Most Innovative Companies in the World March 23, 2008
Posted by Steve in : Methods & Strategies, Entrepreneuring , add a commentThe March 2008 issue of Fast Company magazine profiles their view of most innovative companies in the world. It’s an eye-opening and interesting read, in particular that the companies named hail from all industries: automobile, high technology, airlines, retail, attire. I have listed the top 10 below, and I like the selection of Google and Nike, but don’t get P&G and WalMart and especially CurrentTV, which doesn’t really have a business plan or an audience. What do you think of this list?
#1 GOOGLE
Google is different, even on a list of distinctive companies. Here, more than a dozen describe what life is like at a place where no goal is too audacious, agility means more than power, and even cafeteria food represents an opportunity to change the world.
#2 APPLE
Careful readers of this magazine may be scratching their heads right now, in light of our recent cover story laying out the many challenges facing Apple. But the company has had, indisputably, one hell of a run. In the past year alone, three major new products — iPhone, iPod Touch, and Leopard OS — fueled triple-digit revenue growth. So while analysts forecast a more earthbound Apple in 2008, it deserves praise. And extra points for style.
#3 FACEBOOK
In 2007, the social-networking juggernaut had variously impressed with its ability to reinvent the wheel (opening its platform to outside developers) and drawn cyberpickets with its boneheaded missteps (trying to sell advertising by telegraphing its users’ every move). But after a year lived dangerously, Facebook is officially A-list, with a $15 billion valuation to boot, thanks to Microsoft’s $240 million investment. That’s nothing to throw (more…)
One Take on Today’s Students October 26, 2007
Posted by Steve in : Weblog , add a commentI came across this thought-provoking, short video today summarizing some of the most important characteristics of students today - how they learn, what they need to learn, their goals, hopes, dreams, what their lives will be like, and what kinds of changes they will experience in their lifetime.
This video was created by Michael Wesch in collaboration with 200 students at Kansas State University.
Curtain Call August 11, 2007
Posted by Steve in : Tour De France , add a comment
Wow! What a difference 750 days or so makes….Looking back just two years ago, we go from total euphoria in watching Lance Armstrong, one of the premier athletes in the world, win his seventh straight Tour de France to the announcement yesterday that the Discover Channel cycling team would disband at yearend.
I am sad and disilllusioned by a sport that I love so much. It is painful to watch some of these athletes tarnish the sport so greatly, that no sponsor will step in and take the reigning tour de France championship team. Cycling is at a new low. Can it recover?
Oh, How Generations Have Changed — Generation Next February 21, 2007
Posted by Steve in : Weblog, Methods & Strategies, The Cultural Conversation , add a commentAs we continually think about reaching new generations at Park with the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the city, it is interesting to read this national survey of 18-25 year olds and their views on life, liberty, religion, politics and the pursuit of happiness. Take a read, let me know what you think of the report.
The Pew Research Center, in their report “Generation Next: How Young People View Their Lives, Futures and Politics“, examines the lifestyles and views of 18-25 year olds, a generation raised amidst an unprecedented revolution in technology and dramatic events both at home and abroad. This report takes stock of this new generation, and explores their outlook, their lifestyle and their politics. Pew calls them Generation Next, the cohort of young adults who have grown up with personal computers, cell phones and the internet and are now taking their place in a world where the only constant is rapid change.
Key findings include that they are generally happy with their lives and optimistic about their futures. Moreover, Gen Nexters feel that (more…)
