Values
Curiosity & Lifelong Learning
Ever since I was a kid growing up in small-town South Dakota, I've been driven by an insatiable curiosity and a passion for learning. It's what enabled me to experience the world beyond the gulch I grew up in. Whether it's exploring new cultures through travel, immersing myself in art and music, or taking on new professional challenges, I've always sought to expand my horizons and gain new insights. For me, life is a never-ending journey of discovery and growth.
Vision & Impact
I pride myself on my ability to think outside the box and drive meaningful change. Whether it was intrapreneurship projects at Amazon or Target, or becoming a venture-backed entrepreneur in my own right, I've always looked for ways to innovate and make a tangible difference. I'm not one to settle for the status quo. Instead, I actively seek out opportunities to improve, create value, and leave a lasting impact.
Community & Connection
Building and nurturing communities has always been close to my heart. Whether it was enabling thousands of Amazonians to build relationships through Connect@Amazon or sharing the rich history of Deadwood as a cemetery tour guide, I've always believed in the power of shared experiences. It's all about fostering genuine connections, sharing knowledge, and creating a sense of belonging.
Integrity & Authenticity
One of the lessons I hold dear is the importance of staying true to oneself. I've always strived to exhibit behaviors and make decisions that are consistent with my core values and principles. You're reading them now!
Grit
I've faced my fair share of challenges throughout my life: financially, professionally, and emotionally. These experiences taught me the importance of having grit and unwavering determination. From my first job at age 12 to navigating myriad personal and professional challenges, I've learned to rely on my inner strength, maturity, and determination to guide me.
Strengths
Books I Love
| Genre | Title | Author | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biography | Alexander Hamilton | Ron Chernow | Link |
| Biography | Steve Jobs | Walter Isaacson | Link |
| Biography | Leonardo da Vinci | Walter Isaacson | Link |
| Culture | The Culture Map | Erin Meyer | Link |
| Culture | No Rules Rules | Reed Hastings & Erin Meyer | Link |
| Entrepreneurship & Business | The Innovator's Dilemma | Clayton Christensen | Link |
| Entrepreneurship & Business | The Lean Startup | Eric Ries | Link |
| Entrepreneurship & Business | BE 2.0 (Beyond Entrepreneurship 2.0) | Jim Collins | Link |
| Entrepreneurship & Business | Entrepreneurial Leadership | Joel Peterson | Link |
| Entrepreneurship & Business | The Tipping Point | Malcolm Gladwell | Link |
| Entrepreneurship & Business | Outliers | Malcolm Gladwell | Link |
| Entrepreneurship & Business | Blitzscaling | Reid Hoffman | Link |
| Entrepreneurship & Business | Tools of Titans | Tim Ferriss | Link |
| Leadership | Good to Great | Jim Collins | Link |
| Leadership | Co-Active Coaching | Laura Whitworth | Link |
| Leadership | Leaders Eat Last | Simon Sinek | Link |
| Leadership | Start With Why | Simon Sinek | Link |
| Personal Growth | Originals | Adam Grant | Link |
| Personal Growth | How Will You Measure Your Life? | Clayton Christensen | Link |
| Personal Growth | Thinking, Fast and Slow | Daniel Kahneman | Link |
| Personal Growth | Essentialism | Greg McKeown | Link |
| Personal Growth | Principles | Ray Dalio | Link |
| Personal Growth | The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People | Stephen Covey | Link |
| Personal Growth | This Book is Anti-Racist | Tiffany Jewell | Link |
| Personal Growth | Make Your Bed | William H. McRaven | Link |
| Product Management | Storytelling with Data | Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic | Link |
| Product Management | The Lean Product Playbook | Dan Olsen | Link |
| Product Management | Inspired: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love | Marty Cagan | Link |