Guy Shechter

I’ve been taking advantage of the Thanksgiving holiday to relax, which has included reading some more of Robert Reich‘s book The Future of Success: Working and Living in the New Economy. I am really enjoying his analysis of our new (early 2000′s) economy; Professor Reich does a great job explaining how the things that we love as consumers — like the great deals we’ll get tomorrow on Black Friday — end up affecting us as the workers that make these products. If you wonder why you work harder in today’s technology-enabled society, you may also enjoy this book.

As companies remove layers of hierarchy and flatten their organization, the chances of a rapid rise through the ranks is becoming a thing of the past. Companies offer their high potentials a series of rotations (read:lateral moves) aimed at expanding their repertoire, but this strategy can placate their human capital for only so long. Professor Reich reminds us that, since you can no longer rely on your company for promotion, the new economy will be built on individual brands and self-promotion. 

These concepts are not new, but reading them again this evening motivated me to reinvigorate my personal brand. I hope you enjoy the new website layout and content as it appears. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.