The hottest Business Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

Top Links 644 Buffett's filthy power plants. Inflation dynamics. Indian wars, Zazous & Pet Shop Boys

Chartbook • 371 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
💼 Business Finance Investments Economics Energy Corporate
  1. Buffett's company, Berkshire Hathaway, runs some of the dirtiest coal power plants in the US. This highlights concerns about environmental responsibility.
  2. There are interesting discussions about inflation dynamics. Understanding these can help us navigate economic changes.
  3. The mention of Indian wars, Zazous, and Pet Shop Boys suggests a mix of cultural and historical themes worth exploring. Each has its unique impact on society.

TBM 320: From Fluffy Concepts to Concrete Outcomes & Behaviors

The Beautiful Mess • 555 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
💼 Business Product Management Team Dynamics Behavior Change Organizational Culture Decision-making
  1. It's important to translate vague concepts into specific behaviors. Instead of saying you want to be 'data-driven,' describe actual actions that show you are doing this.
  2. Discussing behaviors as a team can spark valuable conversations and help everyone understand what needs to change. It allows people to share experiences and ideas in a meaningful way.
  3. When trying to improve team actions, focus on what gets in the way—like training gaps or social pressures. Identifying these barriers helps create better strategies for change.

Questions Concerning Technology; Arendt, 50 years later; Ukraine's Agony

Unpopular Front • 29 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
💼 Business Economics Capitalism Investment Productivity Technology
  1. Technological development is a key factor that influences competition among firms and affects economic performance. New techniques of production can help certain companies or countries to gain an edge over others.
  2. There's ongoing debate about whether profits have actually declined in advanced capitalist economies. Some economists argue there’s evidence for stagnation and low growth since the 1970s, despite high corporate profits.
  3. Investment trends in advanced economies show a decrease, with many companies focusing on shareholder payouts rather than investing back into their businesses. This raises concerns about long-term economic growth.

The Manager’s Iceberg

The Engineering Leader • 159 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Human Resources Organizational Behavior Team Dynamics
  1. Managers do a lot of work behind the scenes that often goes unnoticed. This includes tasks like coaching, resolving conflicts, and setting goals that are crucial for team success.
  2. Being a manager means putting the team's needs first and supporting them to succeed. It can be tough because their work might not get immediate recognition.
  3. It's important to be patient with your manager and understand they have many responsibilities. Asking how you can help them can strengthen your working relationship.
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CEOs get real about the coming cost of climate change

Callaway Climate Insights • 176 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
💼 Business Climate change Sustainability Investment Renewable Energy Corporate Accountability
  1. Some CEOs are willing to accept lower returns on investment to make progress in fighting climate change.
  2. The focus on sustainability in business includes decarbonization and energy efficiency.
  3. Climate investing is more about long-term impact and sustainability than just financial returns.

⏩🔬 Good news: We know how to accelerate the US economy

Faster, Please! • 1188 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
💼 Business Economics Policy AI Health Clean Energy
  1. Increasing public money for R&D can boost business productivity and private sector investment.
  2. Historically, technological innovation and public R&D have played a significant role in driving economic growth.
  3. There is a correlation between higher public investments in nondefense R&D and long-term increases in total factor productivity (TFP) in the business sector.

Is the Tao smarter than the Dow?

What's Important? • 32 implied HN points • 14 Dec 25
💼 Business Leadership Investing Corporate culture Management Strategy Talent
  1. Companies that treat employees like family by investing in their welfare and communities build loyalty and long-term resilience, which fuels innovation and survival.
  2. Authentic leaders who stay open and 'receive'—drawing on mature love, contribution, and an external intelligence—unlock far more creativity, growth, and win-win outcomes than ego-driven or purely market-driven leaders.
  3. Wealth can create isolation, but putting even a small portion of resources into personal transformation and community connection can reintegrate capital and lead to outsized, positive returns where money follows the right contribution.

The tough reality of being a "glue person"...

The Beautiful Mess • 595 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Workplace Career development Self-care
  1. Being a glue person means your achievements are often overlooked, but your mistakes are very visible to others.
  2. You have to balance many expectations, which can be stressful and sometimes put you in difficult positions.
  3. It’s important to recognize your own successes, set boundaries, and take care of yourself to avoid burnout.

Corporate Democracy in Norway

Erik Examines • 179 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
💼 Business Corporate Governance Labor relations Economy Employee Rights
  1. In Norway, workers have a voice in how companies are run, with one-third of company boards elected by employees. This is different from countries like the US where employees have little say.
  2. Norway has mixed economic practices, blending capitalism with socialist ideals, allowing both workers and shareholders to have power. It's a unique approach that balances interests in the workplace.
  3. Discussions about employee rights in Norway often focus on whether they should be protected by laws or through collective agreements made by unions. This shows how employees advocate for their rights differently than in other countries.

The anatomy of a breakthrough “Service-as-a-Software” business

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 425 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
💼 Business Startups Technology E-commerce Marketing Finance
  1. Chargeflow focused on marketing and customer relationships before building their product. This helped them understand what their audience needed and how to stand out.
  2. They made it super easy for customers to sign up and get started, which led to positive reviews and a better presence in app stores. Fast onboarding is key for attracting users.
  3. Chargeflow's pricing model is based on success, meaning customers only pay when they see results. This approach not only attracts customers but keeps them around longer.

Just refund them

Startup Real Talk • 388 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
💼 Business Customer Service Startup Advice Entrepreneurship Business strategy
  1. Refunding unhappy customers quickly can save you time and effort. It's often better to give them what they want instead of arguing.
  2. Fighting over refunds can hurt your reputation. A dissatisfied customer might share their bad experience with others, which could cost you more in the long run.
  3. There are limits to refunds. You shouldn't give back more than the amount paid, and if a customer is extremely dissatisfied, it might be best to part ways.

Quick Answers

Human Capitalist • 79 implied HN points • 14 May 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Employment Trends Sales Strategy Career development
  1. More repeat founders are starting new businesses than before. They learn from their past experiences and want to keep creating.
  2. The role of Sales Development Representatives (SDRs) is changing or declining as companies use AI and become more efficient with fewer employees.
  3. Many banking analysts might not be following the traditional path to becoming associates. They might be switching to other sectors before completing the usual years of experience.

DO TOO MUCH

Rational in the Fullness of Time • 591 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
💼 Business Leadership Entrepreneurship Management Innovation Growth
  1. Leaders need to go above and beyond in their efforts. Doing more can inspire others to care and work harder too.
  2. When achieving goals, over-communication and quick reactions can be more effective than waiting and planning too much.
  3. To create something meaningful, embrace the idea of doing too much. It's a part of pushing boundaries and achieving great things.

Making Markets in Time

Pivotal • 394 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
💼 Business Venture Capital Market Trends Startup Growth Investment Strategies Financial Models
  1. Silicon Valley focuses on 'temporal arbitrage', which is about making money over time by investing at different stages of a startup's growth. This helps investors bridge gaps between early ideas and established companies.
  2. The modern venture capital system divides funding into specific stages, like seed and series rounds. Each investor specializes in different stages, making the process smoother and more efficient.
  3. Success in venture capital often comes from being part of a shared consensus on what makes a company fundable. Investors try to follow trends rather than go against the grain to align with what other investors believe.

The VC Corner 📰 #8

The VC Corner • 179 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Sales Healthcare Ethics
  1. Carta is facing accusations of unethical practices, which could impact its reputation in the industry. It's a reminder that businesses need to act ethically to maintain trust.
  2. To become a sales-focused founder, there are key steps to follow. Focusing on sales can help drive growth and success for startups.
  3. The outlook for healthcare in 2024 is being discussed. Understanding trends in healthcare can help investors and startups prepare for future opportunities.

Why Companies are Turning on Remote Work [Finance Fridays]

Technology Made Simple • 139 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
💼 Business Remote work Finance Productivity Real Estate Management
  1. The remote work vs in-person debate is becoming more divisive with many companies now choosing to return to in-person work.
  2. Financial reasons such as increased turnover due to layoffs, real estate investments, and management preferences are driving companies to push for in-person work.
  3. Despite the preference for traditional office culture, studies show remote work can be just as productive, inclusive, and even boost creativity and performance.

TBM 326: Adhocracies and Bureaucracies

The Beautiful Mess • 489 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
💼 Business Organizational Behavior Corporate culture Leadership Management Practices Process Improvement
  1. Rapid-growth tech companies often start as adhocracies where everyone works quickly and independently. But as they grow, they can develop unspoken rules that make things complicated.
  2. Larger companies tend to have strict bureaucracies with many rules that can slow everything down. When they try to change, they often need to untangle these rules and make things simpler.
  3. Leaders often try to eliminate bureaucracy, but this can lead to even more hidden rules. It’s important for teams to talk openly about processes to solve problems effectively.

The Barber Ranen Blowup: 'The Worst Emails I've Ever Seen'

Original Jurisdiction • 559 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
💼 Business Employment Law Corporate culture Public Relations
  1. The emails sent by John Barber and Jeff Ranen were shockingly offensive, sparking a scandal in the legal profession.
  2. Barber and Ranen resigned from the firm Barber Ranen after the offensive emails were revealed, impacting their future in the legal field.
  3. Lewis Brisbois faced criticism for the offensive emails being sent by former partners while in leadership positions, leading to changes within the firm.

AMD Q4 2024 and FY Financials

More Than Moore • 373 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
💼 Business Finance Tech industry Market Analysis Revenue growth Product Development
  1. AMD's revenue has seen a big boost, with a 24% increase in Q4 2024 compared to the previous year. This growth is driven by strong sales in their data center and client segments.
  2. The company has shifted its focus towards high-margin products, which has significantly improved profitability. Their data center revenue is now a major part of their earnings.
  3. While AMD's gaming sector faced challenges with declining sales, they expect a recovery in 2025 as console orders normalize and new products are launched.

The Creator Economy's paradigm shift

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 449 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
💼 Business Media Economy Marketing Technology Startups
  1. The Creator Economy is becoming more powerful than traditional media. Creators are now shaping cultural conversations more than ever before.
  2. Teen moms on TikTok are making lots of money and changing how people view their lives. Social media allows them to support their families and break stereotypes.
  3. Podcasts are growing in popularity and are being watched on TVs. This means video versions of podcasts could get more viewers who enjoy watching them at home.

University Grads Flock to Food Delivery as China's Job Market Dries Up

Chinarrative • 216 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
💼 Business Employment Industry Labor Market Economy Market Trends
  1. University graduates in China are turning to food delivery jobs due to a tough job market and economic situation.
  2. More educated individuals, including college graduates, are entering the food delivery sector, causing an oversupply of labor and decreasing salaries.
  3. The phenomenon reflects broader employment issues in China, showing a need for improved support from educational institutions and a larger, more diverse job market.

data-driven VC is over

State of the Future • 323 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
💼 Business Venture Capital Investment Strategies Market research Entrepreneurship Tech Trends
  1. The way we research and develop investment ideas in venture capital is changing. Now, smaller firms can compete with big players because information is easier and cheaper to access.
  2. As everyone starts using the same data and insights, decision-making might become more about trusting your instincts than just following numbers. Investors might need to rely on what's not obvious or data-driven.
  3. The most successful investors in the future will be those who combine experience and wisdom with their specialized knowledge. It's not just about the data anymore; understanding what truly matters will set them apart.

The end of the live streamer mega deals

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
💼 Business Media Streaming Marketing Content creation Publishing
  1. Many livestreamers who signed huge contracts with platforms like YouTube and Mixer are now returning to Twitch as their contracts end. It shows a shift back to where they started, highlighting the unpredictable nature of streaming deals.
  2. Podcasts, especially video podcasts, are growing in value and popularity. They offer creators a chance to reach more people and compete better with big media, but they still aren't fully recognized by traditional media companies.
  3. Apple TV+ is cleverly marketing its shows by giving away earlier seasons for free on platforms like Roku. This approach can attract new subscribers and create buzz for upcoming seasons, but not all streaming services are doing this.

The Cloud Wars Update: Who’s Winning the AI-Driven Growth Battle

Tanay’s Newsletter • 126 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
💼 Business Technology Finance Economics Market Analysis Investment
  1. Azure is growing fast and took the biggest share of new cloud spending, showing Microsoft is strong in AI. They likely gained from being closely linked with OpenAI.
  2. Even with high demand for AI, all three companies face limits in their capacity to deliver. This means they have a backlog of orders they can't fill right now.
  3. Investment in AI is a big focus for all these companies, with plans to spend a lot of money on infrastructure and technology to meet growing demand.

Generative AI in Finance: Opportunities & Challenges

Gradient Flow • 299 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
💼 Business Finance Technology AI Startups Innovation
  1. Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) are gaining significant interest in the Financial Services and Banking sector, offering potential for efficiency, personalization, and risk management.
  2. Specific challenges exist for the adoption of Generative AI and LLMs in the Financial Services sector, including the need for domain-specific models, regulatory compliance, and addressing potential job displacement.
  3. Startups and vendors focusing on addressing the unique challenges of the financial services sector can pave the way for the widespread adoption of Generative AI and LLMs in the industry.

EXIT

Becoming Noble • 299 implied HN points • 26 May 23
💼 Business Corporate culture Career development Entrepreneurship
  1. The EXIT project aims to end reliance on corporate employment by providing various support systems and resources.
  2. Consider spending time at elite progressive institutions to learn and transition to a place of independent strength.
  3. Listen to the podcast for insights on how dissidents can use big tech companies as a launching point for their ambitions.

VC Don't Care About LTV/CAC Ratio ? | Hacking the VC process: Maximise Your Chance Of Getting Funded | VC Remote Jobs and More

Venture Curator • 299 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
💼 Business Venture Capital Startup Entrepreneurship Investment Funding
  1. Investors obsess over the LTV/CAC ratio to gauge the potential return on investment and look for 'just-add-money opportunities.'
  2. Not all customers are equal; focusing on high-LTV customers can optimize customer acquisition efforts.
  3. VCs focus on CACD (Customer Acquisition Cost Doubled) to assess the time taken to recoup investments, emphasizing the importance of velocity over just the LTV/CAC ratio.

Beyond Prediction: Shaping Your Work Story in an Uncertain World

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 488 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
💼 Business Workforce Technology Management Education Economics
  1. There are seven main stories shaping how we think about the future of work. Each one explores different trends and possibilities, like technology, job loss, and education.
  2. We can't predict exactly what will happen, but we can choose which narrative we want to believe in. Our choices can shape our future work experiences.
  3. Lifelong learning and adaptation are becoming essential. As technology changes, we need to keep learning to stay relevant in our jobs.