Posts by E.L. Chappel
The Real Deal Behind Math and Science Class
Recently I was invited to talk to a group of high school students about careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). We also discussed why it’s important to continue to develop the strategic thinking, problem solving, organization and execution skills that evolve organically from math and science courses. The upperclassmen were given the opportunity…
Read MoreThe Myth of Keeping Up.
I have a strong sense of discipline. A characteristic people tell me they both like and hate most about me. From the outside this sense seems like a gift and it is, beyond a doubt. A gift, however, that needs to be managed. Let me explain. Yesterday, I finished the concept edits for my second…
Read MoreAdvice from a Vietnam Pilot
Years ago, I marched into the airplane hanger where I worked, my nerves about to split skin. Upset by someone in my life who had decided to hold me accountable for another’s actions. Back then I didn’t know, what I know now. The fact that you can’t control how other people behave, only how you…
Read MoreWhat We Teach Others by Remaining Stiff Lipped
Recently I was told by someone I trust that we train people how to treat us by what behaviors we let go and what we stop dead in its tracks. Skeptical? So was I. Since I’m the type of person that rarely accepts at face value. Who listens, but then does a ton of research and…
Read MoreGratitude: What We Give, What We Get.
This past weekend I invited over one of the subcontractors who worked on our remodel project. He was part of the demo team, the lead framer and after I took over the job, he stepped up, broadened his scope, and was invaluable to me. It was my intention when the house was finished to have…
Read More“Say again?” Texting and Communication Gaps
I love nail-biting movies. The one that always comes to mind is the screen version of Tom Clancy’s The Hunt For Red October. Forever in the pursuit of speaking my truth and becoming an uber communicator, there is one scene in this film that is etched in my gray matter. The pinnacle moment where CIA…
Read MoreIce Breakers in the era of social media. Easier or far more complicated?
I was recently at a gallery event admiring a colorblocked painting covered with brilliant butterflies when another guest sauntered over, squinted at the price and title card, then stepped back to my side. “Transmogrification?” he sounded out the title. “Evolution?” I guessed. He coughed and cleared his throat. “Rebirth.” A voice chimed from behind us.…
Read MoreHooked on Phonics?
I’d just finished my website newsletter, the backstory behind the prophetic future pill in Spirit Dance, (click here and sign up to get the story) and was motoring around the kitchen island stretching my legs–waka, waka–happy as a hungry Pac Man pill. Midway through my second lap, my phone pinged. A text message from…
Read MoreSingle or Double. Perceptions from the Cockpit.
I meet the most interesting people on airplanes. Some time ago, I sat next to a pilot. Even though he wasn’t in uniform, I knew. A seventh sense of sorts. My aviator radar pinged. “What kind of pilot are you?” I asked after getting situated in my seat. “F-16,” he answered. “Fighting Falcon?” His blond…
Read MoreThe Telephone Game and Marketing a Book.
Have you ever sat in a line with a dozen or so people, whispered a statement and then passed, what you assumed were the same words, mouth to ear, until reaching the last person in the row? Then, asked that last individual to repeat what was heard. Was it remotely close to the message you…
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