If you’ve decided to write a recommendation for someone, you’re awesome. The best kinds of people are the ones that spend their time and energy helping other people advance. I’ve helped thousands of people get into their dream MBA programs or hired into their dream jobs. That means I’ve seen thousands of recommendation letters, and let me tell you, they ain’t all pretty. But writing … Read More
45 things you need to know before you apply to business school
In addition to running Career Protocol, I’ve been an MBA admissions consultant with mbaMission for the past decade. Based on my years of experience helping bright, talented people on the MBA application journey, I’ve got some good news for you: You’re doing your MBA application wrong. And you’re making it a lot harder and more painful than it has to be. 1. I assure you, you are good … Read More
I gave up second guessing my decisions. Here’s what happened
I have a long tradition of giving things up for Lent. In middle school, I gave up chocolate for several Lents. (I still remember crumbling chocolate chip cookies to eat everything but the chips.) Then in high school I gave up processed sugar for Lent. I did it again last year. And sugar is like my second mother: it always comforts me and I really … Read More
The 8 things every business leader must do before 8AM
Before 8AM, be absolutely sure to… Sleep one hour Sleep another hour Sleep a third hour Keep sleeping, this time for an hour Sleep Sleep for 60 consecutive minutes Sleep for one last hour If time permits, drink a glass of water A few things to do AFTER 8AM Consider measuring success by how good you feel, not by how well you measure up to some imaginary ideal … Read More
You need others to be you, so nurture community
We came across this article on Aeon, and we thought it was so relevant to our entire notion of professional development that we are republishing the whole thing for your enjoyment. How does this affect your understanding of the importance of your professional network? Descartes was wrong: ‘a person is a person through other persons’ According to Ubuntu philosophy, which has its origins in ancient … Read More
The One Thing That Changed How I Think About Risk
Last month, I left a comfortable job, affordable apartment, and plenty of good friends in New York City to move to a foreign country for an internship in a new industry (Career Protocol, wink wink, nudge nudge). It was big risk. Once I’d decided to move, I would lay awake in bed at night wondering, did I make the right choice? I knew I … Read More
You can learn charisma in 3 minutes and 34 seconds (with some help from a dancing monkey)
I am obsessed with this video. If you don’t know what you are looking at, this is Francesco Gabbani’s winning performance at the San Remo music festival, which determines Italy’s entry to Eurovision, essentially the European ancestor of America’s Got Talent, but with all musical acts. You can see it has over 4 million views. 2 million of those are mine. Nah. But without hyperbole, … Read More
Real Leaders Don’t Use the Word “Led”
Stop right now and look at your resume. Do you have one or more bullets that start with the word “Led”? You have to get rid of it. The word “led” is a surefire way to identify yourself as an amateur with no real demonstrated leadership potential. That goes double if you are using the word “Lead.” If the word “Lead” is on your resume it’s because … Read More
How to Be a Selfish A** in Job Interviews
One birthday, I had dinner at a restaurant with some friends. I did the inviting and reserving, and we were all still recovering from major MBA student debt, so when the check came, we shared an awkward moment. It was my birthday, but I had also chosen the restaurant and invited everyone. The appropriate payor was unclear, and everyone sort of subtly averted their gaze … Read More
You’re Doing Your MBA Applications Wrong
In addition to running Career Protocol, for the past 8 years, I’ve been an MBA admissions consultant with mbaMission – the world’s premier MBA consultancy IMHO. I do that job because bschool apps are really about my two great life passions: self-awareness and communication. MBA program fit. Based on my years of experience helping bright, talented people on this journey, I’ve got some good news for you: You’re doing … Read More