realtime

Private Party in Raleigh at total treat

merrill — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 21:14:18 +0000

Last Wednesday I was hosted by Anastasia Pucci (partner at Carlyle and Conlan Executive Search) at the home of her parents, Chris and Alan Conlan in Brier Creek, for a most wonderful evening of book reading with a gathering of some very interesting women who are mostly in the field of HR… There was also a table full of beautiful jewelry for sale, to raise money for Anna’s Angels, which is an organization started by Michelle Pfeiffer, in honor of her daughter Anna, that raises money for Downs Syndrome research. Michelle is a true Starfish Leader! Anastasia and her parents were absolutely delightful hosts and the entire evening was a very wonderful experience. Thanks to everybody who took part in this heart-warming event.

ILA Conference Event was fabulous!

merrill — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 23:42:32 +0000

Just returned from Boston and the ILA conference in Copley Square. What a gorgeous few days! The leaves were at their peak color and the weather was just turning chilly as I left. Met some great people at the event: Michael Jones, the pianist www.pianoscapes.com who is an incredible and inspiring artist, gave me a copy of his latest CD, Almost Home, which deserves a lot of attention, so please go buy a copy. Also met David Markwardt www.davidmarkwardt.com who lives in Santa Fe and does leadership consulting, experiential education and poetry. Great workshop with both Michael and David together on the subject of poetry and leadership. Really wonderful experience. John Hardman, founder of Regenerative Organizations www.regenerativeorganizations.com is also a compelling individual, born and raised in Buenos Aires. He is as focused on the subject of regenerative organizations as I am on regenerative leaders. We had several great conversations. The conference book signing was well-attended and I sold 8 copies of the book, which was very gratifying. All in all, a great event.

New England leg of North American Book Tour: Amherst, Newton, MA

merrill — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 11:58:47 +0000

Hello Everyone! I had a lovely book event on Monday night in Amherst, MA, hosted by the lovely and charming hostess, Sarah, with her husband and little twins… and with a circle of incredibly well-educated individuals in attendance… the number of PhD’s in that room was in the double digits!

The next evening was an event in Newton, MA hosted by my old Smith roommate, Theresa and her handsome husband, Steve… the group was very engaged and the entire event was chronicled by another Smith friend, Rick Bern who took photos of the event. Thanks Rick! You can check out his artistry at Rick Bern Photography, LLC

Today is being spent in Boston at the Marriott in Copley Square with the International Leadership Association. There will be a book signing event on Friday evening for all authors in attendance…

I’m starting an “anti-busy” campaign

merrill — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 20:56:16 +0000

Everybody is so busy! I think busy-ness is for the birds and I am on a mission to eliminate all activity that makes me feel busy, in favor of activity that is either productive or enjoyable, or both.

Many people waste much of their life energy on being “busy” but not accomplishing much. That, I believe, is the reason many people feel as if they are on a treadmill, going nowhere.

What do you think?

Private event in Durham tonight 10/17/10

merrill — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 14:37:40 +0000

My next door neighbors are hosting a book reading and discussion tonight for 20-25 of their close friends and colleagues. Many thanks, in advance, to the hosts for what will be a wonderful neighborhood get together.

Purple Crow and McIntyre book readings

merrill — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 14:34:09 +0000

I had a lovely time at both the Purple Crow bookstore in Hillsoborough, courtesy of Sharon Wheeler, and at McIntyre’s bookstore in Fearrington Village, courtesy of Keebe Fitch. Thanks to both these lovely ladies for hosting meaningful, intimate events last week.

Private book-reading in Raleigh on 9/26/2010

merrill — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 17:09:39 +0000

Despite desperately needed driving rains that started at exactly the same time as the event, 12 people attended a private book reading event at Peggy’s beautiful home in Raleigh. I read the story of “Ten” and it sparked a great conversation among the participants. Thanks to all who attended and appreciated the book and special thanks to Peggy for hosting.

Private Book Reading on Whidbey Island

merrill — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 01:51:48 +0000

Read to a group of women who lived on Whidbey Island, near Seattle. A great affair, complete with goat cheese and dates wrapped in prosciutto… wonderful conversation, company and catering! The conversation focused on personal development and regeneration. Many thanks to my wonderful hostess, Monica!

Fabulous Starfish Meeting with Seattle Executive Coaches

merrill — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 01:48:46 +0000

Met with a lively, intuitive group of executive coaches in Seattle on Wednesday, 9/22/10. They were curious about the Starfish model, quickly understood the potential power of using it with local executives, and bought many copies of both Starfish and Living in Yes, with the desire to use them with their executive clients. The issue of collateral damage, resulting from too exclusive a focus on work, arose and fueled a fabulously engaged conversation. Even ran into a local coach who went to the same high school I did, graduating just two years before! What a small, small world.

Starfish Leaders Book reading on the Kitsap Peninsula a great success

merrill — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 15:03:20 +0000

The kitchen island was covered with the most delectable of edibles, fabulous organic coffee and tea were hot and ready to serve and the gorgeous, light-filled living room was lined with warm and friendly faces, ready to hear me read. Tears were shed by a few (myself included) as the story of Henny was read. A fabulous event. Many, many thanks to all who attended, bought books, and most especially to the gracious and lovely hostess.