Relationships Trump Talent – The best advice for candidates in the casino industry? “Without integrity, nothing else matters.” Second best? “Relationships trump talent.” Many years ago I approached a Casino President about helping with the opening of his new hotel/casino property. Nope! Not only did he not engage me, he didn’t have the professional courtesy to respond to my message. After he was unceremoniously terminated, he sent a resume. Nope! But at least I responded to his email. The best advice I ever received on executive recruiting, “When the economy is good, people dismiss you and don’t return your phone calls. But one the pendulum swings. The economy crumbles, layoffs begin…and your phone lights up like a Christmas tree.” Can you say, “2023?”

Elevate – Next up, my friend ROB JENSEN asked me to be on his podcast. Rob is specializes in high end Las Vegas real estate. He is also a world class rock climber. In this episode we discuss my background, client events, charity and what Las Vegas can expect in 2023.

Faces of Gaming: Mark Wayman (CDC) – And finally, thank you to long-time marketing executive TOM OSIECKI for this interview. He asked great questions, and the interview gives a nice high level summary of my business model. Well done!

How to Retain Employees – This is a pretty darn good summary of how the last three generations view work.

The Labor Shortage: Where Did Everyone Go – Andrew Tottenham discusses the differences between US and European Pandemic. Really interesting!

The Two Golden Rules of Executive Recruiting – Although 85%of career opportunities come via your professional network; another 10% come through Executive Recruiters, and they tend to be the best jobs. Here are the two most important rules to remember.

When Your Work Fills in for Your Faith…That’s a Problem – Worshipping work comes at a steep price. Family, relationships, hobbies…and spirituality.

The Monkeys and the Rainstorm: 3 Strategies for Riding Out the Storm –Always take a long-term career view, value relationships and plan for a rainy day.

The Good Samaritan: Carefully Consider Your Legacy – Most of us are familiar with this parable from the Bible. Which one are you? 

The Life Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck – The subtitle says it all, “How to Stop Spending Time You Don’t Have Doing Things You Don’t Want to Do With People You Don’t Like.” This is a life changing book. The primary lesson is to set boundaries. Here is your trinity: Time, Energy, Money. If you are like me, you get a dozen new requests daily. Events, meetings, phone calls, texts and hundreds of emails. Although I respond to every request, most of those are a simple “no thank you” or “I can’t add value for you.” Don’t let the energy vampires suck you into their vortex! I’m rarely on social media and I have a “no drama” clause for candidates. Read the book and take your life back.

Half Time: Moving from Success to Significance – Some of you may be wondering about the charity aspect of my business. When we sold SRD (counter-terrorism software company funded by the CIA) to IBM in 2004, I took an early retirement. A friend gave me this book that described living a life of service. Be a giver, not a taker. Two weeks later a CEO asked if I could identify some FBI talent. He said, “You are on the Board of Make-A-Wish. If you don’t need the money, donate it to charity.” Eighteen years later we are still doing it!

The Algebra of Happiness – What's the formula for a life well lived? How can you have a meaningful career, not just a lucrative one? Is work/life balance possible? What are the elements of a successful relationship? One of my new favorites!

Antonio Perez (COO, Rolling Hills), Kelcey Allison (Play Synergy) and Sanjiv Goyal (CEO, Droisys) at The Godfather's Holiday Spectacular to Benefit Noah's Animal House. Kelcey and Sanjiv were Sponsors.

IGT CCO Nick Khin on the microphone. One of the nicest people ever! IGT was a Sponsor at The Godfather's Holiday Spectacular to Benefit Noah's Animal House.