Weekly Overview: Embracing Versatility✨

Hi friends!

From a young age, we're often nudged towards defining ourselves with neat labels – doctor, engineer, artist. There's obviously a certain clarity and comfort in these titles. But in this rapidly evolving world, where disciplines intertwine seamlessly, flexibility is key. Sure, specializing in one area has its merits, and for some professions, it's essential. But there's a flip side – too narrow a focus can sometimes restrict our ability to explore and develop new skills.

"A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.”

This phrase, often misunderstood as a slight, is a nod to the versatility and adaptability of having diverse skills. While I may not be a polymath, I wholeheartedly subscribe to this philosophy. This mindset encourages me to cultivate a variety of competencies, and to be well-rounded instead of chasing perfection in a single area. It's all about striking a balance, proudly embracing the diversity of my skills while recognizing the impossibility of mastering everything.

📚 Readings this Week

1. Book: Skin In the Game by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. I was gifted this book very recently so I couldn't wait to dive into it right after finishing Noise. And it absolutely lives up to its reputation. Taleb argues that people with "skin in the game" – that is, who have something at risk in their decisions and actions – are more likely to make responsible, effective, and ethical choices. It's a relatively slim volume but every page is dense with ideas that demand your full attention. The best part is that reading it feels less like scanning lines on a page and more like having a personal and engaging conversation with Taleb over coffee. I'm only halfway through, but I'm already itching to delve deeper into Taleb's thoughts on responsibility, fairness, and how complex systems tick.
2. Articles:
   1. Israel Tries to Rebut Genocide Charge by Declassifying Cabinet Decisions (The New York Times)
   2. US, UK Sanction Houthis as Group Vows to Continue Attacks (Bloomberg)
   3. OpenAI’s Altman discussed chip-making venture with members of Congress (The Washington Post)
   4. Facing Backlash, Some Corporate Leaders Go ‘Under the Radar’ With D.E.I. (The New York Times)
   5. The Best and Worst Airlines of 2023 (The Wall Street Journal)
1. ‘We’re All Climate Economists Now’ (The New York Times)

❤️ Things Online this Week

1. Daily Newsletter: I subscribed to the Morning Brew for a few months, but only recently started reading it religiously. It's a fantastic blend of the most crucial business news peppered with wit and humor. I learned about JetBlue and Spirit Airlines merger block, the scoop on the UAW endorsing Biden, and even discovered the podcast "The Money with Katie Show" through it. It's concise, entertaining, and an absolute joy to read each morning.
2. Podcast: Buying a House? Lower Interest Rates May Not be the Answer in 2024 | The Money with Katie Show. This weekly podcast is packed with practical tips for millennials looking to get financially savvy. In my first foray into this series, I was struck by an episode where Katie tackles housing affordability. She makes a compelling point: the real issue in today's housing market isn't just about current interest rates hovering around 6.99% but stems from the ripple effects of the historically low rates we saw in 2020-2021, which were under 3%. This period, she explains, dramatically drove up housing prices, a stark contrast to the 1980s when even sky-high rates of 18% didn't shake the market in the same way. It's an eye-opener, shedding light on how past financial decisions shape our present challenges. Definitely worth a listen for some serious financial enlightenment!

💪 Wins of last Week

1. Back to Basics: I found myself diving into an advanced Excel course on LinkedIn Learning. It started with a frustrating 10-minute search for an Excel formula, leading to a realization: Why not just take a course and learn these formulas systematically, rather than googling each time I'm stumped? Initially, I debated with myself – could those 3 hours be spent learning something new, something more... productive? But then it hit me. I'm always chasing new skills and knowledge, often overlooking the need to refresh and solidify what I already have learned. As I've committed to being more intentional – realizing that doing less, but more effectively and efficiently, is the real secret to success.

🎯 Goal for this Week

Reach out and network with at least three leaders in the consulting industry and learn what's new in the field.

✍️ Quote of the Week

"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing" - Walt Disney

Best,
Tehreem