Friends of Dave #90: Nothing's Shocking
Everybody has their own opinion. Holding it back hurts so bad.
For starters this week, a work related shout out to the folks at FinTech Sandbox in Boston. I know a good number of Friends of Dave are in the FinTech space, and I was fortunate to be able to attend a few events during Boston FinTech Week this week. To be blunt, I (like many of you) usually find that these types of industry things kinda suck -- same people, same topics, yada yada yada. Honestly, that was not the case here -- KUDOS to the FinTech Sandbox team for putting together a week's worth of phenomenal, spirited programming and mixers (with panels and discussions not just FinTech centric, but also including broader topics like data and analytics, RegTech and innovation/startups). Also notable, it drew a great combination of attendees -- from technologists and entrepreneurs to industry veterans, VCs and investors. If Jean, Sarah, Tatiana and their team are involved in an event or meetup in your town, worth making time to check it out and go to it.
Now those of you who are regular readers of this newsletter or who know me well know that I have a tendency to call things as I see them. Like the Jane's Addiction song once said, "Everybody has their own opinion." Sometimes I just happen to not be shy with mine -- particularly when I am passionate about something.
I've learned over the years that, even though it may come with the best of intentions or from a good place, this aspect of my personality sometimes can rub people the wrong way. As my grandfather once sagely advised me in my much younger days (unsolicited I might add), "David, opinions are like assholes -- everyone's got one...and no one wants to hear it." So at least you can see I come by it honestly.....
That all said....go check out future FinTech Sandbox related events....it may be just this one man's opinion, but I am pretty confident about my endorsement. And check out the great stories I included for you below -- if you liked the Jane's Addiction reference, I've got something special for you in the "Last Word." Cash in now.
XOXO
Dave
3 To Start You Thinking...
Forget About Making the "Right" Decision
“Here’s how to buy a printer: you go to the store and get a printer.”
We get so bogged down trying to make sure we execute the "perfect" decision. The reality is there are no perfect decisions. Accept it. Stop wasting time and overanalyzing. Be confident in yourself and that you can deal with the consequences afterwards.
How Impostor Syndrome Is Holding You Back at Work
Imposter Syndrome is the idea that high achievers are psychologically uncomfortable with acknowledging their role in their success. 70% of all successful people experience this at one time or another -- and a great many are high achieving women. It's a real thing and those of us in management need to proactively help the budding stars on our teams break through this.
What makes a sentence a masterpiece?
They’re the building blocks of great writing, but not all sentences are equal. Mastering the art of creating an impactful sentence will improve your overall writing immensely. And if this is something you feel you need to improve, here's a quick tip: get on Twitter more often. The short form and character limits will make your sentences punchier and more efficient.
4 For Your Day Job...
The Democratization of Data Science
Smart companies today ensure that many of their employees can speak the language of data and use it to improve work outcomes.
Being conversant in the basics of analyzing data is no longer a luxury -- the ease of collection, structuring and pervasiveness of data analytics tools has made this the most critical skill that every member of a team needs to have.
What is Prescriptive Analytics and Why Should You Care
Prescriptive analytics uses data to tell you what to do and why to do it. It unlocks the final stage in understanding your business and the opportunities associated with it. Good companion to previous article.
Financial Services in Transforming To Appeal To The Customer Of The Future
The rise of the Millennial demographic, combined with the mobile disruption of business, was the initial driver of financial companies investing in digital tools. Now, many companies are looking to enhance customer experience as their stakeholders continue to demand more. Understanding this is going to be the key not just in the evolution of FinTech, but all businesses as we move forward. Pay attention!
Looking beyond real estate, WeWork wants to provide services to startups
I know, I know, I shared an article like this about a month or so ago, but I am doing it again. WeWork is transforming itself into a "platform" business -- you can learn something from it as you look at your own business or company.
#SHOCKER: Here are your 3 random ones...
Beer inspired ancient farmers to grow cereals
"I pity the fool that don't eat my cereal" -- not said by an ancient farmer.
The reason nobody ever wins that car giveaway at the mall
Bigger question: people still go to malls?
The Chemicals Behind the 'New Car Smell'
I'm personally waiting for the follow up "The Chemicals Behind the 'Teenager Bed Room Smell'"....
And The Last Word....
Jane's Addiction's 'Nothing's Shocking' Turns 30: Oral History
For you music fans, a cool look back on the origins of Jane's Addiction and the group's influential debut album, Nothing's Shocking, which was (GULP!) released 30 years ago.