Where are Our Friends 🧑‍🤝‍🧑?

Amidst the rapid digitization of our lives, the very essence of friendship seems to be fading. Where once we shared bike rides, sleepovers, and the formative moments of our youth, we now find ourselves glued to screens, curating online personas and engaging in virtual voyeurism.

The platforms that were meant to connect us have become echo chambers of self-promotion and curated content. We're entertained, yes, but at the cost of genuine connection and shared experiences.

The laughter that once filled our homes is now replaced by the silent scroll of social media feeds. We're spectators of our own lives, documenting every moment for virtual followers instead of sharing it with those who truly matter.

Our friends are not lost; they're right there, waiting for us to step away from the digital abyss and rediscover the magic of real connection. Let's put down our phones, look up from our screens, and rediscover the joy of shared experiences, the comfort of a listening ear, and the warmth of genuine friendship. Our outcomes will be better when shared with friends.

It is the seasons for kids to pick out universities and careers, the biggest mistake generations of the developing world parents have made and continue to make is for kids to select what they want to be and what they want to do.

I still do not know the answer to both. I have spoken to the children of four friends who are selecting universities and courses. I had computer technology linked degree, it worked out back then due to timing, fate, karma and lack of resources, I had to do some thing that paid the bills and got me a visa to continue to live and work in the US. The outcomes of our children and this generation will be linked to many many other things. So when asked what to study, here is my general approach.

A liberal arts education is a treasure trove of knowledge and I wish I had also spent more time on it vs going in to tech but I did not have many options due to financial pressures.

It teaches you to think critically, communicate effectively, and understand the complex tapestry of human society. These skills are invaluable, no matter which career path you choose. We all make our choices, but asking a child to choose specifics vs broad degrees or frameworks is our own short coming not theirs. But yes certain selections have to be made, lets understand how I think about it.

My daughter recently asked me about what type of things to study in school to align with the type of degree she may end up doing in college and my response to her was JDC(Jo Dil Chahe) or what ever you want. Whilst I understand and recognize my privilege , I also feel that a degree is only a basis and like all things in life you should do what makes you happy. So if its culinary school or, poetry, do it, but know the potential outcomes it brings and navigate based on that knowledge vs being dumb struck that you did not get the role of an avionics engineer when you wrote poetry about freedom of flight. Some things need you to work up to them. So be mindful. But also be mindful of the fact that every one is wired differently. Comparison is the enemy of happiness. So do what you want vs what the world makes you compare against. The faster you learn this, the happier you will be. I just did a 5 week course in the middle of the most engaged startup journey I have ever invested my time in. But to my mind the time was now, my personal learning was plateauing, I had to work twice as hard to run shop and to learn some thing new in parallel. Learning never stops. You die when you stop asking meaningful questions.

Balance is key. Your mental health and well-being are as important as your academic and professional achievements. Find activities that bring you peace and joy. This balance is crucial for your overall happiness and success.

Remember, the world is interconnected. What happens in one corner can affect the other. Cultivate a global perspective, but also understand the importance of local actions and contexts. This is what makes winners, find the right education that lets you get closer to this goal.

Never underestimate the power of networking and mentorship. Seek out mentors who can guide you, offer insights, and open doors to opportunities. They can be a beacon of light, especially when the path seems unclear.

Speaking of careers, the world is your oyster. With your background in liberal arts, countless paths are open to you. From diplomacy to education, from research to working in multinational corporations, your options are as broad as your imagination. If you are hungry for learning get the liberal arts frame work and then work towards the jobs, tasks, roles that make you happy and that pay the bills. You have 4 years of college to evaluate it and the rest of your life to figure it out. There is no time limit on self discovery. Don’t rush it. Your outcomes are linked to being rational, decent, thoughtful, mindful and happy, over index for this and then what ever you choose is an option that you still have the power to change, fix, re-do and streamline as you move along.

You have access to resources that many can only dream of. Use them wisely. They are tools that can help you explore your interests more deeply, whether through educational materials, extracurricular activities, or internships. Remember, how you use these resources can define your journey.

I found out that rural women in Burundi greet each other with a complex musical ritual called 'akazehe'. Makes you think about how seemingly similar we all are yet so different. Embrace the diversity for better outcomes.

"Harnessing Kahneman's 'No-Immediate-Yes' Rule for Entrepreneurial Success"

In the bustling journey of entrepreneurship, it's easy to fall into the trap of saying 'yes' too quickly, isn't it? But what if there's a smarter way to approach commitments and decisions? Enter Daniel Kahneman, the Nobel Prize-winning psychologist, and his transformative rule.

Kahneman's Rule: The Art of Strategic Pause

Kahneman, faced with the dilemma of overcommitment due to people-pleasing, established a simple yet powerful rule: Never say yes on the spot. When presented with an opportunity or request, his response is measured, "Thanks for the invite. I don't say yes to anything on the spot, but I'll let you know if I'm interested." This approach isn't just about saying no; it's about giving yourself the time to make informed decisions.

Why This Matters for You

1. Reduces Overcommitment: As an entrepreneur, your time is your most valuable asset. By not committing immediately, you protect your schedule and focus on what truly aligns with your goals.

2. Enhances Decision Quality: Time allows for better evaluation. Reflect on how each opportunity fits with your business objectives and personal values.

3. Eases Rejection: For those offering you opportunities, this rule softens the blow of potential rejection. It's not a straight no, but a consideration.

4. Cultivates Respect: People begin to recognize your thoughtful approach to commitments, fostering a reputation for being deliberate and intentional.

Applying Kahneman's Rule in Your Entrepreneurial Journey

• Pause Before Responding: When presented with a request or opportunity, take a moment. Respond with appreciation and a promise to revisit the proposal after careful consideration.

• Evaluate Against Your Goals: Use the time to align the opportunity with your short-term and long-term objectives. Does it advance your entrepreneurial journey or sidetrack it?

• Communicate Clearly: Follow up as promised. If you decline, do so respectfully, explaining how the decision aligns with your business strategy.

• Set Boundaries: Adopt this rule as a personal policy. It's not just a technique but a part of your professional identity.

Remember, young entrepreneurs, every decision shapes your path. Kahneman's rule isn't about limiting opportunities; it's about empowering you to choose the right ones. It's time to embrace the strategic pause, enhancing both your personal and professional outcomes. It may seem like a really boring thing but take it from me, that it scales your outcomes 10x.

Horse meat labelled as beef. Honey diluted with cheap sugar syrups. Counterfeit extra-virgin olive oil. Food crime is a multi-billion dollar industry affecting everything from the cheapest to most expensive ingredient. 10% of what we eat is thought to be adulterated. “What we know for sure is that food fraud is growing exponentially and it’s more and more worrying,” states one consumer advocate.

Criminal syndicates are infiltrating the global food supply chain, undermining the ability of consumers to trust what is on the label and what ends up on their plate. In Italy, entire sectors of the food industry are controlled by the mafia. All over the world, well-organised criminal networks work together to penetrate complex supply chains. Scams range from the intentional mislabelling of inferior products in order to pass them off as premium items, to the substitution of one food stuff for something else entirely.

The profits are enormous. But what are the risks to the consumer? How can we identify food fraud? And what can be done to stop it?

Some thing I read blew my mind. Simplicity of interaction/discussion, allows you to scale your most precious resource, time it self. If you go through Kenzis account you will find a treasure trove of discussion topics. You are never too old to adopt a winning framework.

Some one chooses the color of the year? What? 

In a world where the symbolism and impact of color pervade every facet of our lives, understanding the genesis and influence of the "Color of the Year" becomes an intriguing exploration. This insightful article by Katherine Laidlaw delves into the vibrant story behind this annual color selection, a narrative that is as colorful as the hues it discusses.

Central to this tale is Leatrice Eiseman, the Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. Since 1985, Eiseman has been the guiding force behind Pantone's Color of the Year, a campaign that has not only transformed color into a global celebrity but also reinvented Pantone as a household name. Her journey from a Baltimore row house, where her passion for color was nurtured, to leading a global color authority is both inspiring and enlightening​​.

Eiseman's role is far from simple. Each year, she embarks on a global quest, alongside designers, trend forecasters, and cultural detectives, to distill the essence of the world into a single color. This process is a complex amalgamation of cultural, social, and economic factors, deeply rooted in the belief that color can be a source of joy and a powerful driver of consumer behavior​​.

The article also highlights the broader impact of the Color of the Year. From shaping product design across industries to influencing consumer trends and preferences, the chosen color echoes through various facets of life and commerce. Companies like Motorola and Cariuma have aligned product launches with Pantone's announcement, underscoring the far-reaching influence of this selection​​.

Moreover, this narrative sheds light on the competitive and secretive nature of color forecasting, revealing how companies like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams have joined this colorful fray. The strategic timing, confidentiality, and market impact of these color announcements illustrate the intricate dance between creativity, marketing, and consumer psychology​​.

In sum, this article offers a kaleidoscopic view into the world of color forecasting, anchored by the fascinating story of Leatrice Eiseman and Pantone. It's a must-read for anyone intrigued by the intersection of color, culture, and commerce, revealing how a single hue can capture the imagination and wallets of a global audience. Net net, color also changes the outcomes of the many but most are unaware of its role.

Link to the original article.

Bonus! Thought(s) of the week

Are you short on ideas? Do you need inspiration? You are in luck..

Here is a site https://patentsexpiringtoday.com/ it lists patents that expire each day. Food for thought and some thing you can add to your list of places to get inspiration from to build your next MVP…