Good theft vs. bad theft. Kai-Fu-Lee on how China is shaping the future of AI. The future of working from home.
Welcome to a new issue of the newsletter, “Journal of discoveries.”
Each week, I check a list of hundreds of sources of inspiration to spot exciting articles, videos, podcasts, and books on personal development, leadership, management, technology, and innovation.
While this newsletter will remain a free resource, you might consider becoming a paid subscriber to support my work, and get access to my searchable Notion database. Thanks!
And now, let’s dive in!
One “must” for this week
What is the art of honorable theft?
There's a stark distinction between honorable and dishonorable creative theft. While good theft transforms multiple influences into something new through deep study and understanding, bad theft merely imitates or copies without adding value.
In a world where originality seems increasingly rare, I also draw inspiration from other creators and artists.
The key isn't whether you borrow - it's how you transform what you take into something uniquely yours. As Austin Kleon, author of "Steal Like an Artist," suggests, the difference lies in studying deeply versus skimming the surface, drawing from many sources versus copying one, and transforming versus imitating.
Perhaps the best test is what Kleon calls the elevator gut check: "If you met the artist you're stealing from in a stalled elevator, would they shake your hand or punch you in the face?"
Personal development
How to make your ‘imposter’ monster a trusted friend
Einstein's 7 rules for a better life
The starfish rule
Guilt and procrastination: understanding this emotion
Ten new books to feed your mind in 2025
Limiting beliefs: ditch the four dream killers holding you back
Want to be happier? Use these five charts to improve your life.
Innovation
Kai-Fu-Lee on how China is shaping the future of AI
The irreplaceable value of human decision-making in the age of AI
The race to deploy generative AI and raise skills
Building effective agents
How Shopify built a high-intensity culture
There is no better time than the present to Just Start
What to expect from the next generation of brain-computer interfaces
A butterfly flaps its wings and you make a sale
Leadership and management
The future of working from home
Three universal risks of asking questions and how to overcome them
12 opportunities for HR in 2025: thriving people, thriving organisation
Women in the workplace 2024 report
Six common leadership styles — and how to decide which to use when
How to communicate charismatically
One book
“Breath: the new science of a lost art” by James Nestor.
See you next Saturday,
Roberto
I’m hosting a free virtual communication workshop!
Spending hours in virtual meetings can be exhausting 😩
You know the feeling—wondering if people are paying attention, struggling to sound confident through the screen, or just wishing you could connect better in those tiny Zoom boxes.
I’ve been there too.
Since 2020, I’ve spent over 5,000 hours in virtual meetings. Along the way, I’ve learned that being effective online is about so much more than just having a great microphone or camera (and you know how I LOVE a good tech setup 🤖).
That’s why I’ve spent countless hours researching, practicing, and learning how to communicate in virtual settings: how to engage, connect, and leave a lasting impression.
My guiding question has always been, “how do I want the people in this meeting to remember me?”
Now, I want to share what I’ve learned with you—and in the process, continue learning myself.
I’m hosting a free workshop to help you become a better communicator in virtual settings.
Whether you’re leading meetings, pitching ideas, or just trying to avoid “Zoom fatigue,” this 45-minute session is designed to give you practical tools you can use right away.
🎯 What’s in it for you?
Learn how to make a stronger, more memorable impression from the moment you join a call.
Discover how to use your voice, gestures, and presence to keep people engaged.
Avoid common pitfalls that can derail even the best-prepared sessions.
And yes, we’ll talk about the all-important technical setup, too!
It’s going to be interactive, fun, and useful—and I’d love for you to join! 🤩
📅 Tuesday, January 14th and 28th
⏰ 16:30 CET
In each session, the spots are limited for better interaction, so don’t wait!
👉 Register here > https://calendly.com/robertoferraro/virtual-communication-workshop
Whenever you're ready, here's how I can support you
1:1 coaching. Join me on a co-active coaching journey to explore your values and purpose and transform your life.
The Archive. Posting on social media? Save hours with my curated content archive; never run out of ideas! Choose a topic, read, write, and publish!
Content creation consulting. In two years, I went from zero to 250.000+ curious minds following my work. I will share with you what worked and what to avoid.
License my illustrations to enhance your message and reach your goals. I created more than 1.000 unique illustrations, generating millions of impressions, and you can also use them.
Looking forward to the workshop! :)