An Electric Revolution: Reforming Monopolies, Reinventing the Grid and Giving Power to the People

Challenge: For the Galvin Electricity Initiative, write a condensed analysis of the electricity system, including the historical context for its inefficiencies and lagging modernization, while laying forth a practical and easily understood argument for reform, with ideas that can help businesses, elected officials, regulators and individuals work together to build an intelligent grid that serves society’s 21st century needs.  An online version of the booklet now available at the Galvin Initiative website.

“Jay Stuller has the exceptional ability to transform complex subjects into highly readable and entertaining narratives that capture the attention and imagination of diverse readers.  What sets Jay apart even more is his ability to write these demanding narratives without blurring the facts, while clearly and compellingly projecting their full implications.” Robert Galvin – Chairman of the Board Emeritus, Motorola Kurt Yeager – Former President, Electric Power Research Institute

NCGA Golf: No to Cell Phones

Challenge: For the Northern California Golf Association’s quarterly magazine, NCGA Golf, take the no position on a point-counterpoint debate on whether cell phones should be allowed on golf courses — and make it funny. (see page 23)

“Jay is a trusted writer for our magazine. He can always be counted on to deliver high-quality pieces that are well thought out and researched. And his professional experience makes him an excellent resource in the industry.”

Hilary Heieck – Director of Communications and Marketing, Northern California Golf Association

Creating Commercial Connections

Challenge: For a multi-national oil company’s Global Supply & Trading organization — through a Bender Consulting affiliated change management project — define its significant new role in a way that enables the operating company’s extended leadership team and employees to rapidly understand and embrace the strategy, while also helping project the new offering and generating awareness and alignment with other business units in the greater corporation. Under the newly created brand entitled Creating Commercial Connections, Global Supply & Trading — a natural hub of information and data — is now providing consultancy services and adding value to projects throughout the company.

“Jay has a rare and remarkable ability to quickly absorb and understand complex ideas and business strategies envision the end goal and then crystallize it all into memorable words that convey the essence of the new direction.  He enables the most senior executives to get a clearer grasp of their objectives, and helps them communicate it in a persuasive way to those doing the front-line work.”

John Bender – Former Executive Director & VP, Hewlett Packard; Founder & Managing Director, Bender Consulting

The Fort Ross Video Script

Challenge: For a multinational oil company and a state-owned Russian business partner, write a 15-minute educational documentary on the history of Fort Ross, which in the early 1800′s was Russia’s southernmost colony in North America.  With a tight, thorough and historically accurate script, this film covers the native American presence at the site, the Russian period at Fort Ross, the location’s post-colony role as a ranch and social center for coastal Sonoma County, and its 100 years as a California state park.  As part of their stakeholder relations program, the clients are donating the video to the park system.  Called Crossroads of Cultures, the film is now available for purchase at Fort Ross and through the California State Park system. Fort Ross Script

How They See You

Challenge: For The Conference Board Review, thoroughly address the topic of corporate reputation and the intricacies of stakeholder engagement, based on the emerging belief that a large company’s image is in reality owned by individuals and institutions over which it has little control, including the media, elected officials and non-governmental activist groups.

“Jay knows how executives think, and how things work inside organizations — and fortunately for our readers, he’s able to draw upon his expertise and convey ideas with remarkable clarity. After more than two decades writing for our magazine, Jay remains a pleasure to work with – quick, reliable, conscientious, and, yes, delightful.”

Matthew Budman — Editor-in-Chief, The Conference Board Review

The A Position

Challenge: As a contributing editor to a start-up business featuring about 50 of the leading golf and travel journalists in the country, create authoritative, informative, and entertaining material that makes the website a trusted alternative to a depressed print industry and a sought-after source of information for golfers and travelers. Stuller’s page at The A Position covers many aspects of golf, its culture, architecture, equipment, venues and related resorts and amenities.

“Jay Stuller is a writer and marketing engine built for our times, equally at home in the pages of Audubon and Smithsonian magazines, or writing about on-line golf tournaments for a start-up Internet media company.  Stuller’s creativity, drive, and ability to adapt his skills (plus ingenuity) to a variety of challenges makes him a sort of SUV of communications – – traveling comfortably through various topographies in comfort and style.  We’re lucky to have him as a writer and business partner at theaposition.com.”

Jeff Wallach – Managing Partner, Golf Media Network, Executive Editor, The A Position