Product & Startup Builder
Style vs. Substance
Been speaking to a lot of people about style vs substance in the last few months.
Some people are amazing at one but not the other. Most people judge the former but don’t pay enough attention to the latter.
For me: When it comes to judging/interaction with others, someone’s substance is far more important than their style. For example: I count some very polarizing people as my closest advisors and friends.
To achieve broad personal success, though, you need to master both.
I’m often surprised by how fundamental a role this plays with people, orgs, relationships and ultimately who gets “picked” to either play on the team or win a market.
An Anti-NRA Org
What if someone set up an anti-NRA org that everyone could donate to every time there was a mass shooting? Celebrities and news casters could promote it like they do the red cross. This new org could then fund political campaigns and ads against murderous republican candidates.
Middle East Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow
Learning about meet.mit.edu from Yaron and Anat. Very cool org!
Imposter Syndrome
Inside Joke on Relationships
ISJ On relationships:
There's nothing static in the equation. You change, they change, it changes, times change, external factors like money and kids change.
There's no figuring them out. It's just a continuous piece of jazz that you keep improvising - hoping that it comes out sounding ok.
Lessons Re(learned)
Some things I have learned, relearned or reenforced lately. Some of it talking with my bro Mitchell, Nik Ashley Julia and others
- Default to “yes and...”.
- Find creative ways to capture opportunities and avoid closing doors unless you have to
- If someone (particularly a mentor) is telling you something that sounds crazy then consider that all new ways of thinking at first seems crazy/wrong. Even if you decide to reject their advice consider how the core of their POV might strengthen yours if adopted correctly
- You choose how others treat you and how much you’re worth. The world is very, very big and abundant. There are the right people (potential bosses and peers) and opportunities (jobs, work) to give you exactly what you need if you hustle
- Your brain is probably wired to do the opposite of these things. It takes a lot of intentional effort to avoid falling into sub-optimal behavior/thinking
Hotdesq Program
Some of Australia’s best entrepreneurs have been given a grant to return home and build their startup here as part of the “hotdesq” program.
Surreal Stages of My Life
At each stage of my life, as I have successively more epic, surreal experiences, I tell myself to soak it in and appreciate every second of it. However, despite this, I always look back and find myself regretting not relishing it even more somehow.
Now as I experience another surreal stage of life I once again find myself trying to cherish every moment. Maybe this time I’ll find a way to leave nothing on the table.
Probably not. But that’s what telling nostalgic stories around the perpverbial camp fire is for, right? Oh, and looking back at old Facebook posts
Rebalancing Work-Life
Life is not all about career success and "momentum". Sometimes you need to find a way to rebalance the equation and remember the things that are most important.
Last night I had the amazing pleasure of seeing old school friends, amazing teachers + mentors who changed my life and extended family all in one place. All at one of the most breathtaking views of fireworks most people will ever see.
The abundance is overwhelming and I couldn't be more grateful for each and every one of them.
Only one thing missing.
Choose Wisely
Paying It Forward
If you're an abundance thinker, legit operator and selflessly helped me in the past - I will crawl over glass to get your back when you need it.
More Questions
No one really has answers. Just hypotheses and more questions.
The World is not for Nomadic People
The world is not designed for people who move around from country to country.
There are obvious things like power outlets etc. But online services are no better.
For example, Ikea has me registered in the US and now they wont let me register/log in for the AU site because I'm already registered with a 'different franchise'. The online Apple store is still defaulting to US delivery making it very difficult for me to switch. Wells Fargo is charging me foreign transaction fees and I can't easily transfer funds to Australian accounts (for rent) etc, etc. Very painful.
Obviously this is really an edge case with only a small fraction of people that would ever encounter these issues - but I wonder what would happen if global travel and nomad living were easier. Would more people do it?
Women Are Not Held to the Same Standard
She sees herself as the realist vs the snake oil salesmen who were pitching you on a false vision of what's possible.
I agree. to a point. But a big part of leadership is not just getting the wonky details right, it's also about setting a vision and mission that inspires people to reach for something grander. Even if that ideal is never actually met.
That being said, it's true that the media would've held any aspirational vision of hers to a higher standard of scrutiny both because of her gender and because of her deep experience.
Safe Places
It's always a hell of a lot easier going out on limbs and jumping from safe places when you know you have your family and friends there to catch you should you fall.
In that sense entrepreneurship isn't just a skill, but it's also often a privilege of those from good homes and great parents.
That being said, safety is often an illusion and there are some very brave entrepreneurs who leap even without the net.
Home or Sanctuary?
There are homes, and then there are sanctuaries.
My Superpower
My #1 superpower: Abundance thinking. What's yours?
Insanely Overpriced
How We Carry Ourselves
Love this. Speaks volumes about acting, but also about how we can affect our own communication by how we carry ourselves.
