# people I want to have dinner with

# people I want to have dinner with

As I set goals for 2012, I always like to put together a list of people I would want to have dinner with; some are carry-overs.. still working on them..some are new… others off the list! Here is early look at 2012 (subject to revision) ..in no particular order

Danny Meyer: the founder and chairman of Union Square Hospitality Group and founder of Union Square Café; his book “Setting the Table” is a must read on customer service. He and I have met, but my experience at his restaurant –the one at the Modern Museum in New York—I have now told to over 8,000 people when I speak; absolutely incredible way to empower employees to do the right thing, but also hold employees accountable with “constant gentle pressure”. I just had dinner at Blue Smoke—6^th time I have been there, always the same table. Coincidence?

Al Gore:  Perhaps a polarizing figure, but his concession speech in the 2000 election was brilliant; his comeback even more impressive.

Gary Erickson:  Founder, CEO of Clif Bar. He and I have met as well, but not for enough time.  As a former PowerBar passionate employee, Clif accession has been remarkable—and they do it with purpose, conviction and walk the walk.  Day care in the office, cafeteria, smart people, one can succeed and not compromise values. I am a fan.

Eminem:  Let’s face it, brilliant marketer.  What other cursing, tattoo laden, controversial rapper could have street cred and sell thousands of cd’s at Wal-Mart.  8 Mile is brilliant.  Lose yourself is an anthem to all generations. 

Occupy People:  I guess this one is easy, grab a sandwich and go sit in the park. I respect their dedication and passion—but I want to better understand “What does success look like?”

Brian Cashman:  General Manager of the Yankees. Yes, a long time fan and weaved into our family tradition.  But talk about “managing up”; he has had the toughest boss in the world, consumer demands to deliver the best product each and every year, scrutinized by the media and deal with tough employees (players)

Meredith Vieira:  Much respect. She eases into one of America’s biggest franchises, the Today Show, effortlessly, has a wonderful self deprecating way, but is incredibly smart. She leaves on her own terms for the right reasons –her family. Plus, she is a Tufts grad as well.

Paul Giamatti: The anti-George Clooney just keeps hitting it out of the Park. Sideways was brilliant, “Win Win” may surprise everyone with a Best Picture nod.  I would talk film, but also baseball. Check out who is Dad was.

Steven Wright:  If you don’t know the old school comedian, pull him up on YouTube, podcast etc. Dinner with him would be dry, sharp and hysterical.

Gisele Bundchen:  Of course..you say. But worldwide model, incredible businesswoman and Mom. Who else could make Tom Brady into Mr. Mom?  Plus she lives near me J

Michael Dell:  An entrepreneur who is a success story..but also a fascinating one as Apple’s explosion has impacted his  business and how he is dealing with change. Plus I love Austin, so I will come to him.

Jimmy Fallon:  No one on TV has ever gone from ridicule to brilliant in such a short period of time. If you don’t watch him, DVR it. There is no one doing such creative, innovative and relevant to the 18-34 demo as Fallon. The fun he is having is contagious; his Justin Timberlake (#1 not #2) rap was one of the most amazing things on TV in a decade.

Me:  All business people, especially this one, should slow down and have a long end of the year dinner to reflect on the year and plan for the next year.  My dinner may last a week.

Occupy Brand Street

Occupy Brand Street

As committed people camp on Wall Street to Main Street-and someone think they should be committed - they are showing the power of resolve, technology, and community and, most impressively, their voice. Unlike a political movement, let's understand this is a consumer movement.  The idea of the Consumer Voice maybe Times Man of the Year.

We are now seeing the power of that voice impact consumer brands

-First Netflix, and then this week, Bank of America.  In speaking to a business school class last week, I was challenged by my assertion that Netflix will be the "new Coke" of this decade. Many of you maybe too young to remember the debacle that was new Coke in 1985.  But after 100 Years the iconic can and formula were changed.

Coke a cola decided to change its formula to great fanfare. That included the new beverage arriving at the Lincoln Center and I believe the Statue of Liberty. The backlash was like anything we had seen before.  Netflix may be worse. Netflix changed its pricing plans by separating streaming from DVDs and suddenly consumers’ bills doubled over night. Moreover, DVDs were known as Quickster-destroying a brand that had "hero" attributes and turning it into a villain. From a branding standpoint, “Qwikster” spin off would have been partly understandable if they were planning to spin it off.

Netflix CEO Reed Hastings quickly apologized but did not change the pricing.

Consumer’s voice was heard through Twitter and emails and with their wallets- 100,000 people left and the stock is down 30%--- and Occupation Netflix was complete. Plans were being restored

Occupation Bank of America took hold this week as consumers pushed back on a $60 a year fee for use of a debit card. The policy was revoked.

So how far can this Occupy Brand Street take us? Perhaps to the White House where this group now can influence an election easier than Bank of America.  But my bet is Airlines and cable systems -especially Comcast. 

I do wait for the day sports fans don't show up at Fenway Park to protest ticket price increases-- that would truly make a great visual statement

We are the voice of change...occupy away