On Leadership, Success & Having a Vision: Brief Thoughts From a Thought Leader of Our Time :-)

As a new week is at hand, I decided to share excepts of what I received from one of the premier thoughts leaders that is published under "Verne's Insight"  today that I periodically share w/my students--what he's discussed is absolutely paramount about a sense of belonging and realizing what is truly within the realm of the possible:

I stopped feeling like I didn't belong anywhere, and realized that I actually belonged anywhere I wanted to be.
	Sophia Amoruso, CEO Nasty Gal

 

5 Roadblocks To Growth -- my latest FORTUNE Venture column is out on the newsstands and online. Here are five roadblocks:

1. Not knowing your ideal customer
2. Failing to scale systems
3. Using an old org chart
4. Trusting your gut
5. Letting your skills flatline

Take 2 minutes to read the details. Thanks to Scot Lowry, CEO of digital-marketing firm Fathom, and Sunny Vanderbeck, managing partner at Satori Capital, for contributing to the column. I particularly like Lowry's idea of leaders referring to their team as "direct supports" instead of "direct reports." Review the five roadblocks at your next management meeting (books Inside Advantage and How Companies Win are key to figuring out the ideal customer).

Founder of Nasty Gal -- Sophia Amoruso, founder and CEO of $100 million online retailer Nasty Gal, released her book this week entitled #GirlBoss. From shoplifter to 30 year old CEO of a company she launched when she was 22, I love the opening quote of her book "The only thing I smoke is my competition!" Diagnosed with ADD (aren't all entrepreneurs!), she threw away all the pills they gave her, homeschooled, started dumpster diving, and today has 350 employees. And she has three pieces of advice (overcoming three more roadblocks): "Don't ever grow up. Don't become a bore. Don't ever let the Man get to you." Anyway, I'm having a blast reading her book just for the pure inspiration and energy (and some serious practical ideas) it's giving me as an aged biz leader! I plan to share the book with my children next. Here's a quick FORTUNE piece on the book.

6 Buffett Lessons -- ...and coming off the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting in Omaha last weekend, here are six odd lessons FORTUNE reporter Jen Wieczner gleaned from the gathering. Take 30 seconds to scan the six and a couple minutes more to read the details. A couple hints: The fact that billionaires are flying private more often IS a great sign for the economy and I'm glad Buffett is bullish on Airbnb - it's all about not letting the Man crush disruptors of the status quo (channeling Sophia!).