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Cal Fussman – March 11, 2016

Cal Fussman – March 11, 2016

Books – what I learned compilations, 100 years of solitude, between the world and me, speak like Churchill stand like Lincoln, Feast of Snakes
Documentaries/movies – cinema paradiso, man on wire.

@calfussman – writer of what I learned feature in esquire. Great interviewer & reporter. Traveler, athlete & adventurer. Calfussman.com

  • Quincy Jones – even at a signing, he take time with every fan to connect, even if it means keeping the bookstore open until 3 am.
  • Good questioning comes from building trust through the questions.
  • Basic fact – people want to talk about their lives. People can open up to strangers in ways that they never could with people around them.
  • Telling good stories comes from writing frequently.
  • A good interview starts with a question that goes straight to the heart,  it the head.
  • Success – George Foreman – started his comeback in his 40’s at over 300 lbs. Did it by letting go of his earlier angry self.
  • Book gifts that compliment the persons needs.
  • Speak like Churchill, Stand like Lincoln – for anyone that needs to speak publicly. Tips for anyone that needs to give a speech.
  • “It’s the last two steps. The people that die, die in the last two steps.”
  • Billboard anywhere in the world – “Listen”
  • Advice to 30 year old self? Not one word.
  • Advice to college students – learn languages by befriending foreign speakers & hanging out in their world.
  • TF book – Chimpanzee Politics. Newt Gingriches book on navigating politics.
  • To learn to write – write as much as possible. Just write.
  • Don’t use school as an excuse to put yourself off from writing. Put yourself in a position where you have no money, and are forced to practice your craft to make money.
  • The moment and the experience make the flavor of the food you’re eating or the wine you’re drinking.