This month's philosopher: Chris Simpkins
To learn more about Chris, click here.
Column Editor: Z. Colette Edwards, WG’84, MD’85
To learn more about Colette, click here.
LIFE LESSONS
If I knew then what I know now, I would have...
Taken a longer look at entrepreneurship while in school.
There is prestige and allure to joining a large company with a sterling reputation. But there is no better learning opportunity than building something by yourself or with a small team with a shared vision. You quickly learn to get out of your comfort zone.
If I knew then what I know now, I would NOT have...
Worried about failing at something. You succeed OR you learn something.
FAVORITE QUOTES
- “Better is possible. It does not take genius. It takes diligence. It takes moral clarity. It takes ingenuity. And above all, it takes a willingness to try.” ~ Atul Gawande
- “There will be a time when we must choose between what is easy and what is right.” ~Albus Dumbledore
- “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough” ~Albert Einstein
RECOMMENDED READING
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Getting More by Stuart Diamond (Wharton Negotiations Professor)
- I have re-read this book too many times to count. His four quadrant negotiation model forces you to pause, assess the situation, and uncover motives and options. It also works wonders negotiating bed times with my children.
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The Visual Display of Quantitative Information by Edward R. Tufte
- We live in an information age. Being able to craft compelling narrative from your data is a valuable skill.
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Chasing Daylight: How My Forthcoming Death Transformed My Life by Eugene O’Kelley
- There is only a small amount of time we have with our family and friends; embrace the fleeting moments.
You can contact Chris via LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cwsimpkins/