The hottest Leadership Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

There's no such thing as f– you money

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 1639 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Finance Tech industry Corporate culture Leadership
  1. Wealth doesn't guarantee freedom. Even billionaires serve someone and often compromise their principles.
  2. Charisma and social influence can be more powerful than money. Being likable and persuasive can get people further in many situations.
  3. Cultural power matters more than financial power. Those with money often want to control how they're perceived and fear being ridiculed.

One Man

Steady • 45343 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Elections Partisanship Leadership
  1. One man has fundamentally changed the political landscape and societal norms.
  2. He has impacted various aspects of life, from personal interactions to policies and climate change efforts.
  3. His influence has provoked divisions and challenges that require collective effort to address.

Emperor Elon

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2082 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Power Leadership Influence Social media Corporate Influence
  1. Elon Musk has gained power in a unique way, without violence or conflict. He built a strong following through innovation and technology.
  2. His influence spans many industries and affects political agendas around the world. People seem to eagerly support him, almost like he's a leader.
  3. The transformation of Twitter into 'X' marked a big change, showing how Musk can reshape platforms and communities. This shift surprised many who thought it would fail.

TGIF: Thankful Edition

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5995 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Leadership Public Opinion
  1. It's easy to think about what we don't have, like Bitcoin, especially when we see others doing well with it. Reflecting on missed opportunities can make us appreciate our current situation even more.
  2. Jill Biden's presence and support for her husband, the president, highlights the importance of having a supportive partner in leadership. It's nice to recognize her role during Thanksgiving.
  3. Thankfulness can come from recognizing both what we have and what has passed us by. Even if we feel we've missed out on trends, focusing on family and good moments is what really matters.

The Extremely Gleeful, Extremely Dark Reaction to a CEO’s Killing

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5216 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Violence Public Reaction Leadership Health care
  1. A CEO was shot and killed in New York, capturing the attention of many people online. The video of the assassination showed a planned and cold-blooded act.
  2. Some people reacted to the murder in a troubling way, treating it as if it were a fictional scene from a movie. Critics expressed that they felt the CEO got what he deserved due to the company's actions.
  3. Comments on social media ranged from dark humor to openly supporting violence against executives, showing a disturbing sense of glee about the situation.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Trudeau’s Not the Only One to Blame

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1711 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Leadership Public Opinion Election Commentary International relations
  1. Trudeau became Prime Minister in 2015, bringing hope for a new progressive era in Canada. Many Canadians had high expectations for his leadership from the start.
  2. Despite his popularity, there were concerns that his charisma overshadowed his political substance. Some people were skeptical about his ability to handle the country's economy effectively.
  3. Criticism of Trudeau was not common early on, as most people favored his youthful image and promises. However, skepticism about his policies and the potential shift toward socialism started to arise.

Jimmy Carter, President and Citizen.

Breaking the News • 1603 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Leadership Elections Foreign Policy Public Opinion
  1. Jimmy Carter was very skilled at connecting with people from all walks of life. His ability to communicate and listen helped him build strong relationships during his presidency.
  2. Carter's foreign policy achievements are often seen in a better light than they originally appeared. He made significant contributions, even if they weren't always recognized at the time.
  3. The importance of storytelling in politics is crucial. Like Jimmy Carter, sharing our experiences and truths helps unite people and address common concerns for a better future.

Obeying in Advance: The Christopher Wray Story.

Breaking the News • 2924 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections FBI Trump Leadership
  1. Postponing a tough decision can sometimes make a big difference. By stepping down, Wray made it easier for Trump to gain control over the FBI instead of challenging him.
  2. It's important not to give power away without being asked. Wray's decision shows how we can unintentionally teach those in power what they can get away with.
  3. Defending our institutions is crucial. When people like Wray leave when facing difficulties, it hurts the institutions that are meant to protect us.

Should managers still code?

The Engineering Manager • 13 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Management Software Development Engineering Leadership
  1. Managers should definitely be involved in the code, meaning they need to understand how their team's code works and participate in reviews. This helps them stay connected to the team's work.
  2. It's not always necessary for managers to write code themselves. They can focus on strategic tasks that only they can do while still being engaged with the technical side.
  3. When managers do want to write code, it should be in a structured way, like setting aside specific time for it or pairing with team members. This keeps the balance between management duties and coding.

The Self-Defeating Machismo of a "Transactional" Foreign Policy

Phillips’s Newsletter • 140 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Diplomacy Political Analysis Leadership
  1. Some people think Trump's foreign policy is effective and tough, often calling it 'transactional'.
  2. Critics point out that this approach may not lead to positive outcomes, especially regarding allies and global stability.
  3. Overall, there are doubts about whether treating foreign relations as deals can actually work in the long run.

You are just your bosses’ little bitch

antoniomelonio • 215 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
💼 Business Workplace culture Leadership Employee Rights Work-life balance
  1. Most workplaces operate like dictatorships, where employees must follow bosses without question. This creates a daily stress of having to please someone else just to keep their job.
  2. The idea of changing jobs or starting your own business is not a true escape, as it often just leads to serving another boss or dealing with new pressures. Many people feel trapped in this cycle.
  3. Our modern work culture often makes us lose our individuality and autonomy. It can feel like we are trading our personal freedom for a paycheck, with many people just going through the motions.

Trump and Putin: Aligning over Ukrainian Elections

Phillips’s Newsletter • 196 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy International relations Political Analysis Leadership
  1. Trump and Putin seem to be aligning on Ukraine, especially concerning the idea of holding elections there. This cooperation marks a notable change from their prior stances.
  2. Before the election, Trump and his associates didn't prioritize Ukrainian elections in their plans, but now they insist that Ukraine must hold elections soon.
  3. Many believe that Trump's push for elections aims to weaken Ukraine and support Putin's interests, leading Ukrainians to rely more on European assistance than American help.

7 proven mental models for engineering managers

Leading Developers • 218 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
💼 Business Management Leadership Decision-making Team Dynamics Productivity
  1. Use mental models to help make better decisions as a manager. They can guide you to avoid mistakes and think more clearly.
  2. Consider the opposite of what you want to achieve. This helps in identifying what to avoid and improves decision-making.
  3. Always think about the long-term effects of your choices. It's important to consider not just what happens now, but what could happen later.

Out of Gas

Doomberg • 7896 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Energy Policy International relations Leadership Economic strategy
  1. Britain has faced a major decline in its global power and status over the years, driven by poor decisions by its leaders. This decline shows that just having a historic role doesn't mean a country is still significant today.
  2. Currently, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is trying to boost Britain's image by aiming to make it an AI superpower. However, investors are uncertain because of the country's bigger issues, especially in energy.
  3. The UK is struggling with low gas storage and high demand for energy, which makes its ambition for AI seem unrealistic. Without reliable and cheap energy, the goal to succeed in technology will be hard to achieve.

Election Update 2: Obama Instructs

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 5579 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Leadership Media Public Opinion Political Commentary
  1. Obama is reminding everyone to stay calm and patient during slow election processes. Sometimes, it takes a long time to get results, and that's okay.
  2. Some people are finding Obama irritating lately, questioning his current relevance and influence. There are mixed feelings about his role in today's political climate.
  3. Early election results show Trump leading in Kentucky and Indiana. This could indicate a shift in voter preferences in these states.

10 Things People Don't Realize About Scrum

Ageling on Agile • 119 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
💼 Business Agile Management Leadership Training
  1. Scrum isn't just about short-term goals; it focuses on the long-term vision for the product. The Product Owner plays a key role in setting a clear Product Goal and regularly reviews progress.
  2. The purpose of a Sprint is to learn and adapt, not just to deliver a set amount of work. Each Sprint acts as a learning cycle where teams reflect and plan the next steps based on what they've achieved and learned.
  3. The Scrum Master is more than just a facilitator; they are also responsible for helping the whole organization adopt Scrum effectively. They guide both the team and other stakeholders to understand their roles in the process.

What Trump's lawyer was really advocating

Robert Reich • 26140 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government History Policy Democracy Leadership
  1. Trump's lawyer argued for immunity from criminal trial through impeachment, resembling the 1933 Enabling Law in Germany.
  2. American democracy is stronger than Weimar Republic's but caution is needed to protect it.
  3. Author highlights the importance of upholding democratic norms, media truth-telling, and citizen participation for safeguarding democracy.

Why You Should Focus On Making Your Decisions Right

Remarkable People • 639 implied HN points • 04 Sep 24
💼 Business Decision-making Entrepreneurship Innovation Leadership Coaching
  1. Striving for a perfect decision can hold you back. It's better to focus on making your decision work instead of aiming for perfection.
  2. Committing to your decision is key. Once you make a choice, throw yourself into it and make the best of the situation.
  3. Be open to change and learn from each decision. Adapting and understanding what works can help you improve next time.

Feedback

Fish Food for Thought • 6 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
💼 Business Management Leadership Feedback Human Resources Performance
  1. Feedback can be hard to give and receive, but it’s important for growth. Creating trust and a safe environment helps people be open to it.
  2. When receiving feedback, remember to own your part in it, whether it's accurate or not. Acknowledging feedback shows you are willing to improve.
  3. Instead of yearly reviews, having ongoing, real-time feedback helps people grow faster. This new approach can lead to better performance and stronger teams.

Impeach Him

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 142 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership Psychology Government Political Behavior National Security
  1. Donald Trump's behavior is likened to delusions seen in dementia patients, suggesting he operates in his own fantasy world. This raises serious concerns about his decisions and their impact on the country.
  2. The consequences of Trump's actions could lead to irreversible harm to the U.S. and its global standing, potentially paving the way for authoritarian regimes to rise in influence.
  3. Pathological narcissism not only affects Trump but has also created a collective delusion among many of his supporters, making them dismiss evidence and rational criticisms of his actions.

Be a Bridge Builder

The Engineering Leader • 99 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Engineering Leadership Collaboration Innovation Career development
  1. Technical skills are important for engineers, but to become a leader, you also need to connect with other teams and understand the bigger picture. It's about being a bridge builder, not just a tech expert.
  2. Having strong communication skills helps in explaining your work to others and getting their feedback. This way, everyone can work better together.
  3. To grow into a leadership role, seek opportunities to collaborate with different departments, learn about the company's goals, and create a culture of teamwork.

The FDR era comes to an end

The Crucial Years • 4414 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government Leadership Social Issues
  1. The recent election represented a major shift away from the values established during the FDR era. It feels like a significant connection to that time has been broken, which raises concerns about the future.
  2. Current challenges, especially regarding climate and energy, seem daunting, but there is an opportunity to rebuild our energy system. The focus on renewable energy could help create a more equitable and sustainable world.
  3. Local leaders need to act decisively on climate change policies. There’s a need for strong initiatives to reduce pollution and invest in green projects, which are critical to making meaningful progress.

Putin's weak spot?

Comment is Freed • 92 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Negotiations Economics Military Leadership
  1. Peace talks between key leaders are starting, but Ukraine's concerns are being overlooked. They're worried that negotiations might not prioritize their interests.
  2. Putin appears to want a victory in negotiations but is only being offered a draw. This creates tension as the goals of Russia and the US don’t fully align.
  3. The state of Russia's economy is fragile due to the ongoing war, which could influence Putin's decisions in peace talks. He might seek a favorable deal now while the US administration is somewhat supportive.

Movers, Shakers, & Money Makers (10/21)

Human Capitalist • 59 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
💼 Business Job Changes Recruitment Career development Corporate strategy Leadership
  1. There were ten notable job changes recently, showcasing how companies are promoting and hiring talent in key positions.
  2. Major positions were filled at influential companies like Google, Salesforce, and Pinterest, indicating strong movements in the tech and business sectors.
  3. Staying updated on these job changes can help investors and recruiters spot talent and assess market trends.

Killing A Bad Strategy Before It Kills you

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 4413 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
💼 Business Strategy Leadership Decision-making Management History
  1. 1. Grand strategy helps you achieve big goals with limited resources. Since everyone faces resource limits, using what you have smartly can lead to unexpected successes.
  2. 2. Foxes tend to predict better than hedgehogs because they use many ideas and adapt. Foxes keep an open mind, while hedgehogs stick to one big idea, even if it's wrong.
  3. 3. Planning is important, but sticking too rigidly to a plan can be a mistake. It's better to remain flexible and adjust to new opportunities as they arise.

Why True Friendship is Built on Unconditional Kindness

The Profile • 277 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
💼 Business Leadership Entrepreneurship Corporate strategy Work Culture Economic Trends
  1. Kindness can make a big difference in someone's life. Small acts of kindness can create lasting memories and connections.
  2. People often remember those who showed them genuine kindness over time. It's those warm moments that stand out in our hearts.
  3. Choosing kindness in tough situations is rare but important. It can help people feel seen and supported when they need it the most.

Is Justin Trudeau’s Government on the Brink of Collapse?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1432 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Leadership Policy Resignation Trade
  1. Justin Trudeau's government might be close to collapsing due to recent political turmoil. The resignation of an important ally has weakened his position significantly.
  2. Donald Trump's recent post about imposing tariffs on Canada could have serious implications for Trudeau. This situation seems to have added more pressure on his government.
  3. Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland's resignation is a major blow to Trudeau, as she was one of his closest collaborators. Her fiery letter highlights increasing tensions within the government.

Is Elon Musk Actually Evil?

Erik Examines • 179 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Leadership Media Public Opinion Political Extremism
  1. Elon Musk has been accused of mean and hurtful behavior, including mocking people with disabilities and making offensive comments online. This kind of attitude raises questions about his character.
  2. People often overlook the bad actions of powerful individuals if they have also done good things. Just because someone achieves great advancements doesn't mean they are a good person overall.
  3. True leadership involves caring for others and being present in family life, something many believe Musk fails to do despite his public image as a successful entrepreneur.

Donald Trump Is Not Your Friend

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2435 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political critique Elections Leadership War
  1. Trump's actions as president showed he supported wars and the deep state. Many people think he might change, but past behavior indicates he likely won't.
  2. Supporters often believe they are backing an anti-war leader, but in reality, they are choosing a president who continues harmful agendas. Voting for mainstream candidates won't change the system.
  3. The president is not a friend to the people; they serve powerful interests, and cheering for them doesn't fight against the real issues in society.

The 12 new idea books to launch 2024

Granted • 11240 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
📚 Literature Mental health Connection Leadership Thinking Burnout
  1. Mental Health and Well-Being: Discover how a little therapy can lead to lasting change and how to move from languishing to flourishing.
  2. Connection and Community: Learn about the power of being like-hearted without needing to be like-minded and practical steps for unity in a divided world.
  3. Leadership and Power: Explore resources on fixing organizational problems, finding purpose after major life transitions, and improving critical thinking for wiser decisions.

How Google Blew Up Its Open Culture and Compromised Its Product

Big Technology • 16387 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
💼 Business Corporate culture Product Development Leadership Tech industry Employee Relations
  1. Google's open culture deteriorated, impacting its product quality and employee morale.
  2. Issues began when Google shut down discussions on sensitive topics like diversity and employee concerns.
  3. The closure of open channels for questioning within Google led to a negative impact on the company's innovation and decision-making processes.

Soft is the New Hard.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 72 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
💼 Business Leadership Work Culture Strategic Thinking Personal Development Human behavior
  1. Grace means being kind and humble to others, understanding that success comes from many factors, not just hard work. It's about caring for people's feelings and respecting their experiences.
  2. Flow happens when you are fully engaged in something challenging but enjoyable. It brings joy and can come from creating, learning, or helping others grow.
  3. Connection is crucial for happiness. Building strong relationships and having a purpose can improve your life, helping you feel more fulfilled and supported.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 6549 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Age Corruption Leadership Policy
  1. The US is facing a debate about the impact of an aging leadership and how it affects the country's decline, highlighting the importance of focusing on corruption rather than age.
  2. The oldest and least popular Congress and presidential candidates reflect an issue of endemic corruption in the US, with senior citizens disproportionately in power for extended periods.
  3. The challenge lies in distinguishing between age-related concerns and corruption, recognizing the importance of holding officials accountable and seeking out truth despite the complexities of political dynamics.

Contrasting Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, and Sam Altman

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 1197 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Entrepreneurs Startups Innovation Investing Leadership
  1. Peter Thiel challenges popular beliefs, often promoting ideas that flip conventional wisdom upside down, like seeing monopolies as goals to strive for.
  2. Sam Altman taps into current trends and enthusiasm to fuel new developments, believing in a balance between capitalism and social good, like universal basic income.
  3. Elon Musk focuses on building and scaling projects, taking big risks when he sees potential, emphasizing a survival mindset for humanity's future.