Putting Out Fires

Do you know how to use a fire extinguisher? I sure didn't. I've seen them in my workplace, I even have one under my kitchen sink, but if a fire actually broke out I could only hope that I'd get it right.

It seems to be human nature to think the worst won't happen to us - perhaps that's why I never bothered to learn how to use a fire extinguisher before. Last week though, while on a stroll through Hollywood (do I know how to take advantage of a mid-term break or what?), we came across a free lesson in using fire extinguishers. When offered, I jumped at the chance to learn a new skill. It was actually pretty simple:

1. Turn the pin to break the seal,
2. Pull the pin,
3. Aim the hose at the base of the fire,
4. Squeeze the trigger, like you're killing zombies, until extinguished.

During our Digital Law, Policy & Ethics class today it dawned on me that what we're studying is kinda like learning to use a fire extinguisher. Our law professor, Russell Rains, assures us that his goal isn't to train us to be lawyers, but rather, as MBA students, to skillfully spot the legal issues that naturally arise during the regular course of business. As digital MBA students, we are also focusing on legal issues unique to the digital environment.

Laws continue to evolve, and this evolution is sped up by ever changing technology. The first copyright laws in the U.S. primarily only applied to books and maps, but those laws have obviously been updated in the ensuing years to reflect the new realities created by new technologies. I may never be a lawyer, but I'm excited that I am being equipped to put out fires, digital and otherwise.

dMBA - There's an App For That

Last week we wrapped up our 1st fall term in Year 2 (Y2) of the dMBA program. With classes in Business Law & Ethics, Project Management and Applied Digital Convergence (ADC), its exciting to observe how Y2 builds on Year 1 (Y1).

Y1 was all about the "nuts and bolts" of business, you know, the theories and science of business - accounting, finance, marketing - the foundation of a solid business education. Now, if Y1 was all about the science of business, Y2 is unfolding to be about the art. The rich class discussions in Law and ADC require critical and creative thinking as these areas are more finessed and not so black-and-white as most of the courses from Y1 - but these Y2 discussions wouldn't be possible without the foundation of Y1. Perhaps more importantly though, is that Y2 is allowing for the application of the principles we studied in Y1 and putting them into practice with new courses like Project Management and New Venture Creation.

My favorite application, however, is happening outside the classroom. I am currently producing a short animated film and am having a blast! Working on this film has put me back in touch with my creativity and I am loving it! From directing the voice actors to collaborating with the illustrator and animators, this creative outlet is just what I need to balance out all of my studying!

Just as rewarding, however, as the creative outlet, this production has helped me see how much I've learned since beginning the dMBA program. Perhaps if I hadn't produced anything before, I wouldn't notice what all I've been learning. With this film, my 1st since starting the program, I notice that I'm thinking about, and managing, the project in a more holistic way. From our HR courses to Accounting to Interactive Technology & E-Commerce to Law, I am now instinctively applying what we're learning in the classroom to the production process.

I'm thrilled to be returning to my creative roots, but am even more thrilled to apply to the creative process all that I've been learning!

* The above illustrations are an early storyboard from my current film illustrated by Zara Steadman.

Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.

One week of classes left in this term and I have a billion chapters of Business Law to read, 2 papers to write for Applied Digital Convergence (ADC) and a final project and presentation for Project Management - aggghh! Its always this way towards the end of the term where I get cranky about the sheer volume of work and wonder how its all gonna get done.

And then I heard the news that Steve Jobs died today... and it all got put into perspective. The first thing I thought of, of course, is his contribution to the world via digital technology - how he put the power of technology into the hands of the consumer and has radically changed how we communicate and express ourselves. In ADC Jobs and Apple are hot topics in examining the notion of "disruptive technologies" - and as digital media MBA's we are being trained in how to nurture and spot "the next big thing" in business.

But in re-watching Jobs' 2005 Stanford University commencement address - I'm struck by an even greater legacy than mere technology - that of a philosophy and perspective that allowed his creativity and visions to change the world.

As I prepare for the last week of this term in grad school, I am struck by the profound impact that this man, who didn't finish his undergrad, has had on the world. Maybe I'm just feeling wistful - but it seems like everything I really need to know he says in his speech - and the opportunities from grad school are just the icing on the cake.

My favorite lines from his address:

You can't connect the dots looking forward,

you can only connect them looking backward.

Believing that the dots will connect down the road will give you the confidence to follow your heart even when it leads you off the well worn path and that will make all the difference.

Keep looking, don't settle.

Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose.

You are already naked, there is no reason not to follow your heart.

Your time is limited so don't waste it living someone else's life.

Don't be trapped by dogma which is living with the results of other people's thinking.

Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice.

And most important, have the courage to follow your own heart and intuition - they somehow already know what you truly want to become.

Stay hungry. Stay foolish.