⫹⫺ Zero to One
Hello my friends,
Peter Thiel is best known for co-founding PayPal and making the first outside investment in Facebook.
He’s also notorious for taking down the media blog, Gawker. The story of which is as hilarious as it is unbelievable.
Over the weekend I started reading his book, Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future, and the first few pages explain something that I’ve given plenty of thought to but had struggled to frame in my head.
Click or zoom in 🔎
Once you learn this framework you start to apply it to every new product or feature you come across.
It has made me realize that most “innovative” companies are, for the most part, iterating on existing technology - making horizontal progress. (Controversial take: Tim Cook’s apple has built a $2T business doing it).
Vertical progress has become increasingly rare as it dares us to dream, think beyond what currently exists and face the possibility of failure.
Traits that are especially difficult to cultivate under the hardship of a pandemic.
However, as Marc Andreesen lays out in Time to Build, perhaps it is the unimaginable that we need to overcome, the unimaginable.
More on progress and the future below ↓
Product
As a customer, I can vouch for Italic’s quality and value. They’re able to deliver on both having pioneered a new commerce model called “C2M”.
Whether or not you’re going back to commuting for work this is a clever partnership. Keep your blood pressure low even in the worst traffic.
I’m still in the NFT game and since I wrote about it here I have received a lot of questions on where to start. Here’s a great primer on crypto, web 3.0 and if you’re a creative why NFTs are important.
People
The cult of the coach in sport is quickly fading. Is the same thing happening in corporate culture?
Picasso said, “All children are born artists, the problem is to remain an artist as we grow up.” Ana Fabrega provides ten ways to help your child’s creative development.
Social media has opened up an abundance of opportunities for recognition, prestige and even fame. Be careful what you wish for.
Methods
What’s your definition of rich? Here’s a different type of millionaire.
Almost two years into the pandemic leaders are struggling to keep employees engaged and creative. If you’re feeling that way then this guide to hosting a virtual creative workshop may help.
There is no shortage of advice out there but we rarely act upon even our own. Julian Shapiro provides an actionable framework on discipline and decision making.
Out of Office
Augmented reality can make you happy…
If you find this newsletter useful please share it with your most curious friends & colleagues ↓
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