Business Lessons from sucessful entrepreneurs and business leaders: LunchLearning.com

Reading time: 4 - 6 minutes

Total Video Time: 34 minutes 35 seconds and 44 minutes 29 seconds

Wrapping up this week with a return to technological changes, we’re looking at a movement that has steadily gained momentum over the last few years. Open source software, or publicly developed software, is something that is having a degree of impact on today’s computing that has not been seen yet. Programs like Firefox, the second most commonly used web browser, and the operating systems on many netbooks are open source. This subject is also particularly timely as yesterday heralded a rather significant milestone: the official release of Windows 7.

Robert S. Sutor, the vice-president of Open Source and Linux at IBM and is speaking on innovations, impact, and the sheer importance of the concept of open.
. Sutor has also been named one of Open Source’s VIPs by Computer Business Review for working with people to explain the values of open source and spur adoption in business environments.

The first conflict has its roots in ideology, but has a very real impact on the way any project is managed and developed: and that is simply: what is “open?” Sutor proposes that for something to be truly open, it must be developed transparently and with unrestricted participation from the public. Even more fundamentally, is the question of who is leading the project, and for what reasons are they an authoritative figure? While these might seem like fundamentals obvious in a business environment, with open source projects, they are vital to consider.

In addition to Robert Sutor, we’ll also be taking a look at a panel from LinuxCon 2009 (@linuxfoundation on Twitter) involving a number of specialists in the field including, Noah Broadwater, Anthony Roby, David Buckholtz (@dbuckho on Twitter) and Jeffery Hammond (@jhammond on Twitter) who discuss the impact of open source in business. For those of you short on time and more interested in open source as a part of business strategy, skip directly to the second video.

It is also worth noting that mature open source is not merely a stand-in for a commercial solution. In many cases, such as with Apache HTTP Server, it has become the de facto standard. To illustrate this, the panel discusses how, in many cases, open source is like much like our perception of a Honda vehicle:while it may lack the fancy features of a Cadillac, it’s just as reliable — and far cheaper. The advantages of open source are not just in ideology, but in how they benefit business — particularly small and medium businesses. I hope this was an enjoyable, educational and thought-provoking week! Remember to always think about what the world was like and there things are headed since you’re going to be living in that upcoming world very shortly—and your actions today, will determine your success then.

Think of the past, envision the future!

Thanks for joining LunchLearning.com today! Enjoy your Lunch!

Reading time: 2 - 4 minutes

Video Time: 19 minutes 30 seconds

Well this is it for me, its been great sharing with you this week. I want to end my series with a look towards the FUTURE. In today’s video Jane McGonigal (@avantgame on Twitter), and a researcher at the Institute for the Future, talks about how the social aspects of online gaming can be transposed onto the real world. She believes that the social networks in online games which allow players to effectively communicate to one another will eventually become the foundation for how we will use technology in the future. As an example Jane’s social game World Without Oil shows how people can effectively create multiple solutions to a large problem in a short period of time. Her game also demonstrates how people can use new technology to creatively solve problems when given the right means to achieve a goal.

New technology helps create better products and helps small businesses advertise in inexpensive ways. Technology like Google, Facebook and Twitter give entrepreneurs the resources to target specific consumers and streamline marketing. What might sound silly now, like making the real world mirror video games, might be as normal as checking an e-mail in the future. Technology and business go hand and hand and the partnership between these two economic giants help drive change. I picked this video to remind you that technology is your friend so play nice. I hope you enjoy it!

Happy Learning and Game On!

Reading time: 4 - 6 minutes

Video Time: 45 minutes 27 seconds

NOTE: To watch the full program, you’ve got to unfortunately click on “View Full Program” to the right of the volume control in the video. It seems like they’ve got their codes mixed up a bit.

It’s my turn to take control of the entrepreneurship stories for a week and I’m going to talk about what’s near and dear to my heart and that is video games. Now you might be thinking, “Video games? Those things are for kids.” Yes, some video games are geared towards kids, but researchers at Pew Internet & American Life Project report in their study, Adults and Video Games that a whopping 53% of adults and 97% of teens play video games. Combine that data with the increasing popularity of video games in today’s pop culture and it’s easy to see that video games, if done correctly, can be an effective tool for entrepreneurs. In my series entitled, Gaming to Success, I will highlight how video games can inspire individuals to reach their life’s goal.

We kick things off with a look at video game journalists and the struggles they face when reporting the news. The journalists on this panel consist of N’Gai Croal (@ncroal on Twitter), General Editor of Newsweek; Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley on Twitter), executive producer of GameTrailers TV with Geoff Keighley; Seth Schiesel, reporter for the New York Times; Mike Snider (@MikeSnider on Twitter) reporter for USA Today; and Ted Price, President and CEO of Insomniac Games, as moderator. Now the reason I listed off their names with their positions was to make a point. These guys aren’t sweaty pimply nerds living in the basement of their parent’s homes wasting their lives away. No, these are prominent figures in their respective fields of gaming and journalism.

One of the main topics that bounced around during their session was the stereotyping of people who play video games. Seth made a great point when he said people who play video games are labeled as gamers, but people who watch TV are just regular people, they’re not called TV watchers. The idea that people who play games are somehow different or need to be set apart from mainstream culture is what perpetuates the negative connotation of gaming. Up until I watched this video, I called myself a gamer and now I feel kind of stupid knowing that every time I used that term I helped perpetuate aspects of the stereotype.

The panel agreed that an increasing number of people want more information about video games. Their readers want to know what to expect when they buy a game or want to know how the gaming industry affects today’s culture. I could talk on and on about the subject, but I’m going let the video talk for itself. Here are some key points that I found most interesting or relevant to entrepreneurs:

1. Defining the role of a video game journalist, do they just review games or can they do more?
2. The stigma surrounding gaming and redefining the term gaming.
3. The interaction between gaming culture with mainstream culture.
4. How the Internet is changing the face of journalism.
5. Job stability in a constantly changing job field.
6. Video games as its own separate media
7. The surprising popularity of video games.
8. Lessons in marketing, market penetration and word-of-mouth-marketing

Hope you enjoy this weeks series. Happy learning and Game On!

Reading time: 3 - 4 minutes

Video Time: 58 minutes 21 seconds

What I really enjoy about politics, when it works, is that it’s a lot like a small business in that it’s essentially about people seeking solutions for a variety of issues at hand every single day. At least that’s the case when our political leaders are actually “working” and not politicking, which, of course lends itself to a whole different group of challenging skill sets including public speaking and persuasion. . .again, skills critical skills for any business leader.

So, in the spirit of learning, and with politics aside, let’s take a quick look at former Prime Minister of Britain, Tony Blair. As with every feature on LunchLearning.com, Mr. Blair’s, we find offers up many opportunities for continued learning. His communication and presentation skills are, without question, top-notch, and his ability to move a mass of people (both in favor and in opposition) behind a goal is almost legendary. And yet even in light of these talents he has also suffered great setbacks, and what some would consider a lengthy fall from grace. Whether you agree or disagree with his policies, his effect on government or the current status of the general populace’s admiration for him, there is no doubt Tony Blair has achieved a level of success worth looking into.

In this discussion with representatives from Yale University, Mr. Blair addresses questions on his policies, his path to office, and the challenges of the world today. There are TONS of lessons for business in this talk. Listen and enjoy.

Things to look out for in this talk with Tony Blair:

1. How to position your argument in a way that makes sense even to someone who might disagree with you.
2. Notice his awareness of both his panelist colleagues as well as his seating audience.
3. Notice how he pauses before addressing serious questions. . .planned or not. . .this is a very powerful way to demonstrate reflection when answering a question. This is one of Blair’s strengths as as speaker and it’s possessed also by other great speakers like Reagan, Churchill, Obama and yes, Clinton.
4. Every business owner and leader has to make tough strategic decisions. Mr. Blair’s response to the difficulty posed in not being able to please everyone is worth watching beginning at: 22:10 through 28:37.
5. Keep in mind the tendency these days of political leaders to leverage their exposure for passions of which they can pursue free of *some* political encumbrances. Rather than sitting on our laurels when we’re done with business. . .ask “what’s next?” And keep going!
6. And, of course, his sheer diplomacy in addressing the last question of the conversation: Who’s better? The Rolling Stones or The Beatles. Brilliant.

Reading time: 3 - 4 minutes

Video Time: 57 minutes 45 seconds

I’m a sucker for an underdog story. And who isn’t really? If you’re at all capable of being inspired, then you’ve got to love learning about people who have overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to achieve the “impossible” …

Sometimes, these underdog stories are of men and women who come from humble beginnings, yet go on to change the world. . .other times, they’re stories of men and women of means who also go on to change the world in the face of an underdog cause, and sometimes they’re stories of people just like you and me, who overcome obstacles in their own universe to change their own lives and surroundings in a positive way. Regardless of their wealth, education, upbringing or geographic location, these underdog serve to teach us a very valuable lesson: that persistence with an eye toward a single, or multiple goals, can yield great results. And the wisdom of hindsight that comes from learning from such underdogs is what this week’s LunchLearning.com is all about.

This week, we’re going to take a look at several men and women who have risen up from their own individual worlds, to leadership role in the geopolitical arena. This is a “politics-aside” learning week, and I’ll try to pick people who allow us to straddle this line as much as possible. But what we’re attempting to do with this week’s lessons is not harp on politics, but rather take a look at vision; good or bad, successful or unsuccessful, and how we can take some of these principles and apply them to our own lives and businesses.

So, with that in mind, today, we’re going to hear a little bit from Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore. If you’re not familiar with Minister Lee, or even Singapore for that matter, his story, and the story of Singapore is one of incredible possibilities. In this talk with Charlie Rose, Minister Lee talks with Charlie about how Singapore evolved from a third-world country after WWII, into the first-world country it is today. This week they even had Formula One racing running through the streets of the city-state!

Here’s a good background on Lee Kuan Yew from Wikipedia. Pick up Lee Kuan Yew’s memoirs if you’re looking to learn even more about him, his leadership style, and the combined efforts that have resulted in Singapore’s admirable place in the world today. If you’d like to learn more about the history of Singapore, I’d recommend “From Third World to First : The Singapore Story: 1965-2000″

Reading time: 3 - 5 minutes

Video Time: variesSorry, but there seems to be no way to disable the auto-start on these!!****Q&A starts in the third part (only the first two questions are related to skin care)****

Today, Fortune magazine’s America’s Top-Paid Female CEOs sheds light on the growing number of women leading companies across America, an achievement that I’m certain will only continue, bringing with it the kind of diversity in business, that reflects the actual diversity of our world. Three cheers to business women across the world!

Searching for a video of a female speaker for today’s show, I stumbled on the story, so what better story to highlight then that of Andrea Jung, Chairwoman and CEO of Avon. In this “fireside chat” of sorts, Andrea talks a little about her life as the child of Chinese immigrants, her start in the retail business and her path to the top seat at Avon.

She’s a great casual speaker, her story is one that many men and women, no doubt, can relate to: starting out small, working hard, and dreaming big. Enjoy this three part “Breaking the Glass Ceiling” chat with Andrea Jung of Avon.

Reading time: 2 - 4 minutes

Video Time: 56 minutes 21 seconds****Q&A starts at 19 minutes****

Jack Welch (@jack_welch on Twitter) hardly needs an introduction. The former CEO of GE, he is without doubt, a management titan, and depending on your view, he’s either a management tyrant or the best possible manager. . .the one who will really tell you like it is…for your OWN benefit. That’s how I look at Jack Welch. He’s the kinda’ guy that’ll help you find your best “self” so that you can benefit most from your career and life. He’s also the author of “Winning”, and “Straight from the Gut”, and if you haven’t read Jack’s books to date, I recommend you read them, or even better. . .LISTEN to them! You’ll really “hear” what he’s saying through the power of his voice.

This MIT conversation has Jack tackle advice useful for college students, as well as business leaders, and if you’re not a numbers person, Jack will allow you to see the power in numbers and how relevant they are to more than just budgeting (which he seems to despise), but to compensation, culture and the application of measurement across the board. As a business speaker, Jack’s experience lends a great deal of anecdotal stories that help to illustrate his philosophies, and his voice (I find, at least) is a great auditory reminder of his passion. . .Jack Welch is today’s keynote speaker. . .listen and learn.

Reading time: 2 - 4 minutes

Video Time: 51 minutes 52 seconds

As a former radio guy, I’ve always been keen on broadcasters and broadcasting in general. And, of course, I’ve also got my favorites. . .most are gone now. . .folks like Walter Cronkite, Harry Reasoner and Ed Bradley. Also among that esteemed group, and thankfully still with us, is Cokie Roberts (@cokieroberts on Twitter). I’ve always been impressed by her poise, her ability to really “work” with and challenge interviewees, her great sense of humor and of, course, her intelligence. Cokie is sharp as a tack, and I just love listening to her on NPR when I get the chance as well.

This talk is a little different than our typical conversation on LunchLearning.com, but I think important for several reasons. In it she talks about the women behind some of the men esteemed as founders of the United States. She sheds light on some of the stories “behind the stories,” and the women who worked hand-in-hand in more ways than one with presidential superstars. If you’re a history buff in the least, you’ll like this talk. If you’re an entrepreneur, you’ll love this talk. If you’re not an entrepreneur, but in a family with an entrepreneur, you’ll understand how this talk certainly relates to you as well. Read between the lines and put your business cap on. . .you’ll see the similarities, and learn something new at the same time!

Here are a few things to note while viewing Cokie’s talk:

1. How to give a great informal talk, she’s informal yet engaging, and super-witty to boot (I love how much she laughs!)
2. The importance of understanding what “really” happens behind the scenes in business and politics (SO important for family members of entrepreneurs)
3. How women needed to be innovators early on in U.S. history, in order to move forward their own ideas, and to protect themselves despite laws that didn’t always work in their favor.
Thanks for joining LunchLearning.com today! Enjoy your Lunch!

Reading time: 2 - 2 minutes

Video Time: 43 minutes 52 seconds

Despite the high-production value and hype-factor of CNBC’s The Millionaire Inside, there are some really good lessons and motivational aspects of this show. This segment of the show features Keith Ferrazzi author of “Never Eat Alone,” “Who’s Got your Back?” and owner of Ferrazzi Green Light, Robert Kiyosaki of “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” fame, Larry Winget, the “Pit Bull of Personal Development” and Harvard Professor, Laura Morgan Roberts.

I really enjoyed this panel discussion! Lot’s of boot-strapping lessons for everyone to capitalize on in life!

***Give the player a minute to load***

Thanks for joining LunchLearning.com today! Enjoy your Lunch!

Reading time: 1 - 2 minutes

Video Time: 26 minutes 43 seconds

Quick panel discussion with several Stanford alums who went on to do some pretty cool things as woman entrepreneurs. This one is from 2003. . .you’ll note that Gina Bianchini is now CEO of Ning.com. Panelists include: Jennifer Gill Roberts, Gina Bianchini, Melissa Parsons, Bette Pearlin, Varsha Rao.

The panel discusses work/life balance, challenges and opportunities for women in the workplace. Good panel discussion.