In the CEO Afterlife

DECEMBER 21, 2011

They are global, they are successful and they have become the quintessential icons of pop music. Since the birth of rock ‘n roll sixty years ago, the esteemed products of Fender Musical Instruments and the Gibson Guitar Corporation continue to dominate a market enthralled by rock music and rock personalities. From wannabe pickers to professionals, Gibson and Fender are as close to transcendental as a brand can be.

Company 248

Company Brand Price Globalization 248

In the CEO Afterlife

DECEMBER 19, 2011

I was cleaning out some files the other day and came across a brain twister. I suspect the puzzle came from the Edward de Bono lateral thinking seminar I attended some 30 years ago. It must have made an impact on me because not only did I save it, I also used it as a warm-up exercise at a couple of out-of-the box, new product brainstorm sessions. The best way to approach any brain twister is to free the mind and allow it to function “laterally” rather than vertically or logically.

Brainstorming 195

Brainstorming Seminar Bottom-up Creativity 195