- LIFE |
- LEARNING |
- CREATIVITY |
- PHOTOS
Outside of my career and philanthropic work, I’m interested in personal development (all that’s required to fulfill one’s potential as a human being), creativity (working with design, color, and energy), physical and emotional well being, and cultural and travel adventures
Key areas of interest range from making time for my fascination with the film industry by creating my own Production Company, Lollipop Productions, and drafting my first movie script, to exploring the discipline and rigor of my Pilates practice and contemplating everything from leadership to spirituality. On the following pages I explore specific areas of interest in more detail, I hope it proves to be interesting for you.
Here’s a quick list of things that keep me inspired:
- Sunday morning telephone chats with my Mom
- Working out in my Pilates Studio at home
- Using Feng Shui principles to create more harmony in my home
- Making pizza from scratch
- Soaking up the sounds and smells of the Pacific Ocean
- Reading Mary Oliver and Rumi poetry aloud
- Dressing up for a evening of Opera
- Keeping up with family and friends on Facebook
TED: I wasn’t so fond of her book, but her recent talk at TED struck a chord with me.
Elizabeth Gilbert on genius — Video on TED.com
Comparative Religion: My mom is a student of world religion. Although she was raised a Catholic and raised us in the Episcopalian Church, she encouraged me to study and consider all the paths to God. Karen Armstrong is one of my heroes: Check out her TED video.
Video 2008 TED Prize Wish: Charter For Compassion
Charter For Compassion
Feng Shui: I’m an avid student of classical Feng Shui. I first started the study in 1998. Since then I’ve applied the principles to three homes and two offices. Alex Stark is my current teacher. Originally from Peru and educated as an architect, his work is magnificent. With his guidance, I have transformed my current home into a beautiful and peaceful space to live in and work from.
Pilates: Turning 50 wasn’t fun. I had to do something to rearrange my physical body. Exercise was boring. I didn’t have the body type to run. I discovered pilates while living in Boulder. Although its effects are slow and subtle, and the practice is demanding, it has transformed my physical body. My preference is classical pilates which was created by Joseph Pilates. I've had some fabulous teachers over the last 7 years (in California and Colorado), but my favorite is Richard Rossiter, master teacher from Pilates of Boulder.
Here’s the story of how I came to draft a movie script – by way of investing in a professional soccer team in the U.K.
In 2000 I became an investor in Stoke City FC. a professional soccer team based in Stoke-on-Trent, England. The Potters were founded in 1863, the second oldest professional club in England. In 2008 they were promoted to the Premier League, the first time since 1984.
My former partner was raised a loyal Stoke City Potter fan. He lived out a childhood dream by becoming an investor/owner of his hometown club. For him the ownership and active involvement gave him a chance to reconnect to his roots and give back to his community.
The experience I had as a partner in the investment was an emotional rollercoaster ride of highs and lows filled with both professional and interpersonal complexity. I traveled frequently back and forth from the US to the UK, quickly learned about the high stakes nature of British sport, the commercial side of the club, the skills and knowledge required to scout, acquire and develop players, and the dynamics associated with managing the fan base.
The experience awakened my creativity and eventually the development of a screenplay that somewhat captured my experiences with Stoke City FC.
The initial concept was developed with Patrick Jones and Shandra McDonald of Journey Productions, a company committed to inspiring others through entertaining stories of wisdom, humor and inspiration. The idea was kicked into high gear when I hired Thatcher Wine to write the screenplay. After a year of spirited collaboration, Thatcher and I officially completed the project and launched Lollipop Productions to promote the screenplay “Kick The Post.”
Kick the Post was both a work of emotional struggle and source of great pride and joy. As these projects go, it has a real shot at being produced and distributed by a major studio with highly regarded talent involved in the project. Not bad for my first try! And yes, there will be others!
Photos