Cynical Optimism 101• How to be your toughest critic in order to achieve your

greatest success.

Marco Ceglie@mkoshark

Marco@MarcoCeglie.com

Lets get to know one another better.

What is Cynical Optimism?

“Expect the unexpected and the unexpected will never materialize.”

~ Vincent Corsentino Scoutmaster, Boy Scout Troop 21

A methodical approach.The

Who

Who are our competitors?Where can we improve? When should we change course?

And…

HOW CAN THIS FAIL?

What are our biggest hurdles?

WhoWhatWhenWhereHow

A Cautionary TaleTheranos CEOElizabeth Holmes.

“• Several former employees say that Ms. Holmes’s steely focus on her mission — an attribute deeply admired by outsiders — made it difficult for her to acknowledge any serious shortcomings in the company’s products. They say she would become angry and sometimes fire people who pointed out problems. She often spoke as though the company’s technology already existed, they said, rather than as if it were still in development.”

~ NY Times, Dec 19, 2015

Knowledge is powerAmazon CEOJeff Bezos.

“To prepare a presentation for Jeff, first make damn sure you know everything there is to know about the subject....”

~ Former Amazon Executive explaining how to prepare for a meeting with CEO Jeff Bezos

“ If you are the smartest person in the room, then you are likely in the wrong room.”

Reevaluate when you find yourself with more answers than questions.

Key Checkpoints:

Slow down and ask: - Is this the best we can do?

Take the time to make it right

Launch and Refine

Optimism is vital

“ Inaction may be safe, but it builds nothing.”

~ Dave Freudenthal

You are only as good as your last 5 minutes.”

~ Unknown

“The last thing the world needs right now is another crappy app.”

~ Marco Ceglie

You have the power to be a force for good in the world, or at least a force for better products, technology and businesses. Be that power.”

marco@marcoceglie.com