After months in book-editing mode, I’m finally coming up for air.
As a reminder, each quarterly update1 highlights ideas from my two main areas of interest.
Area 1: People-System Interactions
Not everyone fits every system. People seem to evolve more quickly than the systems around them. And workplace systems often struggle to keep up. That's an opportunity, especially at startups. It's also part of what draws me to neuroinclusion. Two ideas worth exploring:
Employee withholding can make systems more if not caught sooner.
The unadjustable workplace shows why workplace adjustments are essential
Area 2: Writing
After more than two years working on my book, I’m wondering: is there a better way to get fresh ideas into the world? I’m exploring Inhospitable Press and seeking established and aspiring authors with stories about humans navigating difficult environments.
Other Patterns, Puzzles, and Curiosities
Famines aren’t just about food supply. During the Irish Potato Famine, the potato crop failed globally. Amartya Sen proved that famines are often caused by system failures (access to food vs lack of food). He won the Nobel Prize nearly 30 years ago, yet it seems people are still surprised by this.
Our family discovered Telestrations. It combines Pictionary with Telephone, and every misunderstanding feels epic and humorous. Give it a try.
Four photo books in two hours. My imagined best self turns digital memories of into picture books. My actual self tweaks albums for years. Then I discovered Austrian-based Journi. How did I order four photo albums in two hours? Fewer decisions. Less customization, but still the right touches for the kids.
Hi 👋 I’m Shaun and I’m reasonably good at creating pivotal conversations that change a founder’s path.
Interested in people and systems, or my writing projects? Reply to this email or catch my more regular writing on LinkedIn.
Thanks for reading.
1 … about that quarterly cadence, I was optimistic. 😛 Life has been hectic. There's still plenty to be excited about, even if I've been slow to report back.