This month's newsletter was inspired by a single word, as expressed in an interview with Cynthia Erivo (star of the movie Wicked).

"PLAY"

As a professional speaker, 'Play' means something different than most people think.

While it can be a difficult process to describe, I genuinely hope you grasp the importance of 'Play' and pursue it energetically.

The essence of play is a core principle of Peripheral Thinking™. It embodies why and how the most prolific innovators succeed in all market environments... again and again and again.

It BREAKS ALL THE RULES of traditional, logical, conventional thought.

For most people, it makes no sense.

It's counterintuitive.

That is until you experience it and use it.

Only then will you realize it is a higher level of thinking.

By now, you’ve likely heard salutations and well-wishes for a prosperous and healthy New Year from many others. There is a sense of optimism and excitement about 2025 across industries, communities, and families.

Last weekend, we celebrated our grandson’s first birthday. His party guests ranged from a few weeks old to senior citizens from diverse backgrounds, multiple ethnicities, faiths, and professions.

As I stood in the kitchen, viewing the main room, one thing became apparent: human beings are fascinatingly complex and valuable.

Human beings are still the source of interest for other human beings.

If you watch the news and read headlines and prognostications, you’ll find sensationalized messages becoming more frequent AND contradictory. Where is the economy going? What sectors are at risk? Is AI really the answer to everything that ails us?

Don’t be wooed into following the crowd because of breaking news and changing trends.

Be informed but not conformed.

Set the trends, don’t follow them.

Whether you see too many or too few options for growing your business, this edition is for you… Because your options are killing your growth.

How to win, succeed, thrive, and do it again and again. I love to win.

Admittedly, I’m proud of doing what others said couldn’t be done. However, as much as I love winning, seeing you win is even more satisfying. Above all that, I love helping you find and apply new perspectives to win repeatedly.

That’s why we are covering losing this month.

Here’s the thing… If you are iterating, not innovating, you are not growing. And if you aren’t growing, you are not even maintaining your position.

This month’s newsletter organization is different than that of previous newsletters. As I was preparing content about the Peripheral Thinking™ skill called ‘Surveying,’ client examples kept coming to mind. I can give you a clinical account of the companies, industries, situations, and resolutions. But what fun would that be? Besides, stories make principles and ideas more memorable.

In the Northern Hemisphere, July is full-on summertime! So, businesses need to adjust their third-quarter growth expectations. Here comes the ‘Summer Slowdown.’

Whenever your ‘summer’ is—July or January—the Summer Slowdown is a given… Or is it?

Let’s check the periphery.

You come from all walks of life, industries, cultures, and countries. And together, we are all learning and growing. So, it is only fitting that in this month’s Break All The Rules newsletter, we’ll discuss diversity's role in growing your businesses. Like most things with Peripheral Thinking™, we’ll be looking at diversity from a different perspective—a peripheral perspective.

In this month’s Break All The Rules newsletter, you’ll learn about the traits my mom instilled in me. I share how specific Peripheral Thinking™ skills amplify these traits. And you’ll learn how Peripheral Thinkers™ use these skills to lead their companies to heights others only dream of—with my mom's help.

Enjoy the newsletter.

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Life is good, and opportunities are plentiful. Well… That depends on your perspective.

Check out this month’s newsletter for a better perspective on … “Perspectives.”

A Peripheral Perspective on Rules, Rhythm, and Revelation.

A Peripheral Perspective: Supporting and Disrupting Revenue Strategies.

A Peripheral Perspective: Deciphering. Do You Get It?

A Peripheral Perspective: Adaptability or Knock Out.

A Peripheral Perspective: From Trash to Treasure!

A Peripheral Perspective: From Survive to THRIVE

A Peripheral Perspective: Information & Decisions

A Peripheral Perspective: Grit, Growth, and Groups.

A Peripheral Perspective: Group Dynamics and Growth