Home: Brooklyn, NY. Age: 53. Birthplace: Detroit, MI. Profession: Human resources and talent strategy. Organization: Partnering and advising with a number of organizations mainly in media and finance. Title: Talent Advisor and Consultant. Pronouns: He/Him/His. Significant other: Rebecca, my wife. Alma mater: Virginia Tech; University of Connecticut; Cranbrook.
Current project: Advising companies on talent and HR strategy; involved in various films and podcasts; investing in start-ups. Recent recognition: My kids told me I was a good dad. Recent professional development: Learning the ins and outs of film, production and podcasts. Latest accomplishment: Practicing Pilates, which used to scare me. Latest contribution to others: Giving to a number of organizations focused on access to education. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Moving to New York City in 2001. Hobbies: Travel, reading, fishing, sports. Recent travel or adventure: Costa Rica. Last book read: The Daily Stoic, by Ryan Holiday. Recently viewed and recommended: Only Murders in the Building (Hulu). Recent unique acquisition: Off White Trailblazers.
Personality profile: Kind, witty, big picture. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Optimistic. Moral compass: Treat people well. How do you define a perfect friendship? Understanding and real. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Commonality of purpose. What is your greatest joy? Humor and laughter. What is your greatest fear? Heights. What is your guilty pleasure? Wonderful food. What word or phrase do you use far too often? Let’s take it from there. What natural talent have you neglected? Writing. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Teachers. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Travel. What is at the top of your bucket list? Gorilla trekking. How do you relieve stress? Working out. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Relaxation.
What was your first paying job? Cleaning and sealing wood decks. What was your favorite college course? Near Death Experiences with Dr Ken Ring. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? 2XL the trivia “robot”. What book have you repeatedly read? Where the Red Fern Grows, by Wilson Rawls. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Anchorman. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? Roger M. Kyes.
What’s the best advice you received growing up?
Speak to people in person whenever possible.
What’s the best advice you received in your career? Ten out of ten people are people. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Air travel. What is your favorite app? Calm. What is your go-to source of news and information? BBC. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Working out. What company or organization do you most admire? World Central Kitchen. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? 9/11.
What mega-trend most excites you? DIGITAL/AI. What mega-trend most concerns you? The same.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? A Life. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Alan Alda. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My dad. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? Working at a car company. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? My glasses. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Hanging out with my wife and kids.
Personal mission: Constantly improve.
