inspiration

MLK on the Hole in Your Soul

by Bill Brenner January 19, 2015 Inspiration

This being the day we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I thought it appropriate to share 10 favorite quotes from the man. He didn’t just lead the way on Civil Rights. He led the way on addressing that hole in the soul that caused people to be full of racism and rage to begin with. It’s that same hole that turns many of us into addicts and bullies. May…  [Read More]

Three Things Jeff Bauman Teaches Us About Being Boston Strong

by Bill Brenner April 16, 2014 Gratitude

Jeff Bauman has gotten so much attention since the Boston Marathon bombings a year ago that I had resolved not to write about him here. I’m as inspired by his story as everyone else; I simply thought there was nothing I could say about the guy that hadn’t been already said. Then I started reading his new book “Stronger.” Mood music: I’ve only read previews and excerpts thus far, but already I’m seeing something special….  [Read More]

Success vs. Failure: Not as Simple as This Image Suggests

by Bill Brenner April 9, 2014 Inspiration

LinkedIn and other social media sites are publishing a lot of articles and graphics lately about things successful people do and don’t do. There are many good points in all of them, and they at least give us things to strive for. This graphic in particular caught and held my attention: For the most part, I agree with this one. Before I started to bring my demons to heel, many of my traits fell into…  [Read More]

Eleanor Roosevelt Was a Badass

by Bill Brenner April 8, 2014 Courage

I’ve always admired Eleanor Roosevelt. She defied the society of her day and forged a new path for women. She was a tireless fighter for the disadvantaged. During WWII, she traveled to the front to visit the troops, despite the danger. She was an early fighter for civil rights. One of her most famous quotes was to do something every day that scares you. The older she got, the more badass she became. Mood music: In…  [Read More]

Cancer Can’t Stop the Almighty Cashdollar

by Bill Brenner February 19, 2014 Inspiration

A friend and colleague announced via Facebook and Twitter that he has thyroid cancer. Larry Cashdollar — an Akamai security researcher I like to call “The Almighty Cashdollar” — was tested a few weeks ago, and I know he’s been worried. Now, at least, he knows what he’s up against. Mood music: He wrote: I have thyroid #cancer. I’ve been waiting for the last week for my biopsy results and the doctor called today. —…  [Read More]

Paying It Forward

by Bill Brenner December 19, 2013 Inspiration

Lately I’ve been doing profiles on people who inspire me. Last week, it was Trey Ford. This week, it’s Microsoft senior security strategist Katie Moussouris. I’m doing so because they deserve the honors. But it’s all part of a bigger strategy. Mood music: As I’ve noted before, my emotions this time of year tend to tilt toward the negative, and I’m definitely feeling depressed and prickly lately. Though I’ve overcome a lot, I still get a huge shot…  [Read More]

Katie Moussouris: Profile in Fortitude

by Bill Brenner December 18, 2013 Inspiration

Friends in the information security community continue to inspire me. Last week, it was Trey Ford. This week, it’s Microsoft senior security strategist Katie Moussouris. Mood music: Katie has had a huge year at Microsoft and in the wider security industry. After a seemingly eternal push, she succeeded in getting a bug bounty program off the ground, ensuring that the software giant will find and patch many more security holes than it has before. She traveled the globe nonstop,…  [Read More]

You’re a Good Man, Trey Ford

by Bill Brenner December 11, 2013 Gratitude

As most of my friends in the information security community know, one of our own — Trey Ford — got left out in the cold last week when Black Hat’s powers that be decided they no longer needed a general manager to handle their annual summer conference. He’s following the proven path of seeking new job leads on the social networks. But he’s doing something else that makes him worthy of mention here. Mood music:…  [Read More]

Red Sox Player Jonny Gomes: Profile in Fortitude

by Bill Brenner October 30, 2013 Inspiration

I’ll be honest with all you rabid sports fans: I’m not much of a sports guy. While my peers were playing on various ball teams in high school, my recreation was listening to heavy metal, going to concerts and getting into trouble. In adulthood, I’m always happy when the Boston sports teams do well, but I don’t stay up late to watch games or banter with colleagues about sports. I still have an admiration for…  [Read More]

Cancer’s Silver Lining

by Bill Brenner January 28, 2013 Inspiration

These days it’s sobering for me to think of all the cancer patients I know personally. I’ve written about my aunt and one of my hometown friends. I’ve known others, as well. I’ve never had cancer, but it’s become a source of anxiety in my life.  Mood music: [spotify:track:2ql32BJPN3hnyboml4JfER] Along with knowing many who battle it, I’m at a higher risk of developing colon cancer one of these days, thanks to nearly a lifetime of…  [Read More]

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