Writing About Creativity, Music, Self-Doubt, and the Path Forward
The Lost Art of Context Setting
Why is context setting important for effective meetings? Even in a one-to-one conversation, context-setting is vital and often helpful to grounding the conversation and determining the agenda of what needs to be discussed. In an effort to help you have better meetings, here is a quick checklist to set the context and clarify the reason you are meeting: State what is the meeting about. Propose why is it important now and any recent developments. Define what you are trying to accomplish in this meeting. (Hint: the big opportunity — lean in folks! This is important.) Optional: If time allows, you might open the floor to questions before you begin. This can usually be done in less than one minute (with a few more minutes for questions).
Dialing In Your Marketing Mix with the 8 Ps of Markting
Marketing 101 courses typically talk about the “4 Ps” of marketing: Product, Price, Promotion, and Place. While these are still important, I find that using 8 Ps is more nuanced and helpful when planning a product launch or new campaign. This article will help you think over each “P” below with my starter questions to see how you and your team might improve your next go-to-market plan, product launch or sales campaign.
My Year of Fearlessly Finding my Voice
This year, I fearlessly embraced my voice as a songwriter, releasing several songs that hold deep personal meaning. From overcoming grief to finding catharsis in music, I leaned into my doubts and discovered a new passion. Join me as I reflect on my creative rebirth, share my journey, and offer insights into how you can unlock your own voice.
Do What Gives You Goosebumps
Do you know what makes your heart sing? What lights you up? What makes your heart sing? Or as I like to say, what gives you goosebumps?
I think it’s really important to listen to your heart and body as they tell you how you find your best joy.
Don’t Wait for the Diagnosis
Inspired by a powerful message from Andrew Huberman’s podcast, I reflect on the idea of living without waiting for a diagnosis. Don’t wait for life’s wake-up call to start appreciating and acting on what truly matters. In this post, I discuss how the simple advice, "Don’t wait for the diagnosis," can motivate us to take action and embrace life fully.
Recent Dave Hill Jr. Podcast Interviews
Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to be interviewed on several podcasts where I discuss leadership development, self-doubt, and my coaching approach. Check out my conversations with Matt Poepsel, PhD, Sharon Spano on Other Side of Potential, and JP Hogan on Next Steps. We dive deep into topics like personal growth, the power of music, and how coaching helps us navigate life’s challenges.
My Bumberdrum Performance at Bumbershoot
Here's a fun and historic piece of music I performed on with Michael Shrieve (The original drummer for Santana who played at Woodstock ‘69)
I am so proud to have played at this event and am thrilled it ended up being something that Michael released.
I even helped composed few of the drum set grooves along with Michael and another Seattle drummer named Conrad Ormsby.
Please Think Highly of Yourself!
In my book "Doubt Riding Shotgun," I reference an inspiring story from the remarkable Irish poet, David Whyte. He once recounted an interaction with his aunt where she scoffed at his decision to become a poet. She said, "Well, you certainly must think highly of yourself!" And without hesitation, David replied, "In fact, I do! And so should you!"
This story has resonated deeply with many readers, so I thought I'd make a video reminding us all of the importance of embracing our worth and recognizing the unique qualities that make us special.
What are good coaching questions?
There is not book that can tell you the best coaching question to ask. Instead, I use my gut. My goal is to ask a great coaching questions to help the client learn what's the story behind the way the client is presenting what they are discussing? I want to help the client learn about their own story.
Self-Doubt is Trying to Protect Us
Self-doubt (aka as our inner critic) is trying to protect us. I like to imagine that doubt sees the rumble strips on the freeway and is warning us to stay in our lane. Once we tell doubt we hear the warning, we can often move on along our intended path.