Having drinks in a sunny London patio this weekend (yes, it happens), the conversation turned serious while talking about sport. A friend of mine works for an international recruiting company which, like many in this industry, is starting to feel the pain. The market feels…
On a business trip to the San Francisco Bay Area, I found myself both refreshed and surprised after meeting new acquaintances from an extended network. Taking advantage of the balmy weather, I ended up hiking in the Sonoma region, at the Jack London State Park,…
While many were playing with fireworks in their funny costumes to celebrate Halloween last night, I was having a delicious 3-course chocolate dessert dinner at a friend’s chocolaterie. After three years in business, she is gearing up in a rather inspiring way, now training her staff…
For the longest time, I have fought and spent time on the manner and the “how” I get a project delivered, thinking details make the difference, mark people’s minds, and sometimes memories. I heard both bruxist (or teeth-clenching) and supportive remarks while at it, from…
Random facts. Estimation: 95% of business information is still stored on paper. The paperless office, once predicted as a result of information technology, has not transpired. Recycling 54kg of newspaper will save one tree. 77% of paper is recycled in the Netherlands (67% in Germany, 52%…
Going fast is essential. What about faster? Even better! Time is money, some say. Quantifying, timing, measuring and sticking to a deadline are crucial. True: for machines. Sure, it is fun to know a shortcut to get to a destination quicker, on the computer, on the…
Sometimes I wonder if people, the ones qualified as employees, are seen as a commodity. Selecting the right candidate is a sensitive task, and Human Resources professionals go through complex processes to assist the hiring managers. The interviews get you so far: how can I…
This topic seems to be a recurrent one in the world of procurement (sourcing or purchasing too). When I first started testing the procurement waters, it was straight forward: “just get the products/services we need”. That was easy, most of the time: negotiations were happening…