Format

• Hey Friends

• Today’s Sponsor: VRTU Muay Thai

• Thought of the Week: Human Intelligence

• Market Alpha: Concerns & Considerations

• Commerce & Capital: The Bryan Johnson Case Study

• Life Design: The Evolution of Product Roles

• Trending Now

  • 🌍 Social Media

  • 📚 Book Shelf

  • 📰 Article Of The Week

Hey Friends

Let’s talk about something I mention frequently, but have not yet explored in any real depth in this newsletter thus far: Life Design.

The concept of Life Design isn't new. It has roots in ancient philosophy, perhaps first clearly articulated in the philosopher Aristotle's writings about the ancient Greek concept of Eudemonia or “living a good life.” 

A key aspect of the etymological roots of the word eudemonia is understanding that it can mean “activity linked with dividing or dispensing, in a good way.” The eudemonic process of "dividing and dispersing" life elements is critical in crafting a fulfilling and purposeful life. By curating our experiences, relationships, work, and personal growth opportunities, we engage in intentional Life Design, aiming to achieve what Aristotle described as "living well and faring well." 

The ancient Greek ideal of pursuing eudemonia is a precursor to our notions of modern life curation, in that both encourage being hyper-intentional about building our lives to be objectively desirable and aligned with our values and aspirations.

Stanford professors Bill Burnett and Dave Evans re-popularized the expression Life Design with their 2016 book Designing Your Life, applying design thinking principles to career and life choices. The central argument of the book is that the same creative strategies used to develop products can be readily applied to crafting a fulfilling life.

Growing up in a very entrepreneurial unconventional family, I realize now why the concept of Life Design fascinated me. I witnessed my parents continually go against-the-grain in the 1980s and 1990s, deliberately curating and carving out lives for themselves that were multi-jurisdictional, multifaceted, unusual and exciting, filled with beauty, spirituality, opportunity and purpose.

As an entrepreneur who got my start in selling consumer goods and fashion, having faith in my selection abilities became necessary. Curating products and clothing collections, and making decisions about what's hot and what sells, mirrored how I was also deliberating curating my own life experiences, my learning paths, my business strategies and my personal development.

This curatorial mindset is crucial for entrepreneurs and independent thinkers. In a world of information overload and constant change, it’s become essential that we foster in ourselves the ability to discern, to make decisive intentional choices and to take responsibility for designing a fulfilling life path.

How can we apply intentional Life Design to our own lives and businesses?

Here are a few strategies I've found helpful:

1. Cultivate diverse interests: Don't just stick to your industry or area of expertise. Explore art, science, philosophy, history, culture. You never know where your next big idea is going to come from.

2. Practice intentional learning: Don't consume information passively. Actively seek out information that challenges your core assumptions.

3. Design your environment: Surround yourself with people, ideas, and experiences that inspire, motivate and challenge you.

4. Embrace the unknown: Reframe the Knowledge Paradox — that the more we learn, the more we are aware that there is more to learn — as a motivator. Embrace the daily search for new data and knowledge.

As entrepreneurs you’re not just building businesses — you’re designing lives.

Stay hungry for new learnings, and keep designing your life. As with most things, most of the fun happens during the process, not in the finality. In many ways, there is no final destination when it comes to Life Design because there will always be something new to discover, learn and apply.

Onward,

Moshe Modeira

Editor-In-Chief 

Commerce & Capital

Today’s Sponsor: VRTU Muay Thai

vrtumuaythai

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VRTU is a premier Muay Thai Gym & Fitness Studio. VRTU Training features some of Toronto’s best martial arts instructors — and involves high-level physical conditioning / strength training for students of all ages. Experience conditioning, strength training and authentic support from a growing community that will help you achieve your fight training goals.

www.vrtu.ca 

Thought of the Week: Human Intelligence

While artificial intelligence has made remarkable strides in recent years, the public perception of AI as a fully autonomous, digital entity often obscures a more complex and sometimes troubling reality: most AI systems still rely heavily on human intervention and infrastructure support — a fact that has significant implications for both tech investors and entrepreneurs.

Look no further than Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh stores, for instance. The cashier-less stores are marketed as cutting-edge examples of AI and virtual management technology. However, behind the scenes, thousands of virtual assistants in India are employed to monitor each locations, ensuring systems function correctly. According to reports, as of mid-2022, human assistants reviewed over 70% of sales made in these "cashier-less" shops.

This scenario is not unique to Amazon. Human oversight remains crucial for security, maintaining accuracy and resolving discrepancies that AI systems might miss. Many AI platforms across various industries still require substantial human input, whether for data labeling, quality control or handling errors that automated systems struggle with.

Reliance on low-wage workers in developing countries for AI support raises serious ethical concerns about labor practices and global inequality in the AI and tech sectors.

For instance, while a small grocery store in America may end up having a payroll of about $130,000 annually — automating everything and outsourcing most of the human labour to virtual assistants in countries like India, Kenya or the Philippines could reduce this cost by nearly $100,000 a year.

This stark difference in labor costs contributes significantly to the immense wealth accumulation of tech and AI companies, and is emblematic of the incoming crush of automation that is impacting job availability the globe over.

The growth of AI applications presents significant challenges and opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs. Scalability issues arise as human oversight requirements increase, creating operational bottlenecks and costs. Ethical concerns surrounding labor exploitation in developing countries must be addressed, while companies navigate public perception gaps between AI expectations and operational realities.

Understanding the true structure and hidden costs of AI companies is crucial for assessing profitability and scalability. Entrepreneurs can find opportunities in innovations that reduce human dependency, improve efficiency, or create more ethical AI-human collaboration models. Conversely, increased awareness of these practices will lead to greater regulatory scrutiny, particularly regarding data privacy & labor practices. Successfully navigating these complex issues will be critical for the long-term success of the AI sector.

As AI technology continues to evolve, the goal is to reduce dependency on human assistance and create more truly autonomous systems. However, for the foreseeable future, the success of AI platforms will depend on effectively balancing technological innovation with human insight and robust infrastructure. Investors and entrepreneurs who understand this will be best positioned to capitalize efficiently on the ongoing AI revolution.

Market Alpha: Concerns & Considerations

This week, the capital markets continue to exhibit marked volatility. The climate of uncertainty is leading to significant swings in equity prices, as market participants attempt to price in the potential impacts of these diverse global events with view to the impending risks of a recession.

The inflationary economy continues to show zero signs of abating, with with positive economic data contrasting sharply with low consumer sentiment. This will significantly influence voter behaviour in upcoming elections in the U.S. in November later this year and in Canada in October 2025, as people grapple with the disconnect between official statistics and their actual financial realities.

The ongoing legal battle between Visa and Mastercard over swipe fees, with a federal judge rejecting a $30 billion settlement, highlights the tension between financial institutions and consumers. This dispute could become a focal point for voters concerned about corporate power and consumer rights.

Geopolitically, tensions remain high on multiple fronts. North Korea's recent ballistic missile launch serves as a reminder of ongoing security concerns in East Asia. Meanwhile, protests in Kenya over tax increases, and the rising conflict between Israel and Hezbollah underscore global instability that could impact U.S. foreign policy decisions.

In the U.S., social issues appear poised to play a major role in the upcoming Trump / Biden showdown. Recent legal decisions regarding religious schools and student loan forgiveness have the potential to mobilize voters on both sides of these contentious issues. The Supreme Court's involvement in these matters underscores their significance in the national discourse.

Globally, innovation and technological advancements continue to significantly shape international relations. For instance, China's successful return of lunar samples from the far side of the moon represents the most significant recent achievement in the space race. U.S. space policy and funding priorities will have no choice but to respond accordingly.

The deadly explosion at a South Korean battery plant has raised concerns about safety standards in the hyper-competitive lithium-ion battery industry. The incident will have measurable implications for the EV market and renewable energy sector, influencing environmental policy and economic strategy.

Navigating this complex environment will require investors and policymakers to balance short-term economic concerns with long-term strategic considerations. The interplay between technological innovation, geopolitical tensions and domestic social issues will continue to heavily impact market dynamics and political discourse in the coming months.

Commerce & Capital: The Bryan Johnson Case Study

Life Design: The Evolution of Product Roles

In the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology, the traditional boundaries between product management, marketing, design, and sales are becoming increasingly blurred. As a founder who has worn multiple hats and hired for these roles over the years, I've witnessed firsthand the shifting dynamics in how products are brought to life and delivered to market.

Traditionally, these roles were distinct:

1. Product Management: Product Managers define the product roadmap, prioritize features and balance user needs with overarching business goals.

2. Product Marketing: Product Marketers craft the narrative around the product, position it in the market and ensure it resonates with target audiences and customer profiles.

3. Product Design: Product Designers shape the end-to-end user experience, focusing on aesthetics, usability and functionality.

4. Product Sales: The frontline warriors who engage directly with customers, listen and understand their pain points, and close deals.

In the past, specialists in each of these areas were highly sought after. Companies typically value deep expertise in singular domains, believing that siloed excellence would lead to superior results in these areas.

The landscape is rapidly shifting. The rise of lean startups, agile methodologies, and the democratization of technological tools has sparked a new paradigm of full-stack “maker-creators.”

This new breed of product professional is a jack-of-all-trades, capable of seamlessly moving between strategy, design, marketing, and sales. They possess a holistic understanding of the entire product lifecycle, from conception to delivery and beyond.

Key reasons for this shift include:

• Speed to Market: In today's fast-paced environment, having generalists who can rapidly iterate and wear multiple hats allows for quicker product development and launch cycles.

• Resource Constraints: Startups and small businesses often can't afford to hire specialists for every role, necessitating versatile team members.

• Customer-Centricity: A unified approach ensures consistent messaging and experience across all touchpoints of the customer journey.

• Technology Advancements: No-code / low-code tools have lowered the barrier to entry for tasks that once required specialized skills.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Access to analytics and user insights empowers involved stakeholders to make more informed decisions

The full-stack maker-creator is a dynamic evangelist for the product's vision, mission, values, and overall "vibe." They understand that in today's market, customers don't buy products — they buy philosophies and lifestyles.

This shift doesn't negate the value of specialists. Rather, it creates a new paradigm where professionals with broad knowledge across domains alongside deep expertise in one or two areas become invaluable.

To thrive in the modern business landscape, organizations need to evolve their approach to team building and operations. This evolution begins with rethinking hiring practices to prioritize versatility and adaptability over narrow specializations. Employees should be immersed in a culture that values continuous learning and encourages cross-functional collaboration. To support this shift, companies must implement tools and processes that facilitate seamless communication across traditional role boundaries.

I have found it most effective when team members are empowered to take ownership of the entire product journey, rather than focusing solely on their designated slice. The future belongs to those who can navigate the complexities of product creation with agility, creativity, and holistic perspective. As the lines between management, marketing, design, and sales continue to blur, new possibilities for entrepreneurial innovation and customer delight present themselves.

Trending Now

🌍 Social Media

People are Fleeing Canada. Is Civil Unrest Next? Andrew Henderson AKA the Nomad Capitalist discusses the growing trend of people and professionals leaving Canada looking for better economic opportunity and social stability. Henderson describes Canada as a "three-star hotel charging five-star rates," suggesting diminishing value for high taxes. New immigrants, crucial for Canada's population growth, are quickly discovering the stark contrast between the image of Canada they have been sold — and the economic reality of actually carving out a life in the Great White North. Henderson argues that Canada is living off its past reputation while providing fewer and fewer benefits to citizens and immigrants alike. Improving economic prospects in other countries, and strengthening passports from emerging economies, increasingly warrant that Canadian entrepreneurs, investors and professionals should consider creating a "Plan B" such as obtaining a second passport / residence permit elsewhere, in preparation of future challenges in Canada.

I Turned Her Weird Idea Into A Business (in 72 Hours): Simon Squibb's video chronicling Maddie's journey from homelessness to pottery studio owner showcases the power of storytelling in business content. Unlike the stodgy, formal vibes typical of Shark Tank / Dragons' Den — Squibb’s format bridges entertainment and practical business advice, proving that authentic storytelling is a powerful tool in showcasing both business acumen and the resilience of the human spirit. By focusing on real people with tangible dreams, Squibb has carved out a niche that makes entrepreneurship feel accessible while still educating and entertaining viewers.

A Special Farewell to Willie Mays: one of the greatest baseball players of all time. A Black American, Mays along with Jackie Robinson and several others became among the first Black American athletes to break Major League Baseball’s “colour barrier.” Antiquated racial discrimination laws ensured that, in its earliest days, major league baseball remained a decidedly “Whites-Only” pastime. Mays died last week at the age of 93. This graphic shows what an amazing, peerless athletic specimen the Say Hey Kid really was. Will another living being ever hit 600 home-runs while stealing 300 bases over a career?

And finally: my favourite mental health / spirituality influencer and coach Xavier Dagba continues to amaze with his intelligence and wisdom.

📚 Book Shelf

The Sleep Revolution by Arianna Huffington. Arianna Huffington's 2016 book finally made it onto the book shelf, an emotional wake-up call to our sleep-deprived society. She argues that we're in the midst of a sleep crisis, sacrificing our health, productivity, and happiness on the altar of busyness. Huffington debunks the myth that sleep is wasted time (a common sentiment heard from me in my younger entrepreneur days). Huffington challenges the glorification of sleeplessness in our culture and proposes a new paradigm where quality sleep is seen as a performance enhancer and a gateway to a more fulfilling life. Sleep Revolution offers practical strategies for better sleep hygiene, from creating bedtime rituals to redesigning our sleep environments.

Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford. Jack Weatherford revolutionizes our understanding of the historic Mongol leader and his empire. Far from just being a brutal barbarian, Weatherford portrays Genghis Khan as a visionary ruler whose innovations helped to shape the modern world as we know it. The Mongol Empire fostered religious tolerance, established an international law code, and created a vast trade network that spurred cultural exchange. Weatherford presents Genghis Khan as a dynamic figure whose legacy continues to influence our civilization.

Chaos Monkeys by Antonio Garcia Martinez. One of my favourite books of all time that I am currently reading again and I highly recommend you read if you have never come across it or heard of it — and many have not. Chaos Monkeys is a raw, unapologetic insider's account of Silicon Valley's startup culture and the ascent of the ads model that underlies almost all of the tech industry’s user experiences. This memoir-cum-exposé follows Martínez's journey from Wall Street quant to startup founder to Facebook product manager. With biting wit and brutal honesty, he pulls back the curtain on the Valley's hypocrisies, ego-driven decisions, and cutthroat tactics. Martínez offers a scathing critique of Silicon Valley’s excess, sexism, and moral flexibility.

📰 Article Of The Week

Rivian Stock Soaring - ZeroHedge: I think we are finally seeing a major competitor to Tesla emerge in the EV game: Rivian. Rivian's stock just rocketed 50% after landing a cool $1 billion investment from none other than Volkswagen. The capital infusion wasnt just a random act of kindness — it's a strategic partnership that's a win for both sides. Volkswagen gets its hands on Rivian's innovative electric vehicle (EV) technology, while Rivian gets a much-needed cash injection to keep it rolling. This deal could be the game-changer Rivian has been waiting for, propelling it to the forefront of the EV revolution. The arms race to electric supremacy just got a whole lot more interesting.

See y’all next week 🙏 Would love to hear your thoughts! Leave your comments below.

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