Hey there —

Imagine you’re at a dinner party, sitting at a table full of Ph.D.s. Suddenly, the conversation veers toward stock options, quantum physics, and neurogenesis. Is your gut reaction to:

1. Mentally check out before excusing yourself and fleeing the scene. 🏃

2. Stay put and conversate as if you have a clue about what’s going on. 🫠

It’s human nature to gravitate toward similar-minded people. And if we’re in a room full of “smarter” people who are experts in complicated topics — the pros to our amateur — we can get pretty uncomfortable, pretty fast.

Yet, that cringe feeling of “I’m the dumbest person here” is actually a good sign.

While it’s comforting to be the brainiest in a crowd, it can overindulge your ego. You might be tempted to believe you’re superior to others — because hey, you have nothing left to learn, right?

But to grow, you have to get comfortable not knowing it all. It doesn’t mean you’re “dumb” — it’s a sign you’re in the fortunate position of being able to learn from others and expand your worldview.

Michael Dell, the founder of Dell Technologies, even credits his success to the relationships that stem from this practice:

“Try never to be the smartest person in the room. And if you are, I suggest you invite smarter people…or find a different room. [...] my own growth as a leader has shown me again and again that the most rewarding experiences come from my relationships.”

Here are a few tips for your next awesome (but awkward) growth opportunity:

🧠 Reframe your thoughts from “I have nothing to contribute” to “I have everything to gain.”

👂Use it as a chance to practice your active listening skills. Instead of scrambling to come up with something smart to say, tune in to the conversation.

❓Ask thoughtful questions. Statements aren’t the only way to add value to a convo!

It can be uncomfortable to be in a place where you might feel inadequate or clueless. But learning from others creates the opportunity to gain new perspectives, connections, and knowledge. And this newfound information might just open up your world (in the best way possible). 🌍

Jack White on using constraints to force creativity

by Under Great White Northern Lights

Jack White (lead singer of The White Stripes) shares how he sparks creativity after a decade of writing music.

The secret sauce? 🧑‍🍳 Constraints and work ethic.

As White shares in this video clip, sometimes the only way to trigger creativity is by putting yourself in a box and showing up, even on days when you feel uninspired.

Watch the video →

The critical 7 rules to understand people

by Scott H. Young

Can you really summarize the complexity of human behavior in seven rules?

Well, writer Scott H. Young is willing to take on the challenge.

In this article, Young offers seven surprising guidelines to better understand human nature. It’s packed with spicy takes 🌶 (such as that most people are “altruistically selfish”), and it’s guaranteed to alter your perspective on your fellow humans.

Read the article →

Radio Garden

by Jonathan Puckey

Tune in to one of 40,000 live radio stations across the globe!

Radio Garden is a tool that lets you plug into any broadcast, large or small. Drop into Nostalgie in Paris, France, listen to VFE Epic Eighties in Brisbane, Australia, or bop along to Radyo Natin Coron FM 100.5 in Coron, Philippines.

Be warned: you might spend way more time exploring the airwaves than you planned. 😉

Check out some tunes →

“I'm late to the party, but I'm obsessed with Dickinson on Apple TV+. I've always loved Emily Dickinson's poems and the show brings them to life in a whole new way. Hailee Steinfeld is perfect in the role (her comedic timing is *chef's kiss*) and the mix of period setting with modern dialogue and music is my jam.”
— Ashley, Content Writer

“One of my favourite podcasts I frequently tune into is Creative Pep Talk, which as the name suggests, is about common problems faced by creatives. I seem to turn to it when I'm in search of real actionable steps to get out of almost any type of funk and back on track.”
— Spencer, Editor

“It's tried and true, but nothing helps me get more in the flow zone than lofi hip hop radio on YouTube. I love that it's free, has no ad breaks, and the playlist never ends. Plus, Lofi Girl is an icon in the productivity space.”
— Alice, Freelance Writer

“I’ve been enjoying Old Enough! on Netflix. It’s a subtitled Japanese show that follows toddlers (around 2 years old) on their first solo errand. Camera crews follow them as they navigate 1km walks to grocery stores and the inevitable obstacles they face. It’s a great conversation starter for how and when you can foster independence in children.”
— Mark, Product Development

Written by Alice Lemée

Edited by Matt D'Avella & Kerstin Sheppard