Hi Everyone,
Roy Amara, a systems engineer who worked at the Stanford Research Institute, is credited for establishing Amara’s Law: We tend to overestimate the effect of a technology in the short run, and underestimate the effect in the long run. This sentiment has now been repackaged by many in motivational and coaching occupations and repurposed to serve as a testament of our inability to accurately estimate human effort. Back in March 2011, I indicated it was the beginning of a new chapter. Today, six years later, I am grateful to share that chapter is closed. The starting line was no job, no kids and an ambitious goal. The finish line is a Ph.D., two healthy kids and recently being honored as one of the top 50 influencers in digital health. Unfortunately, there is no secret sauce to share. Advice from Gary V. and Grant Cardone failed me. Instead, I found diligently and constantly working smarter was better (for me, at least) than trying to work harder. I truly respect those that hustle, but in the final analysis of this “chapter,” when I gunned it looking for short-term wins I consistently fell flat (maybe why I have always been terrible at sales). This long play, though — pretty happy with the end result.
Business, Innovation and Entrepreneurship: This quarter’s interview is with John Gengarella. John is a Harvard graduate, well-known for customer-centric design and application development. In 2015, John was appointed the CEO of Netpulse, one of the market leaders in mobile technology for the fitness industry. My interview with John focusing on the business of fitness technology can be read here.
Health and Wellness: My interview around health and wellness this quarter is with Jill Gilbert. Jill is a lifelong entrepreneur. She created the first comprehensive online directory and resource for senior care, Gilbert Guide. Jill also produces the Digital Health Summit at CES, as well as several other prominent digital health events year round. My interview with Jill about health technology can be read by clicking here.
Life Experience: I traveled to Jackson, New Jersey, to log this quarter’s life experience, which was to ride the largest roller coaster in the world, the Kingda Ka. Reaching a height of 456 feet, there is not a taller roller coaster in existence. I got to enjoy the experience with my brother, which made it even better.
Contribution: Some great opportunities to log contribution this quarter, which is always gratifying. I was a benefactor for the following charities: Dare to Bare, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and March for Babies.
If you feel like contributing this week, here is a good deed that will not cost you a thing. One of my neighbors here in Alameda, Dan Goldfield, is extremely passionate and selfless about helping others. He teaches at-risk youth and is trying to get a small grant from Farmers Insurance to take his students to the Point Reyes National Seashore. If this is something you can get behind, please think about supporting him with a vote by clicking here (you need to search Alameda, CA, for his name to come up). You can vote once every day for the next week.
Wishing you a very prosperous summer. Reach out if you are up for a burrito and/or a beer. I have a little more time for either/both than I have had the past few years and I’m really looking forward to the next chapter. Hope to see you in it.
In health,
Dr. Rucker
