I have been writing and speaking about the power of human engagement for 15 years - now is the most important time for “Community, Collaboration, and Conversations”. Industry associations have a key role in figuring an antidote to loneliness.

Hate isn’t okay

Community, collaboration, and conversations can solve all problems. But division, hate, and only believing what you want will make the world worse.

Why are people so divided and terrified with fear?

Wow - I got attacked on FB with hateful statements from somebody I don’t know - because I voted for a different candidate than be supported. If we cannot have respect and think nasty comments are what our country is about- I worry.

I am confused by people who vote a straight party ticket… and then say horrible things of people who are voting the other party straight ticket.

I think basic respect is the glue that holds society together.

I think I’ve learned that in big population states… Having one party being in charge causes problems… As my Republican friends in California talk about corruption of the Democrats… And my Democrat friends in Texas talk about the corruption amongst the Republicans. Hmmmmm

Do best you can. If you drop the ball, own it (do not lie or hide it). Do not rewrite history to cover up your failures. Try hard to help the greater good. Enjoy the people around you.

I am the grandson of immigrants. And they saw America as a place of better opportunity. And at the same time they were seen as “less than” by others because of where they were born. People have forgotten the discrimination against the Irish in the 1800s and early 1900s.

I am growing concerned by the normalization of racism and anti-immigrant statements happening in Texas and across the country. We are mostly all descended from immigrants (I am- and proud of it).

I am enjoying @AdamMGrant’s new book Vibe. I am reminded of a person 20 years ago I thought would be my close friend… but he clearly did not like me from our first meeting. We did not “Vibe” and to this day do not engage. Makes me sad.

I have crossed paths with more people recently who seem to have a need to cut down or complain about those who have more success than they have.

It used to be admirable to be a “civic minded entrepreneur” or “civic minded business leader”. How do we get back to that?

I met with an immigrant from Africa this week who had the biggest heart and the strongest entrepreneurial spirit. Who are the asshats who talk against immigrants… they are inspiring.

Someone said I was dismissive of them. I am a lot of things - but dismissive of people for superficial reasons is never one of them. It has been on my mind constantly since it was told to me by a 3rd party. Not cuz I was wrong - as my intent was from a good place.

If we assume the other person in a conversation is “less than” us because of some superficial point, then we jump to many conclusions about their soul. But not sure I want to live that way where I think the worst in someone without more than a few moments of seeing them.

I wish we could be more respectful towards people we don’t know personally. I wish we didn’t make blanket generalizations about others based on their facade / looks or a single point of reference. But figure that won’t happen.

What matters more - how you see a situation or the intentions of the person you observe?

My heart hurts when I see people who are dismissive of others for superficial reasons. Judging on race, age, religion, job title, etc… is never good. People are complex and we can never assume things without knowing them.

I liked watching the whole Town Hall with James Talarico. I think seeing politicians do long form conversations on real issues is important in a democracy.