99% Article Series

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The 99% is a think tank, website, and annual conference devoted to the execution of ideas. The site's namesake was inspired the famous Thomas Edison quote, "genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration." Over the years, I have been writing articles for The 99% about organization, leveraging community to execute ideas, and leadership in the creative world. Here is a small collection of articles - each with the introductory paragraph and a link to The 99% for the full article.

What Happened to Downtime? The Extinction of Deep Thinking & Sacred Space

Interruption-free space is sacred. Yet, in the digital era we live in, we are losing hold of the few sacred spaces that remain untouched by email, the internet, people, and other forms of distraction. Our cars now have mobile phone integration and a thousand satellite radio stations. When walking from one place to another, we have our devices streaming data from dozens of sources. Even at our bedside, we now have our iPads with heaps of digital apps and the world's information at our fingertips.

Shaping the Future: 7 Predictions for the Creative Community

At the start of every year, it’s fun to think about what's next. However, for the creative professional community, considering the future is not just a casual exercise. It's a necessity. The creative industries are rapidly changing, as is the way we manage our own creative careers.

Experience Trumps Theory: Reviving the Apprenticeship Model

Once upon a time, we learned only by doing. A quality education meant finding an expert to take you under his or her wing. Whether you wanted to be a blacksmith or a shoemaker, the ultimate break was ultimately a relationship. In exchange, your capacity would be stretched. You would learn in real-time, soaking up the knowledge through trial and error. You would learn the trade in practice rather than theory. You would also build a network and gain respect based on your performance rather than any sort of degree.

Welcome to the Era of Creative Meritocracy

Imagine a world where the best ideas have the best chance to succeed. No more favoritism that places the wrong people on creative projects. Cut out the middlemen that arbitrarily recommend cost-efficient talent over the most deserving talent. Forget the corporate nepotism that appoints leaders based on relationships over merit. Every individual, team, and industry would benefit from a world where the most talented people got the most opportunity.

Finding Your Work Sweet Spot: Genuine Interest, Skills & Opportunity

There are two types of work in this world. The first is the laborious kind, which I call “work with obligation.” It’s work that we do because of a contractual obligation. The second – very different – type of work that we do is “work with intention.” Over the years, I have met many creative leaders and entrepreneurs that have made an impact in their respective industries. No surprise, they love what they do. But when I ask probing questions about their career paths, it becomes clear that their good fortunes were not predestined. Aside from lots of hard work, great creative careers are powered by an intersection of three factors: Genuine Interest, Skills, and Opportunity.

I invite you to visit The 99% for many more articles and tips on making ideas happen.