Im so happy you enjoyed it, Shawn! It’s been surprisingly meaningful for me but I will admit to being concerned it might be “too much beard talk” for everyone 😜
Steve, excellent and entertaining post. The tougher or more intriguing question you raise is actually about the depth and sustainability of "change" and "transformation" that are tropes hauled around by too many management consultants who really dont understand what they are talking about but bill nicely for it. Maybe the beard is both and enabler and symbol of change but the real Steve I know comes with through in this blog piece
My own version of this is as a lifetime brunette gone totally blond. The way I see it, my naturally dark hair will always be there for me-- and for now, I choose this.
I love it, Lana! That is so well put. I think "clean-shaven Steve" will always be there for me, too, and for now... I choose Beard Steve! :-) Was it a hard decision for you to make the change? And are you getting a lot of reaction to it from others? (Yesterday, I was told (again) that I was unrecognizable compared to a year ago)
Your comments about the (strong) reactions to your beard remind me of the Georgia O'Keefe quote: "I have already settled it for myself, so flattery and criticism go down the same drain - and I am quite free."
Reactions to my blond hair have included: "I WISH I could do that!" and "I would NEVER do that!" More reflections of them than me. And I would guess a similar thing may be true re: those reacting to your internal shifts made external.
You captured it perfectly! And I love the Georgia O’Keefe quote! Congratulations on going blonde and I hope you enjoy the experience of the new you 🎉🎉🎉
I am a huge fan of 'gothic Steve' photo. Is that the next evolution? It feels that's where I have been for many years! As one beardy to another, go Steve! POD
I cannot tell you how much glee I had when AI cooked up that Goth Anarchist image—it makes me really happy! I don't think I'm heading there, but it's nice to get a preview of what is possible :-) Cheers to beards, Pod!
Hi Steve, I have really enjoyed the beard series. Shawn
Im so happy you enjoyed it, Shawn! It’s been surprisingly meaningful for me but I will admit to being concerned it might be “too much beard talk” for everyone 😜
Steve, excellent and entertaining post. The tougher or more intriguing question you raise is actually about the depth and sustainability of "change" and "transformation" that are tropes hauled around by too many management consultants who really dont understand what they are talking about but bill nicely for it. Maybe the beard is both and enabler and symbol of change but the real Steve I know comes with through in this blog piece
Thanks, Larry! I’ll be announcing my new five part “Beard Framework for Corporate Change” in the coming days-stay tuned! 😂
My own version of this is as a lifetime brunette gone totally blond. The way I see it, my naturally dark hair will always be there for me-- and for now, I choose this.
I love it, Lana! That is so well put. I think "clean-shaven Steve" will always be there for me, too, and for now... I choose Beard Steve! :-) Was it a hard decision for you to make the change? And are you getting a lot of reaction to it from others? (Yesterday, I was told (again) that I was unrecognizable compared to a year ago)
Your comments about the (strong) reactions to your beard remind me of the Georgia O'Keefe quote: "I have already settled it for myself, so flattery and criticism go down the same drain - and I am quite free."
Reactions to my blond hair have included: "I WISH I could do that!" and "I would NEVER do that!" More reflections of them than me. And I would guess a similar thing may be true re: those reacting to your internal shifts made external.
You captured it perfectly! And I love the Georgia O’Keefe quote! Congratulations on going blonde and I hope you enjoy the experience of the new you 🎉🎉🎉
Hey BS,
Fascinating job on the self-reflection (yup) and articulation of something so seemingly normal. Welcome to your new face. I hope you love it!
I love "welcome to your new face" as a phrase! Thank you!
I am a huge fan of 'gothic Steve' photo. Is that the next evolution? It feels that's where I have been for many years! As one beardy to another, go Steve! POD
I cannot tell you how much glee I had when AI cooked up that Goth Anarchist image—it makes me really happy! I don't think I'm heading there, but it's nice to get a preview of what is possible :-) Cheers to beards, Pod!