How to Ask for Referrals in Business, Life, and Love

Many of my professional successes have come through referrals, especially when I clearly articulate what I’m looking for and make it easy for others to pass that information along.

Recently, I decided to apply that same approach to a more personal search: finding the right romantic partner.

How Taking Five Minutes to Give First Rippled into a 5x Financial Return

My friend, investor, and longtime mentor, Brad Feld, recently released his new book: Give First, the Power of Mentorship. Give First means simply trying to help anyone, especially entrepreneurs, without expecting financial compensation or anything specific in return.

Coping with Uncertainty Anxiety

One of my 2025 goals is to welcome change and uncertainty, but despite feeling grateful for this rare opportunity to explore new possibilities, the unpredictability of my future often gives me anxiety. As I work to tackle this, I’ve been learning some important lessons I’d like to share.

Am I Oversharing? The Benefits and Drawbacks of Honesty

I am an oversharer. It feels totally natural to me to share deeply personal details and self-reflections with store checkout clerks, Uber drivers, and nearly everyone else I randomly encounter.

The 47 Qualities I’m Looking for in a Man (And Why I Might Ignore Most of Them)

When I left my marriage, I thought I knew exactly what I wanted to find in a man. My analytical mind had been assessing what I could bring to a romantic partner and what I wanted from them through nearly every moment of my 20-year relationship. Yet, as I dip my toes into the dating pool, I’m learning that I actually like some of the things I thought I disliked, and vice versa.

Have I Found “the One”? 16 Questions to Ask After a First, Fifth, and Fiftieth Date

I find myself dating for the first time since I was 21 years old. It turns out that my experience of vetting thousands of entrepreneurs over the past decade as a venture capitalist is coming in handy. Especially when it comes to trusting my intuition.

Why I Don’t Apologize for Unanswered Emails

Nearly every email I receive seems to start with “Sorry for the delay.” I realize that people do this as a sign of respect, but it actually has the opposite effect on me.

I’m Stuck, and I’m Glad I Can’t Get Out

Due to a nasty winter storm, I am currently buried in the middle of nowhere Montana. Although I could find a way to dig myself out, I’m opting to stay put because I sense that there is something I am supposed to learn from this experience.

Risking Rejection to Be Me

My 2025 goal is to risk judgment, rejection, and loneliness to be my authentic self.

Questions to Ask at the Start of a New Year

These are the questions I am asking myself to clarify my aspirations for the New Year.