Incite Your Month: October Edition
Curiosity Diet: Richard Feynman, Hybrid Work and Why 'Addition isn't the solution'!
Hi Everyone! It’s the first Friday of the month & we are back with our highly awaited “Incite Your Month”. As most of you know, we believe that curiosity is the fuel for innovation and growth. That’s why we kick off the month with a collection of our latest ideas, insights, and recommendations from our ‘Curiosity Diet.’
In today’s edition, we explore fascinating topics ranging from Nobel-winning physicists to hybrid work models and culture-building for founders. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in.
📚 Book of the Month:
A detailed exploration of Nobel-winning physicist Richard Feynman, this book offers an in-depth look at Feynman’s irreverent approach to authority and his love for curiosity. A notable takeaway from the book is Feynman’s father teaching him to value curiosity over appearances—an idea that profoundly shaped his thinking. An added bonus is that it also gives a rich historical perspective on the world of science during the explosive development of nuclear physics.
📖 Article of the Month:
In today’s world of evolving work models, hybrid working is the new norm. This article offers a nuanced perspective on designing hybrid work strategies, emphasizing that we should start by addressing people’s needs and limitations before thinking about institutional policies. It aligns with our own work at Choose To Thinq, where we help companies rethink their ‘Back to Work’ strategies.
The key takeaway: Hybrid work isn’t just a blend of remote and office—it should be intentionally designed to bring out the best in both environments.
🔍 Book Summary:
In a world where adding more is often seen as the solution, this book flips the script by arguing the power of subtraction. Whether in design, problem-solving, or business, removing excess often leads to more streamlined and effective outcomes. The book reminds us of iconic innovators like Steve Jobs, who mastered the art of simplification by taking away rather than adding more.
🎙️ SmartCast of the Month: Ria Shroff Desai on Building a Culture for Future Relevance
In this insightful conversation, we dive deep into how founders can codify culture and build rituals that ensure long-term relevance. We discussed the fascinating concept of ‘Culture Debt’, highlighting how seasoned entrepreneurs understand the need to build a solid culture before a product. The discussion echoes earlier insights from Monish Darda of ICERTIS, reinforcing the idea that culture is a cornerstone for success.
🎧 Podcast Episode Recommendation: “Axolotl” from 99% Invisible
This episode uncovers the intriguing story of the axolotl, a salamander species known for its extraordinary ability to regenerate body parts. The episode also explores how the axolotl has become a key organism in biological labs worldwide, despite being nearly extinct in the wild. It’s a brilliant example of biomimicry and how nature’s regenerative processes can inspire future innovations.
💡 Reading Habit Tip:
For those of us who love reading, the question is often how to get through so many books. Economist Tyler Cowen has an interesting take—he claims that the secret to reading fast lies in reading a lot over a lifetime. He suggests that the more you read, the faster you can identify familiar ideas, allowing you to focus only on what’s new and relevant.
The takeaway: Start early and keep reading—because the benefits compound over time!
That’s all from us this month. We hope you enjoyed this diverse collection of insights and recommendations. Let us know what caught your interest, and we’ll be back next week with more to fuel your curiosity.
Until then, stay curious!
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