Welcome to Misti's Insights
Dr. Freeman Hrabowski – Secrets To Success in Education
For nearly a decade, I have interviewed hundreds of leaders across the globe. I interview them because I'm insanely curious. I want to know their stories, rather than simply what the research tells us. Several of you have asked that I share these interviews, so that...
How to Clone Yourself
"When you focus on the top three most important outcomes you are committed to achieving, saying “no” becomes a great deal easier." — Misti Burmeister When was the last time you said “My weekend was too short!” or “I wish I had more time!”? You want to be successful –...
Why Your Degree Doesn’t Matter
It is no surprise to me that people are deeply confused about where they should put their time and attention to ensure a better future. Bill Gates suggests that your job will soon be replaced by robots. So, then, why bother getting that degree? It may very well be...
Do You Want To Be Provoked?
"Everyone wants to be provoked....They want to be told: you're great."— Misti Burmeister Over the past decade, I have interviewed or worked with some of the world's greatest leaders. Here's the number one belief they share: greatness exists inside of everyone. The...
Dying For Acknowledgment, Literally
Whether you’re in Silicon Valley or on Wall Street – in flip-flops or fancy attire – exhaustion diminishes dreams. In fact, it has even led to suicide for far too many. So, is banning junior bankers from the office at Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan and Credit Suisse the...
How to Get the Work Environment You Want
"Anyone in a leadership role can create a microcosm that allows people to flourish."— Misti Burmeister Everyone wants to find a great workplace, but creating one can be just as rewarding, if you’re up for the task. I met Jeff at a networking event in Baltimore,...
It is human nature to focus on the risks that are not common knowledge, not within our control, and are not well understood by the experts, as brilliantly noted by Morgan Housel in this article. In the vast majority of companies, the most common concerns about...
Why You’re Failing To Engage Me
Many studies, such as this one conducted by Deloitte, clearly demonstrate that employees are overwhelmed, and not engaged. Not engaged? Okay, I buy that. But overwhelmed? They’re underwhelmed, if anything. Sure, maybe they’re overwhelmed with tasks, but they’re vastly...
Failure and Bankruptcy Are Important Says Gates
With two-thirds of the companies in Silicon Valley doomed for failure, what’s the point? Why waste time focusing on developing a product that is probably going to fail? Why not just pick one that is destined for success, or simply get a job at well-established...
Bill Gates Says Your Job Will Be Replaced By Robots
Does the fear of “Software Substitution” mentioned by Gates in this article posted by Business Insider today, have merit? Is it possible that your job could be replaced by a robot, especially if you’re in the accounting, telemarketing, or retail industry? I hope so!...
Ban Bossy, Back Brilliance
Sheryl Sandberg’s commitment to banning the word “bossy” is powerful, insightful, and refreshing. In essence, she noticed that this word is causing young girls, and also women to avoid leadership roles. I mean, who wants to be called bossy? What if, in conjunction...
Do You Expect Too Much?
"If you want to be happy, stop focusing on what you can’t control and instead choose to worry about what you can."— Misti Burmeister No matter how many times we hear “it’s not personal; it’s just business,” and no matter how well we understand the concept in theory,...
Unlabel: Selling You Without Selling Out by Marc Ecko
Welcome to the second installment of “Misti’s Clip Notes,” my new monthly book review. Marc Ecko’s Unlabel: Selling You Without Selling Out is technically a book about branding, but it’s far more about authenticity than anything else. Ecko shows how it’s not enough to...
How to Get People to Tell You the Truth
"While feedback can be hard to take, it’s even more difficult to give to someone who’s unwilling to hear the message." — Misti Burmeister As leaders, we know it’s important to give timely, constructive feedback. But it’s just as important to receive it. As Rich...
3 Reasons You’re Not Attracting Top-Notch Talent
"The key to attracting employees who are passionate, dedicated and insanely curious about what it takes to succeed is being as committed to their success as you want them to be to yours."— Misti Burmeister When I first connected with Karen over email, I assumed she...
Why They’re Not Doing Their Jobs
"Relationships take time, but without that effort, you’ll never get the results you want." — Misti Burmeister With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, most of us have relationships on the brain. But consider this: Have you ever met a new love interest and...
The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner
Two of my closest friends recently set out to travel the world. Along the way, they send out very long newsletters, detailing their trip. When I received the first one, rather than read the whole thing, I forwarded it to my partner, Yvette, and requested she give me...
The Cure to Ending Gun Violence
"The science is clear – relationships are at the heart of happiness." — Misti Burmeister What is the key to ending all the shootings that currently plague our country and have people living in fear? Is it restricted gun control? Probably not. Eliminating violent video...