The four keys to leading today. Why you’re always busy but never productive (and how to fix it). Three observations from Sam Altman
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
Everyone can be a leader.
Research shows that by 2030, the majority of US workers will be independent contractors or free agents, fundamentally changing how we think about workplace hierarchy.
The traditional "boss" - that archetype of control and micromanagement - is rapidly becoming obsolete.
As Rishad Tobaccowala writes, this transformation demands four essential qualities that distinguish true leaders in today's workplace:
First, pursue excellence relentlessly. Don't just manage - master your craft and keep learning as professional knowledge evolves ever faster.
Second, face reality. Embrace data and hard truths, creating spaces where people can speak up about real problems.
Third, lead with empathy and vulnerability. Ask meaningful questions and share your own challenges - authentic connections inspire real following.
Fourth, improve continuously. Treat leadership as an ongoing practice, actively seeking feedback and turning every experience into an opportunity to grow.
This new era of work isn't just changing who leads - it's transforming how we lead.
Personal development
Why you’re always busy but never productive (and how to fix it)
The most dangerous trap in life
How to make your brain more creative
Curiosity was my best career compass
Digital distractions and finding focus
How to answer “Walk me through your resume”
The case for sabbaticals, and how to take a successful one
Innovation
Three observations from Sam Altman
Introducing the Anthropic Economic Index
Building CERN for AI
25 years at Google: from PageRank to AGI
Microsoft’s Majorana 1 chip carves new path for quantum computing
Weak signals from the future
How to select your first marketing channel
Chase the bigger context
Leadership and management
The four keys to leading today
How AI can help you lead with heart
Develop adjacent skills to become a better operator
Why great leaders should want their teams to manage up
When your job breaks your heart
40 activities ranked by happiness: work ranks 39th
One book
“Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life” by Nir Eyal.
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! 🤩
In each session, the spots are limited for better interaction, so don’t wait!
👉 Register here > https://calendly.com/robertoferraro/virtual-communication-workshop
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