Adam Gonnerman

The world of business and trade, with its intricate transactions and multifaceted legal intricacies, may seem like a modern phenomenon. But if we trace back the threads of history, we'll find that trade has always been accompanied by its own unique set of rules and customs. One of the most fascinating aspects of this historical tapestry is the 'Law Merchant' or 'Lex Mercatoria.' Let's delve into its origin, significance, and legacy. The Origin: The Law Merchant began to take shape during the medieval period in Europe, roughly around the 11th to 12th centuries. As towns and cities grew, so did the need for a standardized system of commercial laws. Traditional local customs or feudal laws were ill-equipped to handle the complexities of growing trade. Thus, merchants themselves started developing their own set of customs and practices. Key Characteristics: Universality: One of the primary features was its universal nature. Since trade was often cross-border, it was...

Throughout my life, I've held a deep desire to make a meaningful difference in the world. Early on, I expressed this passion through ministry and mission work. More recently, I've dedicated time to volunteer work. Now, I've come to realize that my path forward lies in a profession centered around Sustainability. I'd like to share why I believe this transition aligns perfectly with my lifelong aspirations. A Foundation of Purpose: My journey began with a strong sense of purpose in ministry and mission work. These experiences instilled in me the importance of compassion, service, and making a positive impact on people's lives. Extensive Program and Project Management Experience: Over the years, I've grown professionally as a Program Manager at renowned companies like AMC Networks, NBC Universal, Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution, and ViacomCBS. These roles have provided me with the skills and expertise necessary to manage complex initiatives and build ...

In the ever-evolving landscape of employment, certain professions that once played crucial roles in society have quietly faded into obscurity. Draftsmen, switchboard operators, elevator operators, typists, stenographers, and countless others have become relics of a bygone era, casualties of the relentless march of progress. Today, we don't long for their return, but it's worth contemplating the challenges that these transitions posed to individuals and communities alike. Imagine a time when being a draftsman meant meticulously handcrafting intricate technical drawings or when switchboard operators deftly connected calls through a labyrinth of wires. Elevator operators guided passengers safely to their desired floors, typists transcribed volumes of documents, and stenographers skillfully captured spoken words in shorthand. These professions were once vital, providing livelihoods and contributing to the functioning of society. As these jobs gradually faded away, it must have been...

The media and entertainment landscape is undergoing a seismic shift. As companies scramble to capture the digital-native audience, the race for building streaming apps and amassing subscribers has taken precedence. However, this race has created a paradox. Instead of replacing traditional cable due to its affordability and convenience, streaming is morphing into a fragmented and costly mosaic. With the proliferation of platforms, subscribers find themselves juggling multiple subscriptions to get the content they want, making it neither convenient nor budget-friendly. But where did it go wrong? And more importantly, how can it be fixed? The primary misstep is the tunnel vision focus on subscription numbers instead of harnessing the true potential of digital platforms. The intrinsic value of streaming isn't just in replicating the traditional viewing experience online, but in transcending it through technological innovation. It's not about merely porting content onto a digital pl...

In the ever-evolving landscape of business ethics and corporate responsibilities, a pivotal discussion emerges – Should companies solely focus on maximizing shareholder value, or should they navigate the often convoluted path of serving the diverse and occasionally conflicting interests of all stakeholders through corporate social responsibility? Maximizing Shareholder Value vs. Stakeholder Theory The crux of the debate lies between two predominant theories: one advocating for the primacy of shareholders' interests and the other, known as the Stakeholder Theory, advocating for a more inclusive approach that considers the interests of all entities affected by the company’s operations. The former prioritizes profit, often emphasizing short-term gains, whereas the stakeholder theory emphasizes a duty of care beyond just shareholders, recognizing the symbiotic relationship between businesses and societies. Personal Perspective: A Duty of Care Beyond Profit Drawing from my professional ...

In the fast-paced world of project management, unforeseen challenges are bound to arise. One such challenge is inheriting a critical project that is in disarray, compounded by the sudden departure of a key resource. This missing individual could be a lead engineer, product manager, or any other essential member of the project team. To make matters more complex, this project may have changed hands multiple times. Unfortunately, this specific situation is one that many project managers have encountered. In this blog post, we will outline the essential steps for a project manager to regain control and set the project on a path to success. Step 1: Assess the Current State The first and most crucial step is to assess the current situation. Gather all available project documentation, including any incomplete plans, reports, or notes. Meet with team members, stakeholders, and clients to understand their concerns, expectations, and pain points. This assessment will provide valuable insights in...

Embarking on a technology project can be an exhilarating endeavor, filled with the promise of innovation and progress. However, the success of such projects hinges on more than just assembling a group of individuals in a room. To ensure that a project planning meeting yields productive outcomes, project managers must lay the groundwork, communicate requirements effectively, and align stakeholders before the collaboration begins. In this blog post, we will explore the crucial preliminary work required to prepare stakeholders for participation, highlighting the significance of proper preparation and alignment in achieving accurate project milestones and dates.Establishing the Foundation: Before diving headfirst into project planning, project managers must set the stage by undertaking preliminary work. This phase involves assessing the project's objectives, identifying key stakeholders, and defining their roles and responsibilities. It is essential to ensure that all individuals invol...