I love it when an entrepreneur/VC brings a special and out-of-the ordinary lens to business and decision making. From thinking like a poker player to thinking like a dog, here are provocative voices that will freshen your perspective with some provocative approaches.
Venture on,
Mike Collins | CEO of Alumni Ventures
RECEIVE
The Flywheel
Newsletter by Jake Singer
The Flywheel is 2x monthly newsletter from Jake Singer that takes a deep dive into one company through the lens of feedback loops—a powerful framework that deserves a closer look. Examples are timely: Zoom, Robinhood, Peloton, Stitch Fix. Singer has a knack for simplifying the analysis, but I always come away with new insights and the reminder of the importance of dynamic thinking.
LISTEN
Freakanomics
Hosted by Stephen J. Dubner & Steven Leavitt
Stephen J. Dubner, co-author of Freakanomics, has brought his provocative and illuminating take on economics to the radio/podcasts. With the episodes now numbering in the 400+—from potential downsides of philanthropy to the interior life of a dog—the variety of topics is far-flung and the thinking crisp. The other member of the Freaknomics duo, Steven Leavitt, has a fascinating new podcast “People I Mostly Admire” that is another offering from the same network. The guest list is eclectic and fascinating.
READ
Thinking in Bets + How to Decide
By Annie Duke
Annie Duke is an ex-professional poker player, with a bracelet from 2004. She’s also blessed with a unique mind and world-class chops in decision-making science. Both books will help you professionally, but her basic points affect everyday decisions as well. If our lives are the sum of our decisions, who wouldn’t benefit from making better ones?