The hottest Career development Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

Two key areas to focus on to get promoted and do well in your job. Practical advice from Luca Rossi of Refactoring.

Askwhy: UX Research, Product Management, Design & Careers • 33 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
💼 Business Career development
  1. Great engineers deeply understand tradeoffs and communicate well with others, not just master technical skills.
  2. Invest in talking with mentors and peers for high ROI in learning and growth.
  3. Effective collaboration involves continuous back and forth between engineering, product, and design, not following a linear pipeline.

Start meeting more people: Salvaging your career in a GenAI world

FutureIQ • 3 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
💼 Business Career development
  1. Networking is really important for your career. Meeting new people can help you find great opportunities and gain insights into what others are doing.
  2. As technology changes, knowing the right people becomes more valuable than just having degrees. Your network and personal brand will matter more as information becomes easily accessible.
  3. Don't stay in a job where you don't like the people. If you're not enjoying your work environment, it's ok to look for something better.

LSW 21 👑What's your style?

The Leading Sapiens Weekly • 30 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
💼 Business Career development
  1. There is no one universal leadership style; effective leaders have a variety of different styles.
  2. It is essential to understand your own unique leadership style and its blindspots.
  3. Identifying your default tendencies in leadership style can help you recognize blindspots and consider different approaches.

Personality-led business building, positioning and pivots.

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 7 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
💼 Business Career development
  1. It's important to align your business with what you love doing. When you focus on what excites you, your work feels more meaningful.
  2. Making a significant change in your business takes time and careful planning. It's about building a strong foundation before jumping into something new.
  3. Understanding your strengths helps you create a business that fits you. Find what you enjoy and build around that to avoid burnout.

They should have fired him

A Perfectly Cromulent Software Engineer • 1 HN point • 21 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Career development
  1. Transitioning to a traditional job from freelance work can be a significant change in routine and responsibilities.
  2. Challenges and growth opportunities can arise when tasked with larger, more ambiguous projects that test technical abilities.
  3. Recognizing toxic behavior in oneself or others, such as being uncooperative and rude, is essential in maintaining a positive work environment.
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Building a sustainable company without running out of runway; The good, bad, and ugly of doing interim work; The art and science of Product Marketing

Femstreet • 15 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
💼 Business Career development
  1. Enduring company building is crucial for founders to balance pace, growth, and longevity.
  2. Product Marketing is the bridge between inspiration and practicality in an organization.
  3. Influence without authority is a vital skill for individuals at all levels in a company.

E4 - Discover the AI PM Universe: The Many Faces of AI Product Managers 🤖

The Product Channel By Sid Saladi • 6 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Career development
  1. There are various types of AI Product Managers, each focusing on different aspects like infrastructure, rankings, and generative AI. Knowing these roles helps in understanding how AI products come to life.
  2. Key skills for AI Product Managers include understanding AI technologies, collaborating with data teams, and having strong analytical abilities. These skills ensure they can successfully manage projects and innovate.
  3. The career path in AI Product Management is evolving quickly. Staying updated on AI advancements and continuously learning is essential for success in this field.

Vietbay Sharing: Tìm việc ở Silicon Valley

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 39 implied HN points • 25 Aug 20
💼 Business Career development
  1. An event is being organized for students looking for job opportunities in Silicon Valley, whether they are in Vietnam or elsewhere.
  2. Topics that will be discussed include life in Silicon Valley, preparing for interviews, resumes, referrals, LinkedIn, and common misconceptions.
  3. The event will cover tips for getting the first interview, preparing for interviews, and navigating the effects of COVID-19 on job opportunities in Silicon Valley.

Track your growth

BK's Essays • 1 HN point • 05 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Career development
  1. Tracking your progress, daily wins, and learnings can boost your confidence and improve discussions with others.
  2. Documenting your daily tasks helps keep you organized, assists in writing reports, and prepares you for manager meetings.
  3. Setting aside time regularly to journal highs, lows, and discussion points can help you observe your growth and identify areas for improvement.

👨‍💻👩‍💻 Product Management vs. Product Marketing vs. Project Management: A Guide to Choosing Your Career Path

The Product Channel By Sid Saladi • 6 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
💼 Business Career development
  1. Product management is about creating a product that meets customer needs and involves strategy and teamwork. If you like big-picture thinking and technology, this role might be for you.
  2. Product marketing focuses on promoting and selling a product through messaging and campaigns. If you enjoy creativity and connecting with customers, product marketing could be a good fit.
  3. Project management is all about making sure projects run smoothly on time and within budget. If you have strong organizational skills and like leading teams, project management may be your best path.

Should I change job?

The Engineering Manager • 19 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
💼 Business Career development
  1. When considering if you should change jobs, focus on learning, earning, or quitting.
  2. Learning and earning have a symbiotic relationship that can lead to growth and opportunities.
  3. Career growth is not always linear, and it's important to assess if you're learning and earning enough to reach your goals.

Networking in the Real World

Perspectives • 6 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
💼 Business Career development
  1. Networking is really important before you need it. If you start connecting with people early, they'll be more likely to help you when you need a job or advice later.
  2. It's helpful to focus on quality over quantity in networking. Building close relationships within trusted communities will make it easier to ask for help in tough times.
  3. If you haven't built your network yet and need help, don't be afraid to reach out. Even acquaintances can connect you with others who might help, so just ask!

10: On making $40k/month and how to climb the corporate ladder faster than your coworkers

Austin's Analects • 19 implied HN points • 14 Jul 21
💼 Business Career development
  1. Make $40k/month by efficiently working only 4 hours per week. Tim Ferris shared his journey from $40k/yr to $40k/month in his book The 4-Hour Work Week.
  2. To climb the corporate ladder quickly, focus on building strong relationships and acquiring valuable skills. It's not just about what you know, but also about who knows you in the company.
  3. Prioritize community growth by sharing helpful content with friends and colleagues. Engaging with like-minded individuals can enhance personal and professional development.

“There’s hidden treasure all over the world”

Building the Builders • 4 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
💼 Business Career development
  1. Jesse Genet's journey shows the power of following your own ambitions despite societal pressures. She made tough choices to prioritize what felt right for her life.
  2. Self-honesty has been key for Jesse in her career and personal life. She regularly questions what she truly wants and believes, which helps her make important decisions.
  3. Jesse's experience emphasizes that embracing roles often seen as less ambitious, like motherhood, can be fulfilling and valuable. It's about finding meaning in whatever choice you make.

How To Start a New Role - Part 2

Fish Food for Thought • 4 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
💼 Business Career development
  1. When starting a new role, it's really important to listen more than you speak. Spend your first days understanding the team and the work they do instead of rushing to make changes.
  2. Use the 90/10 rule for communication: listen 90% of the time and speak only 10%. This helps you gather insights to make better decisions later.
  3. Focus on stopping projects that don't add value rather than starting new initiatives right away. This helps clarify priorities and shows you're willing to make tough decisions for the benefit of the team.

Strengths or Weaknesses

Fish Food for Thought • 10 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
💼 Business Career development
  1. Focus on your strengths over fixing weaknesses for career development.
  2. Certain competencies are essential for specific roles, but don't need to excel in every area.
  3. Invest time in what you love and excel in, rather than forcing improvement in areas you dislike.

#13: Revelation and discovery

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 39 implied HN points • 29 Jan 20
💼 Business Career development
  1. Uncertainty can either be forced on you or something you look for yourself. Knowing this helps you manage how you respond to it.
  2. It's important to take action when faced with unexpected uncertainty. Doing something can help you regain control and find new paths.
  3. When you decide to explore uncertainty on purpose, make sure you have a way to pull back if it gets overwhelming. This could be a mentor or a checklist to guide you.

Promoting Ali Afridi to Principal

Equal Ventures • 19 implied HN points • 11 Jan 21
💼 Business Career development
  1. Ali Afridi's determination and eagerness to learn led him to drop out of college to pursue a career in the venture community, showing his unique perspective and intelligence.
  2. Cognitive diversity is valued in the workplace, as demonstrated by Ali Afridi's ability to bring impactful insights and expose blind spots, making the team smarter and better.
  3. Ali Afridi's promotion to Principal after his impactful contributions and continuous pursuit of knowledge showcases the value of investing in talented individuals within a firm.

The Gift of Clarity

Perspectives • 10 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
💼 Business Career development
  1. Clarity is a gift that helps us identify our destination and find a path forward.
  2. Documenting agreements and conversations is crucial for avoiding misunderstandings and frustrations.
  3. Asking for clarification, aligning on outcomes, and following up on ambiguous points are key steps towards achieving success in personal and work life.

Paths to Prosperity

Path Nine • 12 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
💼 Business Career development
  1. Money is more than just compensation for entrepreneurs; it represents building the life you want.
  2. Using the MVF (Minimum Viable Financials) framework helps creatives and entrepreneurs set financial thresholds and validate their path.
  3. Setting your MVF can reduce financial stress, provide freedom and flexibility, and allow for taking risks in business or career.

I’m baaaaaaack

David Spinks' Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
💼 Business Career development
  1. The author is back from parental leave and feeling excited to return to work.
  2. During the author's leave, they focused on writing, consulting, and building their business.
  3. The author plans to maintain a daily writing habit, continue consulting, and grow their Talent Collective.

Should You Stay In Your Current Job or Move For A Promotion?

The Software Engineering Times • 3 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
💼 Business Career development
  1. Internal promotions are usually easier because you already know the company culture and people. You can quickly get to work without a big adjustment period.
  2. External promotions often come with higher salaries and a chance to start fresh. You can look for roles that fit your career goals better.
  3. Consider your personal career goals and timing when deciding to stay or move. Your choice should match what you want for your future.

Growth in a downturn

The Engineering Manager • 9 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
💼 Business Career development
  1. In uncertain times, focus on what you can control, like supporting your team's growth.
  2. Avoid making promises about outcomes you can't control, instead focus on building trust and providing support.
  3. Invest in increasing your impact, even if you can't control the scope of your role.

How to create buy-in and move immovable things; To Interim CMO or not?; Ten commandments of consumer behaviour

Femstreet • 7 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
💼 Business Career development
  1. The '15% + 1 level' rule for creating buy-in and moving immovable things emphasizes thinking one level higher to get buy-in for ideas.
  2. The ten commandments of consumer behavior stress understanding human nature for successful product adoption and growth.
  3. Consider hiring an interim CMO as a low-risk, high-return option to build your leadership team effectively.

So you want to be a Manager - Part 1: Are you sure?

The Caring Techie Newsletter • 9 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
💼 Business Career development
  1. Transitioning from individual contributor to engineering manager requires deep reflection and research.
  2. Engineering management involves leading and coordinating engineering activities, but it's not as easy as it may seem on paper.
  3. Successful engineering managers need a different skill set than individual contributors, including strong people skills and patience.

Reading the Room

Perspectives • 10 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
💼 Business Career development
  1. Reading the room is a crucial interpersonal skill that helps you understand what others are saying and contribute meaningfully.
  2. Learning to read the room is a skill that can be developed through practice and self-awareness.
  3. To become a better communicator and collaborator, try placing yourself in others' shoes, understanding their motivations, reflecting on your biases, and learning their language.

A tous les candidats qui souhaitent rejoindre une startup

Venture Prose • 19 implied HN points • 11 Nov 19
💼 Business Career development
  1. When joining a startup, focus on finding a mission that resonates with you and helps you grow, not just on financial gains or publicity.
  2. It's crucial to align your skills and motivations with the opportunities in the startup world to avoid confusion and steer your career in the right direction.
  3. Success in a startup requires a deep understanding of the effort and commitment needed, and it's important to prioritize personal growth and giving your best every day.

You Shouldn't Start a Community

David Spinks' Newsletter • 8 implied HN points • 23 May 23
💼 Business Career development
  1. Building a community is a massive amount of work and takes 10x more time than expected.
  2. Measuring the success and impact of a community is challenging as it is removed from revenue.
  3. Creating and managing a community involves dealing with various challenges like content creation, conflict management, and difficult decisions.

Breaking into Industry as a Social Scientist

TeamCraft • 6 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🚌 Education Career development
  1. In industry jobs, social scientists are valuable for their ability to work with messy human data, a common scenario in most companies.
  2. Social scientists applying to industry jobs should highlight skills like problem-solving, meeting deadlines, and working with constraints, rather than just academic achievements.
  3. It's important for social scientists to market themselves effectively in job applications by focusing on what they bring to the table in a language that hiring managers can appreciate.

TWH#S12: What I Read This Week

The Hagakure • 8 implied HN points • 23 Apr 23
🚌 Education Career development
  1. Understanding the concept of push vs. pull in software development is crucial for efficient work management.
  2. There is often a disconnect between learning and career progression in companies, hindering individuals from reaching their full potential.
  3. Moving past assumptions and taking concrete action based on facts is essential for progress and growth, both professionally and personally.

what do i do with my life?

Both Are True • 2 HN points • 27 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Career development
  1. It's okay to feel unsure about your life path and make changes to find your true calling. Sometimes trying different things can help you narrow down your options.
  2. Life is not a straightforward journey and it's normal to face challenges and uncertainties along the way. Embrace the chaotic nature of life and be open to exploration.
  3. Seek advice and guidance from people in fields you are interested in to gain insights and clarity about your career path. It's okay to ask for help and learn from others' experiences.