What Does a Good Business Feel Like? (Part 2 of 2)
A business with product/market fit doesn't necessarily feel good for an entrepreneur to work on. This note explores the factors internal to the entrepreneur that make a business feel worthwhile.
Akash Kanojia
What Does a Good Business Feel Like? (Part 1 of 2)
Good and bad businesses feel different. What exactly is the difference? This post explores the external criteria--the market and customers--while next week's post explores the factors internal to the entrepreneur.
When You Are Bullied, Do You React with Fear or Anger?
A take on how countries might respond to the new U.S. tariffs, viewed through the lens of fear, anger, and shame.
This Is Going to Get Much Worse
I spend about 50% of the time in my capital markets class talking about financial crises. The biggest takeaway I have from studying financial history myself is that humans have short memories, and have difficulty mapping how patterns of history from the past can repeat in the present. In other
Wasted Effort Is a Myth
People can sometimes feel paralyzed by the need to follow an optimal or efficient path towards a goal. But progress is uncertain. By focusing on what we learn at each step, we can mitigate the feelings of anxiety that come with any uncertain endeavor.
Why Every Creator Needs a “Stock” in Their Portfolio (Part 2)
Fulfillment in work requires a balance between the emotions of safety and excitement. We achieve this by building a portfolio of "bonds" and "stocks." From a place of safety, when the right opportunity presents itself, we can have the courage to go all-in on a home run opportunity.
Why Every Creator Needs a “Bond” in Their Portfolio (Part 1)
People assume that we need to go all-in on creative projects to make them work. However, that turns creative projects into life-or-death situations that must work for us to survive. Adding a stable, low-risk project to our portfolio is a better way to manage risk.
Why We Fixate on the Wrong Problems
People often mistake busywork for the important work that leads to real change. The important work is scary, especially because the initial feedback can be negative.
SXSW Networking Guide for Students
A complete guide to networking for students at SXSW: How to adopt a good mindset, set goals, how to start conversations, where to meet people, and how to follow up.
The Price of Playing a Real Game
Losses are a natural consequence of playing any game with a difficulty level appropriate to us. The key to long-term success is distinguishing between temporary losses and permanently destructive losses. When we hold on through the former and cut the latter, we win in the long-term.