Tea with McNair

• in atlanta 8 march to hatch the hatch

Dateline Atlanta, 8 March 2013 •  I will be speaking to the headquarters staff of Chick-fil-A for the first of what will be regularly occurring "Innovation Days" at their newly christened innovation center. They call the place, "Hatch"—really. 

On numerous visits to Chick-fil-A over the last year I have watched "Hatch" take shape with a delicious variety of discreet (closed) and flexible (open and versatile) spaces. When I was there a few months ago, they gave me a yet-to-be-moved-into office to camp in for a few days. In photo you can see my "BookBook" leather case for my MacBook Pro, open sketchbook, and Belstaff 554 bag (on top of the Chick-issued funky old drawers.)

To compliment the glass top desk each office has a clear glass "white board" bolted to the wall for out loud thinking. (Notice chrome bolts mid photo.) Great idea ...not as effective as they'd hoped: dry erase markers are no strong, dense colors—not opaque. The thin coloring and the strongly texture brick wall behind makes anything on the clear glass surface tough to read. I suggested adding the giant blank tablet sheets that have a strip of adhesive, like giant Post-It notes or butcher paper.

Here's an aerial photo of two "out buildings" Chick-fil-A has acquired very close to their larger headquarters building (near the Atlanta airport.) "Hatch" is the "smaller" building on the right. These were once giant, industrial distribution centers. To get an idea of the size of "Hatch" notice the two, white, semi-truck trailer boxes to the left of the building, just above center.

I will get more photos of the interior of "Hatch" when I speak there March 8th—now that this amazing innovation center is completed and in use.

If your organization would be interested in taking advantage of me being in the Atlanta  in early March, PLEASE contact me soon. We have not, yet, booked flights. I am available all week (before Thurs. 3/8 at CFA) and the weekend following for corporate in-house brainstorming, business round table gatherings, college or church speaking or performances of either of my two one-man plays.

     

• kyndra's hope

Of the many films I have seen recently, Kyndra's Hope, may be the most moving, the most inspiring, and by far the most important. The film and the people behind it are changing Colorado and the world.

This seven minute short was created by my long-time friend MaxPaul Franklin at the request of his long-time friend Ross Wright. Ross is the leader of a movement to change childcare—especially foster homes and related issues. Another time I'll take you on a virtual tour of his "offices" (just minutes from where I am living.) It may well be the only child care agency on the planet with a fun and inviting coffee bar as it's reception area and a playground out back. It is the Hope & Home organization.

For now, though, I want you to meet Kyndra. You will not be the same.

I was priveledge to be at the premiere of this film and to meet Kyndra and he remarkable new family. (You saw them in the film.) You can learn more about this "movement" to make sure there are fewer and fewer Kyndra's by visiting the Kyndra's Hope website.

Please share this blog post and film far and wide.

• unworried about the year 'thirteen

I am very excited about the wide (and W!LD) array of opportunities, creative challenges, and unknown adventures that await in the year 'THIRTEEN. How 'bout you?!