Look for Lever / December 25, 2023 by Alexander Lyadov

"Give me more resources, and I'll solve this problem."

If your top managers talk like this, things are screwed up. It means they're desperate and don't get the real problem. Most likely, after blowing through another million in six months, managers will just throw up their hands.

Sure, with endless time, money, and people, someday there's a chance to solve everything. But the market won't passively wait for you. Diverting resources will breed other, more dangerous problems.

"There are no solutions. There are only trade-offs," bluntly said Thomas Sowell, an American economist and social philosopher. In other words, everything has a price, and it's good to know and accept it beforehand.

Complaints about a lack of resources are just admitting there's no Big Idea. Back in my advertising days, that's what we called a bright, creative idea that shook up the market with bitty ad spend.

But the skill of finding non-trivial solutions is valuable for top managers too. That's how they ensure high returns for shareholders. And that's why they're worth their weight in gold.

Today in business therapy, my job is to help CEOs find the Lever. It's still the Big Idea, but in a broader context. Ideally, the CEO realizes, "I already have everything I need! And by concentrating efforts on point X, the effect will be 100x for every cent."

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

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CEO Secret: Keep Everyone in Sync / December 24, 2023 by Alexander Lyadov

Let's say shareholders are unhappy with your performance as a CEO.

By trial and error, they can make a replacement N times.

One day, all the stars may align and the company will leap forward.

But there's a risk that competitors will own the market by then.

And what if the problem isn't with the CEO at all?

To double-check that, just ask one question:

"How often does the board mention the company's value?"

If the answer is "Very rarely" or "Never," a lot becomes clear.

Can you become a hockey champion without counting goals?

Speed measurements and successful pass counts are important, but secondary.

Yes, sometimes debt repayment or Q4 profits are a top priority.

But you don't start a business just to survive; you start it to grow.

Are customers getting more value? Okay, the value of the company is growing.

According to Drucker, "What gets measured gets managed."

But if you don't do this, a host of problems arises:

Team conflicts,
Hiring difficulties,
Customer complaints,
Decreased CEO motivation,
Low return on invested capital,
Profit margin reduction, and so on.

To unite their efforts, shareholders and CEOs need a "polar star".

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

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Dissolving Into Life / December 23, 2023 by Alexander Lyadov

Do you feel anxious about the future or regretful about the past?

Personally, I do, and quite often. Like a spoon of tar, they poison the honey of my life. But there are moments when the bad thoughts evaporate, like smoke.

For instance, when I:

Write a new article,
Open up to a therapist,
Immerse myself in an ice bath,
Listen to a fascinating interview,
Practice techniques with a partner,
Help a client find a solution to a tough problem, and so on.

In those moments, I'm like a handful of table salt NaCl. If you throw salt into a glass of water, what happens? It disappears, but at the same time, it remains itself. Instead of solid crystals, there's a uniform solution.

That's how I dissolve into the task (activity, environment) that is greater than me. Even if it takes an extra effort, I feel good. Instead of regrets and worries, I feel:

Determination, even a bit of audacity,
Openness to novelty,
Energy to create,
Serenity,
Meaning, and so on.

It is as if there's no past or future here, so there's nothing to worry about. 'As if' because the most valuable from everything ever experienced is used in this moment. And paradoxically, such "dissolving" activity is the optimal care for the impending day.

Dissolve into Life – is a clearer hint needed on what must change?

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

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The Signal of (In)Sanity / December 22, 2023 by Alexander Lyadov

Humanity is just starting to grasp the impact of its actions.

Take, for instance, social media and the internet.

The fabric of society held up for 300 thousand years, and now it's tearing at the seams.

Why?

In relationships, the Noise : Signal ratio is changing fast.

According to stats, 13% of the world's population – around 971 million people – deal with some mental disorder.

Today, many of them got hold of a super-powered microphone.

If they've got free time and are fixated on an idea, they team up and passionately broadcast their nonsense to the whole world.

In a small community, it was clear who not to listen to. But now, we're increasingly communicating remotely, sometimes with strangers and often with unknown folks. It's tough to figure out who's who.

Plus, you're in a vulnerable spot from the get-go. Writer Charles Bukowski noted, "The problem with the world is that the intelligent people are full of doubts. While the stupid ones are full of confidence.”

Even worse, by the age of 75, half the world's population will go through a mental health disorder. And, yeah, you and I aren't immune to that risk.

So, what's the takeaway?

Be even more selective about who speaks on the bullhorn.
Seek, shape, and cherish a circle of sensible people.
Ignore most comments on the social web.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

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The Burden of Money / December 21, 2023 by Alexander Lyadov

Only a very naive person would envy the rich. If he studied their lives up close, he'd cross himself: 'I am OK.'

Twenty years ago, I was invited into an industry I knew little about. It was wealth management for High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs). I quickly recalled the Chicago Business School courses on investments, finance, and macroeconomics.

But beyond the actual strategies of preserving and multiplying money, I immersed myself in a parallel world where my clients:
- strolled through the pavilions of the Venice Biennale.
- acquired luxury items from the Rob Report list.
- collected contemporary art.
- enjoyed winter rides in Courchevel and summers in Forte dei Marmi, etc.

As a result, I observed firsthand the lives of wealthy families and became intimately acquainted with individuals whose accomplishments were regularly featured in Forbes.

Undoubtedly, the aesthetics of wealth please the eye—the sparkle of Graff diamonds, the purr of a Bentley engine, and the tickle of Dom Perignon bubbles. Like a Chinese screen, they hide the gloomy side of existence.

Alas, suffering remains suffering, even if you throw a Louis Vuitton scarf on top of it. Betrayals, illnesses, and tragedies are experienced by all people equally, regardless of the size of their bank account.

Yes, money lubricates the resolution of many problems. But it cannot bring back a husband's love, reform a spoiled child, or fill the void inside. But there's more.

By adding freedom in one place, money steals from you in another. For example, you must strive to protect your assets from damage, rust, and theft. And it is much harder to believe in the sincerity of other people. Because in the eyes of many, you are the most desired prey, opportunity, and jackpot.

Money is a lever. And vast amounts of money are a massive lever. Special skills are required, like steering a ship. That's why, for instance, heirs usually lose both money and themselves.

My business partner used to say, 'Money is not a privilege but a burden.' It doesn't mean one should refrain from earning money. A larger margin of safety would not hurt in an increasingly chaotic world.

Let's just avoid the illusion that affluence will pave the way to paradise.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

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Prepare for Surprise / December 20, 2023 by Alexander Lyadov

I remember the times when money poured in like from a cornucopia.

But other times I had no money and no idea where to find them.

In both cases, I was convinced that this state would last forever.

This meant that things could only go:
- better and better in the first case or
- worse and worse in the second.

Of course, I was absolutely wrong.

Each time, life surprised me in a clever way.

Just when I was enjoying life and crafting even more ambitious plans, a black swan would swoop in and topple my house of cards.

And in the darkest moments, when I was at the bottom, light would emerge out of nowhere, and the flapping of white wings could be heard.

The truth is that we are bad predictors of our own future (well, I certainly am).

And not because we lack data or have a low IQ. The problem lies in the proud mind, which is convinced that it has sufficiently understood the world outside and inside.

However, the external world is constantly changing, not only by itself but even by the fact that we observe it. Therefore, we are doomed to be regularly caught off guard.

We also know little about who we are and what we can do. So as long as we are alive, we will continue to surprise ourselves again and again.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

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Return on Effort / December 19, 2023 by Alexander Lyadov

Every day, there are two things I'm not eager to do.

It's the morning workout (jiu-jitsu, kettlebells, or mace) and the evening ice bath.

Yet, every time, I end up grateful that I overcame the barrier.

Moreover, even what I love doesn't just happen on its own.

For example, it takes some effort to start writing an article.

What do these examples have in common?

The reward comes later in exchange for making sacrifices now.

This is different from leisure, entertainment, and indulging in tasty things.

There, pleasure doesn't require tension and there is immediate reward.

And all would be fine if these pleasures didn't wear off quickly.

So, we're left with only working on either the numerator (reward) or the denominator (price).

Firstly, seek unique opportunities where modest efforts yield colossal results.

Secondly, choose tasks that personally mean a lot to you. Where others falter and give up, some force will pull you forward.

Thirdly, engage in what you are naturally inclined towards. Then, what may seem like torture to others will be manageable work for you.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

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Saving Simplicity / December 18, 2023 by Alexander Lyadov

The more chaos around, the sharper the need for simplicity. Examples include natural disasters, fires, or wars. The "What to do?" guide should be crystal clear.

Even making a move like "E2-E4" becomes tough when your mind is drowning in adrenaline. On the flip side, nonsense easily multiplies in safety and prosperity.

It's surprising how many bad decisions managers can hide behind super margins. Natural monopoly or a founder's patent creates a resilience that later generations can't break.

Of course, this holiday won't last forever. So, wise founders willingly limit themselves. They consciously create healthy tension in the company when the rest of the team wants to rest on their laurels.

For instance, they set new super-ambitious goals, withdraw excess money from corporate accounts, and introduce a target return rate for all investment projects.

In doing so, founders move the company to the "cutting edge." It's the border where "terra incognita" unfolds. Taking a voluntary step into chaos sharply raises the stakes. The only chance to survive here is to be clear-thinking, healthy, and strong.

In this way, necessary simplicity inside comes to answer complexity outside.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

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Beyond Instincts / December 17, 2023 by Alexander Lyadov

The documentary film "Chimp Empire" on Netflix is filled with insights. The authors managed to create the effect of your presence in the pack.

Whether the animals were full of trust or simply didn't care about humans, the quality, angles, and intimacy of the footage are beyond praise.

The most astonishing part is our resemblance to chimpanzees.
We share common traits, such as:
- Learning survival skills,
- Craving acceptance in society,
- Climbing to the top of the hierarchy,
- Protecting and expanding our territory,
- Forming alliances in the struggle for power,
- Strengthening trust through caring for each other,
- Tearing apart those we consider outsiders, and so on.

Instead of grooming for fleas, humans use gossip. And for killing, it's technological weapons instead of bare hands.

The only thing that sets us apart is the ability to choose.

Behaving like an animal is instinctive, familiar, and straightforward. Millions of years have carved deep neural pathways in our brains.

However, we possess the capacity to act differently if we so choose.

It's a realm not of survival instinct and calculated advantage but of paradoxical spirit. The same spirit that overcomes the restless mind and fragile flesh.

Life offers us this choice many times every day. As the Austrian zoologist and zoopsychologist Konrad Lorenz said, "I have found the missing link between the higher ape and civilized man; it is we."

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

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Your Roots and Crown / December 16, 2023 by Alexander Lyadov

Trees strive to maintain a balance between their roots and crowns.

So, if groundwater kills some roots, the crown shrinks.

Imagine you like the 'beauty' of fruits, but the 'dirt' of roots repels you.

Then try to eliminate the 'evil' that lurks underground.

Your intentions are good, but alas, you no longer have the tree.

Conclusion: we must be careful not to disturb the invisible balance.

But what's said is true for individuals, meaning you and me.

Inside us, there's what we adore and what we despise.

Of course, we try to deny, distort, and repress the latter.

This struggle not only lacks sense but also harms us a lot.

Instead of Light vs. Darkness, it's Crown vs. Roots.

But if something exists, it means it has a certain function.

True, in our ignorance, we don't even entertain this thought.

And what if, out of scientific curiosity, we change our strategy?

The goal is to study the nature, function, and habits of this 'evil.'

You might be surprised:

Underground holds your backup fuel tank.
The detested part of your personality sometimes saves you.
Self-exploration is not a diminishment, it is an enrichment.

"No tree, it is said, can grow to heaven unless its roots reach down to hell," said the wise psychiatrist Carl Jung.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

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When Good Ideas Go Bad / December 15, 2023 by Alexander Lyadov

“Social Engineering – The art of replacing what works with what sounds good,” said Thomas Sowell, an American economist, and social philosopher.

An example of his words is the now-popular woke culture in the West. At first glance, all initiatives to “improve society” seem to be motivated by compassion. They appeal to those with a caring heart. Unfortunately, each attempt either ends up going nowhere or destroys the little that has served as a foundation for society.

Elevated to the rank of absolute, any good idea becomes pathological, transforming into its opposite—evil. This happens every time an idea (concept, law) overshadows a living person. “People don’t have ideas. Ideas have people,” wisely noted Carl Jung.

A vivid illustration of this is found in the Bible. Christ repeatedly admonishes the Pharisees: “The Sabbath is for man, not man for the Sabbath” or “Which one of you, having one sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out?”

In business, the substitution of what works with what sounds good happens every time a company indulges in a period of rapid growth. Drunk on success, founders suddenly get captivated by ideas like “Making employees happy” and “Improving the world.” For this: - The HR department is expanded, - Training with benevolent names is conducted, - And new KPIs are introduced, leaving the team confused.

It’s hard not to notice the suicidal nature of this step. Whether it’s society, a company, or an individual, at the peak of prosperity, they suddenly begin to self-destruct. Perhaps that’s why many wisemen agree that true life is not about hedonism but asceticism. So it’s easier to truly be, not just seem.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

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Which Path to Take? / December 14, 2023 by Alexander Lyadov

Some say the key to life is finding what you love. Everything else is secondary and falls into place later, they say.

Others caution, "No, often that's a path to nowhere." It's better, they argue, to become a pro and make decent money.

The reality itself contradicts the first group. Some folks realize their affinity for Activity X not right away, but only over time. Or, having embarked on their "dream pursuit," they suddenly feel disappointed.

The opposite advice is only good for super-conscientious people who are open to immersing themselves in any pursuit. For the majority, it's a path to mediocrity, not Olympus.

To simplify, the first group maximizes pleasure, while the second group maximizes stability. There is an immediate conflict between the two.

In my view, they're all putting the cart before the horse.

There's a meta-goal that stands above them.

It's personal meaning.

A person senses it directly in the body, like an unexplainable pull, a vague signal, or a strange curiosity about Phenomenon X.

Such interest can't be rented or faked. Like laughter or a hiccup, it just arises within you.

You can ignore the pull towards X, but it's challenging. Your subconscious will regularly remind you: "Oh, by the way..." in various circumstances, events, and, of course, dreams.

If you decide, "Okay, I'll try this X," you probably won't experience bliss. On the contrary, discomfort will persist for a long time. But if the inner pull is there, you'll bear these burdens anyway.

Why? Personal meaning redeems much, if not everything.

The paradox is that developing meaning produces by-products - your relevance, your confidence, and the joy of skill growth.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

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Victorious CEO / December 13, 2023 by Alexander Lyadov

American historian Stephen Kotkin once said in an interview that winning in a war of attrition happens in two ways: breaking the enemy's will to fight or their capacity to fight.

For a country, an example of the first is a change in leadership resulting from a coup, and an example of the second is the destruction of factories producing ammunition.

This idea applies to both companies and individuals. That's why Muhammad Ali would get into the opponent's head before the match even started. And Mike Tyson, during a staredown, could already foresee his victory.

When the stakes are high, even a slight disorientation, confusion, or indecision can lead to a catastrophe. Whether it's trading on the stock market, climbing an eight-thousander, or landing on the moon.

But besides willpower, the ability to fight is equally crucial. Jiu-jitsu coach John Danaher advises applying relentless pressure on the opponent throughout the match. The ideal is to use gravity, fatiguing the opponent below while catching your breath.

In business, much attention is given to the second aspect: expanding the team, acquiring sophisticated tools, absorbing promising startups, etc. It makes sense - the increase in capability is tangible.

The first aspect is often ignored because it's intangible and complex. CEOs find it easier to convince themselves: "Vision is obvious. Goals are clear to everyone. The team is solid. Top managers are motivated and aligned." Unfortunately, when hit by reality, the company suddenly falls on canvas.

If you're a founder or CEO, here's a hint. The team's readiness to fight heavily depends on your will. And that, in turn, depends on your honest answer to the question: "For what?".

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

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”Who are you and what do you do?"
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Test of Time / December 12, 2023 by Alexander Lyadov

Certainly, in business, instant feedback is crucial. It helps fix mistakes and amplify strengths.

But sometimes, delayed feedback over many years is worth more. For time filters out the superfluous and crystallizes the essential.

Example: A former colleague wrote in a LinkedIn comment:

"Disregarding the industry, you have always been a great example of a people manager to me. After almost 20 years in my career, I can confirm this word by word. I wish you were managing people further."

I warmly remember our time working together. The struggle to find talented and unconventional team members. The selection of bold and ambitious clients. Safeguarding an atmosphere where creating Wow-products felt natural. Encouraging extra efforts for results. Not hesitating to spend company money on books, gifts, unique parties, and birthday celebrations.

But I also recall my doubts: "What if this isn't important or needed by anyone? What if I'm doing all of this in vain?" After all, it wasn't about buying office supplies but intangible things.

Though I often made mistakes, globally, I turned out to be right. Yes, we created groundbreaking projects back then. But more importantly, the experience of co-creation transformed each of us. That's unforgettable.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

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16 Angry Men / December 11, 2023 by Alexander Lyadov

Sixteen strangers stared at me in tense anticipation. I got invited to moderate a strategic session. In reality, there was a brewing conflict within the company. But no one dared to label it as such. De facto, I became a business mediator.

Conflict is an extremely unstable thing. The more people involved, the higher the chance of an explosion. So agreeing to this project may sound like madness or adventure.

In my defense, other moderators declined. However, there was something about these folks that appealed to me, so I wanted to help them. Eventually, I convinced myself it was a professional challenge.

In such situations, a solid foundation is crucial – you've got to start right.

First, I asked participants to take a few minutes to individually write their response to the question, "What irritates, confuses, or worries me the most in the company?"

Each person voiced their points, and I listened intently, asking deeper questions. Some needed encouragement to speak, while others needed timely restraint. At the same time, I had to calm down the 'opponents' eager to convey their 'truth.'

At the end of this exercise, the atmosphere in the room noticeably changed. People relaxed, smiles appeared, and a sense of excitement emerged.

But why, when it was like touching an open wound with our hands?

1. Implicit things became explicit. The conflict was named a conflict. People voiced all their fears. This reduced the uncertainty.

2. I demonstrated a different way of communication and its benefits. People realized that if I could do it, they could too.

3. For the first time, everyone felt genuinely heard. The urge to fight and prove a point vanished.

4. It turned out the "opponents" had a meaningful position too. Moreover, their initial intentions were good.

5. It became clear that despite differences in approaches, everyone globally wanted to achieve a very similar state.

With such a strong foundation, the rest of the session went great.

Notice, the problems and solutions were within them.

I was just a catalyst for changes they needed long ago.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

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”Who are you and what do you do?"
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Negative Spiral / December 10, 2023 by Alexander Lyadov

Opened a bunch of YouTube videos about American cops' work.

A chest camera captures how a trivial thing turns into drama.

Let's say the driver could take the speeding ticket and calmly go about his business. But life would be unbearably dull, right?

Instead, the driver gets irritated, insults the cop, and flaunts his rights. He refuses to show ID and threatens to pull strings. The conflict escalates right before our eyes.

In one case, a guy suddenly decides to make a run for it. In another, a woman flat out refuses to get out of the car. In a third, they bite and kick the cops. Drugs or weapons are found in the car, and the wrongdoing geometrically multiplies. Even when the police, parents, and friends try to calm him down, the person digs himself deeper. Out of all the available scenarios, for some reason, he chooses the worst. It's not bad luck or fate; it's more like stubborn self-destruction.

There's a temptation to smirk and say, "What fools!" But looking at ourselves honestly, we'll remember doing something similar. Maybe it didn't have the same intensity, but the pattern of worsening the situation was there.

It's evident that any unpleasant situation a person can easily turn into hell. Then, this means that he can potentially improve anything.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

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Imperfection Is Ideal / December 9, 2023 by Alexander Lyadov

Every advertising pro knows the "crocodile in the corner".

It's all about not presenting the perfect design to the client.

There's a risk the client will declare, "Everything needs to change."

They feel compelled to make some comment.

After all, perfection is unattainable, so a flaw must be found at any cost.

As a result, cool ideas get messed up, deadlines get broken, and so on.

The designer tackles this issue by slipping in an element of obvious nonsense. It could be:

A mistake in the date of the advertised event,
A neighboring Pantone hue in corporate logo,
A missed client comment from the last meeting, etc.

The critic's gaze immediately hooks onto the loop of imperfection.

"What the #@?! Get rid of this! The rest is fine," everyone exhales.

But this approach is also useful when it comes to yourself.

Otherwise, you, like that client, can harm yourself.

Try taking the next step consciously "imperfect."

In other words, it's a "draft," not the "final product."

Furthermore, this approach is often closer to the truth.

"Work in progress" perfectly describes who we are and what we do.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

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”Who are you and what do you do?"
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Time to Be Yourself / December 8, 2023 by Alexander Lyadov

They say: There's no point in therapy, coaching, or mentoring.

Like, business partners, spouses, and friends will offer any help you need.

Sure, mutual support acts like an insurance policy. You help them, they help you. It's unlikely that everyone around you will fall into depression or go broke at the same time.

You could also argue whether a coach has enough experience to give you the best advice. After all, with some effort, you can find an expert for any question. But there are reasons I've been seeing a therapist for 5 years.

I know for sure that this hour will be entirely devoted to me. Focusing on the other person, forgetting about yourself—it's a rare skill most of our acquaintances don't have. I've studied it myself for a few years, so I know.

Moreover, each session has explicit settings. Motivation, roles, and responsibilities for each of us are clarified. For example, I don't have to worry about whether I owe something for insights or whether it's convenient to bring up a problem again.

And I love that during this hour, I can be myself. It's possible only when, on one hand, you're not afraid to open up and become completely vulnerable. And on the other hand, you're not afraid to shatter the interlocutor with the "horrors" you carry inside.

Imagine this: on top of everything I've mentioned, you also sense genuine interest and warmth from the therapist. This experience alone has the power to transform you.

Do you have someone to share with what you can't tell anyone else?

By the way, which of the three illustrations do you think is the best?

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

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

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Jumping Into the Void / December 6, 2023 by Alexander Lyadov

Changes always come with discomfort, confusion, and pain.

That's why a chain of small, steady changes is ideal.

But sometimes life pushes us to the edge of our familiar world.

Ahead looms a frightening uncertainty.

You realize the real risk of crashing or losing your mind.

For love or money, no one can do it for you.

You must take the leap into the void personally.

That's when the miracle happens in mid-air — metamorphosis.

You jump as one person, but land as someone else.

...

The context, scale, and significance of the leap vary for each of us.

But there's a common rule to avoid unnecessary suffering on the edge.

You need to quickly find your own meaning on the other side.

The kind of meaning that redeems everything you'll be facing.

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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The Outfit / December 6, 2023 by Alexander Lyadov

If you haven't seen the movie "Outfit" yet, I envy you.

Accidentally turning it on, I couldn't tear myself away. A few times, I thought I had it all figured out. But the storyteller would suddenly shift the perspective, and everything would appear in a new light.

Besides, the movie offered a business insight. The quote below from the film illustrates the stance that any Master of their Craft should take.

The gist of it is, even though clients come to you with a problem and pay money, you're accountable not to them but to those above you.

Call it conscience, professional integrity, or God. Thanks to an inner impulse, you do not what the client may want, but what the situation here and now demands.

Some years ago, a customer comes into my shop with a suit, not one of mine.

The customer says, “The jacket, it's too big”. It is.

“The problem”, I say, “is the shoulders”.

But the customer says, no, he likes the shoulders. The problem is the sleeves.

We go back and forth.

Finally, the customer says, “It's my money, and I'm telling you, cut the sleeves”.

So, what do I do?

I say: “Yes, sir”, and then I cut the shoulders.

The customer, he comes back, tries on his new suit.

“It's perfect, he says. “That's exactly what I asked for”.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

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”Who are you and what do you do?"
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