Category: Inspiration
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Superrich Superheroes (NYT article)
Here’s an excellent essay by writer Jeff Yang (no relation to Andrew). Too much media attention chases wealthy tycoons (whether they are real or made-up characters in Marvel Comics). Rewards and recognition were minimal for everyday heroes like my father. Superheroes need to be held accountable by media sycophants. Admittedly, I have done my share […]
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Nicholas Kristof (NYT Op-Ed)
Great piece. Is it possible for the world to reverse the clock and go back to the daily in-person conversations which built rapport, defused conflict, and ultimately erased hatred? Too much fluff carries weight on social media, thanks to the tech platforms. NYC witnessed a candidate for mayor with over two million Twitter followers (Yang) […]
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Exhaust Life
Guy Kawasaki’s podcast interview with Ronnie Lott is worthy of your time. I’ve met both. In the words of Ronnie Lott, “exhaust life” while enjoying every minute.
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10% Happier Podcast
Dan Harris hosts an insightful podcast with author Leah Weiss Link This one hit home because I was able to differentiate between anxiety, depression, and burnout. An overwhelming percentage of the general population falls into these buckets. Often, it’s hard to say no, to let go, or to take that well-deserved vacation when it may […]
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5 C’s
According to marketer Martin Lindstrom, it’s possible to embrace a brave new world of work based on common sense and a “90-day intervention”: link Who doesn’t need a 90-day intervention as we get over the pandemic? The book is good, too.
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Mandela quote
This quote speaks to the human condition as it did during Nelson Mandela’s time. It also unveils human vulnerability to one’s own language that goes to the heart, sometimes at the expense of reason in the oft-tainted social media age. The battle for humanity’s soul and, ultimately, the truth requires mastery of messaging and marketing. […]
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Tech Diversity Bingo
How does one become a better ally when the tech industry tempts employees to take the path of least resistance? As an Asian-American, I can do more at the grassroots level to help those less fortunate enter the industry. Tech diversity ally link
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Amy Klobuchar quote
I’ll go on a limb and say, Senator Klobuchar, author of a recent book crooning about Big Tech, is well-placed to be the successor to President Joe Biden if she gets privacy/data protection legislation passed in Congress. It’s a tall order, but I’m confident she can become the first female U.S. President. I supported Clinton […]
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Talk by the Admiral – NBA Star David Robinson
David Robinson was the first pro athlete I looked up to while growing up down the road from San Antonio. The Spurs were the nearest top-tier sports franchise to my hometown (before Austin FC). I’ve watched many Spurs games in person, and most of the time, they won. After a spectacular NBA career with the […]
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Pray for India
Arundhati Roy, the author of the timeless classic, The God of Small Things, reports from the ground floor in India. The price of survival is too high. Free markets, political strongmen, and corporations run India. A public health catastrophe happens when safety nets don’t exist or get removed by the government—while the powerful and wealthy […]
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Austin Spring Division Winner 2021
I haven’t won a division playing Ultimate Tennis in over ten years. I guess I won again if this mail parcel says I did. Prof/podcaster Scott Galloway talks about building anticipation in one’s life and making plans with your family and friends while giving them the same opportunity for anticipation. Competitive tennis has given me, […]
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Gaman
The Japanese slogan gaman is another helpful term picked up from Japanesetest4you. I lived in Japan and spoke a little Japanese. Everyday survival in Japan was an endurance test. It will be interesting to see Japan thrive in a post-Covid world. Fewer than ten thousand people have succumbed to the virus in a population just […]
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Buddhist quote and a Movie recommendation
The news feed and social media have stopped normal dialogue. Direct conversations solve problems easier than over email, texting, or messaging. It’s hard to unplug, but that’s the only way humans can become problem-solvers again. The lack of civil dialogue creates conflict. There are excessive awards to grow a business through social media, but relentless […]
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Magokoro
“Maro Up” is a shortened version of this Japanese concept inspired by Japanese businessman Wahei Takeda. I recommend this recent book by Janet Attwood and Ken Honda, highlighting his career. How do we focus on gratitude as a means to live better and happier? The “thank you” culture which Takeda-San instilled in his businesses is […]
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RoundUp
Recently discovered an Austin-based startup behind the RoundUp app. What if you could donate your spare change to a nonprofit of your choice? Let’s say 20-30 bucks a month gets donated by default. It amounts to ~$300 annually. If you convinced a hundred of your friends to donate their change, that’s $30k to your cause! […]
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