Rick Smith

Recently, two experienced and respected economists published a research paper arguing that the most elite colleges did not give their graduates an earnings boost over less prestigious schools they may have chosen. Sure, graduates of elite colleges make more money than their counterparts at less elite schools.  By itself, this ...

Four scores and three extra-points ago, we hold these truisms to be self evident, that all men and non-men are created equal, but all emails are NOT. We hereby whereas decree an end to the following, may they forever be banished in hell: THE ALL CAPS EMAIL!!: Unfortunately, there was a flaw in ...

I love this recent thread on Penelope Trunk’s blog (and I love her blog): “How many people go to law school thinking they are going to represent the underdog and save the world?  Thousands. And how many people can pay off law school loans and support a family and save the ...

When planning for battle, you need to dismantle hierarchy.  People need to feel free to make suggestions, unconcerned for their level or position in the organization.  This is how creativity flourishes within a team. This is how real innovation – innovation that comes from insights from the front line, occurs. But when it’s ...

I have lived most of my life in the extremes. I was a dork through High School.  Then somehow became briefly popular. I was totally struggling at work, then experienced remarkable success. I was unknown, then toured the country as a national bestselling author, then became unknown again. I was laid off, then at ...