Leadership topic - Power

Everybody wants more of it, without realizing what they may already have, and how to leverage others who do and actually can help as much or more as you getting it…

As I blasted off from the Space Program, I landed in the stratosphere of IBM Power. Working on multiple task forces and projects that were involving multiple Presidents and other senior leaders, these stories fit nicely with the celebration of Presidents Day…

… along with the story of the man called “The Prez” – Lester Young. Another pioneer and foundational piece of what jazz and popular music would become, he leveraged a very different approach to Power. In fact, his phrasing and use of space and “not” playing were picked up by the great Billie Holiday who became his partner through most of his life. The tunes they crafted effortlessly seemed a great contrast to Power that Big Band and BeBob were similarly blasting out.

Their arc would end in 1959 in New York City both dying within 2 months of each other, just as my own life began. My own arc of time at IBM would similarly end in New York City in a series of meetings that would show me a different view of Power and how limited it can actually be. The stories are rich and full of some great characters, but even more full of opportunities that I hope you can learn from.