Figuratively speaking, what comes with a glass of bourbon...

For me, there is something very important that comes with a "splash" of bourbon*; sometimes with ice but sometimes served neat... I am still undecided with regard to that. None of which advocates the use of alcohol. 

It started off unexpectedly, as many things do, when out for dinner with three friends it was suggested that we should have "a bourbon". The origins of the suggestion admittedly came from reading a biography on John Wayne**, which of course did not diminish the suggestion in the least. So with bourbon in hand and no particular toast in mind other than recognition, we raised a glass.

Over the years I have refined my tastes regarding my preferred brands but the reasons for raising a glass always remain the same.

Within the past week, on two separate occasions, I was able to raise a glass; once with a group of some of my oldest friends at a weekend gathering, and the second with a long time friend who invited me to his house at the end of what turned out to be very "long" day. In each instance, with bourbon in hand and no particular toast in mind other than recognition, we raised a glass.

We raise a glass to friendship, the appreciation of the current moment, the memories of a life lived and the anticipation of a future yet to come. An unspoken thank you for all that has been done and all that is to come - Recognition of wonderful friendships, for which I for one, have been very fortunate.

And to that, I raise a glass with no particular toast in mind and say, "Thank you".

gpe

* Bourbon whiskey /bɜːrbən/ is a type of American whiskey: a barrel-aged distilled spirit made primarily from corn. (Wikipedia)

** Marion Mitchell Morrison (born Marion Robert Morrison; May 26, 1907 – June 11, 1979), known by his stage name John Wayne, was an American film actor, director, and producer.[1] An Academy Award-winner for True Grit (1969), Wayne was among the top box office draws for three decades.[2][3] An enduring American icon, for several generations of Americans he epitomized rugged masculinity and is famous for his demeanor, including his distinctive calm voice, walk, and height. (Wikipedia)

To present first or last... that is a very good question.

The following is the original and the rewrite can be found by clicking here.

I was at a networking meeting recently that brought ideas and investors together when an important topic was raised, as well as a point of view. 

The Founder and CEO of a successful startup was presenting to the crowd, offering business perspectives and advice regarding making your idea a reality. There is no doubt he has a long runway for success, and his advice and perspectives were "spot on" until the inevitable happened; you know... you are listening to a presentation and something is said that you disagree with.

As the CEO's was providing some insights, he offered the important advice of ensuring you are the first on the list of presenters, and whatever you do, make sure you are not the "last". Being an instinctive contrarian, I actually think being the last one to present is of great benefit... and so the rub began.

His reasons for presenting first were all very sound:

• You get your thoughts out first and set the tone.
• The audience is all fresh, eager and ready to listen.
• By the end of a long day of presentations, everyone is thinking of little more than just "getting out of there".

A few days after that meeting, I was at an informal retreat and posed this question to a number of experienced business professions who echoed what the CEO said and why. I didn't agree with them either.

I should be clear that I don't disagree with their reasoning, but more with the thinking that being last is a disadvantage. Here is why I see being last as an advantage.

• Even though I am standing between the audience and the bar, I am the "last face they will see".
• Since I know the audience will be tired, influenced by others and have already formed opinions; I will have to deliver a presentation that is so much better than what anyone else has done - Knowing I am already at a disadvantage will challenge me to simply do so much better, be more creative, and figure out how to overcome all the challenges the had CEO mentioned.

There is also one other reason - Sometimes you will have no other choice than be the last to present, so you may as well learn how to get really good at it. 

As that 'ol saying goes, "If you are able to do it in the bad times, just imagine how easy it will be in the good times."

gpe

Disruption, dislodgement and optimism...

The following is the original and the rewrite can be found by clicking here.

"Networking" is quite possibly the most overused word around, but that does not make it any less important; that's why it's overused I suppose.

Connecting with people to build your network, expand your Linked In connections and increasing your collection of "views and likes" is all well and good, but ultimately it's all about drawing on people's skills, insights and experience.

This is what I recently found myself involved with as we were looking for "perspective and insight" regarding a new technology in the molecular diagnostic space*. After a good deal of discussion, many questions and some "stunning visuals", we asked for some candid feedback. 

To that he simply said, "I have three words for you - Disruption, dislodgement and optimism". 

He went on to elaborate -

Disruption: How disruptive is your technology over the current technology? Is your technology different enough to consider adopting and change from what is currently being used? The more disruptive the technology, the more inherent advantages there are for switching and the more likely you will see adoption. He went on to say this ultimately applies to anything, be it technology or process, and had found innovation and disruption are more or less synonymous.

Dislodgement: What are you going to do to dislodge the incumbent, be it a competitor or how something is being done, and have your technology adopted? The less disruptive your technology, the more difficult it will be to dislodge the current way of thinking (if not impossible); whereas something of a disruptive nature (with advantages) has a better chance of dislodging the current technology or way of thinking. It was pointed out not to underestimate how difficult it is to dislodge the current way of thinking - It takes hard work, creativity and tenacity. 

And this brought us to optimism: We were reminded that by nature humans are overly optimistic; believing what we have is the most "innovative and disruptive, with the ability to dislodge any incumbent" . He also reminded us that facts and data win the day - In the same breath though, he went on to say it is optimism that enables people to do amazing things, and we should never lose it.

In parting, he mentioned we should call him in a couple of weeks as he knows someone we should talk to. The networking continues.

I am very optimistic.

gpe

* The technology is an isothermal amplification technology platform that offers advantages over current amplification technologies. If you are interested in knowing more let me know... we have some "stunning visuals".