Mike makes a case that in order to access unrealized potential we need to start with a simple question,what if? Listen to this 18-minute talk to see possibilities we can create by asking this question.

The interview reminds me “Dust to Dust” automotive energy report by CNW. In 2006 when CNW claimed that Jeep Wrangler is the greenest car well ahead of hybrid cars, their report created lot of controversy. Wrangler is still in top 5 green cars in CNW’s subsequent reports. One can argue some assumptions in these reports however CNW’s approach to consider energy necessary to plan, build, sell, drive, and dispose of a vehicle to scrap not just looking at environment impact during “drive” phase is important.  Bottom line we need to question ourselves all the time when we see word green, are we subscribing to fad or we really understand it.

Does dollar value in transaction like this matters? For me at least no, dollar value is irrelevant.  As long as this store has staff like Norma and culture to promote behavior like her I am sure there will be many more repeat customers. I know I am going back to this store for my needs.

No wonder investors wants to get money back as soon as possible even at the cost of compromising core values for why they funded in the first place. Like Tony noticed urgency to get money back was overpowering Tony’s zeal for Zappos culture. Tony was forced to find solution under this pressure. Tony’s solution was to preserve culture while selling the company. As I understand selling is the word Tony is trying to avoid but, anyway its a compromise one way or other and will be interesting to see how long this arrangement will work. Meanwhile not taking investors money sounds like the way to go if you care about your vision more than anything else.

BTW start-up or corporate lesson is same. I have been involved in several projects/products in my career to say this. Bigger the project/product (resources, stakeholders etc) messier it gets to stay true to why you are doing this project/product in first place.

Jason Fried and David Heinemeier philosophy of avoiding investors money for software and service businesses where businesses do not have excessive capital needs seems like thing to remember even in businesses which have decent capital needs. Jason and David made this point several times on their blog,talk, and in their latest book REWORK. If I understand it right its all about who has control and what you care most as you are building your business. So even if business needs that kind of capital, ask money only if you are ready to either give up control or try solution like Tony is trying to see if it works.

1. Obviously US is a bigger economy compare to Japan.
2. For US to generate one unit of national income, finance provided by bank lending is less (2.1 units) than other credits (5.8 units) which are shadow banking (derivatives, securities etc).  For Japan to generate one unit of national income, finance provided by bank lending is more (3.7 units) than other credits (1.1 units).
3. In US since finance was provided by global firms (shadow banking) impact was global. In Japan, bank loan was financed by local Japanese bank and so impact of recession was also local.

As per as similarities, well like it or not unemployment is where Jesper thinks these two economies are similar. Another data he shared was also interesting it was about  supply side revolution.  Here Jesper explains wage and population gap between winner and looser economy.

So check out Jesper’s talk below.

See below my spin on data from Jesper’s talk. Instead using data table which is busy, I am using just peak year numbers from the chart to address differences in US and Japanese economy.  Hope this still gives enough to understand three differences Jesper wants to highlight. Many times simple bar graph can be very effective. Enjoy!

I am glad I did today, enjoy!!!

• Topic – Well here we may not be always in a position to choose. However way I understand the analysis talking about things audience can connect with easily and deeply is the key. Important key word here is “YOU” that is audience.
• Delivery – Be brief for inspiring or funny talk. I think this works well for all business talks. Finishing presentation few minutes earlier than planned is best.
• Visuals -  In Sebastian’s words”Most obvious thing onstage is the speaker”. Absolutely, great point slides should never run the show they are just visual aid and nothing more.

BTW I realized TED starting posting interactive transcript of the talk, good idea. Enjoy!!

Like master Oogway said, “There are no accidents” this is no accident that I am posting about Past-Present-Future watch. Designed by Daniel Will-Harris, which you can buy from Yanko Design store. This watch is a simple concept focused on living in the present.

I wish we all can live without baggage of yesterday and worries about tomorrow. Until we find our way to do this, enjoy this beautiful watch reminding us there is nothing like present time.

PS: No commission for me from Daniel Will-Harris or Yanko store.