Swift Straw Blog

“I never learn anything talking. I only learn things when I ask questions,” Lou Holtz.

A few weeks ago I passed my written pilot exam which means that it is time to prepare for my final check ride. The final check ride is held by an FAA designated examiner where a student pilot is tested for knowledge and skills in executing a number of key maneuvers in the air. As part of the...

Habits are our brains way of trying to create less work.  The Baso Ganglia part of our brain determines when it is time to create a habit, which makes room for our brain to focus consciously on other things.  Once the habit trigger kicks in, actions can be done through auto suggestion.  

“Surround yourself with people that push you to do better. No drama or negativity. Just higher goals and motivation. Good times and positive energy. No jealousy or hate. Simply bringing out the absolute best in each other,” Warren Buffett.

“Carpe Diem,” the most famous quote from Dead Poets Society means “Seize the Day” in Latin.  John Keaton used this in his speech to inspire his students not to live normal lives, but rather to live extraordinary lives. 

Napoleon Hill defined Success as, “Pursuing the things that you want in life without interfering with the rights of others.”

In 500 BC there was a Greek sculptor that was hired to carve several statues for the front of a building. When he was finished, his employers noticed that the backs of the statues were carved with as much detail as the front. They asked, “Why would you put as much time and effort into the backs of...

My Grandmother, Grace Adkins, is about to celebrate her 90^th birthday.  As we prepare to celebrate, here are a few things that I have learned from her amazing life and continued example: 

“I was an overnight success all right, but 30 years is a long, long night.”  Ray Kroc 

I got an email late yesterday from a team member that had discovered a huge process improvement. After months in the fishbowl, it finally clicked. While we are heavily focused on the traditional proprietary protections, I couldn't help but appreciate how powerful continuous improvement is when it...