Short design thinking, long creative leadership.

As the world is in turmoil, we also find the profound opportunity to rethink the way we lead into the future.

No. 6 comes very quickly at the heals of number five courtesy to me doubting if I should send the last newsletter in the first place. Welcome to the creative brain. (Side note: Years ago, I wrote about creative self doubt. Probably worth a revisit)

Anyways, today’s newsletter starts what will probably end up being some sort of a series where I’m planning on sharing my contemplations on creative leadership as a necessary skillset for future business leaders. As I say below, I believe “There will be no successful business in the 21st century that won’t be led by a creative leader.”

We’re finding ourselves at what feels like a pivotal point where we’re not just experiencing a democratization and commoditization of technology (ubiquitous computing and generative AI) that puts into questions a wide-range of previously manual jobs and the connected value creation. But this also happens parallel to major socio-economic shifts coming at the heal of the pandemic that humanity has just lived through.

From a business leadership perspective it’s clear that the old playbook won’t work for much longer. So, what’s next? Where do we go from here? And which skills do we need to not only survive but thrive? Both as humans and business.

I won’t pretend to have any answers (yet) but these are the questions I’m pondering and the conversations I’m enjoying to have with friends, colleagues and industry peers as we collectively on this journey together. If we want it or not.

Here’s to enjoying the ride!

And as always, thank you for reading. Please let me know which of these thoughts resonate with you, what you’d like to read more of or send any ideas, questions, and feedback my way via email or the comments.

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We can’t solve the challenges and problems of tomorrow with thinking that got us here in the first place.

As the world is in turmoil, new ideas, approaches, and paths to the goal are necessary. And there lies a profound optimism in human ingenuity and the act of creation to build a future world we envision to live in as individuals and a collective.

I was talking to Gordon and the Design Executive Council (DXC) board the other week about the need for creative leadership in times technological and socio-economic paradigm shifts. That, in turn, reminded me of a conversation I had with my colleague Prof. Derek Lidow (who’s written excellent books on entrepreneurship) about the creative nature of entrepreneurial leaders that’s so fundamentally different from the business-school educated managerial leaders. Mainly because most business-school teaching is still rooted in sequential thinking and execution that’s been driving economic growth ever since the advent of the Industrial Revolution.

All that said: I believe we’re embarking into an age where human ingenuity is required and holds the key to create a new, better world that’s risen from the socio-economic, technological and environmental challenges we face today. If nothing else, it’s imperative for our children and future generations that we genuinely try.

And that requires us to lean into entirely new skillsets, methods of teaching, and the goal to train creative leaders that can operate effectively at the intersection of invention and business.

As I’m pondering, I’ll be sharing more of both my research and thinking as it concretizes.

For today, here’s an excerpt from my notes that I shared with my leadership teams both at Microsoft and SAP:

From my notes: On Creative Leadership

Creative leadership says “hell yes!” into the face of ambiguity and uncertainty. Because creativity thrives within constraints. And creative leaders feel confident (enough) to lean into the unknown, deeply trusting into the ability of their team and collective creative energy to find solutions. Even and especially when those solutions aren’t obvious. There will be no successful business in the 21st century that won’t be led by a creative leader.

Creative leadership is the foundation of resilient organizations. Most importantly, creative leadership is the best tool companies have to attract, develop and retain talent. Because creative leadership doesn’t try to squeeze the last bit of so called productivity out of people. But instead asks the holistic question of which conditions need to exist to take care of the whole human and empower people to do their best work with integrity, joy and a sense of fulfilling purpose.

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3 Inspirations

No AI today, instead a few links to reads and videos that inform my current thinking around the future we want to build.

• This documentary on The New Bauhaus seems more relevant today than ever.

• Stripe’s annual founders letter is a exceptional as ever, and full of great insight.

• The Eurasia Group’s annual Top Risks 2024 report.

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You made it. Thank you!

Kudos to you for making it all the way to the end. Since this is all new to me, please share your feedback, questions or any topics you’d like me to touch on.

And if you liked what you read, please subscribe and send this newsletter to someone you care about and who would appreciate the content.

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Make to Think

As “Design Thinking(TM)” has become a caricature of itself, I reflect on how design and creative leadership can drive honest and true organizational transformation.

No. 5 is here. I took some time to rest and think on where the world is headed, the semester at Princeton has successfully ended, the new one is way underway (it’s spring break!), and we’re busy building products at Stark.

Today’s post reflects on a combination of questions I’ve gotten from mentees and students as well as leaders I’ve worked with over the years. It’s about the value of creative process of design, the transformational power it can unlock, and how “design thinking” has wasted at least as many valuable resources as it had created.

Admittedly, I’ve been sitting on this draft for months, contemplating how useful it would be attempting to distill more than a decade of my creative leadership experience into some sort of a framework. Especially since this type of framework thinking has gotten us into somewhat of mess as design leaders and executives. However, my friend John Danner has encouraged me to share “the wisdom and invite the dialogue”.

So, as you’re reading the post below, keep in mind that what I’m advocating for is a simple as it is profound: Make. Make a lot, make it together. Show what you make to your colleagues and customers. Observe (no, feel!) the reactions and responses. Trust your gut, sense what resonates. Intellectualize as little as possible.

And as always, thank you for reading. Please let me know which of these thoughts resonate with you, what you’d like to read more of or send any ideas, questions, and feedback my way via email or the comments.

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Make to Think

There’s something interesting that happens in organizations when hierarchy, sense of authority, politics, and ROI create the molasses-like inertia many people experience in their day to day work. That’s typically the moment when folks pull out the powerpoint slide decks, research data, consultancies, spreadsheets and all sorts of theoretical methodologies with the goal to “double down” and “move the needle”.

This has never resonated with me, and thus it has never been my approach. At the same time, I didn’t realize this difference in approach until (over the years) people repeatedly pointed it out to me, asked questions and were looking for advice.

Maybe it’s because I’m a hopeful business romantic or because of how I grew up, in an environment where every day we would “make things with our hands”.

There’s something profoundly human in the act of creating with our own hands. And I believe when people make things together, magic happens and big things become possible.

Design thinking without design doing is useless

“Design Thinking” (the thing that IDEO so masterfully marketed for decades) has not only become a buzzword but almost a caricature of a hollow process with questionable outcomes. That’s unfortunate given the robust foundational principles and insightful methods this process was initially built on.

That said, I believe there’s both a need and a better way of driving business impact through design. A simpler approach that focuses on the doing rather than the perpetuation of groupthink while worshiping (or workshopping) a wall full of post-it notes.

The profoundly transformational thing about “design doing” (aka the act of creation) is that we can take abstract ideas floating around an organization and make them tangible by giving them shape. That’s what making is all about. There’s nothing more powerful and convincing than a beautiful prototype that many people feel ownership in to shape a collective pride that can move mountains in an organization.

And that’s what I call ”Make to Think”, a phrase I first heard my former manager Jon Friedman use years back when we worked together at Microsoft.

“Nothing is a mistake. There’s no win and no fail, there’s only make.”
– Sister Corita Kent

So what’s the antidote to groupthink? Make.

“Make to Think” offers a refreshingly optimistic perspective on creative leadership. And yes, this post is specifically for executives that, for some reason, have convinced themselves that sitting through powerpoint-laden meetings is effective to drive impactful decisions. I implore you to give the below some serious thought and attempt to practice across your organizations.

In an age of unpredictability, “Make to think” provides an unorthodox blueprint for organizations to remain agile, innovative, and deeply connected to each other, their mission, and audience. 

Distinct from traditional methodologies that emphasize thinking before making, this approach proves that through the act of creation—making—we discover new avenues of thought and insights. The process of making real, tangible “things” with a diverse group of people not only accelerates decision making but also builds the emotional momentum that moves the larger organization along.

“Make to Think” harmonizes intuitive action with reflective strategy. Based on my own experience applying this approach at Microsoft ans SAP across multiple large-scale organizations, I believe it’s the winning approach for creative leadership to be successful in the increasingly dynamic business landscape of the 21st century.

Not only have I seen this approach creating more momentum and producing meaningful change at faster rates than before, it has also led to some the most fulfilling work I’ve ever gotten the chance to do. And huge amount of gratitude goes to my teams, coworkers and collaborators that leaned in, put politics aside, and joined in the fun of making together.

My “Make to Think“ Principles

Or better: Here’s the stuff I found to work well, distilled down into a list of bullet points for easier consumption. As a leader, model these behaviors and give your teams permission – no, require it – to drop the PowerPoints and come with real drafts, prototypes and mockups. Try it out, try it on, see how it feels for you!

1. Creation spawns ideation: Instead of over-planning before taking action, begin with a foundational idea. Make. Trust the process and take the first step. Jump into the creative process early, use each iteration as a touchpoint for reflection and refining strategy.

2. Doing beats dreaming: Emphasize learning through doing. Play. As you build, your team will gain insights from their successes and setbacks, informing the next steps and strategies. Even the biggest ideas can be expressed in a first-step prototype people can touch.

3. Everything’s a work in progress: Accept that not everything will be perfect from the start. Learn. Through making, adjustments can be identified and applied in real-time. Think of complex problems as just a series of simple steps to take.

4. The best experience wins: Making an idea real has profound power and energizes a team. Have fun. Observe and test often how your creation resonate with its intended audience not only on a rational but also an emotional level.

5. Inspiration eats incentives for breakfast: You don’t need to incentivize inspired people. Celebrate. By actively engaging in the making process, teams tap into their intrinsic motivation, politics melt away, leading to increased creativity and innovation.

6. Unite and conquer: Encourage diverse teams to work together. Jam. Bring together people from different departments, united in their ability to create. During the making process you’ll uncover novel solutions that emerge from the unique perspectives everyone brings. This is how you ensure the creation of inclusive, accessible, and intuitive experiences.

The benefits I’ve experienced

When I’ve shared these notes with mentees, coworkers, and students before, I often got the reaction “Sounds so simple but how does it work?”. Here are the benefits and why I think “Make to Think” works:

1. Quick wins: Just like every journey starts with the first step, so does every organizational transformation accelerate with the celebration of small wins. Often underrated, these small wins add up and build momentum. As humans we connect with real products we can touch, even if those products are at first imperfect, unrefined prototypes.

2. Play first: By focusing on the act of making, teams unlock unparalleled levels of creativity and innovation. No matter the size of the organization, the process of making together, connects us as humans. The ability to explore and manifest ideas as they come up, is a playful, exciting endeavor that transcends artificial organizational boundaries.

3. The team’s the winner: Working collaboratively through challenges fosters a strong sense of unity and shared purpose. “Make to Think” enables organizations to rapidly adapt to changes and challenges in the modern business landscape. What’s more, people from different departments can join in the same process and create together which reduces the political hurdles or potential power dynamics often found in organizations that suffer from the “not invented here” syndrome.

Finally, a note on how what sounds so simple actually requires a good amount of discipline and rigor in daily execution: It’s easy to get sucked into the vortex that is the habits of the corporate organism. Consistently applying “Make to Think” requires a self-awareness and courage to resist engaging in the politics of large organizations.

This is where creative leaders shine.

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3 Inspirations

I’m learning a lot about AI (as many people do), specifically with a focus on things that help me balance hype vs. reality, understanding the second order effects (on environment, economy, and humanity) of what appears to be a truly foundational technology of the future.

• Kevin Scott (Microsoft’s CTO) talks with Bill Gates on many things AI.

• Jaron Lanier looks into AI’s future. I find his work to always be insightful.

• Jensen Huang (CEO of NVIDIA) on the future of AI.

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You made it. Thank you!

Kudos to you for making it all the way to the end. Since this is all new to me, please share your feedback, questions or any topics you’d like me to touch on.

And if you liked what you read, please subscribe and send this newsletter to someone you care about and who would appreciate the content.

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What I read in 2023

Over the last years I’ve shared a list of the books I read that year. This year I decided to write a few sentences about each book in addition to my personal star rating.

It’s been a full year, and my most “successful” reading year. So, this newsletter is all about my 2023 reads. Most of these books I read in their physical form, a few I listened to as audio books. I made a note on the ones I recommend getting in their audio version.

Thank you for reading my newsletters in 2023. I have more writing coming for 2024. Please let me know which of these thoughts resonate with you, what you’d like to read more of, or send any ideas, questions, and feedback my way via email or the comments.

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2023 Reads

1. Reunion ***** (My book of the year): I met Jerry Colonna about ten years ago in Berlin, and that coaching session and conversation forever changed my life. It set me on the trajectory of taking responsibility and doing my own work of radical self-inquiry. I’m deeply grateful to Jerry for his continued guidance. Before getting into Reunion, I can’t recommend Jerry’s first book “Reboot” enough, and have given it as a gift to many friends and coworkers over the years. And for those who want more, the Reboot podcast is an invaluable source of advice and inspiration.
   
   Reunion is as profound as Reboot. It widens the lens to focus on the impact and responsibility we have as leaders to actively become “co-conspirators” in creating are truly inclusive world for everyone. Where everyone feels a deep sense of belonging. By going deep into what Jerry calls “the Reunion Process” we learn to examine how we’ve benefitted from systemic structures of oppression of others, how we’re othering people in our daily lives, and what parts of our own story are underlying our behaviors that further the othering of people that aren’t like us. Only so can we first establish our own sense of belonging, and in turn help create the conditions of belonging for others.
   
   As a leader, a white, cis-gender, heterosexual, highly privileged man this is the work I have a responsibility to do, and I want to strongly encourage others to join in collectively building a better, more inclusive world. Reunion is practical guide on how to do this work. As with all of Jerry’s work, I recommend getting the audio book, since it feels like a long therapy/coaching session with him. A real treat.
   

2. The Fourth Turning is here ****: This is the book I’m currently reading. It’s a fascinating study of cycles of societal changes through the ages. Neil Howe builds on his previous work and dives deeper into the current crisis in the U.S. as well as points toward what the future cycle might look like.
   A recommended read for anyone who’s interested in understanding the societal, politics and geopolitical dynamics shaping the world that are often reaching beyond a human lifetime and thus are harder to intuitively comprehend.
   

3. Magnificent Rebels ****: Germany was long known to be the country of poets and thinkers, and one important time period that has shaped this understanding was Romanticism. Andrea Wulf retells the history of the first Romantics, a group of young “rebels”, poets and thinkers that shaped a new idea of the self as well as influenced much more than the arts. See below “Helgoland”.
   There are parts of the book that are a little harder to read but absolutely worth working through since the entirety of the book worth it.
   

4. Helgoland *****: I’ve been curious about the world of quanta for ages but finally started an attempt to dive deeper and learn more about quantum theory and its implications on our understanding of the universe and the world. What better place to start than Carlo Rovelli’s book that describes the very inception of Werner Heisenberg’s theory and its unfolding.
   One of the profound insights from this book was how one might argue that without Heisenberg’s appreciation for poetry we might have not ended up with an idea / theory this groundbreaking. Conversely, Rovelli draws connections to texts from ancient Eastern philosophers, and reveals the wisdom that’s often disregarded as Western “science” evolved.
   Needless to say, this book left me with more questions than I had before but also deeply intrigued to dive deeper into the entire topic. And as one of my friends (a professor for quantum physics at Princeton) said, and I’m paraphrasing: “If you think you understand quanta, you don’t understand anything.”
   

5. White Holes *****: This book “broke my brain”. It’s an incredibly interesting read, and just like with Carlo Rovelli’s other books, he manages to find just the right tone and language to not lose the interested (but not expert) reader. The book walks you through the entire process of discovery of White Holes which in itself is absolutely fascinating.
   

6. The Age of AI ***: Against the backdrop of all the AI hype, this book offers a more nuanced and wider perspective on AI. I initially bought it mostly because I wanted to read perspectives that focused on geopolitical and socio economic implications of AI, and walked away with some key learnings and understandings on both the big opportunities and risks of rapid AI deployment across the world.
   

7. The Creative Act *****: Rick Rubin’s book on the creative process has been widely celebrated this year. It’s worthy of all the praise it received as it became an instant classic that brings together the attitude of a true artist, meaningful lessons learned from his personal artistic life, and spiritual guidance that inspires future generations of artists with a poetic quality that’s simply beautiful to read. Especially in the Age of AI, this book is an important humanistic counter balance that I loved reading (and can also highly recommend the audio version with Rick Rubin’s own narration).
   

8. On Grief ****: This small book was originally an essay in The Atlantic, and it won a Pulitzer Prize. Recounting the tragic death of a family friend during the 9/11 attacks, the Jennifer Senior documents the ways the various family members deal with their loss and the grief that accompanied it.
   

9. The Myth of Normal *****: Gabor Maté’s work on trauma’s effects on the body has informed my own healing journey. In this new book, Gabor Maté together with his son Daniel expands on the societal factors that create and / or amplify trauma and stress. As a father I found it also highly informative to learn about the long-term psychological and physiological effects of what we consider “normal” parenting practices in the western world, and how at odds these are with our human nature and ancient wisdom of native cultures.
   

10. Play to live ****: I found this book in a stack of Alan Watts’ writings in a vintage book store in Kingston, NY. Alan’s son Marc collected and transcribed some of his father’s speeches into this small book. In classic Alan Watts fashion, the book leaves you inspired and with lots of contemplations about how strange the world we made works.
    

11. Real Life ***: Sharon Salzberg’s latest book reminds me of some of Pema Chödrön’s teachings about using life’s obstacles to lead us to closer to our own self and in turn to living a life that’s fuller and free. I read this book while I was on my way to John Kim’s Miserable F*cks Retreat and that couldn’t have been a better intro to my long weekend in the mountains with fellow travelers.
    

12. The Art of Living *****: Thich Nhat Hanh’s teaching are always refreshing and so full of wisdom. I didn’t know what to expect of this book when I picked it up, and then (unexpectedly) was left deeply impacted and wiser than before. The teachings on the buddhist concept of the 8 bodies has expanded my own understanding and perspective on how we impact the world (and people) around us which in turn has shaped a deeper understanding on my own work as a product maker. I’ve touched on this in one of my previous newsletter and have more things to write in the new year.
    

13. The cure at Troy ****: I had this book by Seamus Heaney on my list to read ever since I heard its most famous line ““History says don’t hope / On this side of the grave. / But then, once in a lifetime / The longed for tidal wave / Of justice can rise up / And hope and history rhyme.”quoted by President Biden.
    

14. Men’s Work ****: Connor Beaton has become a go-to resource for many men to find community and work on becoming better men, fathers, partners, and leaders. We’re facing a long-coming crisis of the vast majority of men (especially younger ones) not having any guidance and role models on how to grow into their best, healthiest selves; and the responsibility we have to do that work ourselves. On that note I would also point back up to “Reunion”.
    Connor’s book is fantastic primer on all things men’s work with loads of practical advice and exercises to do the work on yourself. I also recommend Connor’s online content.
    

15. Bonsai A Novel ****: I bought this book at the airport in hopes to find a short fiction read for the flight I was about to board. Alejandro Zambra wrote a beautiful love story between two students. But it’s much more than a coming of age story. The book manages to also be a beautiful, nuanced study of their Chilean culture through the eyes of the two main characters.
    

16. The Laws of Medicine *****: I had this book on my list for a long time ever since Cat highly recommended it. Siddhartha Mukherjee couldn’t make it a bigger understatement when he gave the book the subtitle of “field notes”. Written with beautiful clarity, he outlines the fundamental principles that govern medicine and should not only be required reading for doctors and patients but for any person that’s making high stakes decisions in life and business alike.
    

17. Inward ****: Yung Pueblo first book of his “Inward Trilogy” is a wonderful collection of poems. This year I read through all three books, often paused and reflect on some of the revelations or simply the beautiful play with words and language.
    

18. Clarity and Connection ****: The second book of the “Inward Trilogy” is just as great as the first one, with a focus on thoughts, reflections and revelations on how to connect with yourself, your deep intuitive wisdom and in turn the world around you.
    

19. The Way Forward ****: The last book in the trilogy, this one brings together poems and poetic prose with perspectives on personal growth, direction and expansion toward larger goals in life. Highly optimistic and positive without losing the depth and connection to self.
    

20. The Prophet ****: I had read this book probably two decades ago in its German translation and then came across a quote in another book, so I decided to re-read it in the English version. Now, being much older (and somewhat wiser) the book resonated in completely new ways.
    One of the pages that touched me profoundly was the understanding of how we raise our children to become more and more the person they already are rather than the one we think they should be. If you can get your hand on the Penguin Classic edition I linked here, I highly recommend getting it as it’s beautifully made.
    

21. How to Love ****: We all hear, read and use the word “love” a gazillion times a day but I came to realize that despite that, I didn’t truly know what the word truly means. So, on my quest to understand and feel the depth of this (most foundational) powerful force, I came across this tiny book by Thich Nhat Hanh whose teachings I’ve been reading for a while. It’s a tiny little book that, when read with intention, can transform you.
    

22. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success ****: Another tiny book worth the (quick) read and actually one that I carry with me in my daily tote back. I find myself go back to this pocket version of Deepak Chopra’s book regularly as a reminder (almost a form of everyday mediation) on how to live with intention.
    

23. The Untethered Soul *****: This book was recommended to me (several times) by a close friend. I’ve actually listened to it twice this year on audio because it’s such a profound read. I’d been aware of the concept of Saṃsāra, but the way Michael Singer connects the dots has had a lasting impact on my ability to reach and sustain inner peace.
    

24. Look at the Lights, my Love *****: I picked up this book in our local book store for two reasons: The title and the “Nobel Prize in Literature” sticker. Originally in French, Annie Ernaux wrote an incredibly nuanced and accurate depiction of modern (class) society as it’s reflected in our consumer culture through a collection of diary entries.
    As I finished the book, I was thoroughly moved and inspired by Annie Ernaux’s ability to write with such depth, precision and observational clarity, and pack it all into a book with less than 100 pages.
    

25. It’s not me, it’s you ****: After watching John and Vanessa’s joint coaching sessions online, and reading John’s other book’s, I decided to listen to this book on audio. Having both John and Vanessa narrate the content makes the writing truly come to life, and both of them are able to truly land some of the critical points on relating to each other as partners. It’s basically like a mini workshop in your pocket.
    

26. The Alchemist ****: This was another book I had read ages ago in its German translation, and reading it again (this time in English) opened new doors in my soul. It’s a classic for all the right reasons. Just read it. If you can get your hands on the 25th anniversary edition I linked here, I recommend getting it because it’s beautifully made with uncut rough edges on the pages.
    

27. Warrior of the Light ****: This book holds lots of personal meaning for me, and as I had finished the Alchemist in English, I moved on to re-read Warrior of the Light as well, since I had only read this two to three times in English. It’s a beautiful, optimistic and poetic guide on how to lead a meaningful life aligned with your own purpose.
    

28. How to be an Artist ****: I had listened to an interview with Jerry Saltz on (I believe) the Pivot Podcast, and loved his depth on art, being an artist and living an artistic life. A quick little read, this book’s wit and depth were both really inspiring and entertaining.
    

29. The no BS guide to finding and living your own truth ***: John’s first book was actually the one I read last. For anyone who’s on a journey to define or redefine who they are, this is another practical guide on how to face reality and find your truth. “Self-help in shot glass” as John calls it, feels surprisingly effective if you lean into the advice.
    

30. In Love ****: This book reminded me a lot of “When breath becomes air” by Paul Kalanithi in the way it tells the deeply emotional journey through an incurable disease. Amy Bloom does an exceptional job retelling her own story of living with her husband through his battle with Alzheimers and eventual death.
    

31. Lighter ****: I’ve read Yung Pueblo’s poems for years now (and highly recommend his poetry books, see above). So, when Lighter came out, I couldn’t wait to read it. It’s a beautiful guide toward deep self healing through self inquiry. It’s one of those books that found me at the right time, and supported my own inner work I was doing at the time.
    

32. 8 Rules of Love***: Jay Shetty’s book is a good summary of important teachings on love (of self and others) and relationships.
    

33. Discipline is Destiny ***: I’ve read most of Ryan Holiday’s books. As someone who sometimes struggles with, or at least aims to improve, being disciplined in certain parts of my life, this book was a great reminder of the value and long-term benefits for ones own development and impact in the world through cultivating discipline as a personal virtue.
    

34. The Shortest History of Germany ****: I’ve always appreciated how much of our own history is taught in German schools. This book was both a great refresher and taught me a lot about the connectedness of the countries at the heart of what we call Europe today. I loved how the tone of voice makes this anything but a boring read.
    

35. I used to be a miserable F*ck****: On my journey to become the best version of myself, John Kim’s book found me at an airport book stand. John’s writing and overall approach to therapy is so refreshingly human in its directness. In June I went to one of John’s retreats and it was life-changing in all the right ways.

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Little big thought

In the Age of AI does a humanistic, renaissance-esque education need to become the standard?

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You made it. Thank you!

Kudos to you for making it all the way to the end. Please share your feedback, questions or any topics you’d like me to touch on.

And if you liked what you read, please subscribe and send this newsletter to someone you care about and who would appreciate the content.

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Poetry and Business

On how the art of poetry can teach us to lead with more integrity, build better products and grow more valuable businesses

No. 4 took a little longer to write. I wasn’t entirely sure how extensive I could or should expand on this topic. But instead of letting this “sit”, I figured I’d share what I got so far in hopes it would be valuable either way. Plus, I’ll most likely write more on some of the topics I touch on in the future.

I’ve been deeply moved by poetry from an early age. There’s something about poems that spoke to me on a soul-deep level like no other art form did. Maybe it was an escape or maybe the only place where I felt understood. Poetry helped me see, feel and work differently in more ways than one. Below is a collection of notes (and poems) that hopefully does the same for you.

As always, thank you for reading. Please let me know which of these thoughts resonate with you, what you’d like to read more of or send any ideas, questions, and feedback my way via email or the comments.

P.S. I spent the last days in Kingston, NY and wrote this newsletter in a beautiful little coffee shop / bar / bookstore called “Rough Draft” which really couldn’t be any more fitting.

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On poetry and business

I distinctly remember how I learned about haikus in middle school and spent days, probably weeks, writing my own haikus into a small old softcover notebook I bought at the local paper store until I filled every page. The constraints of the form of the haiku were such a wonderful creative challenge. Not to mention how I jumped at the opportunity to do my 12th grade book presentation about “Dead Poets Society”.

“We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. So medicine, law, business, engineering… these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love… these are what we stay alive for.”

– Robin Williams as John Keating, Dead Poets Society

It wasn’t until decades later (read the last year or so) – after building countless hardware and software products, leading, managing teams large and small, and working in big tech – that I started exploring my love of poetry more broadly in an effort to expand on the things that fill me up.

Why poetry? What does it give me? What does it take? How did poetry shape me growing up? How does it influence and inspire me today? What did it teach me that I can share and pass on? Would the world be better if more people loved poetry the way I do? How do you teach the love for poetry, or can you even?

And while I’m definitely still in the middle of exploring, I figured there’s some learnings worth sharing:

The more I dug, the more poetry revealed itself as a way of life – beyond the rather obvious aesthetic beauty of expressing a human observation, both internal or external, in the form of verses (or not) and rhyme (or not), using the magnificently inspiring tools of human language, punctuation, and metaphor.

In fact, just a few weeks ago, I found this quote from Andrei Tarkovsky that perfectly describes where my journey has taken me so far. Or maybe the quote found me, who knows.

“When I speak of poetry I am not thinking of it as a genre. Poetry is an awareness of the world, a particular way of relating to reality. So poetry becomes a philosophy to guide a man throughout his life.”

– Andrei Tarkovsky

Ok, Ben, get to the business part, will you?

Now, we could spent extensive time on the spiritual components of poetry, how it enriches our life, and connects us to something bigger than ourselves. Or maybe, better, it connects us to our higher self and in turn to the rest of humanity.

Buț embracing poetry as a way of life (and work), it has deeply influenced the way I lead and manage. More so, my love for poetry has certainly raised my personal standards for quality of thinking and execution – and in turn how to build teams, products and companies.

Poetry is a tool to reduce unconsidered, useless crap.

Poetry asks “why?”, “is this necessary?”, and “what for?”. It teaches us the craft of carefully considering every letter, word and punctuation – or their absence. Writing poetry isn’t about writing as many words as you can. It’s about writing the right words in the right order. It’s as simple and profound as that.

Poetry changes the relationship between product and customer.

People feel how a product was made and who made it. In fact, as I’ve written before, I believe the act of product creation is a transfer of energy from the maker to the user. Poetry makes us care about the details. Because they make all the difference. The details make us smile or cry or laugh. Making a product based on the principles of poetry embeds a deep level of care into each part of the product that resonates with humans on a subconscious level. It has the chance to transform users into fans.

Poetry helps you grow better talent.

When the benchmark is to thoughtfully consider the impact of every thing we do, every letter we write, every word we speak, every piece of the product experience we create, we challenge ourselves to new heights. Poetry drives thoughtful iteration, higher standards of craft and execution. It requires our team to hone their skills beyond a functional, rational level and consider the entirety of the human condition.

Poetry is good for business.

Nowadays where technology is a commodity, companies need to set themselves apart from the competition not only on a rational but emotional level. Emotional storytelling around and through your product(s) becomes essential to drive long-term business success, increasing profits by driving customer loyalty.

Poetry creates a better world.

Poetry forces us to face both our individual impermanence as well as acknowledge our shared humanity and sense of inter-being. It connects us to something bigger than our individual concern and can empower us to consider the positive, lasting impact our actions have on the world. In times where humanity is facing severe global challenges this seems like a worthwhile pursuit.

So, where do we start, you ask?

Using the principles of poetry in your daily business doesn’t require you to read countless poems before going to bed (although I’d highly recommend it!). It’s a simple as making an effort to be more conscious and intentional about the choices you make on a daily basis, and to challenge your teams to do the same.

“For my part is the chorus, and the chorus
Is more or less a borderline between
The you and the me and the it of it.
Between
The gods’ and human beings’ sense of things.
And that’s the borderline that poetry
Operates on too, always in between
What you would like to happen and what will –
Whether you like it or not.
Poetry
Allowed the god to speak. It was the voice
Of reality and justice.”

– Seamus Heaney, The Cure at Troy

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3 Inspirations

• Dead Poets Society – It’s one thing to read the quote above but really you should take a few minutes to watch the clip from the movie.

• I found this little book “Play to live” in a vintage bookstore. It’s a collection of Alan Watts’ lectures edited by his son Mark. What inspired me was right the first essay on the abstraction humans make (e.g. money) and how that has shaped what we believe to be true about the world we live in.

• This article on living a resourceful life was shared in one of the Farnam Street newsletters and resonated with me.

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You made it. Thank you!

Kudos to you for making it all the way to the end. Since this is all new to me, please share your feedback, questions or any topics you’d like me to touch on.

And if you liked what you read, please subscribe and send this newsletter to someone you care about and who would appreciate the content.

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Authentically Human

On generative AI and the yearning for soulful products and genuine human connection

Newsletter No. 3, I’m slowly getting used to this. And I hope those of you who keep reading continue to find value and inspiration in every issue.

This week, I decided to not dig into the archives but write up my thoughts on a topic that’s been on my mind for months: How are we going to manage and influence the potential loss of human connection in a world filled with mass-produced digital artifacts thanks to generative AI? And what role will truly human-made objects play?

As always, thank you for reading. Please send any ideas, questions and feedback my way via email or leave them in the comments.

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Authentically Human

Countless things have been said and written about generative artificial intelligence (GAI) – be it in-depth articles written by ChatGPT, breath-taking images created by Midjourney or even human-like voices generated by ElevenLabs.

So, instead of covering the amazingness of AI, I’m curious and interested in digging deeper into the potential consequences the soul-less mass production of digital assets might have – and how we can deal with them in a way that is good for the world and the people living in it.

Outpaced by technology deployment

In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, few advancements have been as groundbreaking and awe-inspiring as GAI. Not only in their record-breaking deployment time but the sheer mass of artifacts produced per unit of time. I still remember how stunned I was when I first saw the pace of a Midjourney discord filling up with generated high-res images in seconds with no end in sight.

These systems have the power to create astonishingly realistic art, music, literature, and even human-like conversations that the human mind cannot truly comprehend.

As we marvel at the wonders of generative AI, it’s imperative, I believe, that we pause and reflect on the profound challenges GAI presents and the critical considerations surrounding authenticity, human connection, and the preservation of genuine human creativity.

“We’re entering an era where we can no longer believe our eyes. Instead of ‘trust but verify,’ it's going to become ‘verify then trust.’ You’ll want to verify exactly where and how an asset was made before you determine whether you can trust it.” —Scott Belsky, Adobe’s Chief Strategy Officer

The authenticity conundrum of digital mass production

As generative AI becomes increasingly sophisticated, distinguishing human-made artifacts from machine-generated ones becomes a daunting task. The line between what is authentically human and what is artificially produced becomes blurry, raising concerns about originality, ownership, and the preservation of artistic and intellectual legacies. We risk losing the essence of what makes human creations unique if we fail to address this conundrum.

And as we contemplate generative AI’s impact, I cannot help but draw parallels to the industrial revolution and the advent of mass production. Just as machines once revolutionized manufacturing, GAI is transforming the creative process. The unprecedented efficiency and quantity of AI-produced artifacts bear striking similarities to the mass-produced goods that became commonplace in the last century. This shift has democratized access to creative works but also led to concerns about devaluing the human touch.

Or, to take it further: not dissimilar to mass-produced physical goods, is GAI leading to virtual mountains of soul-less digital waste?

Buddhist tradition and the soul of a product

I’ve long-believed, and tried to instill in my teams, mentees and students that people can feel how a product (or piece of art) was made. But it wasn’t until I studied the Buddhist tradition’s concept of the eight bodies that I arrived at an explanation for how this actually “works”.

The buddhist tradition speaks of a “body” as a collection of energy. More importantly, the concept of the eight bodies is deeply connected to the 1st law of thermodynamics: Energy cannot be created or destroyed.

The most succinct description of the this concept that I’ve found so far is in Thich Nhat Hanh’s book “The art of living”, and I will quote the relevant part below. I won’t go into all 8 bodies since they’re not all relevant for this article but encourage you to read the book since it’s a delightfully mind-opening read.

“We can be here and also in a distant country… We don’t have to be present with our physical body. When I write a book, I transform myself into thousands of me that can go a little bit everywhere. Every book becomes my body outside the body.”—Thich Nhat Hanh, The Art of Living

So, when Thich Nhat Hanh speaks of the sixth body as “the body outside the body”, he describes our ability as humans to transform some of our own energy and infuse the things we make with it. Thus, a part of us continues to exist in the products we bring into the world. As humans we’re deeply receptive to the level of care (read energy) that has (or hasn’t) been put into a product we touch. That’s what I call the soul of a product.

Authentically human creations as luxury items

Given the rapid pace of GAI deployment, my current assumption is that more and more artifacts we’re exposed to daily will be mass-produced using generative AI – simply because it’s cheaper. But cheaper doesn’t mean more energetically and/or emotionally “nutritious”. Thus, I believe we’ll see an increase in the need for human connection as the number or GAI-produced artifacts grows exponentialy.

People will seek out and cherish original, human-made works as a testament to craftsmanship, passion, and the imperfections that make us human. The value of a unique piece created by a person, with all their emotions, stories and experiences, will transcend the allure of mass-produced AI-generated pieces.

However, given the parallels we can draw between the industrialization of mass-produced physical goods (as well as food), it’s fair to assume that the cost of those authentically human creations will increase drastically and thus become luxury items only affordable by those with higher incomes.

Connecting the dots, the questions I’m exploring are these: In a world inundated with massive amounts AI-generated artifacts, are authentically human creations poised to become symbols of rarity and luxury (just like we’ve seen happening to physical artifacts)? And what impact will this have on humans and global societies as a whole given that we’re intrinsically longing for care and connection? Will we see the increase in emotional and mental health cases accelerating even more?

The antidote to artificiality

With an influx of AI-generated content, the demand for a certification process to identify authentically human creations is paramount. Much like provenance in the art world, we need a system that traces the origin of a piece back to a human creator. Blockchain technology, with its immutable and transparent nature, may hold the key to establishing a trustworthy chain of custody for creative works. This certification could not only protect artists and their creations but also provide consumers with the assurance of acquiring genuine human-made products – if we do it right, and currently we’re far from that.

More importantly, in a society increasingly reliant on digital goods and interactions, the thirst for tangible human experiences will intensify. An increase in live performances, physical art and hand-made products, interactive workshops, and face-to-face interactions might emerge as antidotes to the artificiality of the digital realm. And just like we‘ve seen in hand-made luxury goods, documenting the process and story behind a product will become as relevant, if not more important than the actual piece of work itself.

The authenticity and soulfulness of real-life experiences will become a sought-after commodity, fostering genuine connections between creators and their audiences for those who can afford them. These experiences will reaffirm our humanity and the significance of human interaction – as long as they can be accessed by the majority of people.

“AI is a tool. The choice about how it gets deployed is ours.”
—Oren Etzioni

The world we want to live in

The rise of generative AI brings forth a number of challenges and considerations that transcend technology itself. The quest for authenticity, the certification of human creations, and the longing for genuine human connection highlight the importance of embracing and preserving our innate human spirit captured in the souls of products.

I believe there are many rich, important, and nuanced conversations to be had in the space between the “don’t panic, everything’s amazing, we’ll all be fine” and “OMG we’re all doomed”.

While AI brings immense benefits and convenience, we must be cautious not to lose sight of the value of authentic human contributions. The preservation of creativity, originality, and human connection should be at the forefront of our efforts to integrate AI into our lives responsibly.

As we forge ahead into this new era, let us tread carefully, mindful of our choices, and steadfast in our commitment to celebrating the brilliance of the human mind and heart.

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3 Inspirations

• Art as fundamental sustenance for our souls: This video that Tim Ferris reposted from Questlove’s page on Instagram is a wonderfully moving summary of why we create as humans. If you watch one thing this week, make it this video.

• When I first saw some demo videos of Runway Gen-2 I first couldn’t believe my eyes. It is fascinating to see the speed at which technology evolves at the same time as I’m diving deeper into questioning how much soul any fully auto-generated image, still or motion, can capture.

• The TED video “The enchanting music of sign language” left me speechless. It is absolutely remarkable to see the ways humans are able to not only capture but transmit energy and in turn make an emotional connection.

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You made it. Thank you!

Kudos to you for making it all the way to the end. Since this is all new to me, please share your feedback, questions or any topics you’d like me to touch on.

And if you liked what you read, please subscribe and send this newsletter to someone you care about and who would appreciate the content.

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