Blogs

The People Behind the Brand: Crafting a Compelling Narrative Through Talent

Random Thoughts of Nothingness - Published by matthew

In a world where consumers are bombarded with countless brands vying for their attention, what makes a brand truly stand out? It's not just the logo, the catchy slogan, or the multi-million-dollar ad campaigns. It's the people. As leaders, CEOs, and entrepreneurs, understanding the pivotal role your people play in brand narrative is essential. They ...more

Unacceptable vs. Undesirable: A Crucial Distinction

Random Thoughts of Nothingness - Published by matthew

Over a decade ago, I found myself wrestling with a challenging business decision. A customer, experiencing rapid growth, requested additional services to scale their infrastructure. However, they could not immediately afford it, and they were not entirely sure they would ever be able to afford it. They were in the process of securing more funding ...more

Entrepreneurship in My Hometown: Saint Louis’s Spirit of Independence and Neighborly Help

Random Thoughts of Nothingness - Published by matthew

Nestled along the Mississippi’s graceful arcs lies Saint Louis, Missouri. A city I almost left, yet a city that tethered my heartstrings with invisible threads. My wife's love of the city and the idea of raising a family (near our families) were driving factors in staying. Yet, the very duality I witnessed here - of ...more

Life’s Natural Rhythms: Expansion, Contraction, and Concentration

Random Thoughts of Nothingness - Published by matthew

Recently, Gabe asked me if I had any advice before he headed off to college, a question almost every parent looks forward to. After reflecting for a moment, I told him to say, "Yes," to as many things as possible as he was entering a stage of expansion. I shared with him a belief that has ...more

The Art of Writing Effective Board of Director Reports: A Future, Present, Past Narrative

Random Thoughts of Nothingness - Published by matthew

A few years back, a peer saw a copy of a Board of Directors report I submitted as CEO of a company. A Powerpoint presentation accompanied the report, but the report itself had piqued her interest. She specifically wanted to know the reasoning behind the order of topics. Clarity and precision are paramount when communicating with ...more