Tom Collins posts

In this edition of Marginalia, we’ll be digging into some of the lessons – and mysteries – from our earliest ancestors as they developed the ability to tell stories. And consider how that evolution may guide us in telling our own stories about ourselves and our businesses. My scribbled thoughts... Read more →


What happens when you find out one of your favorite stories about achieving success is wrong? The real story behind my success mantra: "lots of pots." Read more →


We'd all like to be known as wise, right? And deserve the label. So whether or not you're thought of as wise right now, this post will show you how to recognize wisdom and how you can gain more of it over time. Read more →


Until recently, if you wanted to publish a hardcover edition of your book, Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) was not an option. That's all changed, since the beta release of the KDP hardcover option. Here's how it works and how to make it easy on yourself. Read more →


As I turn 70, in this post I'm sharing on three of the topics occupying my attention in this moment of transition: time, transition, and success. And how much those three concepts overlap — especially when recast into verb form, as I believe nouns often should be. Read more →


Confession: I'm a fan of sports metaphors as life lessons. So when I saw the title of Chip Conley's Wisdom Well blog post a few months ago, Punt on a "Pivot" – well, I recognized a kindred spirit! His focus is mostly on the ways and reasons a business might... Read more →


It's been three years since I posted the story of how I made the task of creating a brand statement into a fun process. I've recited the Learning Partners verses many times at networking events, but always meant to get a video version done. And finally, I've done it! Doggerel?... Read more →


I had the good fortune to have Angela Duckworth teach several segments of the Positive Psychology certificate program I took a couple of years ago. She used the research that led to her book, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, as examples throughout. So I continue to follow her... Read more →