Posts

Showing posts from March, 2023

Wanna Break Free?

Image
All the time I see the posts on LinkedIn, urging people to quit their day job and follow their dreams. Before you do that, here are some points to consider.  The Reason You Haven't Done It Yet is That It's Risky We all have dreams and aspirations. There are things we want to do or achieve, but we hesitate because we fear the risks involved. Whether it's starting a business, pursuing a new career, or traveling the world, the fear of failure can be paralyzing. But is risk really a good enough reason not to pursue our dreams? Calculate Your Risk When faced with a potentially risky decision, it's essential to calculate your risk. Take the time to research and analyze the potential consequences of your actions. Consider the financial impact, the time investment, and the possible outcomes. You may find that the risk is not as significant as you initially thought. Alternatively, you may realize that the potential reward outweighs the risk. Don't Believe the Hype As I have ...

The Future of Media & Entertainment: The Power of World Building at a Massive Scale

Image
Midjourney The entertainment industry has always been about transporting audiences to new and exciting worlds. From the days of silent films to the rise of streaming services, the medium has evolved to meet the changing needs and expectations of consumers. As we move forward into the future, it's clear to me that the next frontier for media and entertainment lies in world building at a massive scale. Streaming companies struggling right now with their revenue model, and I think we can expect to see more consolidation and mergers with other entertainment businesses as well as companies in adjacent industries. The end result will be streaming services that are part of much larger portfolios, encompassing everything from theme parks to books and beyond. These companies will create brand worlds that allow fans to immerse themselves in their favorite universes like never before. At the heart of this trend is the idea of fandom. Fans today want to do more than simply watch a movie or re...

Invest in Yourself, Not in a Company

Image
The layoffs of late 2022 and early 2023 in the tech sector remind us that there is no such thing as job security. Even if you are a talented and hardworking tech professional, you are not immune to layoffs or company downsizing. Therefore, it is crucial that you focus on your career development, both to improve your employability and to increase your earning potential. My great aunt Mildred worked for the same company in Tulsa for 40 years, retiring with a good pension and a nice write-up in the local newspaper. That is a bygone era, where employees stay with one employer for their entire career. In today's job market, it is common for professionals to change jobs multiple times throughout their careers. In fact, a recent study found that the average worker stays at each job for only 4.1 years.* In my own case, the longest I've managed to stay anywhere in the past 10 years was 4 years and 11 months. That's no reflection on me, but on the turbulence that the media technology...

Handling Scope Creep

Image
Introduction Scope creep is a common issue that arises in technology projects, which can cause delays, budget overruns, and frustration for both project teams and stakeholders. It occurs when the scope of the project expands beyond its original boundaries, leading to additional work and requirements that were not included in the initial plan. In this blog post, we will discuss some effective strategies for dealing with scope creep on technology projects. Establish clear project goals and objectives  The first step in preventing scope creep is to define clear project goals and objectives at the beginning of the project. This involves establishing the scope of the project, identifying the stakeholders, defining the deliverables, and setting a timeline and budget. By having a clear understanding of the project's objectives and requirements, the project team can better manage the project's scope and prevent it from expanding beyond its original boundaries. Set realistic expectation...

Management Styles: Umbrella or Funnel?

Image
Introduction In any organization, managers play a critical role in supporting their direct reports and ensuring they can work productively and effectively. One of the most significant challenges that managers face is shielding their team from last-minute changes, shifting priorities, and other distractions that arise from higher up in the organization. Here are some tips for managers to help mitigate these distractions and support their team's productivity.  Establish clear priorities and communicate them regularly One of the most effective ways to reduce last-minute changes and shifting priorities is to establish clear priorities upfront and communicate them regularly. This helps ensure that everyone on the team is on the same page and understands what is expected of them. Encourage open communication, so your team members feel comfortable discussing any concerns or questions they have.  Create a buffer As a manager, it's important to anticipate the possibility of last-minute...