Last week, after 41 years working together, Jim Watkins and I closed our last deal. We closed our first deal together in 1984. In 2020, I wrote a tribute to Jim and the true mentor he has been (you can read it here). Today, I’m reflecting on both that first deal, this last deal, and […]
Firsts—Lasts—and the Journey Read More »
Failure is success in progress.” – Albert Einstein. Let’s get into it—if you want real success, you’re going to have to fail. Probably a lot. In Part 2 of our Ten on One series, my partner Andrew Cheney finishes his conversation with longtime friend Michael Kosta. They go even deeper into what it really takes to chase your dream—and yes,
The Benefits of Failure Read More »
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” — Helen Keller. One of the greatest gifts in life? Watching the people around you grow. In last week’s Ten on One, my Coppola Cheney partner Andrew Cheney interviewed his longtime friend Michael Kosta—a former tennis player turned comedian and now author. What stood out most
The Joy of Long-Term Relationships Read More »
Calmness isn’t something I was born with— however, I have been working on becoming calmer….for a long long time. Ha. I have found that the most grounded people don’t waste energy on things that drain them. They stay focused, control what they can, and let the rest go. I’m working on this myself every day. Want
We all know, success isn’t just about what you know—it’s about who you know. AND in my opinion, more importantly, who knows you. The best networkers don’t just collect business cards; they create real connections by bringing the right people together. I’ve built my career by being a connector, and I can tell you I get
Stop Networking, Start Connecting Read More »
Tom Brady is the undisputed GOAT, and his story isn’t just about football—it’s about greatness, period. He wasn’t a prodigy. He fought, adapted, and pushed himself beyond his limits for years, proving that sustained excellence is built, not born. Here’s what we can learn from Brady’s path to the top: — Deliberate Practice Wins: Brady didn’t
What it Takes to be the GOAT Read More »
Procrastination is the enemy of success. Of course I have procrastinated just like everyone else, convincing myself that “later” is a solid strategy—only to find that “later” turned into “never.” Over the years, I’ve learned that beating procrastination isn’t about managing time—it’s about managing myself. There’s a fad out there promoting the value of procrastination, and
Stop Procrastination Read More »
I have learned that success is not all about talent or luck—it’s about showing up every day, no matter what. The best performers don’t wait for motivation—they build habits that keep them on track no matter how they feel. If you want results, commit to consistency. Once again, consistency is my word of the year
Word of the Year: Consistency! Read More »
In this second part of our series on Aging, Mary and I dove into a fairly new word: healthspan. Healthspan refers to the years you live feeling strong, capable, and connected, and it matters far more than just hitting a high number. As the article below states, “The pursuit of longevity should not come at
Part 2 – Aging: Healthspan Read More »
The saying, “age is just a number” is starting to seem more and more true as I get older. Mary Henk, who works on my team, and I are in our early 60s. We have both noticed an interesting trend: some people our age look and feel decades younger, while others appear much older. Is it
