Safety First /  by Alexander Lyadov

Today, I dominated my opponent in the jiu-jitsu match and won.

But a couple of months ago, I barely survived under his pressure.

What's the difference? Back then, I doubted my injured meniscus.

My subconscious sensed my knee's vulnerability and protected it.

As a result, I attacked timidly, half-heartedly, with hesitation.

The surgery and rehabilitation eliminated this weakness.

The subconscious calmed down, letting the body go full throttle.

There's a simple rule: first safety, and only then growth.

If you forgot it, don't complain that there's no progress in business.

The thing is...

It doesn't matter what resources, brand, or team you have.

If there's a hole under the ship, your subconscious knows.

You need to find and fix the root problem at all costs.

The resulting energy release can be astounding.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.

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To be or to appear? /  by Alexander Lyadov

We drove to meet the mini-oligarch in our old Subaru.

We were the co-founders of an investment fund, my partner and I.

The Rolls-Royce of the oligarch, his office, and himself all screamed luxury.

Yet, this contrast didn't bother us at all. Why, you ask?

He was selling his factory, but we had the first $20 million in the bank.

Cash is the king, especially when the factory was drowning in debt in 2009.

A couple of years later, my partner had to buy a Porsche Panamera.

Our growing development business needed credit money.

While talking to bank investment committees, my partner gained insight.

Bankers assessed not only our financial flow but also our appearance.

It may sound silly and you may not like it, but that's a psychological fact.

In any deal, it's crucial to know which way the balance of power is shifting.

If you're dependent on the other side, every detail matters.

But if they're desperate for you, they'll forgive almost anything.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.

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Co-Creation /  by Alexander Lyadov

1931, Col d'Aubisque, Antonin Magne, André Leducq

The client surprised me when he suddenly handed me a big bonus.

We never had such an agreement. But he decided to do it.

Why?

My advice brought him hundreds of times more.

But it's important to understand how we managed to create such value together.

Firstly, this founder trusts me completely, and I trust him.

Secondly, he is ripe for deep and honest work on himself.

Thirdly, he knows how to accept gifts.

The last point is as important as it is not obvious.

You see, in business therapy, you can't give, one can only take. But to take, you must acknowledge your deficits, your vulnerabilities, your imperfections. And that's a direct threat to the Ego.

By sacrificing the Ego, the founder becomes antifragile. By opening up, he gives the world a chance to amaze him. Opportunities, resources, and insights naturally flow into the networks he's extended.

In this way, he gains more value than he can carry. The bonus is his way of thanking me for staying by his side through the turbulent ocean.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.

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Creatine Magic /  by Alexander Lyadov

Yesterday, I wrote that the secret to a productive life lies in the basics.

Take, for instance, Dr. Andrew Huberman's ​5 pillars of health​:

  • Sleep

  • Sunlight

  • Movement

  • Nutrition

  • Social connection

If these fundamentals are missing from your life, nothing can compensate. But suppose you're making progress in all these areas. How can you further support your body with minimal effort?

For me, the greatest revelation was creatine. I'd known about it since I was young. But I had never tried it until a year ago when I studied the literature and gave it a try. The results were astounding.

My athletic performance improved so rapidly that it couldn't be explained by other factors. Even my wrestler friends started teasing me, asking, "Are you on steroids?" I noticed a significant increase in strength and endurance in jiu-jitsu. The scale confirmed that I had gained 5-7 kilos of muscle.

A few interesting facts about creatine:

  • It's produced in the bodies of vertebrates.

  • It's an energy source for fully charging mitochondria and replenishing ATP reserves.

  • It's one of the safest and most well-researched supplements.

  • It's beneficial for everyone, from young athletes to elderly individuals.

  • Most people can take 3-5 grams daily for decades.

  • Consult a doctor if you have kidney conditions.

  • It's best to separate the intake of caffeine and creatine by a couple of hours.

  • Use specifically ​creatine monohydrate​.

Benefits of ​creatine​:

  • Increases strength and power during physical exercises.

  • Enhances endurance and the ability to perform high-intensity tasks.

  • Boosts muscle size by retaining water and creatine phosphate.

  • Reduces recovery time after intense workouts.

  • Decreases muscle fatigue and pain.

  • Plays a significant role in maintaining bone strength in postmenopausal women.

  • Enhances cognitive functions and reduces brain fog.

  • Acts as a neuroprotector, aiding in brain protection.

  • Potentially guards against neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, strokes, and more.

  • Potentially helps regulate mood and reduce depression symptoms.

  • Might potentially alleviate PTSD symptoms.

It's no wonder that Dr. Andy Galpin calls creatine the "​Crown Jewel​" and the "Michael Jordan" of all sports supplements.

There's only one "but" – creatine won't work if you're just lounging on the couch. You need to actively engage in some form of sport.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.

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The Power of H2O /  by Alexander Lyadov

All things considered, I need to drink 1.7 litres of water a day.

Losing 5% of body weight reduces an exercise's capacity by 30%. Dehydration increases the risk of ligament and joint injuries. Cognitive functions also decline.

It seems: Just drink whenever you feel thirsty. But no, that only gets you half the needed amount, at best. The thing is, when I'm into something, I forget everything else.

Client's problem. Writing an article. Reading a book. At that time, I'm absent, as if falling into a deep sleep. After a few hours, I wake up and feel like my body turned to wood, and my tongue became a sandpaper. The mind pushes the body's needs to the backseat.

That's why I drink water not when I want to, but when I need to. This means water should be with me all day long. Rituals help here. For example, before a workout, I prepare two thermoses with salted water. A cup of coffee always goes with a few glasses of water. And I never skip any water cooler on my way.

Water is so banal that its importance is easy to underestimate. But the further I go, the more I'm convinced that the secret to productivity is not exotic methods and pills. It's the fundamentals.

Want to dive deeper into this topic? Dr. Andy Galpin ​explains​ everything in detail.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.

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Solving Pseudo-Problems /  by Alexander Lyadov

our business is wasting resources on wrong solutions to wrong problems.

Here are some negative symptoms:
- Implementing decisions takes an eternity.
- Departments pursue their own local interests.
- You feel like a firefighter, not a founder or CEO.
- Overhead costs are rising faster than gross profit.
- Granting more freedom to employees leads to chaos.
- Top managers are vying for power among themselves.
- Customers complain about the quality of products/services.
- You're so exhausted that you just want to exclaim, 'Screw this...'

So, to rectify the situation, you try:
1. Hire a top-notch CxO.
2. Appoint a coach for every weak link.
3. Poach top sales talent from competitors.
4. Enroll in a course at a leading business school.
5. Bring in consultants for a new management framework.
6. Get your team more in sync through strategic meetings.
7. Invest in staff training, IT systems, reporting, and much else.

But like the heads of the Lernean hydra, the problems keep growing back.

One day you have to admit that the root of the problems is... you.

More precisely, some of your implicit assumptions are no longer valid.

Hooray, the real transformation of your business has begun!

But wait, when?

The moment when you became a true king of your own kingdom.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

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What Are You Capable Of? /  by Alexander Lyadov

I didn't go to the gym today, but I crawled out.

My rehab specialist suggested I do 300 squats with a 30-kilogram barbell. And that was just the beginning of a series of 9 leg exercises.

Before my meniscus surgery, I regularly did squats at home with a kettlebell. Usually, I did 30, 40, or a maximum of 50 repetitions. Then my muscles would get sore, letting me know I was approaching my limit.

I never thought about doing 300 squats with weight. But the trainer set the challenge, I trusted him, and, to my surprise, I did it.

In life, it's crucial to encounter someone who sees your true potential. They will gently but firmly push you to places you'd never venture on your own. In business, it could be a mentor; in life, a therapist; and in sports, a coach.

How can you recognize such a master?

  • High professionalism to avoid causing harm.

  • Life experience to put substance before form.

  • A connection with you as an individual, not just a client.

When such an alliance exists, you'll constantly amaze yourself.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

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Something from Nothing /  by Alexander Lyadov

Harvard Business School, Private Equity and Venture Capital Program, 2012

In 2008, I became a co-founder of a $50 million investment fund. But not because it was my ultimate goal. An opportunity found me at the right time. I simply followed my curiosity. That's it.

But there was a period of emptiness, confusion, and boredom before that. It began after leaving my previous job at a company that managed wealthy people's assets. I couldn't figure out what I truly wanted. I remember spending entire days sitting on the windowsill, watching the bustling street below. Everyone was in a rush, chasing something, striving for their goals. But inside me was an empty Mongolian steppe.

The only thing that occasionally piqued my interest was startups. I was fascinated by the phenomenon of creating something incredibly valuable from nothing. I started studying it.

Without a plan, I created an Excel catalog. I entered information about interesting technology projects and labeled them. The term "venture capital" began to pop up more and more. I had studied it in business school, but now I suddenly felt the urge to explore it further.

I reached out to venture capitalists on my LinkedIn network and asked them about how the VC industry worked. When they asked me, "Why do you want to know?" I honestly replied, "I don't quite understand yet, but I'm curious to find out." Surprisingly, many were willing to help.

When a successful entrepreneur suggested to me that I set up an investment fund, he took me by surprise. I even considered declining. With no hidden agenda, I simply shared my thoughts on the prospects of venture investing, and he said, "Do it!"

So began a new chapter in my career, a whirlwind seven years.

From this and other stories, I draw a conclusion about the optimal path to growth:

Follow your curiosity, even if it's not clear where it's leading you.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

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Through the Walls /  by Alexander Lyadov

Sometimes your problem seems like an infinite wall.

Paradoxically, the worse the situation, the closer the solution.

The strength of the wall is also its weakness. How is that?

This obstacle is an illusion, a play of the imagination, a mind game.

The cement of unspoken beliefs is what holds the bricks together.

The mind sees them as axioms, unquestionable truths.

That's why only the master of the mind can challenge these beliefs.

Who is this master?

It's your creative spirit, capable of creating and destroying anything.

Unlike the mind, it cares for meaning, not form.

So this spirit can pass through walls like a knife through butter.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.

”Who are you and what do you do?"
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"I have an important business decision to make. Can you help me?
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Life's Self-Organization /  by Alexander Lyadov

The mind prefers linear processes to maintain control.

But in real life, complex order arises spontaneously from chaos. Every time such a surprise catches the mind off guard.

A vivid example is the winding path of creative individuals.

In this sense, artists and entrepreneurs are alike. They rely not on a plan, but on a deep insight of what needs to be done here and now.

Their curiosity constantly scans the changing context. As soon as a favorable opportunity arises, they firmly grasp it. And a threat forces them to step back or sideways.

As a result, their journey is full of sudden loops and zigzags. On short stretches, it may look like confusion and disorder.

You need to take a look at decades. That's when every "strange" turn becomes clear. Everything was not in vain. Meaning shines through the chaos. Life has optimally organized itself.

If only I knew this earlier, I wouldn't have felt any doubts or worries.

I would have just pursued what I cannot help but do.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

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Eliminating Self-Sabotage /  by Alexander Lyadov

To help yourself better, you need to think like an adversary.

Imagine you want to cause maximum harm to yourself. What will you do?

You can restrict your movements, for instance, by tying yourself up. However, whenever you get the chance, the prisoner will try to escape and cause problems.

It's better to hit in a way that incapacitates the body for a long time. But this won't hinder your ability to make plans. In fact, it might increase your effectiveness since there are no distractions.

Clearly, the best target is your head, or more precisely, your mental clarity. If you get disoriented, paralyzed, or mad, sooner or later, you'll ruin yourself.

The thing is, the surrounding context changes and flows. Did you gape? Endure discomfort. Are you late? Suffer pain. Are you hopelessly behind? The resulting vulnerability is incompatible with life.

So, the primary battle is for the clarity of your mind. A smart enemy strikes this point first. But far more dangerous than an external enemy is the internal one: the destructive part of your personality.

In light of what's been said, it makes sense to find and eliminate self-sabotage:

  • Excessive use of mind-altering substances (like alcohol).

  • Obsessive consumption of disturbing news;

  • Intellectual, physical, and social isolation;

  • Ignoring internal contradictions;

  • Ideological narrow-mindedness;

  • A vacuum of meaning;

And sleep deprivation. Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.

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What Did You Learn? /  by Alexander Lyadov

An entrepreneur reaches a crucial milestone and...

...immediately shifts to the next goal.

That's an unforgivable mistake.

A poor hunter is one who leaves the deer in the woods, taking only the antlers.

Victories (and defeats) hold treasures, much like an archived file.

This is a unique algorithm, a way to scale your success.

But many underestimate themselves, saying:

  • "It was luck."

  • "Nothing special."

  • "I don't have time. There are bigger problems ahead."

Do you really enjoy reinventing the wheel over and over again? If not, then:

  1. Take a break.

  2. Describe the steps that got you from point A to point B.

  3. Extract the key lesson.

For the next problem, you might already have a template. Sincerely yours,

-Alexander P.S. Do you find it hard to see the hidden meaning of your past victories and defeats? ​​Book​​ in my calendar a convenient time for you to meet. We will clarify your request and discuss options to help you: ​​​Book a call >>

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Accepting Yourself /  by Alexander Lyadov

Your potential will remain untapped until...

...you accept yourself for who you are.

But what should you accept?

Everything that makes you feel uncomfortable, annoyed, or scared.

In short, it's what you'd rather no one knew about.

Trying to forget these aspects is a fatal mistake.

You risk throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

Prejudices prevent you from spotting nuggets in the mud.

Take anger, for instance; it's a boundary protector.

The problem is that anger can suddenly possess a person.

Yet, if you tame that watchdog, you won't have to worry about the sheep.

But first, the beast must acknowledge its owner. How?

The person takes the initiative.

He carefully studies the animal, treat it kindly, and speak gently to it.

The owner has patience, and skills and the answer to the question, "Why?".

And most importantly, he doesn't consider the watchdog a creature from hell.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.

”Who are you and what do you do?"
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"I have an important business decision to make. Can you help me?
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Risk & Reward /  by Alexander Lyadov

 

The most dangerous thing in business is choosing average risk. Why? "All profit comes from taking risks" (Peter Drucker). The mediocre challenge won't produce a champion. Darwinian selection only leaves those in the final who are willing to go all-in.

So why do some entrepreneurs play it halfway? It's simple - their back is exposed. This creates self-doubt. The subconscious tries to protect, but leads one to failure. There are many examples of such vulnerability:

  • A weak team that requires constant help and supervision,

  • Lack of a predictable flow of incoming leads,

  • Chronic shareholder conflict,

  • An outdated business model,

  • A shortage of cash reserves,

  • Founder's paralysis.

Do you want your business to grow faster and earn more? First, fix the vulnerability.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.

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Change of Power /  by Alexander Lyadov

Sometimes a hostile takeover of a company comes from within.

The true owners of the business become its employees.

From this point forward, the company is doomed to stagnation and demise. Why, you ask? To grow quickly and successfully, a business must continually reinvent itself. Unfortunately, collectives are incapable of making revolutionary decisions.

As the philosopher and writer G. K. Chesterton once said, "I’ve searched all the parks in all the cities and found no statues of committees." Whether in real life or in fairy tales, the hero is always an individual.

A change in power occurs unnoticed. It may seem to the market that, as before, the founder is at the helm. But, in reality, it's the 'power behind the scenes' that calls the shots: HRD, COO, CSO, CTO, and the like.

A struggle for power with the formation of temporary alliances takes place among these "feudal lords." The organisation's original purpose is forgotten in favour of local interests.

Yet, there's no need to blame the employees. They simply fill the void. Who created it? That's right, the founder.

There are many reasons for this. One entrepreneur burns out. Another is seduced by utopian ideology. A third hits the "glass ceiling" and loses interest in the company. That's how the owner disappears.

Luckily, everything can be a fix. The key is the founders' willingness to understand why they themselves are destroying what they've built for so long.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

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Don't Tell This to Anyone /  by Alexander Lyadov

The photographer is unknown, this image was found via ​BacklitView​

Want to achieve your personal goals more reliably?

Don't spill your plans to others. Why?

Symbolically, the event you want has already happened.

Your brain rushes to reward itself with feel-good hormones.

The effect is stronger the more they praise you: "You're amazing!"

In my experience, a vivid imagination only adds fuel to the fire.

Andrew Huberman calls it the "​Don't tell the world rule​."

"But a CEO can't hide plans from the team!" someone exclaims.

Here, the benefit of syncing the group's efforts outweighs the harm from premature rewards.

Otherwise, keep your plans to yourself.

Or share them with someone who will accelerate your progress by X times.

For instance, a trusted partner, coach, or therapist.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.

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Are You in the Flow? /  by Alexander Lyadov

My sparring partner confessed, 'During training, I completely forget about the outside world.' I affirmed that I, too, disconnect from all problems and worries.

This is the nature of jiu-jitsu - the dangerous game pushes everything else aside.

Today, everyone knows about Flow, but not everyone regularly experiences it.

Flow occurs when the level of skill matches the complexity of the task. Otherwise, a person is overwhelmed either by anxiety or boredom.

Apart from jiu-jitsu, I often enter the state of Flow:

  • When I write an article,

  • Conduct a session with a client,

  • Interview an interesting person.

In those moments, I vanish - only my attention remains. Time becomes flexible. The external world freezes, while I soar. Like an arrow released, I am the process of approaching the goal.

It's a delightful state, as it reaches the peak of meaning. Thanks to this, I can reconcile with the imperfections of the world.

Moreover, I make my microscopic contribution to organizing this chaos towards a slightly greater ideal.

My dream is to stay in this state non-stop all day.

And you, in what moments and how often are you in Flow?

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

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Double Trouble /  by Alexander Lyadov

In jiu-jitsu, it's not enough to get a good position and make a submission.

A novice, gripped by fear, will surrender, but a master will nullify the threat.

For an unstoppable victory, you must create a "double trouble".

There are two ways out of a trap, but danger awaits both.

"Double trouble" is an illusion of choice, as any option is fine with you.

There is an insight when you turn the situation 180 degrees.

You must avoid getting stuck in "double trouble" at any cost.

The cunning adversary knows this and will push you towards it.

This could be a competitor, an enemy, or fate.

But how do you escape the horns of the dilemma?

Study yourself.

If you analyze a series of your problems, a pattern will emerge.

Conditions may change, but one meta-dilemma always resurfaces.

Every superhero must know his kryptonite, no?

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

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How to Cultivate Gratitude? /  by Alexander Lyadov

 

"I'm curious, what helps you cultivate gratitude?"

The reader's question resonated with me, as I had been thinking about it recently. First and foremost, I know why it's important.

Along with free will, gratitude forms the ​foundation​ of a healthy "self."

I've also found that gratitude helps reduce suffering and allows me to embrace reality faster as it is.

This acceptance opens up new possibilities. Otherwise, they are hidden by despair, like wild strawberries in the grass.

Once we've answered the "why" question, we can move on to "how."

Three things are key: practice, practice, practice.

Whenever people give the slightest reason, I say, "Thank you." Or rather, I'm learning to say it because sometimes there's a silly barrier inside.

When I achieve something significant, I mentally address the one who gave me the necessary insight, patience or strength.

It's more challenging when something negative discourages or knocks me down. Here, to nurture the seeds of gratitude, I need reliable teachers – time and a therapist.

Throughout the day, I try to notice ordinary moments worth being thankful for. For instance, a heartfelt conversation, a great workout, the light of a rising sun, the scent of autumn, and so on.

Every morning I begin and every evening I end with the words: 'I am thankful for..."

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

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A Source of Confidence /  by Alexander Lyadov

Ballet instructor Marianna Claire, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, 1976

 

How to replace helplessness with confidence? There are several ways:

  • Madness.

  • Foolishness.

  • Relying on others.

  • Knowledge and skills.

  • Faith in a higher power.

The madman lacks a device that assesses danger.

The fool is self-assured because in their world, there is no uncertainty.

Other people are family, friends, the community, or the state. They can assist, but certainly not in everything. Their resources have limits.

In contrast, in faith, there is neither bottom nor ceiling. It's boundless. The only complexity is that you can't grasp it with your intellect alone.

Knowledge turns the unknown territory into a map, and skills help you survive and thrive. Only apathy and idleness hinder our progress. Otherwise, you can build confidence every day.

All that's needed are:

  1. Gratitude,

  2. Curiosity, and

  3. Discipline (habit, ritual).

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.

”Who are you and what do you do?"
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.

"I have an important business decision to make. Can you help me?
Reserve a time on my calendar that is convenient for you to meet with me. We'll clarify your request and discuss options for how you can help.