Residual Thoughts

Residual Thoughts offers insights into technology, business strategies, personal growth, and career advancement from a data scientist's perspective in NYC. It explores themes like workplace dynamics, market trends, productivity, corporate strategies, personal finance, and the impact of AI, providing actionable advice and thoughtful analysis.

Technology Business Strategies Personal Growth Career Development Workplace Dynamics Market Trends Productivity Corporate Strategies Personal Finance Artificial Intelligence

The hottest Substack posts of Residual Thoughts

And their main takeaways

What are fancy hotels selling?

158 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🏝 Travel Hospitality Accommodation Service Experiences Bars
  1. Fancy hotels offer more than just a room; they sell experiences like secrecy and discretion for their guests. This is important for guests who might want privacy for personal reasons.
  2. Higher-priced hotels tend to be rated better, with guests valuing service and clean spaces. As prices go up, the experience becomes more about luxury and exceptional service.
  3. Different price ranges for hotels attract different types of customers. Low-end hotels focus on cleanliness, while luxury hotels focus on providing beauty, fine dining, and top-notch service.

The very best nonfiction books

178 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
📚 Literature Books Nonfiction Reading Reviews Recommendations
  1. It's nice to tell friends what they're good at; it makes them feel appreciated. Everyone likes a little encouragement!
  2. When recommending books, aim for those that are either fun or impactful. This way, you'll enjoy the reading experience more.
  3. Listening to audiobooks can enhance the experience, especially with personal stories or adventures. They can feel really intimate and engaging.

Our capacity to forget

119 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Media influence Public Perception
  1. People can easily forget serious issues over time, like how many were outraged by concussions in football but now may watch the NFL again without the same concern.
  2. There's a noticeable shift in support for Trump among some wealthy tech people, focusing on economic benefits while overlooking ethical concerns.
  3. It's important to remember the negative impacts of past events related to Trump's presidency, especially during quieter times when those issues might fade from memory.

The Martini is Dead, Long Live the Martini

138 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🍲 Food & Drink Cocktails Trends Culture Alcohol
  1. Ordering complex cocktails like mezcal negronis in casual places might seem out of place, but there's nothing wrong with enjoying what you love.
  2. Martinis are making a comeback after a dip in popularity, highlighting a shift in drinking trends among people.
  3. Non-alcoholic drinks and lower-alcohol options are becoming more popular, as many look for alternatives while still wanting to enjoy social settings.

The hardest thing about adulthood

99 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Career Choices Relationships Life philosophy Self-reflection
  1. As adults, it's often harder to know what we truly want rather than just getting it. This can lead to feelings of being lost or unsure about our life direction.
  2. Many people struggle to balance prestige and lifestyle when choosing a career. It can be tough to figure out what matters more to you.
  3. One way to deal with uncertainty is to understand yourself better through reflection. Alternatively, you can choose something and fully commit to it, which might lead to more fulfillment.
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The Deferred Life Plan

198 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Personal Growth Philosophy Social Commentary Self-reflection
  1. Life can feel chaotic and uncertain, which can be scary but also motivating. It's important to use this urgency to pursue what you truly want to do.
  2. Rather than waiting for the perfect moment or inspiration, start working on your passions now. Don't let life's unpredictability hold you back.
  3. Avoid getting distracted by temporary pleasures; focus on meaningful work and long-term goals instead. This will bring more fulfillment in the long run.

Is Dimes Square Cooked?

158 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Urban life Social Trends Local Food Neighborhoods
  1. Dimes Square seems to be losing its popularity lately. Fewer people are going there, and some places have empty tables.
  2. Data from subway traffic shows a noticeable drop in visits to Dimes Square compared to previous years, especially during the summer months.
  3. Overall, the vibe in Dimes Square has changed, making it feel less 'cool' than before, and some believe it might be fading out.

The Fox Logo Burned into the Television

59 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Political Discourse Cultural impact Corporate strategy
  1. Fox News grew because it tapped into a market that older networks ignored, particularly conservative viewers. This audience felt left out and found a home with Fox.
  2. The rise of Fox News shows how big companies can overlook parts of the market due to their internal culture. In this case, traditional networks had a liberal bias that prevented them from recognizing conservative viewers' needs.
  3. As Fox News became a big player, new competitors emerged that might offer even more extreme views. This is a cycle where big companies can become out of touch and risk being disrupted again.

Jobs where no one is mean to you

138 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
  1. Feedback, even if mean, can be valuable for personal growth.
  2. Having a workplace where people are not mean can lead to a more enjoyable life.
  3. Experiencing direct criticism can help reduce fear and uncertainty in professional settings.

Where are the Amazon Aggregators?

99 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
  1. Amazon aggregators experienced a quick rise and fall during the Covid bubble.
  2. Acquisitions and operational excellence are challenging for aggregators.
  3. Relying on financial engineering for value may not be sustainable in the long run.

Only the Paranoid Survive

99 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
  1. React to changes promptly in both company strategies and personal careers.
  2. Stay connected to the ground to sense potential shifts in the market before senior management does.
  3. Experiment during strategic inflection points, then decisively pivot in a new direction.

Being Someone who Does Things

99 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
  1. Balancing pure leisure, passive productivity, and active productivity is important for personal growth.
  2. Actively productive activities have compounding benefits over time.
  3. Developing higher agency and shifting towards more actively productive activities can lead to beneficial outcomes.

Management through Compliments

79 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
  1. Giving thoughtful compliments to colleagues can make them feel appreciated and valued, encouraging better performance.
  2. Complimenting specific behaviors that you want to see more of can make people embody those behaviors as part of their identity.
  3. Using compliments as a management tool can be effective in motivating employees to consistently exhibit new strengths.

Aftermath of a Big Layoff

79 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
  1. Your job doesn't define your entire identity; cultivate a sense of self that goes beyond your work to avoid feeling lost if laid off.
  2. Companies prioritize their own needs over individual circumstances; personal connections within a corporation may not prevent job loss.
  3. Career success is measured by the quality of relationships built at work; staying connected and respected by former coworkers is valuable.

Teacher, Doctor, Firefighter, Broker

59 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
  1. Brokers act as intermediaries and play a significant role in various industries.
  2. Skills needed to be a good broker include trust building, evaluation, negotiation, and working at a high velocity.
  3. The value of a broker is determined by the average transaction value and the number of transactions facilitated.

Operating Like a Hollywood Agent

59 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
  1. Information is power in competitive environments
  2. Internal knowledge sharing is essential for success
  3. Gathering information about internal company moves can be valuable

Where did Tiger Global Go Wrong?

59 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
  1. Tiger Global's high-velocity approach backfired due to poor market timing, leaving them vulnerable during market crashes
  2. Accepting lower returns but making up for it with scale and speed can still be a viable strategy despite Tiger's struggles
  3. Challenges arose for Tiger due to some investment decisions that lacked in-depth diligence, but this issue was not exclusive to them

Lessons about growing a podcast

59 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
  1. Start with a very specific topic to build trust with your audience before branching out to more general topics.
  2. Consistency over time is crucial for success, rather than relying on one big breakthrough.
  3. In podcasting, you're competing not just with other podcasts, but with everything else people can do with their time. Have a unique perspective to stand out.

Frauds & Visionaries with the reporter who Broke Enron

59 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
  1. In the podcast episode, Bethany McLean discusses the dynamic between visionary geniuses and frauds in the corporate world.
  2. The role of self-deception is highlighted as an important factor in corporate fraud.
  3. The impact of regulation on corporate behavior is explored in the conversation with Bethany McLean.

The "Pathless Path"

59 implied HN points • 25 Nov 23
  1. Examine your relationship to work and challenge the 'scripts' society has ingrained in you about what work should be.
  2. Give yourself space to understand what energizes you at work and make explicit decisions to prioritize those things.
  3. Establishing distance from work through activities like taking a road trip, talking to friends, engaging in hobbies, or even taking a sabbatical can help alleviate work-related discomfort.

You shouldn't know your net worth

59 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
  1. Having multiple accounts for finances can lead to disorganization, but can also help maintain a healthy distance from money, preventing unnecessary meddling.
  2. Automatically investing and not frequently checking net worth can be an optimal investment strategy, avoiding emotional trading during market fluctuations.
  3. Constantly monitoring net worth can be time-consuming and emotionally draining, leading to impulsive trading behaviors during market downturns.

Your boss should be as smart as you

59 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
  1. Working with talented leadership makes it easier to stand out and advance in your career.
  2. Talented individuals are better at recognizing and promoting talent in others.
  3. Aim to work with people who are as talented as you are for a more enjoyable and learning-rich experience.

A Tepid Steamroom

39 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
  1. Sometimes, taking the initiative early can lead to positive outcomes with minimal risks.
  2. Don't hold back from exploring solutions or taking action just because others haven't done so already.
  3. Being proactive, initiating interactions, and taking the first step can often work in your favor and lead to positive results.

Thinking with your Fingers

39 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
  1. Writing in an effective way involves thinking deeply about the purpose of each word.
  2. Taking the time to carefully craft your writing may be more taxing but results in saying something substantial.
  3. Avoid thinking with your fingers - take time to ensure your writing is truly meaningful, not just functional.

Hearing from Ilya

39 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
  1. Hardware is not a major factor in the performance of AI models, but a disruption in manufacturing could be a setback, not a catastrophic impact.
  2. There is a possibility of humans merging with AI, which the interviewee finds intriguing.
  3. As AI models advance, ensuring alignment with human goals will be crucial, especially when models become smarter or can obscure their motives.

Swept up in the crowd

39 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
  1. Shocking news broke Friday about the firing of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman for unspecified 'communication issues' and not being straightforward with the Board.
  2. The quick reactions and responses from employees and others made it seem that Altman might be brought back, but the situation changed and he will lead an AI group at Microsoft.
  3. Reflecting on the situation, it's important to consider that the Board of non-profit entity OpenAI might be making decisions for the greater good, even if they appear unpopular at first.

Contingency Plans

19 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
  1. Contingency planning is vital for success because it helps teams prepare for different scenarios and make better decisions under pressure.
  2. Having plans laid out for different scenarios can provide confidence and peace of mind to the organization.
  3. Planning as writing out responses to possible scenarios is more beneficial than writing out the future you want or expect.

Caro's 1-sentence paragraphs

19 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
  1. Caro's use of 1-sentence paragraphs allows for breaks in concentration and effective summaries of dense information in his writing
  2. The 1-sentence paragraphs neatly transition between ideas and create a clear bridge between paragraphs
  3. Caro's willingness to break academic writing rules comes from his background as a journalist, allowing him to package his ideas in compelling ways for readers

Everyone tuck your shirt in

19 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
  1. Setting small rules can create a high standard of performance in an organization.
  2. Implementing small, tactical rules can help people raise their level of performance and make progress.
  3. Discipline and uniformity in small details can lead to increased cohesion and focus in a group.

Things that make weddings great

19 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
  1. Having a 'wow' factor at weddings helps guests engage and bond over something unique.
  2. Creating a small and enclosed dance floor encourages more lively and inhibited dancing.
  3. Meaningful speeches and personalized vows enhance the wedding experience for guests.

The importance of speed in M&A

19 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
  1. Move fast in integrating companies during M&A to avoid wasting time and money.
  2. Address problems quickly to prevent them from worsening and solidifying.
  3. Emphasize the importance of speed in decision-making and problem-solving in business operations.

Ray Dalio is a good content marketer and an unpleasant person

19 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
  1. Ray Dalio is a successful content marketer with a compelling framework for thinking about the economy.
  2. Dalio's ability to tell stories and raise capital for Bridgewater through content marketing led to significant success in the investment world.
  3. Despite his marketing acumen, Dalio's firm, Bridgewater, faced challenges with losing its edge, yet continued to profit from fees.

The importance of in-app AI

19 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
  1. Using AI within apps can simplify processes, like data analysis and plotting locations on Tableau.
  2. Existing products like Tableau may need to integrate AI quickly to keep up with new AI-native companies like Equals.
  3. AI advancements, like ChatGPT, have the potential to render individual applications unnecessary by performing various tasks within a single application.

Back to the landed gentry

19 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
  1. Many people currently seek social status through careers in knowledge work
  2. AI is expected to make a lot of human knowledge work obsolete in the near future
  3. People will need to find new ways to show status without relying on knowledge work, potentially leading to a shift towards status through activities resembling the aristocratic pursuits of the past

Is Job Stacking Rational?

3 HN points • 05 Jan 24
  1. Working multiple full-time jobs can significantly increase short-term income, but may hinder long-term career growth due to lack of focus.
  2. The decision to job stack or focus on one job depends on the length of one's career - shorter careers may benefit more from job stacking, while longer careers favor focusing on one job.
  3. Consideration of financial factors, promotions, stamina, and future work trends are crucial when evaluating the rationality of job stacking.

Read Write Own

0 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Blockchain AI Internet Social media Decentralization
  1. Generative AI complicates internet information ownership, making web3 tech important for solutions.
  2. Web3 aims to address concentration of wealth and power in big tech, offering more distributed value and power.
  3. Decentralized web3 apps need to improve user experience to compete with centralized apps, and realistic timeframes for value creation need to be considered.

My first mind-blowing experience with AI

0 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
  1. AI can quickly analyze messy data and generate Python code for data analysis tasks.
  2. AI tools like ChatGPT can create charts and visualizations efficiently, saving time for tasks that would normally take hours.
  3. The rapid advancements in AI technology have significant implications for various industries, including 'knowledge work'.