Wednesday Linkletter: Pixar, Personal Branding, and who knew FICO was actually a company?
RWL #343
Happy Wednesday from the University of New Hampshire! I’m getting this one in just under the wire. It was a long day. I have two classes’ grades turned in, and one more to go - then summer, baby! Of course, I start teaching a summer class on Monday, so “summer” will be Saturday and Sunday. It is an asynchronous course, US Health Systems, so I will be recording lectures, which I plan to post to YouTube. I will share them here if you have an interest in following along.
We also have a farewell for this year’s seniors on Friday. I am looking forward to seeing them all together one last time, but sad to see them go. Some of my juniors start their internships on Monday as well, so “summer for them is also similarly short.
Also super exciting is Daughter #3 graduates this weekend. That will be our last kid finishing her schooling. My wife and are very happy for her, and very happy that we are done with being part of our kids’ schooling. A new phase of life here at the LHH.
See you Sunday with a new essay! As usual, willing good for all of you!
(pic above is of a few maintenance workers removing fallen trees and other debris from the rail line that runs behind the LHH last week. I loved the way their green vests matched the vibrant green that has returned. The long, gray time is finally over.)
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Read
What: The Ringer, When the Lamp Switched On: How Pixar Went From Experimental Studio to Commercial Juggernaut
What: A fun early history of Pixar (maker of so many incredible movies, such as the Toy Story series). I have read a couple of books and countless articles about Pixar. There is something magical about the company. It’s fascinating that Steve Jobs played such a huge role in the company - while he was in exile from Apple.
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Watch
What: Tim Urban, Inside the mind of a master procrastinator (14 min)
https://www.ted.com/talks/tim_urban_inside_the_mind_of_a_master_procrastinator/c
Why: This is so fun. You have to watch it! There’s an instant gratification monkey in our heads. I love models of the human mind that have multiple actors rattling around inside - I’m pretty sure I’ve got two or three. This really resonates with me.
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Listen
What: HBR IdeaCast, A Marketing Professor and a Matchmaker Talk Personal Branding (31 min)
Why: This was a very good discussion of personal brand. And if you find the idea of personal brand icky, just think reputation instead. In fact, that’s what the speakers say, too. I try to get my students to think about this as they get ready for their professional debut.
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What: Business Breakdowns, FICO: A High Score Business (43 min)
Why: I had no idea that FICO isn’t just a score - i.e., your credit score - it’s actually a business. FICO stands for “Fair Isaac Corporation”. It’s a big business. This pod is a bit dry, so I’m not really recommending you listen to it. I just had to share that FICO is actually a business! I mean, go ahead and listen to it if it appeals. I did.