Role models. Most of us have had one. Many of us have been one. All of us need one.
Positive role models are those people in life who - with both their words and deeds - have had an impact that has made an indelible difference.
On October 6, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group & Fry's Electronics are honoring two women role models with our second annual "Shattering the Glass Ceiling" Award. This year, we will recognize and celebrate former state senator Becky Morgan and former County Supervisor Susie Wilson.
Both Becky and Susie are strong, creative, successful women, who blazed a trail of public service in a way that has made the road easier for other women and girls to follow.
As a man, why do I care about trailblazing women who have made a mark in the valley? First and foremost, I'm a dad of two little girls. They've never met Becky Morgan or Susie Wilson, but their paths in Silicon Valley have been made better by the work of these two extraordinary leaders.
As an employer, the women on my team benefit daily by the policies and programs these two former public officials championed.
Today, as we go about our business, think about the mark you are making. In your actions and attitude, what behavior are you modeling to those around you? Anyone can make an impression. Let's do our best to make an impact.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Game Changers
Butkis, nada, zero, none, zilch.
That is the precise number of jobs created in the entire United States in the month of August.
This week, the President will lay out a "jobs plan."
In the past two weeks, we have heard "jobs plans" from Governor Brown and members of the state legislature.
Here's a suggestion - as elected officials lay out their "jobs plans," first consult those who create jobs . . . Entrepreneurs, CEOs and innovators who invest creativity and capital to actually hire people.
Without a single new job created in America in august, it is not time for the "same ole, same ole." What are the game changers in your jobs plan that are going to make a difference?
This is why the Silicon Valley Leadership Group is hosting our inaugural "Game Changers" summit the morning of September 13.
In the innovation capital of the world, we will interact directly in spirited discussions with the game changers who create and grow jobs with the specifics of what is needed to get America, California and Silicon Valley moving.
Join us at game changers on September 13. For more information, go to svlg.org.
That is the precise number of jobs created in the entire United States in the month of August.
This week, the President will lay out a "jobs plan."
In the past two weeks, we have heard "jobs plans" from Governor Brown and members of the state legislature.
Here's a suggestion - as elected officials lay out their "jobs plans," first consult those who create jobs . . . Entrepreneurs, CEOs and innovators who invest creativity and capital to actually hire people.
Without a single new job created in America in august, it is not time for the "same ole, same ole." What are the game changers in your jobs plan that are going to make a difference?
This is why the Silicon Valley Leadership Group is hosting our inaugural "Game Changers" summit the morning of September 13.
In the innovation capital of the world, we will interact directly in spirited discussions with the game changers who create and grow jobs with the specifics of what is needed to get America, California and Silicon Valley moving.
Join us at game changers on September 13. For more information, go to svlg.org.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Re-charge
Americans are awful about taking vacations. Compared to most industrialized nations, we work more hours per week, and take fewer weeks off per year.
And I’m the proverbial pot calling the kettle black, losing an average of three weeks of paid – yes paid – vacation time each of the past three years because I’m maxed out on how many days I can carry over from one year to the next.
As a CEO, I constantly call on my team to find “work/life balance,” yet I haven’t always practiced what I preach.
That’s all about to change. For KLIV and “CEO Show” listeners, you won’t hear my voice the entire month of august.
I’m taking a break – a vacation – a siesta. A long-overdue “gone fishing” sign will replace my welcome mat.
After 15 years as CEO of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, I’m off for my first semi-sabbatical, putting the “do not disturb” sign on my door, voice mail and email.
My time away will include a Disney cruise with my two little girls, who deserve more time with their daddy; a long stay-cation to complete the “honey-do” list that Leslee has patiently constructed; and then off to British Columbia as I race Ironman Canada. More stressful than restful, but a dream come true.
To the rest of you in “Go-Go Silicon Valley,” follow my lead. Take time off. Smell the roses now, before pushing up daisies later.
And I’m the proverbial pot calling the kettle black, losing an average of three weeks of paid – yes paid – vacation time each of the past three years because I’m maxed out on how many days I can carry over from one year to the next.
As a CEO, I constantly call on my team to find “work/life balance,” yet I haven’t always practiced what I preach.
That’s all about to change. For KLIV and “CEO Show” listeners, you won’t hear my voice the entire month of august.
I’m taking a break – a vacation – a siesta. A long-overdue “gone fishing” sign will replace my welcome mat.
After 15 years as CEO of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, I’m off for my first semi-sabbatical, putting the “do not disturb” sign on my door, voice mail and email.
My time away will include a Disney cruise with my two little girls, who deserve more time with their daddy; a long stay-cation to complete the “honey-do” list that Leslee has patiently constructed; and then off to British Columbia as I race Ironman Canada. More stressful than restful, but a dream come true.
To the rest of you in “Go-Go Silicon Valley,” follow my lead. Take time off. Smell the roses now, before pushing up daisies later.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
1,000 Hearts for 1,000 Minds
California public school students rank 45th of 50 states in math, 48th in science and 49th in spending per student. Enter “1,000 Hearts for 1,000 Minds,” a new tutoring initiative being launched by San Jose City Councilman Sam Liccardo and the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, to focus on reading and math skills for k-8 students in some of our poorest neighborhoods.
The goal is simple: engage 1,000 caring adult volunteers with 1,000 k-8 kids in Silicon Valley schools. You can volunteer as little as one hour per week for a duration as short as eight to ten weeks.
Make a difference – offer your time or treasure.
• Your time: just one hour per week.
• Your treasure: make a personal contribution or encourage your employer to make a company contribution.
Let’s help 1,000 kids right here in San Jose & Silicon Valley strengthen their reading and math skills, and succeed in a 21st century economy.
To get involved, click here. Reach out today. Change a life – tutor a student.
The goal is simple: engage 1,000 caring adult volunteers with 1,000 k-8 kids in Silicon Valley schools. You can volunteer as little as one hour per week for a duration as short as eight to ten weeks.
Make a difference – offer your time or treasure.
• Your time: just one hour per week.
• Your treasure: make a personal contribution or encourage your employer to make a company contribution.
Let’s help 1,000 kids right here in San Jose & Silicon Valley strengthen their reading and math skills, and succeed in a 21st century economy.
To get involved, click here. Reach out today. Change a life – tutor a student.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Repatriation
I can think of 1.2 trillion ways that President Obama and Congress can strengthen America’s economy and create jobs – without costing taxpayers a dime.
It’s called repatriation – a fancy “Washington, D.C.” word for allowing American companies to bring back the earnings they make from being successful when doing business in overseas markets.
You see – 95 percent of the world’s markets for Silicon Valley goods and services are outside of the U.S., yet when we successfully compete in those markets, we cannot bring the earnings back home without paying a 39.4 percent tax penalty on those profits. It doesn’t take a math genius to know that when a company can borrow money for as low as two percent, bringing money back with a 39.4 percent penalty makes absolutely no sense.
So Congress, allow companies to bring back their earnings at a reduced rate. Keep the reduced rate for the federal treasury. Allow employers to use the balance to stimulate the economy, strengthen their companies and create jobs.
It’s so simple – even Washington should get it right.
It’s called repatriation – a fancy “Washington, D.C.” word for allowing American companies to bring back the earnings they make from being successful when doing business in overseas markets.
You see – 95 percent of the world’s markets for Silicon Valley goods and services are outside of the U.S., yet when we successfully compete in those markets, we cannot bring the earnings back home without paying a 39.4 percent tax penalty on those profits. It doesn’t take a math genius to know that when a company can borrow money for as low as two percent, bringing money back with a 39.4 percent penalty makes absolutely no sense.
So Congress, allow companies to bring back their earnings at a reduced rate. Keep the reduced rate for the federal treasury. Allow employers to use the balance to stimulate the economy, strengthen their companies and create jobs.
It’s so simple – even Washington should get it right.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
New York Policy Trip
As we look back at Independence Day, a central theme of our founders emerges - "United We Stand."
Recently, I traveled to New York City to meet with Mayor Michael Bloomberg. We discussed how we can best work together to move our nation forward: Education reform for American children, immigration reform for high-skilled workers and a coherent national energy policy.
We also met with the Long Island Business Association - a sister organization to the Silicon Valley Leadership Group - with whom we will partner on key issues impacting America's competitiveness and job creation. We're reaching out to 25 similar organizations across the nation: Chicago, Portland, Seattle, San Diego, Austin, Boston, Los Angeles, Cincinnati and Baltimore. From a regional level, we hope to drive a national agenda that is long on policy victories and short on partisan politics.
We should expect no less from our national leaders elected to serve us in D.C.
Our national coalition of regional leaders is aimed at America’s competitiveness and job creation. We can think of few greater missions than ensuring our nation can compete and that each American who wants a job can seek and secure a job. United, we stand . . . For a strong future for all Americans.
Recently, I traveled to New York City to meet with Mayor Michael Bloomberg. We discussed how we can best work together to move our nation forward: Education reform for American children, immigration reform for high-skilled workers and a coherent national energy policy.
We also met with the Long Island Business Association - a sister organization to the Silicon Valley Leadership Group - with whom we will partner on key issues impacting America's competitiveness and job creation. We're reaching out to 25 similar organizations across the nation: Chicago, Portland, Seattle, San Diego, Austin, Boston, Los Angeles, Cincinnati and Baltimore. From a regional level, we hope to drive a national agenda that is long on policy victories and short on partisan politics.
We should expect no less from our national leaders elected to serve us in D.C.
Our national coalition of regional leaders is aimed at America’s competitiveness and job creation. We can think of few greater missions than ensuring our nation can compete and that each American who wants a job can seek and secure a job. United, we stand . . . For a strong future for all Americans.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
California's unemployment
California has 2,143,000 unemployed adults and an unemployment rate of 11.4 percent.
As residents of Silicon Valley, with unemployment hovering around 10 percent, we are relatively robust in comparison to 20 of California’s 58 counties still suffering with unemployment above 15 percent. Or the residents in seven California counties with unemployment above 25 percent.
Yes, if you live in Imperial, Sutter, Colusa, Madera or several other counties, chances are one in four that you don’t have a job.
That’s why Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom is criss-crossing the state developing a plan – potentially California’s first “Jobs and Economic Competitiveness Plan” in the history of the golden state. Last week, he met with 60 Silicon Valley CEO’s in three key clusters: renewable energy, bio-tech & high-tech. Next week, he will meet with 60 more.
Building a plan – seeking out CEO’s – working to put Californians back to work. Kudos to Governor Brown and Lieutenant Governor Newsom for making California’s economy – and jobs for Californians - the priority.
As residents of Silicon Valley, with unemployment hovering around 10 percent, we are relatively robust in comparison to 20 of California’s 58 counties still suffering with unemployment above 15 percent. Or the residents in seven California counties with unemployment above 25 percent.
Yes, if you live in Imperial, Sutter, Colusa, Madera or several other counties, chances are one in four that you don’t have a job.
That’s why Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom is criss-crossing the state developing a plan – potentially California’s first “Jobs and Economic Competitiveness Plan” in the history of the golden state. Last week, he met with 60 Silicon Valley CEO’s in three key clusters: renewable energy, bio-tech & high-tech. Next week, he will meet with 60 more.
Building a plan – seeking out CEO’s – working to put Californians back to work. Kudos to Governor Brown and Lieutenant Governor Newsom for making California’s economy – and jobs for Californians - the priority.
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