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Opinion

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On Leadership: The future is human: Why soft skills will rule the workplace in 2025

Last year, like many of you, I found myself captivated by the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. Let’s be honest: The technology is undeniably impressive, churning out data, drafting emails, and even composing passable poetry …

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The Elbert Files: Iowa’s new No. 2


Deborah Butterfield’s sculptures “Ancient Forest” in the foreground and “Juno” in the background. Photo by Dave Elbert

My friend K.C. was admiring Deborah Butterfield’s two spectral horses in the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park.…

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The Elbert Files: Santa and the Iowa Poll

Santa Claus will miss the Iowa Poll.

While it may be premature to write off the 81-year-old Iowa Poll, its future is clearly in doubt.

Poll director Ann Selzer announced she is stepping back from …

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The Elbert Files: Some contrary wisdom about federal deficits

The headlines on two recent investment articles caught my attention.

One said: “The Federal Government Deficit is Huge, So Buy Stocks!”

The second was: “Is the Stock Market Doomed? Yes, But Maybe Not in 2025.”…

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The Elbert Files: Walking billboards

Many people assume the Nike Swoosh, created in 1971 for $35, was responsible for turning consumers into walking billboards by placing corporate logos on popular fashion choices. 

The real credit goes to an Iowan. And …

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On Leadership: A New Chapter: Reflecting on Leadership and Succession Planning

As Billie Jean King once wisely observed, “Create your legacy, and pass the baton.” This summer, I had the privilege of announcing a leadership transition at Business Publications Corp. (BPC), where I will be stepping …

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The Elbert Files: Is health care a joke?

My friend Jo Kline, who writes and speaks about the difficulties of health care in Iowa, sent an email recently titled: “Every Iowan recognizes the odor of fertilizer.”

The subject was Gov. Kim Reynolds’ proclamation …

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The Elbert Files: Rethinking education

I was intrigued by the title on David Brooks’ cover story in the December issue of The Atlantic: “How the Ivy League Broke America.”

In it, he traces the history of college admission standards and …

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The Elbert Files: Belt tightening

Iowa legislators will need to start making some difficult choices when they return to Des Moines in January. 

That might seem like a strange prediction after voters returned solid Republican majorities to both the Iowa …

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On Leadership: How to lead effectively during the holiday season

I once had a job where our entire company and spouses were expected to attend a lavish holiday party at the boss’s house. Our leadership team dreaded this particular event as it was on a …