Teaching a generation to manage money more effectively than Congress.

In a warehouse north of downtown Seattle, creativity abounds. Artists knock out graphics that are really important to American youth, set designers re-create game show props, board rooms, class rooms and credit union lobbies. Script writers perfect their craft while talent practice their lines knowing they have to be effective. The beehive of activity is a calling for every single one of them. They are not making a fortune, but they are setting the stage for a generation to do so.

I was recently treated to a tour of the set at BizKid$, the national Emmy-award winning program that is teaching financial literacy to middle school students. Now in its fith season, it is broadcast on PBS in all 50 states. The production crew is cranking out as many quality episodes as possible before some of the talent heads back to college.

BizKid$ is teaching a generation of teenagers how to balance checkbooks, write business plans, apply for loans and execute their dreams. It was a dream that a team of experienced TV producers had and were able to bring to life with financing from the credit unions of Washington state. The producers had the know-how; they created Bill Nye, the Science Guy. The Washington Credit Union Foundation liked the vision and fueled the fundraising.

It was inspiring to see one of the creators, Jamie Hammond, in her role as Executive Producer. She encourages, empowers, expects and rewards her team as all brilliant leaders do. Over lunch she surprised us when she let us know her 65th birthday was days away; her energy and commitment rivals that of any 35 year old. She continues to hear the calling and answer it, as the entire team does.

Thanks to BizKid$, your eighth grader may know more about how to form a corporation that you do.

Are “Smartphones” dumbing down our communication?

Recently I joined four successful friends for lunch. I remember what I ordered –sweet potato fries. I don't remember much about what was discussed at the table. There was very little four-way conversation.

At any given moment, one of us was answering incoming calls, surfing Facebook or reading emails. I might have concluded we are just a group of colossal bores, but I am seeing the same scene played out at other tables anytime I am in a restaurant. I see it during meetings. I see it when people are on the treadmill or out walking their dogs.

Don't get me wrong; the Smartphone is a genius invention. How did we live without it? We can check out restaurant menus in seconds. We can send pictures to grandma in minutes. No need to get lost anymore, thanks to the navigation system. Heck, when we're bored, that voice is company! “In 800 feet, turn left.” Love it.

Isn't it also great that our bosses can now reach us 24/7? We can pick up dropped balls. We can stay plugged in while we're on vacation. Wonderful.

Smartphones and social media are double edged swords: they put us in touch with long lost “friends” and make us instantly accessible to colleagues who are miles away.

The downside is that it is suddenly PC to disconnect with the people you're physically with, so that you can connect with someone else. What is wrong with this picture? If we buy into that culture, we could be settling for superficial business and personal relationships, while we lose connectivity with those who really matter.