CEO. Significant other: My wife, Ellie. Alma mater: College drop-out for thirty years. Then, Northeastern, Suffolk, BU and Harvard in quick succession.
Latest accomplishment: Creating this new platform at The Principal Post. Think "Wikipedia meets Vanity Fair." Latest contribution to others: Helping thousands of business leaders and professionals present themselves to the world intentionally, authentically and holistically. Recent recognition: My 1967 Aston Martin DB6 took second at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. Hobbies: Reading, cooking; '60s era anything. Last book read: The Foxtail Legacy, by David Abromowitz.
Personality: Intense focus, quick wit, vintage charm. Moral compass: Aristotle’s Virtue Ethics. How do you define a perfect friendship? Common tastes and values, reciprocal candor and understanding. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Win/win. For co-workers and employees: a sense of ownership. What is your greatest joy? Still being playful with my daughters, now grown, and with my wife. What is your greatest fear? Typos. What natural talent have you neglected? My musical gifts, as a pianist and composer. What is your go-to workout? A power walk on the beach. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Privacy.
What three emojis best describe you? 🐐🤔🎼.
What book have you repeatedly read? The Republic of Plato (in the original Attic Greek). What movie have you repeatedly watched? Advise and Consent (Otto Preminger, 1962). What's prominently displayed on your office wall? A sculpture of Icarus plummeting to Earth. Warns me against hubris. Who has had the greatest influence on your life? My maternal grandfather. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Attitude is everything. What's the best advice you've given in your career? You can't spend percentages. What modern technology innovation or service do you most appreciate? [Command] C, [Command] V. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? 9/11. American flight 11 was sold out when we tried to book it.
What mega-trend most excites you? The rise in successful aging. What mega-trend most concerns you? The rise in misinformation and disinformation. What’s your big idea? Giving an authoritative voice to every deserving story. What widely-held belief do you reject? The ends justify the means. What change would you like to see in the world? Greater civility and respect. What message do you want to send out into the world? Think for yourself.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? A talk-show host. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in Heaven? Robin Williams. If I'm in Heaven, I could probably use a laugh. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Steve Carell. What day in your life would you like to re-live? Two: each of my daughters’ weddings. What period in your life would you do differently? College sophomore year. What advice would you give your younger self? Grey slacks, blue blazer.
Personal motto: To the impassioned will, nothing is impossible. Favorite quote: "It’s not the critic who counts… the credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena" (Theodore Roosevelt). Desired epitaph: Went boldly in the direction of his dreams.
