This is a wonderful and inspirational commencement address by J.K. Rowling delivered recently to Harvard Business School.

Thank-you to Ed Santana for passing this along.

My son, Jack, won the N.C. Amateur yesterday, and I want to say “Congratulations Jack. You have worked for a long time to make this happen!” He showed true leadership, and we are all very excited for him.
Read the full article in the Raleigh News and Observer

Jack will be playing golf for the University of North Carolina starting in August of 2008.  Good luck Jack!

Yes, I know…every pundit, supporter and eager Clinton fan wants to know the answer to this question.

First of all, I concur with Corey’s post from June 6 on Senator Clinton carving her own path. Here, here! I also believe that there is a place for her in our political system. Senator Clinton is sharp, and the area where I believe she has the most passion and knowledge is on the topic of healthcare. While I am not convinced that an Obama/Clinton ticket is a wise move, I do believe that if elected, Senator Obama will be thinking about where and how Clinton can best serve our country. In my opinion, a position such as Secretary of Health would be a great fit (but of course, this is just according to the world of Bea.)

I have watched Clinton speak on a variety of debates and interviews and speeches over the last 16 months, but I have to say that watching her yesterday was a joy for me. I finally felt like I liked her. I don’t know why, but she seemed to be putting her energy and strength behind the democrats…a smart move indeed. And, I do wish her well and believe that she should indeed be in a leadership role for the United States. She’s got spunk and stickability, and we need that!

David Cook has been my favorite Idol for the last 6 weeks or so.  I was not the biggest fan in the beginning.  He seemed to get defensive when Simon gave him feedback, and he came across as a bit arrogant.  But as time went on, this Gen Y man grew into a leader.

I love watching someone grow, and enjoy learning the leadership lessons I observe during that growth period.  These lessons are leadership behaviors we can all learn from and live by.

1) David Cook is authentic.  He stayed true to his personality throughout the competition.  Not one time did he try to be something he wasn’t.

2) He took risks.  Cook took songs from decades ago and made them hip and relevant to today’s marketplace.  There were several times when I could hear the songs he sang being played in a movie soundtrack (and to me, that is a true test of relevancy…I don’t know why I think that, I just do.)

3) As time moved on, David Cook stepped up and showed that he has a tough skin.  He began taking the criticism dished out (especially by Simon who was particularly tough on Cook,) and he worked with that criticism and improved each week.

4) During last night’s final show, David was showing up like a leader.  He had a presence that showed his maturity, and he truly “owned” the stage.  But…not one time did he try to overshadow David Archuleta.  He shared the stage with him and gave him equal “stage power.”

5) He showed his vulnerability.  It is tough for a rocker to stand on a stage and shed tears, but Cook let them flow (as he should!)  Showing raw emotion is tough for leaders.  They think in some way that it makes them weak or soft.  The opposite is actually the case.  By showing raw emotion, you make a connection with your audience.

6) Finally…David Cook made the hair on my arms and on the back of my neck stand up.  He touches people, and I think most would agree with me.  His passion and inspiration are so critical for leaders of today.  And…he’s just darn cool!

Congratulations, and best of luck to you in the future. Watch below as he hears the news and then sings the winning song Time of My Life (great song!)

For the first time in a long time, Senator Obama is coming across as someone who is presidential and can address the challenges of someone (Wright) who seems to me to be one of the most narcissistic and self serving men I have observed in a while.   I have been wondering how Obama would handle someone like Wright, and I am now convinced that he can draw a line in the sand when needed.  I believe Obama just saved his reputation and his place on the November ballot.