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Ark Builders – Business

“No more prizes for predicting the rain,

Only prizes for building arks”

Don Edward Beck

It is time to shift the narrative from looking in the small rearview mirror to the wider view of the windshield ahead. In my experience, blame and shame have never produced a preferred future or the steppingstones to get there. The above quote seems to fit as we look forward to 2026. Predicting challenges, complaining, and feeling there is no hope drains energy.

My first blog on ‘Ark Builders’ was focused on educators; this blog identifies some of the excellent learnings I have received from people who are mainly in business. Learning is not a silo. Learning comes from many sources; it is a both/and process not an either/or.

So, who are the “Ark Builders” in your life?  Each of us will have a different group.  Here are some of mine from the business side of learning (no priority intended).  I challenge you to reflect in the final days of 2025 and acknowledge and thank those who helped you on your learning journey.

Learning Partners in the business world from whom I have learned  from in person:

  • Marshall Goldsmith’s in his best-selling book titled, “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” writes, the strategies and behaviors that got us to this point in our lives might not be sufficient for an ever-changing world. The real question is: ‘what do we do now?’  Marshall says this is FeedForward. He has written many books, coached executive leaders, and shared his knowledge in workshops and zooms. He expanded my knowledge, skills, and applications to accelerate learning in myself and others. Now with his ‘knowledge philanthropy’ program more people will benefit. https://learningomnivores.com/chad-courage-humility-discipline/
  • Frank Wagner, co-developer of Stakeholder Centered Coaching® (SCC) with Marshall Goldsmith has been a teacher, coach, and friend of mine since I received the initial SCC training in 2017. Attending his workshops at UCLA on Situational Leadership and Leading When You are NOT in Charge were extremely helpful as I continued to evolve as a learner and leader.  Our yearly retreats are so important for reflection-ON-action and even more importantly for reflection-FOR-action (FeedForward). Frank is a learning guide ‘par excellence.’ https://learningomnivores.com/my-next-giant-frank-wagner/
  • Brandon James Mergard, CEO of Marshall Goldsmith SCC group. Brandon, and his support team produce SCC training, facilitate office hours (monthly calls for coaches), and present workshops. His productions of ‘Why Some Executive Coaching Doesn’t Work,’ ‘Coach Like Marshall Goldsmith,’ and ‘Creating a Coaching Culture’ are just a few of his offerings.  He has added to my repertoire by directing me to resources I had not previously found.  Brandon’s experience as a coach and trainer has helped me to continue my learning. https://learningomnivores.com/traditions-transitions-transformation/
  • Jathan Janove, a former HR attorney, SCC coach, and SHRM contributor, has written several books. His latest, “HR Renaissance,” provides a re-conception of the HR function from a compliance and command-and-control focus to building a coaching culture. His writings are focused, practical, and show positive results. His “Ask the Coach” column offers specific strategies to sticky problems. https://learningomnivores.com/what-were-reading/the-hr-renaissance/
  • Richard Sheridan, CEO, Menlo Innovations. He authored the books “Joy, Inc.” and “Chief Joy Officer.”  Rich and his team publish ‘Menlo Bits’ which provides a synopsis of ideas for building a company with Joy and developing a creative culture, summaries of recommended books, and includes other positive messages.  I have attended many training sessions in Ann Arbor, MI hosted by Menlo and always come away with new energy for what schools could be.  Rich supports many initiatives for schools. Menlo is an example of what an innovative company can do. The mission of reducing human suffering because of technology resonates with me. What if the mission of education was to reduce human suffering in schools for staff and students? Kudos to Rich for leading the way. https://learningomnivores.com/giant-richard-sheridan/
  • Stan Slap is an amazing author of two books; “Bury My Heart in Conference Room B” and “Under the Hood.” He has been a presenter at a couple of Learning Omnivore seminars focusing on building productive cultures. These books and processes are not for the faint of heart AND they work. In “Bury My Heart,” the story of Florence Taylor is one of most meaningful stories I have ever read.  I know Stan is starting to work in healthcare and is willing to work in education when the right leader has the courage to move forward. https://learningomnivores.com/what-were-reading/stan-slap-2-books/
  • Michael Ayers, former 3M leadership development trainer including systems thinking and scenario planning, and is a parent of students who attended the high school where I was the principal. In 1995 Michael invited me and a few staff members to attend his workshops at 3M. Not only did this opportunity extend our learning, but we also collaborated on teaching models in leadership at a local university. Michael is one of the most well-read people I know, and he has the ability to use knowledge in a practical way. He is one of the giants I have been fortunate to learn with.  https://learningomnivores.com/giant-6-michael-ayers/
  • Peter Block has been a mentor for me since the early 90s through his writings. Attending his conferences in Cincinnati and on zoom continue to engage me. His books “Empowered Manager,” “Community,” “The Flawless Consulting,” “The Answer to How is Yes,” and his blogs continue to show me ways to elevate learning and create cultures where people matter.  Mahalo Peter. https://learningomnivores.com/giants-continue-with-peter-block/
  • Edgar Schein – sometimes called the father of organizational development. He has great strategies for understanding organizations, practical interventions for uncovering the underlying issues, and has led the way for many authors and consultants. I highly recommend reading his books. https://learningomnivores.com/what-were-reading/edgar-schein-trilogy/
  • Eduardo Briceño, is an expert in Growth Mindset. He bridges his business background with the education world. His book, ‘Performance Paradox’ offers a reframing of test scores as the main measure of learning. How about creating the cultures for learning outcomes of performance for a standard.  https://learningomnivores.com/what-were-reading/the-performance-paradox/ Many innovative companies want standards to be creativity, working with others, leadership, and being contributor rather than just having a degree or certification.  I believe he is right, and it is past the time to re-examine what schools, K-12, colleges, and certification processes deliver.  Yes, licenses and certifications are necessary in fields such as airplane pilots, medical doctors, etc. Collaboration has been considered a soft skill but has become the hard skill vital in successful companies.
  • Angeles Arrien whose work blends leadership, humanity, and indigenous cultures. ‘The Four-Fold Way is one of my top three leadership books. The workshops, writings, and positive actions she taught me continue to resonate with me today. She lived and modeled a spiritual nature of leadership and community building. https://learningomnivores.com/what-were-reading/four-fold-way/  
  • Barbara McAfee – Using your voice to transmit the right message. The book ‘Full Voice’ has been out since 2011.  She identifies voice tones that communicate vision, action, etc.  Just released is her newest book ‘Full Voice for Leaders’ is out in audible form now. I have taken lessons from her to increase my message.  Her music is amazing for moving teams and organizations. She has facilitated students groups, faculties, and district leadership teams.  The spirit of YES is my favorate song.

Learning Partners from the business world that I have learned from through their writing:

Following are people I have learned from through their writings; below is a list of a few of their books I have learned from and have summarized.  Each of these writers/teachers have authored than one book and the work contained in them is foundational to building a foundation for learning, leading, and organizational positivity.

Whatever the following authors write, I suggest reading immediately.

Thank you to all the teachers, leaders, and staff members who have built arks for kids, colleagues, and community. I have been honored to learn with you. These links and many more resources are free on my website – www.learningomnivores.com   Enjoy.

‘It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ARK.’ 

Let’s get busy and build some together.

Namaste’

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