Incite Your Month: May '24
Curated ideas & recommendations by Choose To Thinq
Dear Uplevelers,
Welcome to another edition of ‘Incite Your Month’ for May 2024, where we dive into a collection of insightful ideas and recommendations curated by Choose To Thinq. This month, we have a rich assortment of recommendations spanning from books to articles, podcasts, and SmartLevers. Join us as we explore the world of knowledge and inspiration.
Book of the Month: "Invent and Wander" by Jeff Bezos (Link)
Our journey begins with the Book of the Month, "Invent and Wander", a compilation of annual letters by Jeff Bezos to Amazon shareholders. These letters reflect Amazon's commitment to long-term thinking and vision, a key factor in their enduring success. The book provides valuable insights into Bezos' leadership philosophy and the evolution of Amazon over the years.
Article of the Month: "Are you building capabilities across these 4 critical areas?" (Link)
Next, we delve into an article from McKinsey that emphasizes the importance of building capabilities in four critical areas: how a company makes money, how the business is run, how individuals add value, and how they behave. This insightful piece serves as a reminder to organizations to focus on foundational aspects of business amidst the changing landscape.
Smartcast Recommendations (Link):
In the realm of podcasts, we turn our attention to a SmartCast episode featuring Prasanna Krishnamoorthy, a partner at Upekkha. He discusses the Founder's Choice Architecture, highlighting the strategic considerations and risks that founders face in the lifecycle of a startup. This episode offers valuable insights into decision-making and risk management for entrepreneurs.
We also delve into exploring the world of SaaS startups, focusing on the distinction between vanity SaaS and value SaaS companies, the significance of being capital efficient, creating sustainable outcomes, and mitigating market risks. The discussion spans founder psychology, decision-making, and paths to success, advocating for a flexible business model that maintains control over its journey and transparently navigates choices.
Podcast Recommendation: Exploring the Remote Work Revolution (Link)
As remote work continues to redefine the way we work, we recommend a podcast on the remote work revolution. "Big Winners and Losers from the Remote Work Revolution" explores the impact of remote work on our lives and raises thought-provoking questions about its implications. This podcast is a must-listen for those navigating the complexities of remote work dynamics.
SmartLever: Unpacking 'Working Backwards' (Link)
Our final recommendation is a SmartLever episode on 'Working Backwards', a methodology popularized by Amazon. This approach, starting with writing a press release for a feature or product, embodies the culture of innovation and customer-centricity at Amazon. The episode delves into the significance of this approach beyond product management, showcasing its applicability across various domains.
So, 'Working Backwards' focuses on envisioning future scenarios, creating artifacts, and gaining insights for decision-making and planning. Practical examples and comparisons to other prospective hindsight tools are provided in the video, highlighting its relevance for leaders and teams navigating uncertainty.
As we conclude this edition of "Incite: May '24", we reflect on the diverse insights and recommendations shared in this month's compilation. From long-term thinking to capability building and entrepreneurial decision-making, each recommendation offers valuable lessons and perspectives for personal and professional growth.
We hope you find inspiration and wisdom in exploring the curated recommendations. Stay curious, keep learning, and embrace the journey of continuous growth and discovery.
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