CBMC International

How do you build a successful business? Countless books have been written about this. So-called ‘experts’ tout many formulas for how a company can rise above the competitors. But rarely do we hear these authorities mention a particular word that can make a tremendous difference for both an enterprise and its clients or customers. That … Read more

Ignaz Semmelweis was a Hungarian physician and scientist who in the mid-19th century implemented hand-washing procedures for doctors at Vienna General Hospital. This practice decreased the incidence of maternal death, then called “childbed fever,” from 18% to 2%. Semmelweis, the “savior of mothers,” was a pioneer in medical antiseptic policy and practices that have become commonplace today. At … Read more

In the Bible, we find an unlikely friendship that changed the course of history: Barnabas and Saul. When no one wanted to get near the former persecutor of the Church, it was Barnabas who had the courage to believe in the transformation God was working in him. He brought Saul to the apostles, walked alongside … Read more

Advice is like medicine. It usually only works when taken as directed. In today’s very complex business and professional world, it is impossible to understand all the many factors that affect key decisions. There is wisdom, therefore, in seeking counsel from individuals who can provide valuable insight. Many people, however, are inclined to seek advice … Read more

“Best practices” have long been prized in leadership. They offer efficiency, eliminate unnecessary reinvention, and leverage the accumulated wisdom of those who have gone before. Likewise, industry standards provide structured frameworks – enabling professionals and organizations to operate with greater clarity and consistency. Early in my career with the United States Secret Service, I quickly … Read more

A common refrain I hear from many CEOs and business and professional leaders is, “It’s lonely at the top.” Business owners and top executives often find themselves having to make difficult decisions they are not comfortable sharing with their team members. This is why in 1945, U.S. President Harry S. Truman had a sign made for … Read more

Whether at the start of a new year or the middle of one – as we are now – it is good not to dwell on the past but to enjoy the present and anticipate a promising future. Our failures, financial and otherwise, are behind us. Of course, our successes are behind us as well. … Read more

Vince Lombardi was a legendary coach in American professional football, leading the Green Bay Packers to five championships. He possessed great expertise as a coach, but one principle he always followed was to never forget the basics. Prior to the first practice of every new season, Lombardi would always raise an object in his hand … Read more

The inscription on my new tee shirt, a birthday gift from my daughter, read in big bold letters the Latin phrase, “PURGAMENTUM INIT, EXIT PURGAMENTUM,” an old Latin phrase I came across many years ago. On the shirt, beneath that inscription, it read in smaller red letters, “GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT.” My children heard me … Read more

Recently, a young banker told me that he had been hired to get involved in the community by networking – making connections with prospective customers. But he was not sure how to do this. So, I thought it might be helpful to consider successful strategies for networking, along with relevant biblical principles.   The first step … Read more