The American Economic Association says [economics is] ‘the study of scarcity …’ Anything and everything in a market is implicitly defined as scarce. With scarcity as the main principle, the mindset that follows is based on commoditization of goods and services.” — Robin Wall Kimmerer in The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural WorldContinue reading “On the false narrative of scarcity”
Category Archives: Leading with Moral Authority
Who says you can’t fight city hall? An update on the chicken fans of Mansfield, Ohio
You might remember that a couple months ago I posted about a conversation I overheard in a coffee shop. It was a “small but passionate cohort of chicken fans” and they were trying to get the city to allow chickens in urban yards. And you might have thought, I was crazy for even suggesting thatContinue reading “Who says you can’t fight city hall? An update on the chicken fans of Mansfield, Ohio”
Today’s Lesson from the Coffee Shop
First posted on LinkedIn in October 2025. So I am in a coffee shop again today doing some work. And the group next to me is discussing chickens. I can’t really overhear the whole conversation, and even if I could I would not share it in this public forum (or anywhere, actually), but what I’veContinue reading “Today’s Lesson from the Coffee Shop”
Why your risk & compliance plan isn’t working
“When … management doesn’t model values, ethics becomes theoretical. Trust erodes. And once trust is gone, compliance can easily follow.” One of the many companies I’ve worked with over the years experienced a big, public, regulatory violation. And it was amazing to observe how fast the company culture collapsed under that pressure. A once stronglyContinue reading “Why your risk & compliance plan isn’t working”
Another lesson from the grocery store coffee shop
I’m back at the local grocery store coffee shop tonight. This time I’m waiting for my daughter at gymnastics. As I’m typing away, two greying gentleman dressed in button-down shirts walk in carrying a tray nearly overflowing with deli foods. One, in particular, was super chatty. He made eye contact upon entering and greeted meContinue reading “Another lesson from the grocery store coffee shop”
Are you and your business ready for the future?
Please join us in an upcoming session. We’d love to have you! To learn more or register, visit this link: https://macc.axstudent.com/#/category/B5
The Art of Constructive Dissent
“The value of opinion minorities lies in their ability to guard the group against complacency, to challenge conventional wisdom, and to keep the group sharp and on its toes. In that way, dissenting minorities can change norms or behavioral conventions that have lost their utility” We are under tremendous pressure to “self silence” these days.Continue reading “The Art of Constructive Dissent”
Agile is not dead. But human decency is on life support.
Layoffs despite a thriving economy, poor performance reviews and frozen wages despite amazing contributions, a return to office mandate that has resulted in no increase in profits, and the continuing pressure to deliver MORE, MORE, MORE even though productivity is at record highs. The workplace has been growing more and more toxic for years, butContinue reading “Agile is not dead. But human decency is on life support.”
Loyalty on Labor Day
Some insightful thoughts from Simon Sinek for you on Labor Day — a day when we supposedly recognize the immense value of the employees who do the actual work that results in the executive bonuses and shareholder dividends that we are so focused on. The corporate world is broken. We need leaders who will standContinue reading “Loyalty on Labor Day”
Want to be a better leader?
My name is Nicole Derr. I believe leading is about connecting. And connecting requires courage, trust, and vulnerability. Leaders in my workshops and coaching cohorts uncover their natural leadership tendencies, and then courageously practice and perfect them. Their confidence and character shine through their interactions, leading to lasting positive impressions — and outcomes — atContinue reading “Want to be a better leader?”
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