Today, I turn 50. It's a milestone that requires serious reflection—on the past, the future, and everything in between. I don’t have a long list of life lessons. But I’ve gathered a few guideposts that have served me well: *Cherish friendships authentic people. Sacrifice for them. *Pursue excellence, not money. *Bragging is usually a mask for insecurity. *Learn to laugh at yourself—often, hard and before everyone else. *Work till you can't anymore. Then keep going. I haven’t gotten everything right. But I’ve done the best I could with what I had—and that’s something I can live with. Above all, I’m grateful. For the ideas I’ve explored. For the students I've taught. For the organizations and companies I’ve built. And most of all, the people who’ve been part of the journey. Onward. (That's me in Miami! Yes, there are 49 candles missing)