Behind the scenes of Joy, Inc: Ann Arbor’s Menlo Innovations

Rich Sheridan and James Goebel have built a software company on the philosophy that work and workplaces can and should be joyful. And a large part of that involves getting the technology out of the way of real human interaction. Full video here! Rich Sheridan’s delightful book, Joy, Inc., can be bought here.

Six Essential Ways to Build a Positive Organization

When you look around your office, do you see a positive organization that fosters growth, expansion, and engagement, or the opposite? Recently, I connected with Chris White, Managing Director of the University of Michigan’s Center for Positive Organizations, and Adjunct Faculty at the Ross School of Business, for his take on how we can create positive organizations … Read moreSix Essential Ways to Build a Positive Organization

Navigating the Future, with Ford’s Futurist Sheryl Connelly

What are some of the biggest trends affecting the role and nature of business in the world? How can we track them and adapt along with them? At the 2014 Positive Business Conference, I hosted Sheryl Connelly – Chief Futurist at Ford Motor Company – for a funny and insightful conversation on these topics and much … Read moreNavigating the Future, with Ford’s Futurist Sheryl Connelly

“As we grow, how do we keep our soul?”, with Whole Foods Co-CEO Walter Robb

There is a saying in Buddhism, that life is a never-ending cycle of praise and blame, gain and loss, fame and disrepute, pleasure and pain. Last year, they were the hottest thing on Wall Street, but 2014 has been a trying year for Whole Foods Market. About 18 months ago, I had the pleasure of … Read more“As we grow, how do we keep our soul?”, with Whole Foods Co-CEO Walter Robb

How to Conduct a Strengths-Based Interview

Do you run your company based on your employees’ individual strengths? If so, you’re not alone: More and more of today’s organizations are finding ways to use their staff’s strong suits to their advantage. “Strengths-based [management] approaches are popular because they work,” said Chris White, managing director of the Center for Positive Organizations and adjunct faculty member … Read moreHow to Conduct a Strengths-Based Interview

How to be a Transformational Leader

Bob Quinn has spent his career learning from, and teaching, the some of the world’s finest transformational leaders. He is also one of the founders of The Center for Positive Organizations. In this interview, Bob and discuss insights from his 30 years of work with transformational leaders. The discussion follows three questions: What is transformational leadership? (versus … Read moreHow to be a Transformational Leader

Leadership Lessons from Barack Obama’s Favorite Deli

Earlier this year, I caught up with Zingerman’s Co-founder and CEO Ari Weinzweig. In a fun and wide-ranging chat, we discussed the Natural Laws of Business, building ecosystems for healthy growth, taking the long-term perspective, rewiring for personal change, and making leadership personal. Here is the full video!

Embracing a Positive Business Model is Good for More Than Just Your Community

DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOUR DAILY WORK IS ALIGNED WITH YOUR PASSIONS? HERE’S HOW BIG BUSINESSES ARE MAKING POSITIVE CHANGES IN THEIR COMMUNITIES, WHILE ALSO GROWING THEIR OWN BRANDS. BY CHRIS WHITE The idea that business leaders can make a positive difference in the world isn’t unique or new. So why are we talking about it? … Read moreEmbracing a Positive Business Model is Good for More Than Just Your Community

The Opportunity of Management

Managers sit at a juncture at which there lies great opportunity for positive contribution in the world. Our managers make a disproportionate difference in our happiness, engagement, and performance at work. As we look back on our careers so far, almost all of us can point to a teacher, mentor, or manager whose skillful commitment … Read moreThe Opportunity of Management