Blog Archives

Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life

Passion Struck by John R. Miles offers a compelling framework for transforming your life, discovering your passion, and unlocking your hidden potential. Drawing from over 30 years of experience, John presents a series of personal stories and principles that have empowered countless individuals to achieve remarkable success. The book is filled with inspiring narratives from a diverse range of people, including government officials, technologists, entertainers, athletes, academics, artists, and business leaders, all of whom have applied the principles outlined in the book to their lives. These stories teach readers how to exercise intentionality and take small, boundary-pushing actions that build confidence and diminish fear.

One of the standout qualities of Passion Struck is its rich storytelling, which adds a human touch and creates an emotional connection with readers from the beginning. The book seamlessly blends personal anecdotes with practical lessons, making the content relatable and engaging. For instance, one of the most memorable stories revolves around Steve Jobs and the concept of being “right by being alone.” When the music industry initially dismissed Jobs’ vision for the iPod, his persistence eventually led to the creation of Apple Music and other online music services, transforming the industry forever. This story and many others illustrate the power of perseverance and visionary thinking.

John also shares invaluable insights from his diverse professional experiences, including his time in the military and cybersecurity, his role as a CIO at Dell, and his journey as an entrepreneur. These insights are presented through smart and intriguing concepts, such as “fear confronter,” “mission angler,” and “perspective harnesser.” His use of metaphors and analogies effectively conveys the book’s messages. For example, the “metaphorical mosquito” is used to describe emotionally manipulative individuals who compromise boundaries—an analogy that vividly illustrates the importance of protecting one’s personal space and integrity. This book is not just a collection of theoretical essays; it actively engages readers with a variety of interactive elements. It includes actionable exercises, a well-structured framework, and even QR codes that provide additional insights and resources. These elements enhance the reading experience and encourage readers to apply the lessons to their own lives. The chapter-ending exercises are particularly thoughtful, serving as both a summary and a prompt for deeper reflection.

Passion Struck is an ideal read for those eager to pursue their passions and achieve their dream lives. By exploring topics such as meditation, self-awareness, psychology, and entrepreneurship, the book equips readers with the tools they need to embark on a journey of success and fulfillment. John R. Miles reminds us of the importance of listening to our hearts and following our passions—qualities that no AI can ever replace.

Pages: 399 | ASIN : B0CGS248NR

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How Can I Make This Fun?

Pete Kusiak Author Interview

Drop the F-Bomb in Your Business is a book that delves into the impact of a company’s culture on productivity and employee retention, as well as how to create a positive and enjoyable work environment. What motivated you to write this book?

My love for business and all things fun and silly really drove me to write this book. I constantly reflect on the common themes among successful businesses and I’ve discovered businesses that have the most fun, are the most successful and healthiest. I knew that if I could frame that concept as a business strategy, it would not only be easy and exciting to implement, but could begin to positively impact the business community for generations to come.

The need to move away from traditional corporate culture in order to remain relevant in today’s world raises the question of why this shift in corporate mindset is necessary. What do you believe are the reasons behind this change from the established norm?

Our new workforce is demanding the change. We see those demands in the form of memes, videos, and social media posts. Work behaviors and trends like “quiet quitting”, firing your boss, and “ghosting” are becoming normal and shows us that traditional business cultures and themes aren’t resonating. In order to keep up with the trends of our incoming workforce, companies need to prioritize workplace happiness and mental health benefits and there’s not better way to do that then with a dose of no strings attached fun!

What is one measure that businesses can start with to establish a conducive work environment that attracts talented employees and encourages their long-term retention while minimizing turnover using The Fun First Strategy™?

The principle of P.L.A.Y. is a core concept of The Fun First Strategy and encourages leaders and business owners to “Prioritize Laughter And Youth.” What that means is to encourage an environment and culture that is centered around laughter and positive expression, recalling games, activities, and events from your youth that can built into fun engagements with your team and colleagues.

What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Drop the F-Bomb in Your Business?

It all starts with an easy but profound question- “How can I make this fun?” By starting there, you automatically begin to unlock more creative, positive, and unique solutions to doing business, making it more enjoyable for everyone involved!

Author Links: GoodReads | LinkedIn | Website

In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure world of business, it is all too easy for corporate culture to become an endless grind of monotony, rules, and strict formalities. But what if there were a way to break free from the constraints of traditional business practices and infuse your company with a fresh wave of creativity, productivity, and enthusiasm?
Enter Pete Kusiak’s Drop the F-Bomb in Your Business—the groundbreaking book that challenges the status quo and introduces readers to a daring new concept called The Fun First Strategy™. Drawing on his lifetime of experience, Kusiak shows readers how prioritizing fun and keeping an open mind can not only build happier, more productive teams but also solve complex business challenges and allow the organization to reach desired goals in the most unexpected ways.
Through tips and real-world examples, readers will discover a clever twist on the traditional f-bomb. Kusiak wildly redefines the word with The Fun First Strategy™, revealing how a single question can transform workplace culture and foster success.
Will the reader have the courage and conviction to drop the f-bomb in their business? Will The Fun First Strategy™ pave the way for a new era of corporate culture, marked by satisfied workers and soaring profits? The answers lie within the pages of Pete Kusiak’s Drop The F-Bomb in Your Business, a unique and revolutionary book in redefining the balance between work and play and creating a future where business success and employee happiness go hand in hand.

Drop the F-Bomb in Your Business

Pete Kusiak’s latest publication, Drop the F-Bomb in Your Business, delves into the increasingly relevant theme of enhancing workplace environments. The book is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of a positive, enjoyable work atmosphere. Kusiak’s approach in this business-oriented guide is to showcase the significance of fostering a space that not only attracts employees but also promotes their long-term retention with a focus on minimizing turnover.

Kusiak meticulously investigates various businesses that have excelled in creating dynamic, fun workspaces. He presents an extensive array of methods that have been effectively employed to shape companies into places that employees admire and enjoy. This exploration culminates in what he terms The Fun First Strategy™, a concept that promises to revolutionize traditional business environments. Kusiak posits that integrating fun into the workplace enhances productivity, bolsters customer relations, and rekindles the creative and joyful spirit in the workforce.

A notable strength of Kusiak’s work lies in the diverse range of suggestions he provides for employers. His ideas extend beyond typical corporate events, advocating for tangible changes that could range from aesthetic modifications in the office to the integration of humor and levity into the daily routine. These strategies prioritize fun and posit it as a cornerstone of company culture. Moreover, the reading experience of Drop the F-Bomb in Your Business itself is designed to be engaging and enjoyable, with interactive elements like fun breaks, a workplace fun-level questionnaire, and step-by-step implementation guides.

This book is a useful resource and an engaging read. It is suitable for a wide array of organizational settings, from manufacturing plants and law firms to small enterprises and educational institutions. Drop the F-Bomb in Your Business is poised to set a new benchmark in business literature, offering a comprehensive guide for anyone aiming to revitalize their work environment and embrace a more dynamic, fun-filled corporate culture.

Pages: 167 | ISBN : 1962202003

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The Value Equation

In The Value Equation: A Business Guide to Creating Wealth for Entrepreneurs, Christopher Volk takes the reader through different stages of entrepreneurship, giving lessons on how to invest and run a company. The author uses straightforward language that is both intriguing and appealing. Given he did not initially set out to be in entrepreneurship, Chris Volk shares the inspiration that can move even the uninterested. The author introduces the reader to the book by sharing strategies for acquiring wealth and running a business and offers realistic solutions.

Chris Volk starts the first chapter by discussing wealth creation and free enterprise. The author, with statistics, shares the key factors that determine the success of a business. I like that the author stated that a business starts with an idea, usually a solution to a problem. He uses a perfect example, that of Sergey Bin and Larry Page, to illustrate his models. The discussion about the two great men, how they met, and how they created Google is rousing. I like how the author is articulate and how he lays down his points when discussing a particular topic.

The second chapter is about Daymond John and the creation of FUBU clothing and hip-hop apparel. Like the first chapter, Chris Volk writes in-depth, talking about the steps John and other moguls took to succeed. The text teaches that hard work is not enough as resilience; patience and humility are all elements of success. Apart from the informative text, the author also includes images of known thriving businesses when discussing topics they relate to. The images add aesthetic value and are an excellent reference point for the text.

Chris Volk moves from simple topics to complex subjects with every new chapter. This enables the reader to first understand the basics before getting a deeper insight into how the corporate world works. The author writes about areas like the cost of capital vs. cost of equity, public stock equity returns,  the circles of business, life, the formula to use and using other people’s money, among other topics. What makes Chris Volk stand out is that he tackles unique topics and starts discussions that authors from this genre do not tackle.

Certain features stand out from Volk’s writing, the author’s ability to translate business-speak to everyday lingo, the use of illustrations and tables, and the brevity of paragraphs that are detailed. I appreciate the excel sheets and sample corporate financial models for better perception.

The Value Equation is your ultimate guide to running a booming business. Everything from the author’s tales in entrepreneurship and investment, the pointers he gives, and the choice of topics in every chapter are worthwhile.

Pages: 256 | ASIN : B09ZKDGC69

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DJ’s Mean Business

DJ’s Mean Business, by Amani Roberts, is an interesting and informative read from a DJ’s perspective about leading a successful life. In this eye-opening book, Amani Roberts, aka DJ AmRo, talks about his experiences as a DJ, a Professor, and a businessman. He shares the ups and downs he learned in these professions in this practical book to help readers become successful entrepreneurs.

Roberts’ writing style is conversational and caring. He uses simple and direct language that guides the reader through the topic he is covering. The arrangement of the chapters outlines the different time slots as if he is DJing from the start of a program until it is wrapped up. Readers will appreciate the short and concise chapters as the author gets right to the point. The first thing that Robert covers is how to introduce yourself in a manner that gives you credibility and authority. First impressions do matter when you are an entrepreneur. Once that first meeting is over, the next step is to build a rapport and make sure what you are selling is in demand. Here the author uses examples from successful businesses to support the tried and true strategies he teaches.

Readers will appreciate his candid writing and how he uses his own life situations as examples, making for a more authentic read. Whether DJing, teaching or focusing on his brand, Roberts interchangeably uses these venues to provide important lessons about business to the readers. Topics such as branding, marketing tips, and staying focused are a few topics discussed in this book that I found helpful.

DJ’s Mean Business: One Night Behind the Turntables Can Spin Your Company’s Success is an unconventional business planning book on how to be a successful entrepreneur. It is just as entertaining as it is informative. The information provided will be beneficial to those looking for tips on how to start a business or revamp their current business.

Pages: 154 | ASIN : B084KW9HLM

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