About the Founder
MY BEGINNING: In the mid-seventies growing up on Long Island Sound, our family took on Giant Bluefin Tuna fishing. We became friends with other fishing boats, as we fished together and followed the Bluefin from Montauk, Menemsha, Nantucket, and Gloucester, along their migratory path. In 1976, catching Bluefin became difficult. We had no problem finding the giants in big schools, but nothing seemed to interest them in our baits. None of the boats (even the best ones) were catching on a regular basis. We got our share, but it seemed challenging. Everyone was fishing the same way, using the same baits. Why are we doing the same thing everyone else does? That winter talking with my mother about this, she said something to me that changed my life. At that time, it was just a spark, but it has obsessed my thoughts about everything, ever since. Mom said: “If you were the fish, would you eat that? Be the fish.” In the summer of ‘77 we began catching giants when no one else could. A flurry of inquiries wanted to know “how?" As the summer went on, I fished with other boats, and it seemed that I couldn’t miss. I was a superstar.
LEARN AND GROW: After serving in the Air Force, I entered the workplace. This "be the fish" was always present in my thoughts and actions. My relationships with coworkers, supervisors, customers - with everyone made me stand out. I began to excel at everything. "Be this fish" transitioned into being the "other" as I acted with everyone. I was thinking of others' wants and needs, more than my own. Being interested in others turned me into an exceptional listener, without realizing it. Listening made me more observant. Working in sales, with a process to execute, knowing my sales process as a repetitive routine without thinking, allows the mind to observe, gather information, and let the prospect tell how to sell them. In my industry, I was fortunate to be mentored by one of the greatest, a pioneer, founder, businessman, and philanthropist. Over a decade of mentorship taught me much about business, people, and life. It is this knowledge I share today.
HELPING OTHERS: Everyone desires the best possible outcomes for themselves and others, and I believe all people are inherently good. However, the workplace is influenced by many complex psychological dynamics, particularly concerning human behavior. Decisions made, actions taken or not taken, and
cognitive biases, can significantly impact the work environment. Employees operate within a structured framework that includes the chain of command, position, rank, departmental roles, decision-making authority, levels of responsibility, and accountability, and these themselves could deter if the employee felt they weren’t always being encouraged and supported. Workplace negative experiences —imagined or perceived—influence employees’ thoughts and emotions, ultimately affecting their optimism and outlook. Not everyone prioritizes the best interests of others at all times, and feelings of being judged, criticized, or excluded can lead to behaviors that detract from a supportive atmosphere. Even though perception may not reflect reality, it can still shape individual experiences in the workplace. A few simple set processes can be installed to remove most negative cognitive biases from the workplace. This is what we do.
