Category: In General

Happy belated New Year to everyone! I want to wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2016!

The Bond Family had a super-fantastic Christmas and New Year holiday, with all the grandchildren on deck. We had the annual pilgrimage to Longwood Gardens, and added the Deleware Children’s Museum to the list this year. And what a Christmas – wearing shorts and t-shirts!

If you’ve read past blogs, you know that I like to pull leadership and management lessons from owners, coaches and team leaders. Chip Kelly was interesting in that he brought “innovation” and excitement to the Philadelphia Eagles, with his sports science, fast paced offense, and his brand of player. However, his handful of significant flaws led to his premature exit from Philadelphia. I took more notes from Jeffrey Laurie’s press conference on the firing, and the incessant talk radio chatter regarding the deposed coach than I gleaned during his three season reign. I’d better summarize those observations, so I can move into the Doug Pederson era.

I don’t know what to make of the Flyers this season, but the Phillies are in the midst of a major transition, as are the 76ers – in fact, their strategy of losing every game possible to ensure high draft picks seems like it is shifting with the infusion of some common sense, which I’m glad to see. We will see what comes from these developments.

2015 was a big year for eBay; divesting itself of PayPal, and, on November 2nd, selling eBay Enterprise, which was immediately broken into four, or more, companies. I work for the largest company, “OS” or Operations entity, owned by PE Firm Sterling Partners. We were in the midst of a good “Peak” season, so didn’t pay too much attention to what was happening with the separation. However, now, it is becoming much more personal. We won’t have a publically announced name for another couple months, and things will be changing, although I can’t tell you how. It is an unsettling time for many people. The one big rule has always been to Communicate, Communicate, Communicate – and it’s not happening, whether that’s by design or not.

Daughter Lauren’s department was relocated to the Philippines last year….leaving Lauren with an opportunity to change carreers. You will never guess. She spent the fall months studying project management, and obtained her Project Management Institute Certified Associate in Project Management certificate. Yay! In January, 2016, she commenced a new phase of her career by starting a five month curriculum in Commercial Diving. Wow. So far, so good.

My older daughters also have challenges ahead of them for 2016. It is fun to watch them grow, and I am certainly proud of their accomplishments.

In the constantly learning segment, I am also fortunate to have a team of family members that are all chipping in to make life for my Mother as super-fantastic as possible. It is not easy, and I fully appreciate and recognize the effort that goes in to making this endeavor successful.

I have no idea what 2016 will ultimately bring, but it will not be boring!

I am the parent of three wonderful daughters. All of them have been involved in sports throughout their lives, which is great.

The oldest is began gymnastics at 3 years of age, and she hung with it through a Division I career. She was particularly nervous about one upcoming meet. On the way to the gym on meet day, we passed a quaint covered bridge that we always admired. To ease the moment, I said, “Oh, Great Bridge, please bless Kristin with your grace, beauty and power for this meet.”

it worked! She kept her nerves at bay and had a super-fantastic meet. We repeated the ritual regularly, for both home and away meets.

This evening, on the eve of a major presentation, Kristin and I were communicating, and we pitched an Old Great Bridge. I’m sure that she will do well, tomorrow.

What works for you?

It isn’t often that I get out of the office to expand the mind — like I used to. It’s a healthy exercise, and I strongly advise it.

Today was Day 1 of the 14th Annual Premier CIO Forum. I think I’ve attended more than 10 of them over the years.

Networking with long time friends and colleages is the number one highlight. I caught up with at least 10 people I hadn’t seen in months, and met a couple new acquaintances.

In terms of sessions:

* Opening Keynote: The Data Problem in 1960 and Today, by Jon Bachman, the son of the father of “the database”. Interesting story.

* Game Changing IT Trends: a FiveYear Outlook panel discussion was relatively low on game-changers, but high on discussion – including ways to engage our “youth” in the process.

* The Simple Solution to Your Complex Integration Challenges: Enterprise Service Bus 101 for .net. Wasn’t as good as I’d hoped.

* Social Knowledge: Organizational Currencies in the New Knowledge Economy. Ken Russell, PhD —— I enjoyed this luncheon keynote, and picked up an autographed copy of his short book. Now to read it.

* Business & IT Alignment: Evolving vs. Responding – panel discussion. Good panel, but not quite what I was looking for. I’m not sure what I gleaned from this discussion.

* What If – by Larry Snodgrass – Survivor of USAirways flight #1549 – the Miracle of the Hudson. If nothing else, this was a powerful story, punctuated by 20 or so pictures not shared via the media before. The story had the same happy ending, but we got a much closer look into the experience from a passanger point of view.

Tomorrow is the wrap for this two-day conference, held in King of Prussia. — I didn’t have to fly……….

Hello All –

Spring 2015 seemingly took its good ‘ol time arriving this year. And I think it’s finally at the point that it should be. Personally, I find Spring to be an inspirational time of the year.

There is a line from Snow Patrol’s song, Chasing Cars, that I took a liking to in the Spring of 2014: “Show me a garden that’s bursting into life”.

We are certainly enjoying the green lawns, freshly cleaned and mulched gardens, and newly planted vegetables. It’s been a VERY busy Spring, thus far. Like the gardens, I love to watch our grandchildren, from 1 to 6 years of age. And I enjoy watching their parents navigate the challenges of career, tending to the home, and raising these very precious little people.

And for some reason, while enjoying the fresh newness of the season, birthdays and anniversaries of those who have passed, have me sitting back and remembering enjoyable moments, and wishing / hoping they are able to look down upon us now.

Here is a sampling of what has transpired this Spring. Enjoy.

Interesting piece by Vanessa Blare on LinkedIn’s Change Management Forum (5/3/2015)

On a simplistic level, she takes a quick look at “management” versus “leadership”, and we are in agreement.

I have always been comfortable with my “style”, which I feel brings out the best in those who want to contribute and grow.

https://www.linkedin.com/redirect?url=http%3A%2F%2Fentreprisenk%2Ecom%2F%3Fp%3D2987&urlhash=c15v

Alison and I visited Berlin, along with Marion and Barry G. on September 21, 2013. We hit the highlights, including a visit to remnants of the Berlin Wall, which were intentionally left standing as a reminder. In November of 2014, Germany celebrated the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall Having been there, however briefly, we felt closer to the meaning and celebration.

The following are our pictures from 2013. The artwork varied, from what we would call grafiti to works of art that capture the emotions surrounding the very existence of the wall. History….

I was solicited for input to this article by Kristen Lamoreaux, the chair of our SIM Members In Transition group. It was published in the December 21, 2012 issue.

For IT Job-Hunters, Relocation Is a Family Affair

Source: CIO

The big decision about whether to relocate for a new IT leadership job often depends on decisions made at home.

Read the complete story here:
http://www.cio.com/article/2389744/careers-staffing/for-it-job-hunters–relocation-is-a-family-affair.html

My ancient laptop and my dying desktop, both Windows XP systems were replace last week by a MacBook Pro. After a lot of research, and some measure of anxiety, Alison approved the transaction and I turned to the Apple Store in King of Prussia last Thursday.

Why? I was somewhat pleased with Windows 7 Pro on my business laptop, but tired of tolerating the heat generated from the system, the boot times, the decision on moving forward with Windows 8.1, which I’m really not thrilled with, or the future adaptation of Windows 10. And….. I am already an iPhone / iPad user, and am pleased with the experience. I am also looking forward to the longevity and resale value of the machine.

So, here goes. I am admittedly stumbling through the learning curve, but I’m building confidence and success. We’ll see…………

I was a child during the Cold War, and had nightmares for a long time regarding the U.S. relationship with the USSR. A trip to Russia was not on my bucket list, but…given the opportunity, who could pass it up?! My opinion of Russia changed as a result of our trip. I am far more educated, and appreciative, but I’m not naive.

Historically, countries in that region of the world have changed allegiances or rule many times throughout history. I was pleased when the USSR dissolved, and I sincerely wish those countries well. I also recognize that Crimea has a huge Russian population and allegiance to Russia. Should Ukraine cede control of Crimea? In my opinion, that is an domestic issue that can, hopefully, be settled peacefully.

In the meantime, I firmly believe that the international community, including Russia and the U.S. should stay out of it. Let the people choose.