The hottest Leadership Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Jan. 6 and the path not taken

Can We Still Govern? • 399 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Leadership Political parties Elections Civil Rights
  1. Republican leaders failed to act against Trump after the January 6 event, which allowed him to regain power and continue his influence. They prioritized their own political goals over protecting democracy.
  2. Many Americans have moved from viewing the January 6 attack as a threat to democracy to seeing it as a sign of loyalty to Trump. This shift shows how quickly narratives can change in politics.
  3. In contrast to other countries, where leaders who challenged democracy faced consequences, the U.S. is seeing Trump and his allies returning to power without accountability for their actions. This raises concerns about the future of American democracy.

The Authoritarian Playbook: 2025

Bulwark+ • 7488 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Elections Leadership Policies Partisanship
  1. A report warns of destructive actions an authoritarian president could take in 2025, building on past behaviors.
  2. The report outlines potential actions, such as abusing pardons to incite violence and using federal power for political aims.
  3. The authors stress the importance of not underestimating the potential impact of a second term for Trump and the need for vigilance.

Trump and the Rise of Asia

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 770 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Leadership Globalization Inequality International relations
  1. Western elites feel confused and uneasy with Trump's approach, much like Eastern European elites felt with Gorbachev. They see him as changing the norms that they are used to.
  2. European leaders are struggling to adapt to changes brought by Trump. They tend to view his presidency as a temporary disruption rather than a challenge to their rule.
  3. China's rise is shifting economic power away from the West, and many in the Western middle class may feel a decline in their global status as Asian economies grow rapidly.

So You Want To Become an Engineering Manager

Diary of an Engineering Manager • 539 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
💼 Business Management Careers Skills Leadership Teamwork
  1. Make your career goals clear by sharing your intent with your manager. Talking about your desire to become an engineering manager will help you get guidance and support.
  2. Focus on developing crucial skills like self-awareness, people skills, and project management. These skills are essential for leading a team effectively.
  3. Look for growth opportunities within your current company or elsewhere. Being prepared is important, but finding the right chance to step into an EM role is key.

Zuckerberg cancelling DEI is a grim day for work

Make Work Better • 212 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
💼 Business Diversity Leadership Corporate culture Tech industry
  1. Zuckerberg's decision to end DEI programs may reduce workplace diversity and understanding, which can negatively affect decision-making and empathy towards customers.
  2. Critics argue that recent attacks on diversity initiatives are misguided and ignore the historical disadvantages some groups face in society.
  3. There is a growing concern that the economic landscape will change, with a shift towards taxing corporations more than individuals due to the rise of AI technology.
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Rolling out developer productivity metrics

Engineering Enablement • 7 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Developer Tools Productivity Change Management Leadership Metrics
  1. Communicate openly with leaders about new productivity metrics to avoid surprises. It's important to have conversations, not just send emails, to build trust.
  2. Be clear about what the metrics cover to reduce fear. Focus on process-related data, and explain how it helps teams improve.
  3. Invest time in change management, as it’s crucial for success. Engage key players early, ask for their input, and keep everyone informed through various channels.

5 Frameworks To Master Communication And Influence As An Engineer

High Growth Engineer • 1415 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
💼 Business Leadership Communication Influence Startups Career development
  1. Understanding communication styles is key to being effective as an engineer. Knowing how to adapt your message can help get your point across better.
  2. Influence is about more than just speaking well; it's also about building relationships. Strong connections can lead to better collaboration and teamwork.
  3. Mastering executive communication can help you lead better and get your ideas heard. It's important to practice and refine these skills regularly.

'ZERO EMPATHY, ZERO SHAME'

Seymour Hersh • 43 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Political Ideologies Leadership Policy
  1. The federal budget can be cut more wisely, starting with reducing military spending like the F-35 program, instead of cutting essential services.
  2. Trump believes he has unlimited power as president, which raises concerns about his intentions for another term.
  3. Elon Musk's young team in the Treasury Department may be using their skills in ways that benefit him financially, raising questions about ethics in government contracts.

Well, there goes the neighborhood

Alex's Personal Blog • 131 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Leadership Policy Legislation Economics
  1. The U.S. government is becoming more isolated due to recent political decisions and actions, which could have serious economic consequences.
  2. There is a clash between how startups operate and how the government is supposed to function, with concerns about too much control in the hands of a few leaders.
  3. Tariffs and other actions by the government are causing uncertainty in the stock market and making it harder for businesses, especially startups, to succeed.

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.

Thank You for 100k: A Journey Through 2024 and Beyond

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 294 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
💼 Business Consulting Data Analysis Content creation Leadership Community Building
  1. In 2024, I gained over 100,000 subscribers on both YouTube and Substack. I really appreciate the support and plan to create even better content next year.
  2. This year showed trends like cloud data migrations and smaller, fractional data teams, which are changing how companies handle data. It's important to keep an eye on these shifts in the data world.
  3. Looking ahead to 2025, I want to finish my book on data leadership and offer more webinars and mini-courses. I'm excited to engage even more with my readers and build a community.

Attention To Details

Fish Food for Thought • 15 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
💼 Business Leadership Management Personal Development Career growth Entrepreneurship
  1. Paying attention to small details is really important for success in any area. It's like sharpening a tool—you get better results when you focus on the little things.
  2. Using checklists and working with others can help catch mistakes you might miss. Teamwork and good habits make a big difference.
  3. Balancing big ideas with detailed execution is key. Great leaders not only dream big but also make sure the small steps are done right.

Meet the new boss

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 142 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Leadership Autocracy
  1. There's a new administration in charge, and some people are nervous about what that will look like. It's important to think about how it might change life as we know it.
  2. Concerns are raised about the possibility of a theocracy or autocracy emerging. These are serious issues that could impact everyone's freedoms.
  3. The author is making predictions about the future political climate. It's a way to get people thinking about the direction society is heading.

THB 2025 Predictions

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 304 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Leadership Policies International relations Climate
  1. The post raises ten questions about what might happen in 2025, covering various topics like politics and sports. It's a fun way to think about the future and invite readers to share their predictions.
  2. One question asks which leaders from the G7 countries will still be in power next year. This suggests interest in global politics and leadership stability.
  3. The author encourages readers to comment with their thoughts and predictions. The best predictions can win a lifetime subscription, making it interactive and engaging.

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.

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.

It’s Day 3 of a Disastrous Presidency and the Numbers Are In: No One Likes What Donald Trump Is Doing—Including MAGAs

Proof • 94 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policies Political Opinion Leadership Public Sentiment
  1. Many people are unhappy with the current actions being taken by the president, including his own supporters. This suggests a disconnect between leadership choices and public opinion.
  2. There's a question regarding who the president is really trying to help with his policies. It raises doubts about his priorities and motivations.
  3. The early days of this presidency are already marked by serious criticism, indicating potential challenges ahead for the administration.

Will the federal government become a toxic employer?

Can We Still Govern? • 287 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Federal Government Public Policy Workforce Issues Political Rhetoric Leadership
  1. Musk and Ramaswamy make big promises about changing government, but many claims are misleading or unrealistic. They seem more interested in getting attention than actually fixing issues.
  2. Their ideas about mass firings and relocations are not well thought out and could hurt the effectiveness of federal agencies. Making government a worse place to work might not lead to better performance.
  3. Federal employees are encouraged to stay in their positions despite tough conditions. Their presence is important for maintaining effective governance and democracy.

The Captain Class

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1082 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Leadership Teamwork Communication Psychology Success
  1. Great sports teams have successful captains who share important traits. These traits include perseverance, pushing boundaries, and doing hard work for the team.
  2. Captains are key to strong teamwork because they communicate well and can handle tough conversations. They help keep the team focused and motivated.
  3. Organizations should recognize and support the behaviors that good captains display. This support helps teams improve and succeed together.

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.

The Hagakure #86: One Job

The Hagakure • 61 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
💼 Business Leadership Management Startups SaaS Strategy
  1. Giving control to your team is important, but first, you need to make sure they understand their tasks clearly. This way, people can make better decisions without relying on just one person.
  2. To help your team succeed, they need competence in their roles. This includes being good at problem-solving, communication, and understanding processes.
  3. As a leader, your job is to create a clear vision and help develop your team's skills. This allows everyone to work better together and feel more empowered.

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.

Kemi Badenoch’s Fight for the UK—and the West

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 459 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership Identity politics Party Politics Economic Policy Immigration
  1. Kemi Badenoch made history as the first black woman to lead the UK's Conservative Party, showcasing her unique background and experiences.
  2. Growing up in Nigeria during tough economic times helped shape her views on wealth, community, and the importance of hard work to maintain society's values.
  3. Badenoch's journey to conservatism was influenced by her early jobs and educational experiences, fueling her desire to promote ambition and potential in others.

The Future of Work.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 58 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
💼 Business Future work Leadership Organizational Change
  1. Many companies will hire fewer full-time employees as they turn to AI and flexible job markets. This means more people might work part-time or freelance in the future.
  2. The number of new businesses is on the rise due to technology making it easier to start a company. This year alone, there could be about 6 million new firms in the US.
  3. Where people work is becoming less important than how companies interact with their employees. It's critical to focus on creating personalized work experiences rather than forcing everyone back to traditional office settings.

Smaller meetings are more productive than larger meetings

Respectful Leadership • 54 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
💼 Business Management Productivity Meetings Remote work Leadership
  1. Smaller meetings are better than larger ones because they keep people engaged. In big meetings, many attendees often feel bored or have nothing to contribute.
  2. You should only invite the people who are essential for the meeting. This helps everyone stay focused and avoid distractions from their actual work.
  3. Frequent large meetings can waste a lot of time. It's more effective to communicate via email or messages for announcements instead of gathering everyone together unnecessarily.

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.

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.