Chris Deals With It

This episode kicks off our summer PRINCIPLES series. Clearly defining your principles is a crucial element to living a life aligned with them. By more firmly defining these guideposts, we provide ourselves a stronger foundation to face opportunities & challenges of our lives. Most of us live our lives with principles, even if we’ve never codified them. For more info & to download a free PD...

The Writing To Heal workshop is a deep dive into the powerful effects of writing as a therapeutic tool in addiction counseling. My interview with Eric A. Kreuter (PhD, CPA, CGMA, CFE, CASAC-T) provides insight into the power of pouring out thoughts and emotions onto the page. We cover the training, frameworks, and support structures that provide successful recovery and personal growth. There are p...

Today's question: I just had my first annual review. My boss was critical of pretty much everything: My work, my attitude, and my future with the company. I like my job and would like to keep it, but I don’t think there’s anything I can do to change my bosses’ mind. What should I do now? The 6 Metaphors: Water always finds its level It’s water under the bridge The Parable of the Depths Mit allen W...

Today's question: I’m struggling to find a balance between the benefits of all our technology with the downsides of their effects on me individually and on our society as a whole. Any advice? References in the episode: RocaNews Morning Brew For more info & to download a free PDF of today's episode notes, visit: www.chriskreuter.com/CDWI Join the Kreuter Studios mailing list: https://mailchi.mp...

Today’s episode explores the concept of the Ship of Theseus. This philosophical paradox asks: If you replace every component of a ship, one by one over time, does it remain the same ship? For more info & to download a free PDF of today's episode notes, visit: www.chriskreuter.com/CDWI Join the Kreuter Studios mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/810367311f3d/ksbulletin

The Managing The Middle series offers advice on serving as a better bridge between the divides within our organizations, societies, and lives. It’s the kind of advice I would have benefitted from when I started managing projects and people in my twenties. The series is also intended as a counter to polarization and extremism, an aide to embracing the shades of gray between issues. Today I’m focusi...

Today's question: I’m a junior in college and gearing up for my first major summer internship. I’m worried about the rising influence of AI apps like ChatGPT. What advice would you give to someone entering the workforce in this new environment? References in the episode quote:  Rob Reid’s article on Ars Technica For more info & to download a free PDF of today's episode notes, visit: www.c...

I recently caught up with a friend coping with the aftermath of a difficult situation. We got to talking about decision trees as a model for the complexity of that situation. It helps to frame the challenges faced, and provide deeper context to the end result. On today’s episode, I’m expanding my thoughts on this mental model, in the context of past events, potential future ones, and handling proj...

Today's question: What do I do when I’m exhausted? Do I force myself to do what I planned, or reschedule it? Should I make sure I accomplish something, even if it’s something less than planned? For more info & to download a free PDF of today's episode notes, visit: www.chriskreuter.com/CDWI Join the Kreuter Studios mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/810367311f3d/ksbulletin

Today's question: I’ve recently been promoted to a role that requires sales outreach. I’ve never had to setup something like this before. Plus, I don’t think of myself as a good networker. What advice do you have on organizing my effort to successfully pitch potential customers? For more info & to download a free PDF of today's episode notes, visit: www.chriskreuter.com/CDWI Join the Kreuter S...

Late in 2022 I read Douglas Rushkoff’s 2010 book Program or Be Programmed: Ten Commands for a Digital Age . Despite it’s publication date, Rushkoff presents evidence and arguments targeted to the emerging trends of the time. As those trends have been realized, his arguments have become even more vital. On today’s episode I’ll review my book notes, highlighting my key takeaways & actions that w...

I sat down with Jack Parra at PhilCon 2022 for a live interview. It's part retrospective on working together on the Rainy River Bees series, part deep-dive into working with artists. There's great links and reference images in the show notes. To download a free PDF of today's episode notes, visit: www.chriskreuter.com/CDWI Join the Kreuter Studios mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/810367311f3d/ksbu...

What a year of reading it’s been. On today’s episode I’m going to recap what I read this year, in case anything piques your interest for 2023 reading. Check the show notes for images & links to all the titles mentioned on the show. Sites Mentioned on the show: The Story Graph Goodreads Notion For more info & to download a free PDF of today's episode notes, visit: www.chriskreuter.com/CDWI...

Last month, while working from HQ, I spotted a solicitor dropping flyers off through my neighborhood. On this episode, I share this odd story and strategies you can use to better identify red flags around suspicious sales tactics to protect yourself and your neighbors. And if you’re a local business looking to drum up business door-to-door, heed the warnings within! NOTE: On this episode I edited...

Here in the Northeast, winter slowly approaches. Over the years, I’ve witnessed many incidents due to poor planning. On today’s episode, I’ll share some tips that might help people experienced with blizzards to those who get the rare winter dusting. There’s plenty of actionable advice for dealing with all kinds of storms, so let’s unpack what it takes to be a Blizzard Wizard. For more info & t...

Today’s episode is a deep dive on the many aspects of trade shows, conventions, and events. We’ll review the various types of events, and the impacts they can have on your business. This show will be relevant whether you’re looking to sell crafts at a local fair or aspiring to a major national convention. For more info & to download a free PDF of today's episode notes, visit: www.chriskreuter....

A few weeks ago I dealt with New York Comic Con. I’ve got some lingering thoughts that are worth a deeper dive on the show. If you’ve been interested in attending a large convention like NYCC, or create the kinds of content that would be embraced at a show like this, you’ll want to tune into today’s episode. For more info & to download a free PDF of today's episode notes, visit: www.chriskreut...

When I mention I’m a writer, I get either odd stares or curious questions. I’ve mentioned bits & pieces about my writing process and projects in various episodes of the show. I’ll often cite them as examples to illustrate concepts. But on today’s episode I’m going to focus on the insights I’ve gained thus far in my writing career. Links mentioned on this episode: - Submit questions or view my...

Today's question: I’m a junior product designer for a consumer products company. This is my first job out of college and I’ve been happy here for over two years. But now we’ve got a new manager, who is pressuring us to rush our work out the door. I take pride in my work but this pressure is stressing me out to the point where I want to quit. What advice do you have on handling this situation? For...

I go over how I plan my years, quarters, weeks, and overall goals. Today’s episode covers: Detail my quarterly review process Yearly theme check-in Q3 Reading Review CDWI review For more info & to download a free PDF of today's episode notes, visit: www.chriskreuter.com/CDWI Join the Kreuter Studios mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/810367311f3d/ksbulletin

Today’s question covers what’s often a difficult, and crucial early-career transition point: My employer has hired several eager, entry-level employees for my department. Although I’m still early in my own career, they’ve assigned me to train and mentor them. I’ve been with the organization for four years, and have a reputation for getting things done effectively. What advice do you have on being...

Over the Labor Day weekend, my beloved cat Yoshi passed away. Losing someone is a chance for each of us to reflect. To crystallize that person in our hearts & minds. Ensure their best memories & qualities live on in us. It can’t be helped that they turn into a kind of abstraction through this process. An incomplete imprint of a person, but still a soul impacting lives long after their pass...

Today's question: Back on Episode 1, you talked about ideas turning into viruses. Well, I’ve been infected with one. My new project’s going to require a ton of work over a long period of time. This doesn’t scare me, but I’m struggling to carve out the time to do the work. I have a family & kids to care for, demanding job that requires 50-60 hours a week, and a dizzying array of other responsib...

The Managing the Middle Series is a guide to managing the middle: Advice on how to serve as a better bridge between the divides within our organizations, societies, and lives. It’s the kind of advice I would have benefitted from when I started managing projects and people. I’ll provide advice on ways to counter polarization and extremism, and how to embrace the shades of gray between issues. In th...

Workshops are live working sessions, where I dive deep into a specific problem or focus area alongside a special guest. Today’s workshop will be relevant to anyone interested in: Parenting Education Cultural shifts from the 1980’s to today Marie Burke is mother to your host, his two siblings, and grandmother to six awesome kids 9 months to 5-1/2 years old. Today’s special workshop has Mom dealing...