C.C. Chapman's Blog, page 33

Doing Work That Matters

When asked recently what sort of work I was looking for I simply replied, “I want to do work that matters.”

This is why I accepted the role of President of the Board at Wediko and Storyteller In Residence for Awake Aware America.

Today as I reflect on the horrible events that unfolded a year ago here in Boston it has me focused even more on the truth that none of us are promised tomorrow.

That is why Managing the Gray Episode #132 is titled Doing Work That Matters.

Thank you for listening.

President of the Board

I’m excited to share the news, that at last week’s board meeting Wediko voted me in as the new President of the Board of Directors.

I’m truly honored that an organization like this has the confidence in me to help lead them into the next phase of their ongoing service to help children.

Here is the official announcement:

Wediko Children’s Services is pleased to announce that renowned author, activist, and digital media specialistC.C. Chapmanhas been elected president of Wediko’s Board of Trustees...

How the Weather Affects My Work

I’m no scientist, but at this point in my life I know that plenty of factors play a role in how productive I am on any day and what I end up creating.

Yesterday, was a typical wet spring day in New England. It was a bit warm, but the yellow, brown mush that would shortly become the grass of my yard was soaked from a morning of rain. Everything took on a tinge of gray and damp.

You can see from the view out my office window that it wasn’t pleasant in any way.

Then Allison Kenney asked me this.

I h...

A Year Without Soda

April snuck up on me.

As I flipped the calendar I remembered that last year at this time I thought about giving up soda for a month.

There really wasn’t any motivating factor. Soda is something we rarely have in our house and I know it is nothing but liquid calories and chemicals.

Yet, I found myself wondering if I could give it up for a month as a little experiment.

It was easy, so I decided to keep on doing it.

Once and a while I’ll grab a sip of my kids soda at the movies, but I never order sod...

Calling Yourself a Leader Doesn’t Make You One

Over the course of my career I’ve worked with and for a variety of individuals.

Some have been strict, others more laid back. They’ve had a variety of titles both given and chosen.

Alone with my thoughts, I’ve come to realize that too many people see themselves as a leader when they don’t have the mentality, skills or understanding to do so.

It really hit home as I was reading Susan Cain’s book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking this weekend when she writes:

“We don...

Trusting Your Gut – The Most Important Life Lesson

Once again I found myself with a major decision. One that would have ripple effects over the rest of my life.

A familiar feeling had arrived that I hadn’t felt in a few years and had hoped I’d never feel again.

Knowing myself as well as I do, I knew what had to be done even as I ignored it for several weeks and tried to push past it.

Trusting your gut is something that is crucial in business and life. The more you know yourself and what is important to you, the better you get at recognizing the...

Piccoli Consigli – Per Una Vita Felice E Di Successo

As a writer, seeing your book translated into new languages is always a trip.

I knew Amazing Things Will Happen was being translated into Arabic and Italian, but I didn’t know when these versions would hit shelves.

Then last week, my friend David Meerman Scott posted this photo of my book in an Italian bookstore. I flipped with excitement and asked if he might be able to pick me up a copy.

Looks like @cc_chapman is big in Italy pic.twitter.com/9DBIHPoaoG

— David Meerman Scott (@dmscott) March 19,...

My Path Once Again Goes In A New Direction

Six months ago, I joined a group of some of the most talented and inspiring people I had ever met with the shared vision of helping solve the global youth unemployment crisis. Today, I’m here to say that I have resigned as Chief Marketing Officer for YSN.

It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was most certainly the right one.

There is always more than will ever be shared in public, but I wish the team the best of luck and urge them to continue pushing forward because we need the solution they are...

Show Your Work

This weekend was spent cleaning my office.

I’m very lucky to have the home office that I do. It is bigger than most executive corners in the tallest of skyscrapers. There is a big leather couch, reading chair, television, Xbox and a desk where I’m writing this now.

There is also the constant build up of clutter, things that arrive in the mail and gear. Lots and lots of gear.

Who would have known that buying a new bookshelf would lead to such an upheaval in my little corner of the world. It did,...

Eager to Get Out and Get Going

Every year around this time it begins to happen. The days get warmer. The snow begins to melt. The birds begin to return and mud is everywhere.

Spring is in the air and that fills me with the itch to be outside and on the trails.

I’ve been wearing my hiking boots almost every day to break them in more. They haven’t been dirtied nearly enough, so every time there is caked mud on them I can’t help but smile.

This year, the goal is to get out more than usual. There are always time conflicts and oth...