Friday challenge
Here’s a fun challenge for your Friday. Ask your manager if you can finish at 3pm. (I can already hear a few sharp inhales…) But really, what’s the worst that could happen? You’re not asking because there’s something urgent. You’re not cashing in a big win. You’ve just been working hard all week and you’d […]
The CFA is a long-term play
Studying to be a CFA Charterholder shows ambition. But don’t mistake it for a golden ticket now. I’ve coached a lot of financial professionals over the years. One thing I often see is this belief that studying for the CFA will help their immediate job prospects. In my view, that’s a mistake. Sure, it shows […]
I don’t want my manager’s job
Oh… I don’t want my manager’s job. Now what do I do? This is a revelation that hits many professionals in their 20s & 30s. They look one level up. And realise they don’t want that. For some, it’s a confronting moment, because for most of your career the way forward has looked pretty linear. […]
Why I left the RBA
I loved working at the RBA. But I left because of this reason. My time at the RBA was awesome! It’s a place that attracts some of the smartest and kindest professionals you’ll ever meet. I was surrounded by people who deeply cared about what they did and how they did it. After joining the […]
Am I the problem?
Do you find yourself complaining about your workload? If so, here’s a useful thought exercise. It’s easy to complain when you think someone else is at fault. But it gets a lot harder to complain when you ask yourself: Am I the one at fault? How much did you agree to the extra work you’re […]
Energy waves
Your energy won’t stay the same across your career or life. It will come in waves. There are waves where you’re driven, impatient and ready to take on the world. Then there are waves of rest and reflection, or when you’re happy for things to just tick along. It’s easy to worry when you’re hustling […]
Will I regret this?
This is one of the best filters I’ve found for decision-making. It’s just one question: Will I regret this? Not will it work out.Not will it be worth my while. Not will this make sense to others. Just: Will I regret this? Here’s how it plays out. You’re unsure whether to message someone you admire. […]
View equity as $ not %
At some point in your career, you might be offered equity. Here’s what you must know before saying yes. Being offered equity as a gift or as a buy-in is an exciting moment. But before you rush in, it helps to appreciate this is a long-term decision. I have personal and professional experience with this, […]
The real deal behind your job
When people assess a job, they obsess over salary. But here are 18 different ways to look at it. Because you’re never just trading money for your time. The actual deal includes everything else that comes with the job. Here’s what that deal might look like: 18,780 emails sent 602 hours commuting 28,538 working hours […]
The average age of a SUCCESSFUL founder
There’s a quiet pressure in your 20s and 30s that if you don’t launch a business or get a top job you’ve missed the boat. But the research says otherwise. The average age of a successful startup founder is 45. Note the key word, SUCCESSFUL. These are the ones who actually build companies that grow, […]