The hottest Leadership Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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5 Lessons I learned the hard way from 10+ years as a software engineer

High Growth Engineer • 1462 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Career development Mentorship Productivity Leadership
  1. Always learn from your mistakes, as they can teach valuable lessons for your career. Embracing failure can help you grow and improve.
  2. Networking is important; make connections in your industry. Relationships often open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.
  3. Keep your skills updated and be open to new technologies. The tech field is constantly evolving, and staying current helps you stay relevant.

THRIVE: My Guiding Leadership Principles

The Engineering Leader • 99 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
💼 Business Leadership Management Team Building Professional development Innovation
  1. Transformational leadership is about inspiring your team by sharing a clear vision. It helps create a motivated and engaged work environment where everyone strives for excellence.
  2. Adapting your leadership style to fit different teams and situations is crucial. Being flexible helps address unique challenges and fosters team success.
  3. Empowerment is key to growth. When you give your team the resources and autonomy to lead, you help them develop their skills and confidence.

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.

Trump’s Back. What Now?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2295 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Election Analysis Policy Changes Leadership Government actions
  1. Trump's second inauguration was marked by dramatic actions, including pardoning people linked to the January 6 Capitol riot and bold proposals like taking back the Panama Canal.
  2. His inaugural speech focused on a national revival linked to his comeback, promising to address issues like immigration and inflation while rejecting political norms.
  3. There's an ongoing debate about TikTok's future and whether Trump will uphold the law in light of Congress's moves against the app, as he contrasts with the legal expectations set by his predecessor.

How Duolingo reignited user growth

Lenny's Newsletter • 9571 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
💼 Business Tech Marketing Growth Product Leadership
  1. Duolingo achieved 4.5x user growth over four years through innovative strategies like leaderboards and push notifications.
  2. Their focus on improving retention over new user acquisition led to significant improvements in engagement metrics.
  3. Using data and models, like Zynga and MyFitnessPal did, helped Duolingo identify North Star metrics and drive growth effectively.
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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.

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.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #106

Creative Destruction • 41 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Narratives Public Debate Society Leadership
  1. The phrase 'I don't know' is fading away as we rely more on instant answers from technology. This makes us confident but might not actually improve our understanding.
  2. In today's world, attracting attention is often more important than having meaningful conversations. We live in a chaotic ‘attention economy’ where spectacle often beats substance.
  3. There seems to be a rising sense of carelessness in society where people are less willing to help or contribute. This may be due to broader social issues that demotivate personal responsibility.

What Happened to Joe Biden the Moderate?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2392 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policies Leadership Public Opinion Political strategy
  1. Joe Biden started his presidential campaign as a moderate, focusing on sensible policies and restoring America's soul. Most other Democratic candidates were leaning more towards progressive ideas.
  2. Instead of moving towards the center during the general election, Biden formed unity task forces with progressive leaders. These task forces created policies that leaned more left than what he promised during his campaign.
  3. In the end, Biden's desire for a transformational presidency led to low popularity, showing that his governing style didn't match his moderate campaign image.

The High Performer's Trap: When Self-Criticism Starts Working Against You

The Caring Techie Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
💼 Business Self-Improvement Workplace culture Psychology Leadership Performance
  1. Being too hard on yourself can hurt your performance. It’s better to be kind to yourself instead of listening to your inner critic.
  2. Perfectionism can create a cycle of negative self-talk. When you set high standards, you're more likely to feel like a failure when things go wrong.
  3. Treat yourself like you would a friend. Instead of blaming yourself, focus on what you can learn and do better next time.

Gen X Man's conflicted call to greatness

Jeff Giesea • 1417 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Generations Identity Social Change Leadership Individualism
  1. Gen X men are often overlooked and feel comfortable being the quiet listeners in conversations. They have a unique ability to understand and connect different generations without needing the spotlight on themselves.
  2. Although Gen X men pride themselves on independence, there's an importance for them to step up and lead as older generations exit. Younger men look up to them for guidance, support, and structure in navigating modern challenges.
  3. Despite their strong individualism, Gen X men are builders who have shaped the world we live in today, and they need to recognize their value in helping the next generation without losing their own identity.

The Essential Intangibles

DruGroup • 139 implied HN points • 03 Sep 24
💼 Business Leadership Management Skills Development Training
  1. Being a skilled leader isn't enough; you also need certain qualities called intangibles. These qualities may not be easy to measure, but they are essential for effective leadership.
  2. Leadership intangibles include selflessness, risk-taking, and transparency. Focusing on these traits can help leaders build better relationships with their teams.
  3. You can learn and improve these intangibles through your everyday experiences, rather than needing special training. Recognizing and addressing your blind spots can make a big difference.

How CMO Sophie Bambuck of The North Face, Nike, Converse, and Everlane Builds Brands for Everyone

the case for brand 💼 • 145 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
💼 Business Branding Marketing Advertising Leadership Strategy
  1. Sophie Bambuck believes in starting brand strategies by understanding your audience first. It's all about connecting with what they care about before thinking about how you'll reach them.
  2. Campaigns should have a clear goal in mind and allow for flexibility to adapt to trends or audience responses. You need both a fixed plan and room to react to what's happening in culture.
  3. A strong brand relies on consistent storytelling and values. If a brand forgets why it exists or tries to be everything to everyone, it risks losing its identity and becoming just another product.

TBM 336: Product OS Design Tips and Principles

The Beautiful Mess • 1414 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
💼 Business Product Design Leadership Organizational Design Human factors
  1. Think of your product operating system like a product itself. It needs to fit everyone's needs and constantly adapt to new challenges.
  2. Senior leaders should take responsibility for the product operating system. Their commitment is crucial to build trust and ensure everyone follows the guidelines.
  3. Start with simple interactions and routines for teams to use regularly. Well-designed rituals help improve communication and decision-making while reducing bureaucracy.

Close the Umbrella

The Engineering Leader • 159 implied HN points • 22 Sep 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Team Dynamics Organizational Culture Workplace well-being
  1. Managers should be honest and transparent with their teams. Hiding difficult information can backfire and leave everyone unprepared.
  2. Overprotecting a team can create dependence and limit their growth. It's important for team members to face challenges to develop their skills.
  3. A balanced approach is best. Managers can help their teams focus by filtering out unnecessary distractions while still being transparent about real issues.

What Is Being An Engineering Manager Like

Diary of an Engineering Manager • 119 implied HN points • 05 Sep 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Teamwork Career development Work Culture
  1. An engineering manager's role is more about teamwork than just giving orders. It's important to work together and support each other.
  2. The manager's job is like being a driver on a road trip. They navigate and ensure everyone is comfortable and safe along the journey.
  3. Being an engineering manager doesn't mean being smarter than everyone else. It means having different responsibilities while being part of the team.

One Year of Talks!

Ben’s Blog 🏉 🧠🧑‍💻 • 18 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
💼 Business Leadership Performance Coaching Well-being
  1. Energy is key to team performance; the more energy a team has, the better they usually perform. Less energy can lead to burnout, which affects results.
  2. Sharing ideas and experiences through speaking engagements can help clarify personal thoughts and grow confidence. It's also a great way to inspire others.
  3. Keeping ideas simple can make a big difference in how people understand performance and well-being, making it easier for them to thrive at work.

Commentator

Castalia • 819 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Debates Political strategy Leadership
  1. Biden needs to step aside as he is not adding any value to the Democratic campaign. If he does so, the party could hold a convention and choose a new candidate who might have a better chance against Trump.
  2. Biden's poor debate performance shows he may not realize how badly it went. It's important for influential people around him to help him see the truth for the good of the party.
  3. Even if the Democratic convention seems messy, it's a valid way to choose a candidate. The party has strong talent and could effectively challenge Trump if Biden makes way for someone new.

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.

Smart, But Not Too Smart: IQ as a Double-Edged Sword in Leadership (and Romance)

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 2954 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership Intelligence Elections Public Opinion Social Skills
  1. Having a high IQ is important for success in many areas of life, including jobs and even health. It helps people learn quickly and solve problems well.
  2. For leaders, being smart is good, but being too smart can make it hard for people to relate to them. The best leaders usually have an IQ that's just above average.
  3. It's essential for leaders to connect with their followers. If they can't relate well, even smart leaders may struggle to succeed.

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.

The Future Fits on One Page.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 72 implied HN points • 25 May 25
💼 Business Leadership Change Management Marketing Personal Development Future Trends Work Culture
  1. The future is shaped by change, and we need to adapt our thinking to keep up. It's important to let go of old ways that may limit our growth.
  2. Learning is an ongoing process, and we should always strive to upgrade our skills and knowledge. This helps us stay relevant in a fast-changing world.
  3. Creating strong and positive relationships is key. Treating others with kindness and generosity can lead to better teamwork and success.

Vote for the stutterer, not the lying felonious rapist. It's important.

Lucian Truscott Newsletter • 3203 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Candidates Policies Speeches Leadership
  1. Focus on what presidential candidates say intentionally, not on their gaffes or age.
  2. Consider the clear promises of presidential candidates, like Trump's plans to end the Affordable Care Act and privatize Medicare.
  3. It's crucial to vote based on candidates' declared intentions and actions, rather than personal characteristics or missteps.

Commentator

Castalia • 639 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Leadership Public Opinion Political strategy Campaigns
  1. Many Democrats feel that Biden should step aside for the next election, with polls showing a strong preference for a different candidate. The belief is that Biden's time as a leader may be coming to an end.
  2. Biden's team seems out of touch with public opinion and overestimates his connection with voters. They appear to believe that if they manage the media coverage well, it will change how people feel about him.
  3. There's a significant concern about Biden's age and health, with many questioning whether he can effectively lead. This has led to worries about who truly influences his decisions and whether his close circle is providing honest advice.

Joe Biden's final act is a message for boomers

Jeff Giesea • 638 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Reform Generational Change Leadership Civic engagement
  1. Joe Biden's recognition of his age highlights the need for younger leaders in politics. It's important for the older generation to acknowledge when it's time to step aside.
  2. As demographics shift, more younger workers are entering the workforce, creating a chance for change in leadership. This can help keep America competitive and engaged in global issues.
  3. Trust in institutions is low, so reform is needed. Fresh ideas and perspectives from younger leaders can help rebuild trust and improve how things work.

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.

Il faut des discussions difficiles

L'Atelier Galita • 59 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
💼 Business Career development Communication Skills Leadership Decision-making Personal Growth
  1. Having tough conversations is important for personal success. The more difficult discussions you engage in, the more you can grow.
  2. Making good career decisions often comes with challenges. It's not always an easy path, but it can lead to greater autonomy.
  3. Growth and success are tied to your willingness to face uncomfortable topics. Embracing these conversations can lead you to better opportunities.

Young Men Are in Crisis Mode, Fox News Abandons Pretense of News, Southern Baptists Boot Women, School Superintendent Boots Education, AI Can Make You Lonely and Drink, Gerry & The Pacemakers Sing

kareem • 6230 implied HN points • 19 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Society Gender Media Leadership Influence
  1. Young men are facing challenges in society in terms of finding their identity and facing societal expectations.
  2. Income potential is still seen as a measure of worth for young men, impacting their views on attracting women.
  3. Many public figures may not be providing positive guidance for young men, perpetuating toxic masculinity and harmful behaviors.

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.

Granted: The case for slow replies, and insights on facing fear and finding hope

Granted • 6149 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Mental health Personal Growth Podcasts Leadership
  1. Weekends and holidays are for rejoicing, not just for recovering from burnout.
  2. Anonymous gestures of hope, psychology of anxiety overcoming, and impact of daily interactions are key to finding hope and facing fears.
  3. Slow email replies do not indicate lack of care; it's often a result of overwhelming work demands in an 'always on' culture.

June 4: From Chaos To Clarity

Respectful Leadership • 54 implied HN points • 24 May 25
💼 Business Leadership Startups Networking Customer Experience Investment
  1. Join a supportive network of startup leaders in New York City. It's a chance to connect with like-minded individuals.
  2. The event includes talks from experts in various fields, sharing insights on investments, technology, and customer experience. You'll learn from their experiences.
  3. The gathering aims to help attendees find clarity amidst chaos. It's about gaining valuable knowledge to navigate the startup landscape better.

How to Apologize

Remarkable People • 379 implied HN points • 24 Jul 24
🚌 Education Personal Development Communication Skills Leadership Psychology Relationships
  1. A good apology has three key parts: saying 'I'm sorry', taking responsibility for what you did, and showing that you understand the hurt it caused.
  2. People often struggle to apologize because they think it makes them look weak, but admitting mistakes can actually make you stronger and more respected.
  3. Effective apologies should be followed up with actions to prevent the same mistakes, make amends, and ask for feedback to improve.

NOW FREE: The Monologue That Got Tucker Carlson Fired

Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way • 3412 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Speech Leadership Journalism Media Government
  1. Politicians should not censor speech or control thoughts; citizens have the right to criticize leaders.
  2. There is opposition to violence, such as against violent crime, late-term abortion, and the war in Ukraine.
  3. Discussions around January 6th events and the characterization of violence are debated, including the actions of Ray Epps.

When power is very personal (part 1)

Brain Pizza • 1125 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership Narcissism Governance Political Behavior Psychology
  1. Narcissism can be both good and bad for leaders. It helps them be confident and make big decisions, but it can also lead to corruption and poor ethics.
  2. Grandiose narcissism makes leaders more persuasive and able to handle crises, but it can also create instability and ethical issues in government.
  3. There's a difference between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. Grandiose narcissists are more outgoing and confident, while vulnerable ones are more sensitive and insecure.

A Winning Strategy

Points And Figures • 932 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
💼 Business Leadership Entrepreneurship Marketing Authenticity Culture
  1. Being authentic is key for leaders. When leaders show their true selves, it helps build trust and culture in their organizations.
  2. Not every leader is suited for every situation. Finding the right fit where authenticity shines can lead to greater success.
  3. People today appreciate genuine leadership. With so much fake behavior around, being authentic stands out and resonates with others.

My Ancestors Fled Ukraine. It Was America That Allowed Me to Return.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 834 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security International relations Government Leadership
  1. America's support for Ukraine is fading, as leaders are discussing withdrawing help and making unfair demands. This shift worries many who believe it sends a bad message to the world about U.S. commitments.
  2. The new U.S. administration has made sudden moves to negotiate peace in Ukraine without involving Ukrainian leaders, which seems like a betrayal. This has raised concerns about Ukraine's sovereignty and security.
  3. Some U.S. officials are suggesting that Ukraine may need to give up land and will not be allowed to join NATO, which plays into Russia's hands and goes against the interests of Ukraine.