Blog Archives
The Magnet, The Method and The Machine
When I closed this book, I felt like I had just stepped out of a tough but eye-opening workshop. Author Rodric Lenhart sets out a clear roadmap for builders who want to escape the trap of being tied to every phone call, every client, every crisis. He calls it the three laws and nine levers, and it’s all about moving from an operator who scrambles to put out fires into a real owner who builds a company that runs on systems, structure, and strategy. The framework weaves through marketing, leadership, culture, and execution. Along the way, he shares blunt stories of burnout, chaos, and finally breaking free into a business that grows without devouring your life.
I found the author’s writing to be sharp, direct, and very down-to-earth. He makes his points with a mix of personal confession and practical advice, which makes the lessons stick. The metaphors, like being a lighthouse instead of a flashlight, or running a prison instead of a business, landed hard. At times, I felt like he was in the room, calling out excuses I’ve made myself. I was surprised by how blunt he could be, but then I’d stop and realize he was right. The book cuts through fluff, and that’s refreshing in a genre where too many authors hide behind buzzwords and theory.
Emotionally, I kept bouncing between frustration and relief. Frustration, because I recognized myself in the builder stuck in the mud, doing too much, chasing every lead, and losing freedom in the process. Relief, because Lenhart shows that it doesn’t have to stay that way. He gives real steps to take, like filtering clients, building a lead engine, and letting go of control so others can step up. His stories of transformation from other builders felt genuine and gave me hope. More than once, I thought, “I could actually do this.” That spark of possibility is rare in business books, and it’s what kept me hooked.
I’d recommend this book to custom homebuilders who feel trapped in their own success. It’s not for someone looking for motivational fluff or a quick fix. It’s for the owner who knows they’re carrying too much and wants a way out. If you’ve ever felt like your company owns you instead of the other way around, this book will hit close to home. And if you’re ready to make changes, it will give you a straight path forward.
Pages: 145 | ASIN : B0FPPYLY1D
Ten Years of Research
Tesla’s Cottage is a beautifully woven mix of memoir, historical detective story, and tribute to Nikola Tesla’s human spirit, exploring his lesser-known years in Shoreham, Long Island, where he sought refuge and inspiration during the critical period of the Wardenclyffe project. What inspired you to share his story and its connection to you?
Too often, Nikola Tesla is seen as a strange individual who lacked human emotions. He is regarded to be a kook or even seen as an alien by some. My book focuses on Nikola Tesla as a human being: the motivations behind his work, his struggles, his warmth, his joys and happiness. It speaks to his daily life at Wardenclyffe the village where he had a lab and built his tower. Since I live in his former home there, I have a specific insight into what his life was like. I breathe the same air, see the same horizon, swim in the same water; I literally walk in his footsteps. I also have access to village lore as well as unpublished accounts written by residents who knew Tesla while he was here.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Tesla’s primary goal was the advancement of the human race. To this end, he invented the polyphase AC motor, wireless technology, remote control, electrotherapy applications and so, so much more. The purpose of his inventions was to achieve world peace, universal education, increased productivity, environmental sustainability, and provide abundant food to the world. Because he believed he could improve the human race in this way, he gave up everything that might be a distraction: a wife, a family, a home of his own, and personal profit.
What was the most challenging part of telling this story, and what was the most rewarding?
The most challenging aspect was probably the ten years of research that went into proving that Tesla did live in my house, discovering what his life was like, and discovering who his local friends (and enemies) were, etc. The most rewarding was coming face to face with the man, the human being behind the meme.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Tesla’s Cottage?
I hope that people come away with an accurate portrait of a very human person who dedicated his life for humanity. I also hope they come away with an idea that I believe Tesla would want to convey: technology is neutral. It can be used either for good or evil. Tesla believed that the only purpose of technology was to improve the human race. In today’s world, it is critical to ask if our vast technology is making us more intelligent, more compassionate, more open-minded, and safer; or, on the other hand, are we becoming intellectually lazy, more isolated, less tolerant, and more imperiled?
Author Links: GoodReads | YouTube | Website | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Amazon
Daddino set on a on a ten-year long search for answers. Was the cottage really his home? How long did he live there? What was his life like? Who were his friends, his enemies?
Daddino scours historical records and newspapers and reads Tesla’s own letters and those of his friends. Bit by bit, she pieces together the inside story of Tesla and his wonderful tower.
Alternating between past and present, the narrative wends its way through New York City during the Gilded Age, the humble beginnings of Wardenclyffe-on-Sound and the Shoreham of today to discover the man behind his inventions – his perseverance and heartbreaks, triumphs and regrets, and the quarrels and friendships history has long forgotten.
Part biography, part memoir, part detective story, Tesla’s Cottage: The Lost story of Wardenclyffe (and how it was recovered) brings Tesla to life and reveals the legacy he leaves for those of us living today.
Research, Invent, and Create Wealth
Peter James Kpolovie’s Research, Invent, and Create Wealth is a passionate, full-throttle manifesto urging individuals to harness the power of research and invention to achieve prosperity and elevate humanity. The book’s central claim is crystal clear and relentlessly repeated: invention is not only the most direct path to personal wealth but also the highest moral duty we owe to future generations. Across its 19 chapters, Kpolovie blends motivational prose with anecdotes, directives, and a firm belief in the transformative power of human creativity. He outlines the mindset, actions, and sacrifices required to make valuable discoveries and products that, once mass-produced, can improve lives and generate endless wealth.
Kpolovie’s writing is energetic. It’s repetitive, intense, and charged with ambition. The tone rarely wavers; it pushes and urges, page after page. But underneath lies a sincere and powerful idea: the future belongs to the creators. I admired the belief in human potential, the sense that we are all just one invention away from changing everything. His enthusiasm is contagious.
The book shines brightest when it spotlights the stories of famous inventors or urges the reader to dig deep, take risks, and endure hardship in pursuit of a breakthrough. It inspired me to reevaluate how I approach problem-solving and reminded me that most conveniences in our lives once seemed impossible. The book is like a motivational seminar. I craved more real-world examples, a few cautionary tales, or even contrasting voices.
I think Research, Invent, and Create Wealth is best suited for ambitious dreamers, especially young entrepreneurs, inventors, or students looking for a spark. If you’re feeling stuck or uninspired, this book might just kick you into motion. If you can embrace its volume and intensity, you’ll walk away energized and ready to build the future.
Pages: 285 | ASIN : B0D7GL18QZ
A View Through the Fog
Dive deep into the world of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge with an unprecedented perspective – through the eyes of someone who spent 12 riveting years working on its majestic span.
From the outset, the author captivatingly recounts the meticulous selection process he underwent, earning him a coveted position amongst a handful of fortunate individuals chosen to work on this architectural marvel during its formative years. His narrative style is immersive; he paints scenes so vividly that readers might feel they’re standing right beside him, absorbing the sights, sounds, and sensations of the bridge.
Every brush of the wind, the embrace of the morning fog, and the occasional warming touch of sunlight are rendered with such finesse that they transport you directly to those very moments. Beyond the physical experiences, the author delves into the intricate fabric of interpersonal relationships that evolved on the bridge – colleagues who transformed into family and bonds that transcended the boundaries of a mere workplace.
However, it’s not all sunlit tales. The narrative also courageously addresses the somber issue of suicides linked to the Golden Gate Bridge. The author’s first-hand accounts of such tragic events are heart-wrenching but equally informative as he sheds light on the preventive measures introduced over the years.
Readers will be treated to behind-the-scenes revelations – from hidden nooks where workers sought reprieve to the challenges and encounters that make this job far from ordinary. As he chronicles the evolution of working conditions on the bridge, there’s a palpable sense of nostalgia for the bygone days.
For those intrigued by the nexus of mental health and iconic architecture, A View Through the Fog offers a deep exploration. Prepare to see the Golden Gate Bridge in a light you’ve never imagined.
Pages: 182 | ASIN : B0C65ZDPP8
The Future of Disruptive Technologies
![The Future of Disruptive Technologies: Impacts on Business, Workforce, and Societies by [Dr. Srikanth Gaddam]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/515wCikEzqL.jpg)
In The Future of Disruptive Technologies Dr. Srikanth Gaddam explores modern day problems, solutions and how technology affects each one of us. The book discusses tThe shapers of technology and how everyone should embrace the positives brought by technology while being cautious of the adverse effects. I enjoyed reading this thought-provoking book because the author used real stories and gave practical examples when explaining his points. Some of my favorite parts of the discussions were where he spoke about movers and shakers in the industry, and how their background did not necessarily shape their future and success.
In one chapter, the author goes into detail on how data privacy and the safety of internet users is paramount. I appreciate the author for giving facts and statistics as he expounded on this topic, as it enables the reader to get a clear picture of how things are in the world. Data and information are widely shared today thanks to swift online platforms. While this may appear as a blessing to many, the safety and privacy of any internet users may not be guaranteed given rogue characters and other malicious internet users online. While reading this chapter, I was made to understand why it is important to have at least the basic knowledge on formation security and how to protect the network that one uses.
A lot of things are made easy in the world thanks to technology. Reading Dr. Srikanth Gaddam illuminating book will open your eyes on big data, artificial intelligence and other things that have changed how the world operates today. I like Dr. Srikanth Gaddam’s writing because he explains every new term to readers who are not familiar with tech terminologies, before proceeding with the discussion. At no point does the user feel out of touch with the author’s text even when Dr. Gaddam uses heavy cyber jargon. The author made the book more interesting by including personal stories and experiences he has been through. I loved this about the author because the reader despite not relating with all, gets the impression that everyone goes through different challenges and learning stages in life.
The Future of Disruptive Technologies is a great read for both tech aficionados and people that are least bothered by digital trends and technology in general. The author gets one thinking about the different types of technology and how societies across the world work. The book is wonderfully written with a friendly tone and using an easily readable format. I recommend this book to all readers that want to learn more about technology, the impact it has in the world and how it affects small communities and individuals on a personal level. The content in the book is evergreen and educative. This book will enable readers to change their perspective on things and help them make better decisions in the respective industries that they work in.
Pages: 173 | ASIN: B08NXWHKF9
Damaged Beyond All Recognition
![Damaged Beyond All Recognition (Infinity's Trinity Book 1) by [Felyk, Alan]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51dypJY3iCL.jpg)
No one has seen God’s library–or have they? According to Paul Tomenko, actress Katharine Ross is hanging out there. When he is chosen by God to visit his heavenly library and, in essence, save humankind, Paul obliges. Following his brush with death as a result of a car accident, Paul is matched by fate with the woman who almost killed him thus changing the entire course of his life. Author Alan Felyk’s Damaged Beyond All Recognition details the exceptional journey of Paul, the two true loves of his life, and their combined impact upon the universe.
Paul Tomenko is a truly fascinating character. From the trials and tribulations of his youth to his eventual discovery of his love for Maggie Mae and his work for the Creator himself, Paul is strangely relatable. I found myself cheering him on as his writing career reached extraordinary heights and grieving with him through his numerous losses.
Allie, Paul’s second first love as it were, is likely my favorite of the three main characters in Felyk’s work. It is virtually impossible to imagine a young woman so innocent and simultaneously capable of unknowingly holding the answers to the world’s most pressing dilemma. As Allie begins her writing career in earnest and essentially outwrites and outsells Paul, she maintains her selflessness and an unwavering loyalty to Paul. Her devotion to a man she isn’t sure she will ever have is stunning.
Not being a fan of science fiction, I fully expected to lose interest in the most detailed sections of text. Felyk, however, is a master at communicating the most intricate and advanced concepts. I found myself as engrossed in Paul’s visits to God’s library as I was in his relationship with Maggie Mae which he fought so hard to maintain through decades of trials.
I was rather amazed at Felyk’s take on God. The Creator is ultimately dependent upon others, and this mystified me as I read. The notion that Paul is able to help God was a difficult one to get used to. Once I let the idea settle in, I became increasingly fascinated with God’s helplessness. Felyk brings a certain level of vulnerability to God–something virtually unheard of in books addressing Christianity in any sense.
The overarching plot line that kept me coming back for more revolves around Paul and Maggie Mae. To say that readers will envy their dedication to one another is a huge understatement. As years and miles separate them, they do not waver in their loyalty to one another. Felyk proves he is adept at fantasy and equally as skilled at writing heartbreaking romance.
I am giving Damaged Beyond All Recognition 5 out of 5 stars. I can’t imagine readers will find anything lacking in Felyk’s work. His characters have it all: humor, an undying loyalty in each other, a drive to save the world, and an appreciation for all things science. Paul, Maggie Mae, and Allie can hold their own against any characters in recent books of the same genre.
Pages: 367 | ASIN: B077VJGJCD
That Fantastic Agile Transformation Experience
Scott M. Graffius Author Interview
Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions tackles project management in an approachable way that I found to be highly enlightening. How has your experience in project management helped you write this book?
I am thankful for all of the disruptors, innovators, and visionaries who contributed to the colorful heritage of agile and Scrum. In particular, I thank Hirotaka Takeuchi and Ikujiro Nonaka. Scrum was modeled after their groundbreaking paper, “The New New Product Development Game,” published in the Harvard Business Review in 1986. My book was informed by their article and 115 additional sources—listed in the bibliography—along with my first-hand experience launching Scrum in organizations.
I’m the Founder and CEO of Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions, an Inc. Verified Business, which helps our clients achieve their business needs through world-class project leadership. I had the privilege to work with a client in a division of a global entertainment business on their successful journey for improved responsiveness to changing business needs, faster delivery speed, higher satisfaction, and continuous improvement—which made them even more competitive and fueled their growth. That fantastic agile transformation experience and result was the inspiration for my book. I thank that client.
I also helped diverse organizations achieve their business needs through project management related services prior to Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions. I’m a former vice president of a provider of diverse consumer products and services over the Internet including social networking and internet access. Before that, I worked in organizations with businesses ranging from advanced technology products and services to business services, retail, e-commerce, manufacturing, and entertainment. I have experience with consumer, business, reseller, government, and international customer markets, as well as international experience spanning 20 countries.
In addition to hands-on experience, a deep understanding of project management (project, program, portfolio, and PMO management—inclusive of agile, traditional, and hybrid frameworks), engagements with professional associations, involvement with global standards, knowledge of leading practices, and professional credentials also shaped what and how information was presented in the book. Some examples follow. I have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a focus in Human Factors. I hold six certifications: Certified Scrum Professional (CSP), Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), Project Management Professional (PMP), IT Service Management Foundation (ITIL), and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB). And I’m proud to be a member of the Scrum Alliance, Project Management Institute (PMI), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), IEEE Computer Society, IEEE Consumer Electronics Society, IEEE Broadcast Technology Society, IEEE Internet of Things Community, and the IEEE Consultants Network.
I owe a tremendous debt to the technical editors: Chris Hare and Colin Giffen. Each offered insights that greatly improved Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions. I thank them for helping to make this book more clear, consistent, and valuable.
Agile Scrum is often used in technology projects, but do you think Agile Scrum can have a wider application?
Shifting customer needs are common in today’s marketplace. Businesses must be adaptive and responsive to change while delivering an exceptional customer experience to be competitive. Traditional development and delivery frameworks are often ineffective. In contrast, Scrum is a value-driven agile approach which incorporates adjustments based on regular and repeated customer and stakeholder feedback. And Scrum’s built-in rapid response to change leads to substantial benefits such as fast time-to-market, higher satisfaction, and continuous improvement—which supports innovation and drives competitive advantage.
Agile and Scrum were once the sole domain of software development. However, the benefits and results have not gone unnoticed by others. Practices are being adopted by additional departments and industries. The State of Scrum Report: 2017 Edition revealed that 21% of Scrum projects are run by departments outside of Technology such as Marketing, Finance, and Sales. And a New York Timesarticle in 2016—”The New Workplace is Agile, and Nonstop. Can You Keep Up?”—noted agile’s use in diverse industries. Examples ranged from a museum in Sydney, Australia, to an automobile dealership in Maine. Agile/Scrum is being used broadly.
What is one common misconception you find people have about the Agile Scrum methodology?
There are different frameworks supporting the development and delivery of products and services, and most methodologies fall into one of two broad categories: traditional or agile. Traditional practices (sometimes called waterfall) engage sequential development, while agile involves iterative and incremental deliverables. Organizations are increasingly embracing Scrum—the most popular agile framework—to manage projects, and best meet their business needs of rapid response to change, fast delivery speed, and more.
There’s a widely-held view that agile is new. But agile was used decades before it became well-known. A few examples follow. Software was developed in half-day iterations in 1958 for Project Mercury, the United States’ first human spaceflight program. Harlan Mills of IBM promoted in 1968 that “software development should be done incrementally, in stages with continuous user participation and replanning.” In 1980, Tom Gilb introduced the Evolutionary Delivery Model, an incremental alternative to traditional development.
While agile (which includes Scrum) is not new, many innovators and visionaries have advanced principles and practices over time. For those who would like to learn more, there’s a one-minute video—”Agile Has a Long and Colorful Heritage”—at https://vimeo.com/259429846.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I have two works in the pipeline. Currently, however, there is no detail on content or publication dates for future books.
Author Links: Twitter | Facebook | Website | Blog | Video Channel | Instagram | Pinterest
![Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions by [Graffius, Scott M.]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51BP2RybPKL._SY346_.jpg)
Deliver Products in Short Cycles with Rapid Adaptation to Change, Fast Time-to-Market, and Continuous Improvement―Which Supports Innovation and Drives Competitive Advantage
Shifting customer needs are common in today’s marketplace. Businesses must be adaptive and responsive to change while delivering an exceptional customer experience to be competitive.
There are a variety of frameworks supporting the development of products and services, and most methodologies fall into one of two broad categories: traditional or agile. Traditional practices such as waterfall engage sequential development, while agile involves iterative and incremental deliverables. Organizations are increasingly embracing agile to manage projects, and best meet their business needs of rapid response to change, fast delivery speed, and more.
Agile Scrum is for those interested or involved in innovation, project management, product development, software development or technology management. It’s for those who have not yet used Scrum. It’s also for people already using Scrum, in roles such as Product Owners, Scrum Masters, Development Team members (business analysts, solution and system architects, designers, developers, testers, etc.), customers, end users, agile coaches, executives, managers, and other stakeholders. For those already using Scrum, this guide can serve as a reference on practices for consideration and potential adaptation.
We Have Known Some Wild People
Roxanne Burkey & Charles Breakfield Author Interview
In The Enigma Rising R Group is hired to find a missing heiress. They must learn to work together to uncover intelligence in the underworld of cyber crime as they confront drug traffickers turned money launderers. This is a thrilling setup to a suspenseful novel. What was your inspiration for the setup to this book?
It’s not hard to be inspired when you have lived and loved throughout your life. We are fortunate to have a venue to crystallize those moments, with those people who have rotated through our lives, and make it a compelling story. We have known some wild people.
I found the novel to be a clever thriller story. How did you balance quick action with intelligent story telling to give the book a quick tempo?
Practice! We want to be known as great story tellers and so you must be able to “wordsmith” not only the dialog and the characters but the story line itself. We spent a lot of time polishing the dialog, the story, and the characters to get the proper flavor for our goal of a good techno-thriller. Our beta readers and editor helped challenge us to make a better product at every opportunity.
Again, there is a host of intriguing characters in this novel. What was your favorite character to write for this time around?
We really got into our “bad boy” characters Juan and Carlos. These are the Bad Boys, mom’s warn their daughters about. And as the phrase goes “their characters grew legs and took off”.
How do you see the Enigma series evolving in the future?
Actually we have built a character universe of over 150 characters for use throughout the series. By the time the reader hits the 9th book (just getting ready to release) you will be able to answer that question for yourself. But as a comment to be a teaser, readers can expect the series to have different theme’s per book that include, identity theft and dark net (#1), high tech battlefield communications using nano-technology & Drones (#3), a virulent Ghost Code launched by two nefarious types code named Mephisto and Callisto (#4), predicting the future using supercomputers linked together (#5), genetic engineering of humans to live 1,000 years (#6), gamification and smart cities being held hostage (first CATS book) (#7), world commodity manipulations to crush corporations and countries (#8), and a team of analog information mules that drive shady corporate profits across the Dark Net (2nd CATS books (#9). We don’t think you’ll be disappointed in these grown up stories.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
The R-Group is the single most advanced information-gathering organization on the planet, providing services to the intelligence community on a contract basis. Their cutting-edge application of technology keeps their ability to gather, analyze, and use information well ahead of most major governments.
Carlos and Juan are entrepreneurs, although even the most generous observer would question the legality of their business model. The two brothers have discovered a way to covertly access satellite communications. Mostly, they’re putting their skills to work relocating drug lords targeted by the authorities, along with their cash, gold, artwork, and other assets—for a modest fee, of course.
When a valued private client hires the R-Group to track down a missing heiress, chance circumstance brings the technology leaders into contact with Carlos and Juan’s fly-by-night operation. The two brothers have skills the R-Group can use, so they offer them a chance to go legit. Presuming, of course, the brothers can rein in their contempt for societal rules.
A sequel to Breakfield and Burkey’s The Enigma Factor, The Enigma Rising continues their exploration of the high-stakes and high-tech world of information brokering as an engaging thriller of lost and found, loving and growing, and despicable greed.
LITERARY TITAN 