Articles
Everything i've written.
Filtered by category below, or just scroll. Most recent first.
- data Apr 18, 2026
The Utah Jazz Aren't Being Cheated. They're Being Averaged.
The NBA draft lottery is three weeks away and Jazz fans are already calling it rigged. The math says otherwise, and the numbers point somewhere fans aren't expecting.
- musings Oct 2, 2025
How We Traded Wisdom for the Illusion of Knowledge
The erosion of critical thinking doesn't just make people vulnerable to bad policy choices. It makes them vulnerable to authoritarianism. Because once you've accepted that you can't really know things through rigorous analysis, that expertise is suspect, that complexity is just e
- musings Sep 22, 2025
The Merseyside Mirror: When Soccer Taught Me About Accountability
The most elite performers, whether they're athletes, coaches, or sales professionals, share this common trait, they take responsibility. They don't waste energy complaining about the referees when they could be training harder, studying film, or perfecting their craft.
- data Sep 22, 2025
VS Code Multi-Cursor Magic: Transforming Data Structures in Seconds
What started as a time-consuming manual edit became a 30-second operation. Multi-cursor editing is one of those VS Code features that, once you learn it, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.
- musings Aug 31, 2025
When “Experts” Spread Disinformation
i’m not asking anyone to blindly trust institutions. Healthy skepticism is important. But skepticism without discernment turns into cynicism and cynicism is the oxygen that fuels disinformation. So here’s the takeaway: Check sources. If a post makes sweeping claims without citati
- musings Aug 11, 2025
Lemon Zucchini Poppy Seed Bread
A simple and delicious Lemon Zucchini Poppy Seed Bread recipe.
- business Aug 9, 2025
The Hidden Cost of Slow Shipping
Needed printer ink. HP's site: 9-10 business days delivery. Amazon: Same cartridge, 4-hour delivery. Shipping times is a massive conversion killer most businesses don't even realize they have.
- musings Jun 9, 2025
How We're All Becoming Products
Life's too short to get to the end and realize all we did was follow someone else's blueprint. The world needs more people willing to be authentically, unapologetically themselves, even when it's uncomfortable, even when it costs followers, even when it hurts the bottom line.
- musings Jun 7, 2025
Why We're Optimizing Away Our Humanity
As we try to optimize everything, we risk losing sight of what makes us human. We risk turning all communication into information transfer, all relationships into transactional exchanges, all thoughts into pre-processed summaries. Some of the most meaningful moments in human conn
- data May 22, 2025
Data Truth + Narrative Engineering = Persuasive but Misleading Storytelling
JLL’s report is not outright fabrication, it likely contains real data. But the design, framing, and selective analysis align tightly with their commercial interests which are fill offices, validate leases, and combat remote work trends. This is a textbook case of data truth + na
- business Feb 27, 2025
Elon Musk & The Myth of the Self-Made Entrepreneur
Elon Musk is often hailed as a visionary entrepreneur, the modern-day Edison, a tech savant who single-handedly disrupts industries. But peel back the layers of mythology, and you’ll find a business strategy built more on acquisition than innovation, on public funding rather than
- data Feb 21, 2025
Exploring the Future of Data and Humanity
In this conversation, Chris Moeller and i discuss the evolution of data analytics, the importance of purpose-driven business practices, and the need for stability in the workforce. They explore how companies can bridge the gap between data and humanity, emphasizing the significan
- musings Feb 19, 2025
Judgment, empathy, and the power of understanding
Last night, after a long weekend, i was working through the familiar bedtime rhythm with my 10 year old, trying to wind down the day's energy into something resembling calm. As calm as can be expected for a 10 year old gamer that isn’t looking forward to going to school in the mo
- musings Feb 11, 2025
The Search for Ikigai
i constantly find myself thinking about purpose, what my value is to the world. i think about the ancient Japanese concept of Ikigai, the intersection of four vital elements that supposedly lead to a life of meaning:
- business Feb 10, 2025
We decided to launch an internship program
i have no interest in creating another cog in the corporate machine. i'm interested in helping shape the next generation of data and analytics leaders. i’m interested in helping shape the next generation of business leaders who lead with authenticity, integrity, and empathy.
- musings Feb 6, 2025
The Pattern of Bubbles
i've witnessed too many stable, visionary companies throw away their future chasing shortterm hype. The pattern is clear, the warning signs are there, written in the ashes of dot-coms and blockchain pivots.
- musings Dec 28, 2024
The Price of Loyalty
There's a particular kind of betrayal that cuts deeper than others. The kind of betrayal that comes after you've given everything you had to give. Several years into building 33 Sticks , we landed what seemed like a dream client in the cruise industry. It was more than just a mea
- business Dec 12, 2024
The Professional Rebellion
When i see those recurring LinkedIn posts insisting "LinkedIn isn't Facebook" attempting to police professionals into sharing only work-related content (whatever that means), i can't help but push back. We're not actors playing roles in some corporate theater. We're humans, bring
- data Dec 10, 2024
The AI Mirage
The gap between a working prototype and a production-ready application is massive, just as the gap between a basic data visualization and meaningful analytics is deep. Where is the robust error handling in the code? The security measures protecting user data? The authentication s
- business Dec 5, 2024
Why Small Innovations Matter
Sometimes the most impactful innovations aren't revolutionary, they're evolutionary. They're the small tweaks that remove frustration, smooth out rough edges, and make good experiences great. These improvements might not make headlines or impress executives in boardroom presentat
- business Nov 29, 2024
My Personal Journey to Analytics Independence
Through my work with hundreds of organizations, a clear pattern emerged. Companies struggling with their data initiatives typically treated their analytics teams as organizational afterthoughts, shuffling them between budget holders without clear purpose or protection. In contras
- business Nov 27, 2024
The Art of Sales: A Fisherman's Perspective on Sustainable Business Relationships
Traditional sales methodologies are increasingly being questioned. Drawing from over fifteen years of sales experience, despite having no formal sales training or education, I've developed a unique perspective on effective sales strategies, one that finds its roots in an unexpect
- musings Nov 22, 2024
The Power of NO
i recently faced this situation once again, this time with a prospect. Months of scoping conversations, new people inserted, pushes to lighten scope, and reduce cost in exchange for piecemeal paid hours here and there “just to answer a question or two”, an unwillingness to truly
- data Nov 21, 2024
Why We Must Always Question the Numbers
As the CEO of 33 Sticks, a boutique analytics company, I've seen firsthand how data can be both illuminating and misleading. This lecture wasn't just about statistics, it was about empowering the next generation to think critically about the numbers that shape our daily decisions
- musings Nov 20, 2024
When Likes Matter More Than Truth
The responsibility lies not just with those who spread misinformation but with all of us who choose whether to nurture it or call it out for what it is: A betrayal of trust for the sake of likes and shares.
- business Nov 18, 2024
The Four-Hour Truth
The evidence is clear, four hours of deep work is not a limitation to be overcome but a natural threshold to be respected. The question isn't whether we can push beyond it but why we keep trying to force ourselves into an artificial schedule that serves neither our best interests
- musings Nov 17, 2024
Social Media and The Death of Expertise
I remember the exact moment I realized we were in trouble. I was watching what should have been an absurd scene, a respected astronomer, their decades of research and observation reduced to a mere "perspective," forced to debate a flat Earth conspiracy theorist as if both viewpoi
- musings Nov 15, 2024
The Ivory Towers We Build
Most of us are just a few misfortunes away from losing everything we've built. Our towers aren't nearly as sturdy as we pretend, our foundations not nearly as solid as we believe. Yet we can't – or won't – see it, because acknowledging this truth would mean confronting our own vu
- business Nov 12, 2024
A Reality Check on the Side Hustle Dream
It started with a LinkedIn post that stopped me mid-scroll. There it was, in bold, confident typeface: "Anyone Can Make $2,000 a Month with a Side Hustle - It's Easy!" The post was perfectly crafted, with just the right mix of inspiration and apparent authenticity. As someone who
- musings Nov 11, 2024
Checking for Danger: My Journey With Anxiety
The scratch was nothing, barely a graze from a dried branch while retrieving a golf ball from the rough. No blood, not even broken skin. Just a faint red line across my leg. But in that moment, my mind launched into overdrive, constructing an elaborate scenario of flesh-eating ba
- business Oct 30, 2024
How Conglomerates Are Changing the Service Industry
Over the past year, needing help with various aspects of home maintenance (electrical, plumbing, gardening), i've noticed a trend that feels quite real. It’s one of those shifts you don’t fully grasp until you’re right in the middle of it, trying to solve what should be a simple
- business Oct 28, 2024
The Dark Side of Newsletter Growth: A Rant About Unethical Practices
Lately, I’ve noticed a surge in newsletters hitting my inbox. The funny part? I never signed up for most of them. Oddly enough, they all seem to come from the same platform, Beehiiv . Now, I’m not saying it’s Beehiiv’s fault. It’s just the delivery mechanism. But what’s starting
- business Oct 9, 2024
The Price of Perception: Why Clients Value Complexity Over Clarity
The "Thud Factor" highlights a significant challenge in the consulting world, the need to provide value while meeting client expectations for perceived effort. As we move forward, both clients and service providers must work together to prioritize effectiveness over appearance. B
- data Oct 2, 2024
The Real ROI of Consumer Analytics: Why Your Business Can’t Afford to Ignore It
When done right, analytics is an enabler and a multiplier. It’s not about pulling a lever and watching revenue magically pour in. It’s about building a foundation for sustainable growth. It’s about giving you the tools, the insights, and the clarity needed to make smarter decisio
- data Sep 16, 2024
Why Most People Won't Use GenAI to Become Professionals
Most people won't use Generative AI (GenAI) to become experts or professionals, just as most people didn't use automatic bread makers to become artisan bakers or the advanced cameras on mobile phones to become filmmakers. While technology has lowered barriers to entry and democra
- business Aug 14, 2024
When Deception Drives Revenue: The Case of Superhuman's Pricing Strategy
In a tech marketplace where the barriers to entry have never been lower in the history of capitalism, a marketplace where innovation often outpaces regulation, some (probably way more than we’d like to admit) companies resort to practices that prioritize profit over transparency.
- business Jul 7, 2024
The Hidden Agenda Behind the Return to Office Mandates: Profits Over People
In many online articles, debates, and thought pieces, we see a sophisticated manipulation aimed at supporting unquenchable greed. The orchestrated backlash against remote work is less about genuine concerns and more about maximizing profits. It’s a stark reminder of the lengths t
- data Jul 6, 2024
The Difference Between Data Reporting and Data Analysis
his same scenario plays out in businesses, both large and small, across the world. Business owners and key stakeholders are demanding meaningful insights from their analytics teams however most analtyics teams stop at providing basic, often times misleading, commentary about data
- musings Jul 3, 2024
Morning Coffee Thoughts: Why We Can’t Say NO
In business, we waste so much time and resources, create unnecessary frustration, and destroy relationships because of our inability to say ‘NO’
- business Jun 20, 2024
The Inevitable Transformation: How GenAI is Redefining Roles in the Analytics Industry
The path forward is clear but not easy. We must shift our focus from task-based activities to value-driven contributions. This requires a fundamental change in mindset and approach. It demands that we continually learn and adapt, leveraging our unique human abilities to interpret
- business Jun 4, 2024
When People Show You Who They Are, Believe Them
It’s important to recognize that these decisions, often masked as "business decisions," are made by people. When we say it’s a "business decision," we give individuals an excuse to not have to personally own their actions. With this specific client example, it's the people there,
- musings May 31, 2024
Questioning Self-Worth in a World Obsessed with Wealth
In the end, the question isn't, "Do I offer the world any value?" but rather, "How can I best use my skills and passions to make a positive impact?"
- business May 30, 2024
The Billable Hour: When More Efficient Equals Less Revenue
Let’s say a given task may take a beginner 6 hours to complete, a 10-year expert may be able to complete that same task in 1 hour at an even higher level of quality. Which one is more valuable?
- business May 27, 2024
The Toxicity of SaaS Partnerships: A Call for Transparency and Integrity
While partnerships between vendors and agencies are often talked about as being beneficial collaborations designed to create better client experiences, the reality is that many of these partnerships are toxic, driven by hidden financial motives that ultimately prove detrimental t
- business May 23, 2024
The Digital Shift: Why Brands Need to Listen to Their Customers
As we exited the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic, many brands were more than ready to return to pre-pandemic levels of in-store purchases. However, this desire for “the way things used to be” potentially overlooks a critical reality — and that is that the pandemic served as a sort
- data May 20, 2024
Building a Personal Coffee Data App with Python and Streamlit
Coffee is more than just a drink, it's an experience, a ritual, and for many of us, a passion. As a coffee enthusiast, I've always been fascinated by the of the variables that go into making the perfect cup. From the origin of the beans to the brewing method, each factor plays a
- business May 20, 2024
Businesses don't make decisions. People do.
The health of a business's culture and the well-being of its employees depend on the values and actions of its leaders and team members. A company that creates a toxic culture or makes decisions that harm its employees, is doing so because the individuals in power allow it to hap
- data May 19, 2024
Building a Future-Proof Foundation: The Imperative of Sustainable Analytics
Digital Analytics is in a state of crisis. Despite the wealth of data at our fingertips, many organizations find themselves burdened by overly complex systems, frustrated teams, and a lack of meaningful insights. This article explores the concept of sustainable analytics, highlig
- data May 12, 2024
Inspiring the Next Generation
Data literacy is incredibly important, that is why we set out to desire the next generation.
- musings May 5, 2024
Being a Good Sport Matters
The greatest lesson i ever learned was the importance of sportsmanship. With time, i could no longer go 5 sets on the tennis court and gone were the days i could pull up for a transition 3 but what i learned about how to treat others has never left and it is a skill that has prep
- musings May 5, 2024
Doing the Right Thing is Enough
“When you've done well and another has benefited by it, why like a fool do you look for a third thing on top—credit for the good deed or a favor in return?”
- data May 5, 2024
From Student to Data Analyst
Becoming a great analyst takes time. It’s not something that happens overnight. It’s not something that you become by reading a book. It’s not something you become by working for {fill-in-the-blank-company} or getting a certification in {fill-in-the-blank-industry-certification}.
- business May 5, 2024
Lessons i learned from a School Teacher Mom: Managing Out of Pocket
Managers seem to get caught up in things like timesheets and quarterly goals and corporate process and OKRs and you get the picture. Don’t get me wrong, those things can be valuable but it’s the little things that happen everyday, like managing out of pocket, that have lasting im
- business May 5, 2024
Let’s Talk About Why RFPs Suck
At 33 Sticks, we're all about people—real, breathing humans, not corporate NPCs. We value honesty and transparency. RFPs? They're the antithesis of everything we stand for. Enough's Enough!
- business May 5, 2024
(Most) Cold Emails Suck
So, how can we fix this? It's simple, really. Start by doing your homework. Research the person you're reaching out to. Understand their work, their passions, and their challenges. Then, craft your email with this in mind. Make it personal. Show genuine interest. Be respectful of
- business May 5, 2024
RFP Experiences: A Tale of Two Clients
It's not business, it's personal. In the business world, relationships are everything. They shape how we work, influence our experiences, and, in many cases, determine our success. But what happens when those relationships are put to the test?
- business May 5, 2024
Sell Like a Farmer
For the last 18 years, one of my primary goals has been building new business, be it for my past two employers and now for my own company, 33 Sticks. Over those 18 years, one thing has become very clear, i tend to take a very non-traditional approach to building companies, to man
- musings May 5, 2024
Start Falling On Your Ass
No one. Let me repeat. NO ONE, plays at the top of their game without first making a lot of mistakes and falling on their ass many, many times. If you aren’t falling down, you aren’t pushing yourself hard enough.
- musings May 5, 2024
Supporting Our Friends
Let's lift each other up. Let's help each other out if we can. A simple act of caring creates an endless ripple.
- musings May 5, 2024
Talented People Collaborate
While talented people are collaborating with other talented people and in the process becoming more talented everyday, those who are protecting their knowledge are falling further behind, their knowledge becoming more and more outdated by the day.
- musings May 5, 2024
The American Tourist and Mexican Fisherman
My friend Michael Sanders, who makes brilliant products at BambooHR, has always provided me with balance. His view on life, business, and success is so refreshing. i miss having the opportunity to work with him everyday. Michael always has a good story to share to illustrate the
- business May 5, 2024
The Reality of Building a Newsletter Audience
In the world of online content, there's a common message that goes something like this: "Take my course and you'll have 10,000 newsletter subscribers in 90 days." It feels tempting, especially after you have struggled so hard to build any sort of momentum, but in my experience, t
- business May 5, 2024
Why Really Talented People Don’t Work For Your Company
i believe that purpose is where every company should start. If you have a purpose, your culture naturally develops to support that purpose. Culture isn’t a game room, culture isn’t free soda, culture isn’t a foosball table. Culture simply is the sum of the people that are attract
- musings May 4, 2024
Angry and Frustrated: Maybe You Are Lacking Purpose
Whether you are angry and frustrated and struggling to reach your goals as an individual, as a team, or as an organization, ask yourself if you have a clearly defined purpose, if not, there is no better place to start than defining your purpose.
- business May 4, 2024
Customer Service Translates to Customer Loyalty
If you want to do it right, hire people you trust, empower them to take care of your customers, remove unnecessary process & procedures, and just freaking care.
- business May 4, 2024
Dippers, Fillers, and the No Asshole Rule
Every moment, we face a choice, we can fill someone’s bucket and create an environment in which great things can be accomplished OR we can dip from the buckets of others, we can be an asshole, creating a toxic environment in which nothing but poison can grow.