relationships Thoughts from the Zeitgeist Relationship Cultivation is a Practice Like any skill worth mastering, relationships require intentional effort. A few ways to practice include: Be present. Listen without an agenda. Often, the greatest gift we can give someone is our full attention. (No devices!) Show up consistently. Do not wait for a crisis or a transaction. A quick check-in, a note of thanks, or remembering a […] Written by BPH November 17, 2025November 17, 2025
Connecting Thoughts from the Zeitgeist The Value of Cultivating Relationships We live in a world obsessed with speed and scale. But what actually sustains us? Relationships. Do you invest in relationships? I believe it’s essential—not just in personal life, but in business life. Here’s why: We live in a world that celebrates speed, efficiency, and scale. Businesses are rewarded for quarterly results and people are […] Written by BPH October 21, 2025October 21, 2025
Thoughts from the Zeitgeist Crisis of Conscience Reflecting on the U.S. Civil War and the choices we make today. Last fall, during a visit to Nashville, I made a side trip to the site of the 1864 Battle of Franklin. It was a disaster for the Confederate Army, which lost 1,750 soldiers in the battle. Many of them died in the nearby […] Written by BPH April 18, 2025April 18, 2025
Thoughts from the Zeitgeist The Old Ball Game Root for the home team. Baseball is a rite of spring in this country. Unlike other professional sports (which I also enjoy), the cadence of baseball invites us to slow down, lean in, and anticipate the next play. The pitcher is working to force a groundball that could turn into a double play. The batter […] Written by BPH April 4, 2025April 4, 2025
Thoughts from the Zeitgeist Feeling needy? I get by with a little help from my friends. The last few months have brought a mix of joys and sorrows that have been more dramatic than what I consider normal. What’s interesting is that, through both joys and sorrows, I have heard from my friends: Congratulations. Condolences. Affirmations. Simple check-ins with no agenda. […] Written by BPH March 4, 2025March 4, 2025
Thoughts from the Zeitgeist Hustlers The con game will bring its own undoing. I sometimes feel that social media has enabled moral outrage as performance art. There is, apparently, money to be made (or influence, which invites remuneration) in riling people up and convincing them to believe things that are simply not true. Without evidence. Despite fact-checkers. Hustlers know all […] Written by BPH February 4, 2025February 4, 2025
