Work doesn't have to suck. Annual review. Prophecies of the flood.
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
Ever wonder why being stuck in a queue feels better than being at work?
A revealing UK study found that paid work ranks as our second-most miserable activity, topped only by being sick in bed.
But as Jade Garratt puts it, "work doesn't have to suck" 😊
She challenges the common belief that work must be unpleasant, arguing that happiness isn't just possible - it's crucial for high performance.
The research suggests simple steps to improve our work experience: socializing with colleagues, listening to music while working, and, when possible, working from home. While we can't control everything at work, focusing on what we can influence often has a bigger impact than we realize.
We spend too much of our lives working for it to be miserable.
Personal development
How to make resolutions that might actually stick
Question your successes as much as your failures
The donkey mindset
Ethics in digital and AI coaching
There's a place for everyone
What your brain is really doing when you're doing 'Nothing'
Feeling unmotivated? Use "Skinner's Law" to get yourself back on track
Innovation
Reflections from Sam Altman
AI and freelancers: has the inflection point arrived?
On artificial super intelligence: timeline & implications
Computer scientist explains zero-knowledge proof
The 30 best pieces of company building advice we heard in 2024
Catalogue of research databases
Leadership and management
Work doesn't have to suck
The four qualities of resilient teams
Looking back on the Notre-Dame fire: could it have been avoided?
“Looks good to me” is a lazy default: why give feedback on work output
Company culture and leadership
Leading for the future: disorder, trauma, growth
The new rules of executive presence
One book
“The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: A Guide to Wealth and Happiness” by Eric Jorgenson.
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 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
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I love that book you have recommended. I haven't even gone past chapter 1 as there is just so much to assimilate and apply :)