Taking a personal retreat seems like a distant luxury in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. Yet, the true essence of a Bamboo Retreat lies not in running away from life’s obligations but in the journey toward self-discovery and rejuvenation. Having experienced and witnessed the transformative power of such retreats, I know that embracing this practice can be a pivotal point in your personal and professional growth.
How the Bamboo Farmer Deals with Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is a feeling or experience where an individual feels undeserving of their position or accomplishments. It is not a medical syndrome but rather a tendency that can impact an individual's confidence and ability to succeed. Imposter syndrome can cause people to procrastinate, not apply for jobs they are qualified for, or avoid taking on new projects.
Simplify! ASAP
When you’re watering your bamboo in your career and life, it’s a good idea to simplify, otherwise you’ll have no energy left for watering your Bamboo. Think of it as weeding the Bamboo Garden. You don’t want weeds because they will take all the nutrients your bamboo needs to grow. If you feel overworked and overcommitted, you won’t have the energy and desire to accomplish your goals, so you must simplify.
Water More, Complain Less
Orlando Williams on Starting, Pivoting Careers, and Overcoming Tragedy
D’Wayne Edwards on Design, Loving Work, and Reimagining Education
Since he was a child, D’Wayne Edwards has had an incredible gift to draw what he sees. At age 17, he won a Reebok design competition, beating out professionals and college students nationwide. Since then, D’Wayne has built an incredible career and reputation as an elite designer and creative.
In this episode, you’ll hear D’Wayne’s Water the Bamboo story about how he built his career and eventually launched his own design school during a sabbatical at Nike.
Why Delaying Gratification is a Predictor of Future Success
Dawn Rasmussen on Rebuilding Your Career for Marketability
Dawn Rasmussen knows that when something scares you bad enough, you should probably run towards it. And that’s what she encourages people to do when it comes to their careers.
Making a career change is scary and challenging for so many people, and this episode with Dawn Rasmussen will give you the energy and strength you need to progress or rebuild your career.
Marc Patrick, Global Marketing Leader at Beyond Meat on work ethic, continuous learning, and not being distracted by shiny objects
Marc Patrick began his career as a receptionist, answering and redirecting calls, and now he’s a global brand and marketing leader at Beyond Meat.
So, how did he get here?
In this episode, you’ll hear how Marc’s work ethic and Bamboo Circle played key roles in his career growth, and why he will never stop learning and growing.
Don’t miss this insightful conversation with one of the world’s brightest marketing leaders.
Milwaukee Bucks Guard Pat Connaughton on Putting in the Work When No One is Watching and Creating a Legacy Bigger Than Himself
In this episode, you will hear from Pat Connaughton, a current NBA player with the Milwaukee Bucks, and former Portland Trailblazer shooting guard on how he used an ultimatum from his dad in high school about whether to work construction or train from 9 am to 3 pm to grow his sports career in baseball and basketball.
3x Olympic Gold Medalist Shannon Boxx on focusing on one thing, perfectionism, and overcoming adversity
In this episode, you’ll hear how Shannon Boxx went from a good soccer player to great, and how she learned to focus on one thing at a time in order to achieve her goals. During her professional career, Boxx also was dealing with an autoimmune disease called Lupus, and she’ll share how she has overcome that diagnosis and is still battling it.
Ten Ways Bamboo Farmers Push Through Adversity
Don't Waste this "Winter"
Water The Bamboo to Improved Sales
Making a Weakness a Strength
I believe you should use most of your time and energy focusing on your strengths. However, leaders must reserve some time to improve their weaknesses.
The first step in any improvement is awareness. It is difficult, if not impossible, to improve weaknesses if you are not aware of it. Seeing yourself in action or paying close attention can help you identify your weaknesses. Getting honest feedback from those you respect is a gift, so receive feedback with an open mind. However, if you receive a singular piece of feedback from someone, verify it with others as well since feedback is subjective.
Leadership Lessons from the Greatest Hitter of All Time
Now that your NCAA Final Four Bracket is busted – thank you University of Maryland, Baltimore County Retrievers! – we can start talking baseball. You don’t have to be a baseball fan to appreciate the lessons that can be found in baseball. I was not much of a baseball player growing up, but I did make the thirteen-year-old "All Star" Babe Ruth team (I didn’t make it because of skill – there were barely enough 13-year olds in my region to field a team).
Happy March Forth! (No, that isn't a typo.)
As many of you know, March Forth is a day I celebrate in honor of my late brother John. The holiday is meant to remind us to celebrate life and find things that help us move forward. I learned a long time ago that no matter who you are, life will throw you heart-crushing blows but we must keep Marching Forth.
5 Life Lessons from a True Bamboo Farmer
Insight and Inspiration – University of Oregon Commencement Keynote
Last year, I had the honor and privilege of presenting and keynoting at a number of amazing conferences and organizations. The highlight for me was giving the commencement keynote address at my alma mater, University of Oregon. For bamboo insight and inspiration, watch my 15-minute talk, even if you are not a Duck!