Format

• Hey Friends

• Today’s Sponsor: VRTU Muay Thai

• Market Alpha: Tech’s Global Power Shift

• Commerce & Capital: Where is Silicon Valley Now?

• Thought of the Week: On Overthinking

• Trending Now

  • 🌍 Social Media

  • 📚 Book Shelf

  • 📰 Article Of The Week

Hey Friends

During a recent moment where I found myself ominously opining about the current state of affairs in the world, a wise friend of mine confidently told me to “stop worrying about it all.”

I asked him how he specifically managed his anxiety — to be able to not worry.

He said not only does he not worry, he endeavours to narrowly maintain faithful focus on his goals. He insisted that not only was there very little to materially worry about, but that I should always remember what typically happens after times of trial and tribulation:

Just maintain your kavanah, he insisted.

I relaxed instantly when reminded of this word. I was happy in that moment to receive the message because indeed it has been a very stressful time in the world, and we can all get lost in the soup of uncertainty and uneasiness.

I want to share with you all this concept the Jewish tradition calls Kavanah — maintaining sincere intention about the things you want to achieve.

In other words, the act of deliberately focusing and orienting your mind towards a specific goal or an objective.

To me it means summoning up an intensity of intention that is necessary in a world of chaos, freneticism and distraction.

As I get older and wiser with every passing day, the ability to focus continually jumps out at me as instrumental to the human journey of progress and prosperity.

Imagine your life as a winding path through a vast, ever-changing landscape. Sometimes you find yourself scaling mountains of opportunity; other times you’re trudging through valleys of setback. You find yourself losing sight of the bigger picture when knee-deep in the muck during particularly challenging stretches of the landscape.

Here's where kavanah comes in.

It's your ability to maintain a steadfast focus on the intersection between the direction you want to head, the intention of why you want to head in that direction, and the purpose or objective you want to achieve once you reach your intended destination.

Now, we all come to know that the path of progress is indeed jagged, marred with missteps, pitfalls and downturns. We face recessions, personal setbacks, global crises. These are real, often painful experiences that can make it seem like we're moving backwards.

But when we zoom out, when we cultivate our kavanah — we start to see a different picture.

We notice that after each downturn, we often find ourselves climbing to new heights.

Technologies born from necessity during hard times end up revolutionizing industries.

Societies emerge from conflict, replete with renewed commitments of peace and cooperation.

Individuals rise from personal defeats, fuelled with newfound strength, wisdom and perspective.

This isn't to say progress is inevitable or automatic. I’ve found that it requires intensely active, intentional, faithful focus.

It's about maintaining this faith and focus even when — especially when — times are tough.

Consider the long arc of human history. Despite wars, recessions, pandemics and a myriad of challenges, we've seen astounding advancements in technology, science, health, education and quality of life. The path of history hasn't been a straight line, but the trend is generally in a positive direction.

In your personal entrepreneurial and life journey — remember this concept of kavanah. Remind yourself to keep your eye on the prize, to remain focused, to eschew negativity and all naysayers.

Especially during times when the way forward seems dark or uncertain. Trust in the process of growth and renewal. While the road ahead may seem rough and uneven and craggy, with the right mix of intention and perseverance, it invariably bends in the direction of your progress and prosperity.

Kavanah, the sincere direction of your heart and mind towards a successful vision of your future, is a practical tool for navigating life's ups and downs. This ancient spiritual concept is a reminder that our collective human story is one of resilience, innovation, and ultimately — hope.

Things, invariably, always get better.

Onward,

Moshe Modeira

Editor-In-Chief 

Commerce & Capital

Today’s Sponsor: VRTU Muay Thai

VRTU is a premier Muay Thai Gym & Fitness Studio. VRTU Training features some of Toronto’s best martial arts instructors. VRTU features high-level physical conditioning / strength training for athletes and families of all ages. Experience physical and mental health wellness — caring, authentic support from a vibrant community that wants to help you achieve your fitness goals.

www.vrtu.ca 

Market Alpha: Tech’s Global Power Shift

AI Advancements + Consumer Computing: The artificial intelligence sector continues to surge forward, with tech giants and startups alike pouring vast resources into AI infrastructure. Industry analysts estimate that companies developing AI models must collectively generate a staggering $600 billion annually to sustain their ambitious projects. This investment frenzy is even reshaping the consumer computing market, as evidenced by Microsoft's push for "AI PCs" — though only a fraction of current devices meet the company's lofty specifications.

Mobile + Semiconductor Industries Mature: The mobile and semiconductor industries are experiencing a renaissance of sorts, with Samsung reporting a dramatic 1,452% year-over-year increase in Q2 operating profits. This resurgence is largely attributed to the rebounding chip market, signaling potential growth across the broader tech sector. Meanwhile, innovation continues apace, as demonstrated by Nothing's introduction of a modular $199 smartphone and Apple's rumored development of sleeker, larger-screened smartwatches for the coming year.

Cryptocurrency Challenges Abound: The cryptocurrency sphere remains plagued by security concerns, with hacks surging 110% year-over-year in the first half of 2024, resulting in losses totaling $1.38 billion. The long-awaited Mt. Gox repayment process has begun, offering a sobering reminder of the volatile nature of digital assets as customers receive a mere fraction of their original holdings' current value.

Regulatory Pressures Mount: Regulatory pressures continue to mount on multiple fronts. The European Union is poised to issue a formal warning to X (formerly Twitter) over content moderation failures, potentially leading to substantial fines. Hong Kong's proposed crackdown on ride-hailing services threatens to upend the operations of companies like Uber in the region. Meanwhile, Epic Games finds itself embroiled in yet another battle with Apple over iOS app store approval, though it appears that Apple may be softening its stance and looking to work more in sync with Epic.

International Tech Interests: On the international stage, the tech industry's geopolitical dimensions are coming into sharper focus. Chinese autonomous vehicles have quietly amassed 1.8 million miles of data on California roads, raising questions about data privacy and national security. AWS's partnership with the Australian government to develop a top-secret cloud system underscores the growing intersection of tech infrastructure and national interests. China's dominance in semiconductor venture capital funding, accounting for 90% of global investment in 2023, hints at shifting power dynamics in the chip industry, though recent slowdowns suggest this trend may be cooling.

Market Alpha: As these technological and financial currents converge globally, they create a complex tapestry of opportunity and risk. Entrepreneurs and investors navigating this current landscape must remain vigilant, adapting to rapid changes across technology, regulation and global markets. The coming months promise to be a barnburner as these trends crystallize, potentially reshaping the contours of the global investment backdrop for years to come.

Commerce & Capital: Where is Silicon Valley Now?

Thought of the Week: On Overthinking

In the fast-paced worlds of business and personal life, the ability to make swift, informed decisions can make or break careers and relationships. Yet for many, myself included, the trap of overthinking looms large, casting a shadow over potential success and happiness. A reminder today: Stop overthinking.

We've all been there — agonizing over a choice, replaying conversations in our heads, or imagining worst-case scenarios that rarely come to pass. This excessive rumination, while often born from a desire to quell anxiety and establish certainty, can lead us down a dangerous path of inaction and missed opportunities.

Consider an ambitious founder who spends sleepless nights weighing every possible outcome of a merger, only to find the deal snatched away by a more decisive competitor. Or the budding entrepreneur who never launches their startup, perpetually tweaking the business plan in search of perfection. These are the casualties of overthinking — victims of their own over-analytical minds.

The irony is that in our quest to predict and control outcomes, we often skew our perceptions towards the negative. I have found over my years in business that human brains seem to be hardwired to fixate on problems, obstacles and potential pitfalls, even when positive results are far more likely. This pessimism bias leads to overly cautious deliberation and decision-making, stifling speed, innovation and growth.

The impacts of overthinking extend beyond missed opportunities. The constant worry and stress take a toll on our physical and mental health. I am testament to the fact that elevated cortisol levels from chronic stress can lead to serious health issues. Racing thoughts can keep us up at night disrupt our sleep patterns, further compromising our well-being and cognitive function.

How do we break free from this cycle? It starts with recognizing the root causes. Often, a lack of experience in certain situations amplifies our fears and negative assumptions. Self-doubt can lead us to focus disproportionately on potential negative outcomes. And once our thoughts start spiralling — it's all too easy for initial concerns to escalate into catastrophic, fantastical scenarios utterly divorced from objective reality.

The good news is that we're not powerless against overthinking. Meditation and breathing exercises can be powerful tools to slow racing thoughts and bring us back to the present moment. Developing the habit of rationally analyzing our thoughts helps us distinguish between productive problem-solving and unproductive rumination. Deliberately exposing ourselves to new situations builds confidence and more realistic expectations over time.

I’m as guilty of over-deliberation and overthinking as anyone. In some ways, I am speaking to myself right now, with the hopes that it may resonate with anyone else who battles with this. Due diligence and careful consideration have their place, but we must cultivate the ability to make timely decisions and take action. By recognizing the signs of overthinking and implementing strategies to combat it, we can improve our decision-making processes, reduce stress and achieve greater success in both our professional and personal lives.

The next time you find yourself caught in an endless loop of what-ifs — take a deep breath, step back, and ask yourself: Is this helping me move forward and execute, or am I simply wasting precious time, spinning my wheels in the muck?

Trending Now

🌍 Social Media

Why I Left The Jungle | Zarak Fatah: Salient advice and refreshing perspective for many people / professionals considering moving from Canada and the US in search of destinations and locales that provide them with better lifestyle and economics. My friend, mental health wellness and mindset coach and former Toronto nightlife maven Zarak Fatah recounts his very personal journey of self-discovery and relocation, beginning with his decision to leave Toronto in 2018 for Nosara, Costa Rica. After 25 years in Toronto’s nightlife industry, Zarak sought change through getting involved in wellness travel and mindset coaching. While Nosara initially provided the ideal environment for meditation, self-reflection and rebirth, he eventually felt constrained by its “strong feminine energy” and “lack of productivity.” This led Zarak to explore various locations including Miami, Toronto, Collingwood, Austin, and San Diego, searching for a balance between nature and urban life. Currently, he finds Medellín, Colombia appealing for its blend of natural beauty, city amenities, and affordability. Zarak’s criteria in his search for a new home — like-minded community, great weather, affordability, access to nature, good food, and a high-energy entrepreneurial atmosphere — mirror my own as I’m also currently mired in the process of figuring out where outside of Canada / US I would want to set up an alternative basecamp over the next several years.

WTF is Wrong with the Economy? | Whatifalthist: Youtube commentator and video essayist Whatifalthist argues that the modern economy is in a precarious state, rife with misleading statistics and data manipulation. While rosy official metrics are being published suggesting economic health, the reality for average citizens is starkly different. Declining quality of life indicators, stagnant wages, and skyrocketing costs of living underscore the fact that there is widespread financial stress. Extreme inequality is creating a two-tiered economic system that favours capital over labor. Unprecedented levels of government debt and money printing, coupled with demographic shifts and emerging costs around Baby Boomer retirement needs are key factors driving the current unsustainable economic model. Whatifalthist argues that the economic bubble, propped up by short-term solutions and denial of underlying issues, is on the verge of bursting. Major economic crisis or reset is likely imminent, potentially leading to significant social and political upheaval.

McBain: Full Movie | Criminalsimpsons on X: On a lighter note — this is why I love X. An enterprising X account named Criminalsimpsons has created a thread sewing together all the famous Rainer Wolfcastle as McBain bits from Simpsons episodes we all loved and enjoyed as kids. Apparently it all adds up to a real movie plotline with its own internal story! Definitely didn’t notice that when I was younger. Enjoy this one, Simpson’s fans. Ze Goggles! Zey do nothing! My goggles are certainly working now 😀 

📚 Book Shelf

The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene. The Laws of Human Nature is an in-depth exploration of human behaviour and psychology, presenting 18 "laws" that govern our actions and interactions. The book delves into various aspects of human nature, including our emotional patterns, rational and irrational behaviours, and unconscious motivations. Greene draws on historical examples, psychological research, and philosophical insights to illustrate these laws, providing readers with practical strategies to better understand themselves and others. Topics covered include recognizing covert manipulation, managing one's own emotions, understanding group dynamics, and developing empathy.

The Knowledge Machine by Michael Strevens. A compelling analysis of the scientific method and its unprecedented success in advancing human knowledge. Strevens argues that the key to science's power lies in what he calls the iron rule of explanation, a methodological approach that prioritizes empirical evidence and demands that scientific disagreements be settled through experimental testing. The book explores how this rule, despite its seemingly restrictive nature, has enabled scientists to transcend personal biases, cultural influences and philosophical disagreements to produce a reliable and ever-expanding general knowledge of the world around us.

False Economy by Alan Beattie. Alan Beattie offers a thought-provoking exploration of global economic development, challenging conventional wisdom about why some countries prosper while others struggle. A journalist with extensive experience in international economics, Beattie examines various historical case studies to demonstrate how seemingly small decisions, chance events, and cultural factors have shaped the economic destinies of nations. The book covers a wide range of topics, from the divergent paths of North and South America to the economic impacts of religion and natural resources. Beattie argues that economic outcomes are not predetermined by geography or culture alone, but are significantly influenced by policy choices and historical contingencies — very reminiscent of Guns, Germs & Steel by Jared Diamond and to some extent Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari.

📰 Article Of The Week

The far right seemed to have a lock on France’s legislative elections. Here’s why it didn’t win - AP News: Despite initial strong showings and expectations of a breakthrough, Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally party fell short of its goals in this week’s snap election that was called by Emmanuel Macron (in a tragic miscalculation of current French public sentiment). France’s traditional "Republican front" strategy, where voters and rival parties unite to block the far-right from power, proved resilient once again. Left-wing parties strategically withdrew candidates to concentrate votes against far-right opponents in runoffs.

While the National Rally secured a record 143 seats, making it the third-largest bloc in parliament, this was far below their expectations. The party's campaign was marred by scrutiny of their candidates, revealing embarrassing issues such as extremist affiliations and controversial past actions. Despite efforts to improve its image, the National Rally still faces significant resistance from voters who remain wary of its historical associations with racism, Nazi-ism and antisemitism. However, as is the case with the MAGA movement in the United States and similar movements in countries such as Poland and Hungary, we must earnestly begin to have real dialogue and ask real questions about some of the legitimate reasons why conservatism and nationalism is enjoying such a global rise — instead of politically demonizing wide swaths of people who are our neighbours, colleagues, family and friends.

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

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