Sometimes Tea is Better

(March 26, 2010) When the crowd zigs, sometimes it's best to zag. I met a young, extremely professional senior associate for a cup of coffee. Unfortunately, about seventy-five other people showed up as well. The line was long and the milk wasn't frothing fast enough, so we jetted across the street to a quieter tea shop and enjoyed a relaxing cup of tea. I’m not usually a tea drinker but it was delicious. She worked for a “turnaround” consulting company and told horror stories of companies in decline. Extra motivation to work a couple extra hours on Sunday… Time to zag again.

The Restaurant Business

(March 25, 2010) Another book-cover lesson. Made arrangements to meet at a train station for coffee. Train station? Was expecting the worst and some interesting odors. Escalator up, escalator down and I found myself in a hidden wing with a gourmet market place and one kick-ass cup of coffee. Also learned a little bit about the restaurant industry (and an investment tip) from the president of a restaurant management company.

World Design

(March 23, 2010) Most interesting conversation yet. Coffee with the owner of a product design company. Given his line of work, I could tell he viewed the world a little different than most people. Always dissecting things in his head and putting them back together. Making things stronger, faster, better. Making me realize that I need a new coffee maker and that we all have to make things stronger, faster, better.

Life Plans

(March 25, 2010) A financial advisor surprised me today. Thinking that his job revolved around numbers and 401ks, I was surprised to learn how involved he gets with his clients. Long-life dreams, marital problems, and family planning are all, very personal, yet very common conversations for him on a daily basis. Great guy. Great conversation.

Trip to Israel

(March 19, 2010) Coffee with a commercial real estate broker who just won a big deal. Years of work finally paid off for him. Obviously, he was in a good mood. Conversation migrated to the topic of travel and he told me about his trip to Israel and how he initially didn't want to go and how it turned into his "best" trip ever. Good reminder to always try new things and good things happen.

Bathroom Emergency

(March 19, 2010) While I was waiting... some poor guy locked himself in the coffee shop bathroom. Firemen just showed up with axes. Thought this was worth a post...

Kindness Returned

(March 16, 2010) It was a cold Chicago morning and my guest was the owner of a small business real estate financing company. We met at an incredibly crowded coffee shop and did introductions in the middle of a caffeine starved mob. Slow to the wallet, my guest beat me to the draw and paid for our drinks before I could react. Not sure why this had a impact on me but it did... Kindness returned.

You Always Remember Your First

(March 11, 2010) With fears of rejection and awkward conversation close at hand, my adventure began with a smile and a cup of black tea. My guest was a successful lawyer who recently switched careers in order to achieve a better work-life-balance. Getting past the "So, what's your angle?" question, we quickly settled into a pleasant conversation. Surprising open, she shared her story - complete with accomplishments, challenges, and even some regrets. A remarkable woman, a strong cup of tea, and a simple conversation that has changed the way I look at "strangers".