Pepper de Callier | Mentoring

Not long ago I was reading through a collection of quotes that I have put together over the years, which I often turn to for inspiration, insights, and a fresh perspective. My collection spans quotes from classical philosophers to modern-day professional athletes, business people, entertainers… read more

Pepper de Callier | Mentoring

I was in the United States recently to attend my older son, Case’s, wedding. Being there, seeing friends and family whom I hadn’t seen for, in some cases, more than twenty years, and seeing my son, now a grown man, marry a wonderful young lady set the stage for some major reflection about life… read more

Pepper de Callier | Mentoring

As Czech professionals become more mobile and the economy provides more opportunities, more upwardly mobile professionals will resign from one position to accept a new one. It’s a fact of life. Research shows that a career is rapidly becoming a collection of employers over the span of one’s… read more

Pepper de Callier | Mentoring

In this final installment of thoughts and observations to consider regarding the creation of a culturally relevant Czech version of mentoring we’ll examine both ends of the mentoring spectrum from potential dangers and abuses to what mentoring looks like in its highest and best form.

In… read more

Pepper de Callier | Mentoring

In a continuation of our look at the creation of a culturally relevant Czech version of mentoring, the first question is, “How do you begin the process of finding a mentor?”

“It all starts with two questions,” according to Troy Neilsen, Associate Professor of Management at Utah Valley… read more

Pepper de Callier | Mentoring

The idea for this column came from a discussion I had over dinner in Prague almost two years ago. My wife and I were new to Prague and anxious to learn about the city, the people and culture of the Czech Republic. We were having dinner with former student dissident leader and successful Czech… read more

Pepper de Callier | Mentoring

These are trying times for many corporations that are attempting to expand and participate in a growing economy. One of the reasons is pretty simple: there are a dwindling number of qualified people for an expanding number of jobs being created in the marketplace. I have spoken with a number… read more

Pepper de Callier | Motivation

"This group can do more. They need to do more! I don’t know what’s wrong with them. I take them on off-site meetings and have dinners for them, but they just don’t get it—they’re not motivated. I’m already spending a fortune on these ‘feel good’ things. What do I have to do now?… read more

Pepper de Callier | Motivation

“In my opinion, as the leaders of tomorrow, you are not discussing, or being taught about, one of the most important elements in the making of a true leader—personal failure.” I made that comment recently in an address to a global gathering of MBA students here in Prague. Having spent my career… read more

Pepper de Callier | Motivation

There’s nothing like a good economic crisis to liven up a discussion about positive versus negative thinking. People have a tendency to become a little more introspective when they feel their careers, financial stability, and peace of mind in general, are being threatened. It’s at times like… read more