Confidence ≠ Competence: Reflections on the Dunning-Kruger Effect
On Saturday morning, I was mindlessly doomscrolling on social media. My algorithm is a pretty healthy mix of leadership content, organizational psychology, policy and political analysis… and then, of course, Star Wars memes, Gen X references, and guys building bushcraft shelters in the wilderness. You know… standard middle-aged male stuff. Anyway, as I […]
When Elected Boards Meddle in Executive Compensation, Everyone Loses
There is a structural flaw that quietly undermines some public agencies and special districts: elected boards inserting themselves into the salaries of executives who do not report directly to them. At first glance, this might sound like responsible oversight. After all, public dollars are involved. But in practice, it creates a dynamic that is […]
When Political Analysis Confuses Credentials for Education
In political debates, there’s a lazy habit that shows up again and again: explaining how people vote by pointing to their “level of education.” The most educated (i.e. college-educated) voters vote X. The least educated vote Y. It’s a tidy soundbite. It’s also misleading. What we usually label as “educated” in these conversations, namely college […]
Building Successful Government Affairs and Community Outreach Programs
Over the years I’ve been approached by many individuals who are interested in how best to develop effective government affairs and advocacy programs and initiatives. Some want to advance legislation, others to build relationships with local, state, and federal elected officials and opinion leaders, while still others want to kick start a discussion that will […]
Paul O’Neal: Memories of a Jedi Master
When I started my first full time job in politics in 2003 after leaving Emergency Medical Services, I was taken under the wing of a longtime, respected political staffer and lobbyist who would serve as my first mentor in the field. He knew which way was up, so to speak. My first day on […]
How to Do Your Personal SWOT
(This is the second in a series of articles outlining the process I created to take myself from a 23-year-old from an impoverished child…
Elevating Your Resume Game
Prior to creating the Strategic Career Planning: A 10-Step Guide to Realizing Your Potential training program and becoming a proli…
Vision Minus Execution Equals Hallucination
These were the opening words of an email I once received from one of my mentors. A simple but profound statement. As a matter of fact, it i…
Reflections on Mentoring | Part I
(This is the first in a series of reflections on those mentors who have impacted my life in a profound way. The following is adapted from a blog post that was originally published in 2o13.) Mentor: Kurt Williams (1958-2013) It has been more than seven years since my good friend and mentor, Kurt […]
How I Did My Career Pivot…and Changed My Life
(This is the first in a series of articles outlining the process I created to take myself from a 23-year-old from an impoverished childhood with limited professional prospects to a multi award-winning advocate and executive recognized as one of San Diego’s 500 Most Influential People. I hope you find this as useful as I did.) […]