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Lloyd Blankfein: No One Cares Who You Used to Be

 Way back in 1991, now-with-Yale Jeffrey Sonnenfeld nailed it in his book "The Hero's Farewell."  Former CEOs just can't let go. They do what it takes to stay on stage.  At Disney Bob Iger succeeded at that. He managed to climb back on. However, as we recall, his re-entry was rough. He initially hadn't gotten it that the media landscape had changed. His charm offensive looked manipulative. Currently, it seems that former Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein is struggling to use a side door to re-enter the force field of extreme influence. That is, he published the memoir "Streetwise" and is giving scary interviews about the possibility of another 2008. Those still with the titles and with the influence could turn on him. The fearmongering could kill off business. Actually, as we know, the prediction of disaster could bring on the disaster.  The book is doing well. On Amazon it ranks 139. But, come on, it's the usual saga of up from less-than-nothin...

BloomerVille: Is This a Trend ...

  "Futures tied to the  Dow Jones Industrial Average  lost 832 points, or 1.7%.  S&P 500 futures  slipped 1.7%, while  Nasdaq 100 futures  were down 2.2%." Around the world other markets take a big hit. Meanwhile the price of oil surges. That's what CNBC documents. And the war in the Middle East can drag on. Could a trend be kicking off: another global recession? In six years our monthly Social Security payment could take a haircut. Boomers, the luckiest generation in America, could become the one which never recovers from a severe financial downturn. UPDATE: DOW (DJI) Watchlist Share Compare Join the discussion 47,642.61 market open  • as of Mar 3, 10:27 AM EST ‎-1,262.17 (‎-2.58%)

Munchkins Diplomacy: So Naive to Talk Like a Lawyer

No charge for a diagnostic peek by the car mechanic Fast service and no charge for grinding pup's nails An appointment in two days with a very busy medical center Free application of sealant on car roof And more. All those good outcomes resulted from a strategic shift in how I managed transactions. I used to talk like a lawyer. Very naive since the most effective lawyers such as Mickey Pohl from Jones Day and Brad Karp at Paul, Weiss usually don't talk like lawyers. Pohl is known for quips and irony, Karp for the language of soft persuasion (the kind we used to have hammered into us in freshman composition). So, how did I, a street-smart kid, wind up talking like a lawyer?  Well, I came of age during the heyday of leveraging law for massive reform. Everything from ending segregation in schools to forcing Detroit to make cars safe at any speed. I looked at all that and figured it was good. I would talk like a lawyer or how I decided lawyers talk. There were some wins. For exampl...

BoomerVille: Here It Is

  We knew this was coming. Along with higher gas prices. Some are anticipating the worst. Those more financially insulated would enjoy observing a 2008 unraveling.  Dow Jones Industrial Average Index Index: DJI Compare 48,501.38 USD ▼  -476.54 (-0.97%) today March 2, 9:34 AM EST  ·  Market Open

Paul, Weiss' Brad Karp: The Return of the Star Litigator

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  Is the cliche playing out: Adversity can break open unique opportunity? Well, according to The American Lawyer that could be the scenario for the former chair of elite law firm Paul, Weiss Brad Karp. As the world knows, the fallout from the Epstein files took the form for him of his situation being a distraction for the business. He stepped down. Likely reluctantly. Who doesn't enjoy power. But, following the rough-up by the media and social networks, things quickly started going his way. That wheel of fortune is often unpredictable. Unlike so many others exposed to be embedded in the Epstein orbit, Karp received understanding. Father, forgive him. The guy had simply an excess of ambitious. All too human.  Those deep-pocketed clients not only stuck with him. They seemed relieved that he could now focus entirely on their legal issues. No need to multitask with leadership/administrative duties.  Those responsibilities were complex and stressful. The guy experienced a hea...

BoomerVIlle: As Expected, Post-Iran Attack, Futures a Disaster

No surprise: Futures are way down. Dow Futures 48,478.00 Fair Value 49,023.84 Change - 522.00   1.07%   Implied Open - 545.84 But the opening of the market doesn't determine how things will go the rest of the day. This is simply a snippet of how the money crowd is sizing up things right now: 7:05 PM ET.  No one is taking the money out and running. Essentially, my clients have adjusted to the rollercoaster that is typical during this administration. Success is a mental game. Failure comes from being done in by the “committee” in your head. Together, we liberate your thinking. Then we change your story. And, unleash success. Meanwhile, we focus on bringing in income. That puts you in a position of strength. Intuitive Coaching. Special expertise with transitions, becoming a solopreneur and aging. Psychic/tarot readings, upon request. Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova (Text 203-468-8579,  janegenova374@gmail.com ). Yes, test out the chemistry. Zer...

AI: Writing Still Counts, But Rarely as Stand-Alones, Employers Only Willing to Pay for Good-Enough

  With exceptions - there are always exceptions - the art of writing no longer provides a platform for earning a living and overall career enhancement. The exceptions range from thought leaders like Brad Karp at law firm Paul, Weiss to seasoned mystery weavers such as Stephen King. But given trends especially the embrace of AI, that skill, which used to be drummed into youth from the early grades, is a tough sell as a stand-alone. Those young people and their parents who contact me The Intuitive Coach about "becoming a writer" I tell: Only as a tool such as for editing what AI generates or job-search materials.  In addition, it's a great hobby, as proved out by the variety of personal-enrichment writing courses offered by a community college such as Owens in Toledo, Ohio. I have lectured at senior centers about putting together a memoir for family. Also, that mode of self-expression can provide effective therapy. I do pro-bono outreach training for those in recovery to op...