The hottest Leadership Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

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 Leadership
  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.

In Memoriam: Professor Charles Fried (1935-2024)

Original Jurisdiction • 559 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership
  1. Professor Charles Fried was known for his open-mindedness and willingness to change his views over time.
  2. He had a distinguished academic career, including serving as U.S. solicitor general and a justice on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.
  3. His ability to reconsider his opinions, embrace civil discourse, and inspire others to be open-minded is a valuable lesson for public life.

Uber’s 2025 Reorg: Platform Strategy Meets Conway’s Law

Gad’s Newsletter • 70 implied HN points • 29 Dec 25
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Uber put Mobility, Delivery, and Autonomous units under one COO to build a single platform that shares data and cross-sells services, aiming to get customers to use both apps more often.
  2. The org change follows Conway’s Law: by redesigning reporting lines they’re steering the software toward shared identity, pooled supply, and unified data so cross-platform features like Uber One and contextual offers can work.
  3. Centralizing integration can speed cooperation but risks a slow monolith and lost local excellence, so Uber needs a strong shared platform with clear delegation and should watch cross-platform adoption, Uber One penetration, and contextual attach rates.

The Tech Founder & The Narcissistic Parent

Design is Love • 3 HN points • 25 Sep 24
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Narcissistic people can really bring you down and make you doubt your dreams. It's important to ignore their negative words and believe in yourself.
  2. Success often comes from hard work and resilience, not just connections. Keep pushing toward your goals even if others don’t support you.
  3. Finding your own worth is key to overcoming challenges. You should define your success, not let others tell you what it means.
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TBM 367: The Wicked "Big Picture" Loop

The Beautiful Mess • 489 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Leaders want a simple, big picture, but teams often feel pressured to filter information. This leads to missed details and worries about slow progress.
  2. When the simplified approach fails, teams realize they need to show everything, exposing hard truths that can lead to chaos and missed deadlines.
  3. Finding a balance between strict discipline and flexible systems can help keep teams accountable and ensure issues are addressed before they escalate.

When power is very personal (part 1)

Brain Pizza • 1125 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership
  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.

The Family

Venture Prose • 1058 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
💼 Business Leadership
  1. The Family organization had a lot of ambitious individuals and a strong sense of community, but struggled to find a sustainable business model.
  2. Despite the energy and enthusiasm within The Family, they faced challenges with loose processes, lack of focus, and poor accountability.
  3. Individuals within The Family, like Oussama, played significant roles in both the success and failure of the organization, showcasing the importance of leadership and responsibility.

The Jeff Bezos Playbook

The Generalist • 1080 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Be customer-obsessed, going above and beyond to meet their needs can lead to long-term benefits, even if it means sacrificing short-term profits.
  2. Always be willing to innovate and don't fear failure; it’s a crucial part of success in business.
  3. Sometimes, it's smart to work with your competitors for mutual benefit, as this can set you up for future advantages against them.

Having a Conversation With Myself: 2025

Investing 101 • 55 implied HN points • 27 Dec 25
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Writing is primarily a tool for thinking and self-reflection, and doing it consistently compounds the creator even more than it grows an audience.
  2. Venture capital and startup culture have become noisy and scale-obsessed, so what’s needed are conviction-led or “adventure” investors and builders who focus on durable, mission-driven companies rather than chasing hype.
  3. In a hyperlegible, attention-driven world, embracing nuance, forming independent beliefs, and understanding interdependencies are essential to avoid being programmed by trends and to build things worth building.

The Iran war is Trump’s unconditional surrender to Israel

Aaron Mate • 544 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership
  1. Trump has aligned closely with Israel, sidelining US intelligence to justify military actions against Iran. This relationship raises concerns about dangerous foreign influence.
  2. Despite a US intelligence assessment stating that Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons, Trump and his team have promoted false information, echoing Israeli claims.
  3. Iran continues to reject demands for unconditional surrender and insists on its right to self-defense. Trump's military actions may actually push Iran to pursue nuclear capabilities.

Speed Is Never Just Speed

Fish Food for Thought • 29 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Speed is an outcome, not an order — it only appears when focus, collaboration, deliberate transformation, and psychological safety all work together.
  2. Earn the right to move fast by doing the hard basics first — narrow priorities, secure fundamentals, and only then expand into optionality.
  3. Make speed durable by designing systems and a culture of trust — rehearse decision-making under pressure and treat mistakes as learning so people can act without fear.

On Rules and Rulers.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 46 implied HN points • 04 Jan 26
💼 Business Leadership
  1. True leadership comes from competence, realism, integrity, empathy, vulnerability and the ability to inspire — it’s about influence, not just a title. Rulers may have formal power but often rely on intimidation, inheritance or fear instead of those leadership behaviors.
  2. People use different internal rulers to measure success (money, family, creativity, peace, etc.), so understanding someone’s incentives helps predict and align behavior. Asking how they define success, how they’re evaluated, and how you can help makes cooperation easier.
  3. A few simple, enduring rules cover most of a good life: sleep and move, spend less than you earn and invest for the long term, find mentors and keep learning, and be grateful and true to your word. The real challenge is doing these consistently.

Diversity Thursday

CDR Salamander • 864 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership
  1. The military's leadership is increasingly isolated from the people they serve.
  2. Politically-driven agendas in the military can cause division and undermine combat effectiveness.
  3. Emphasizing diversity and inclusion initiatives in the military can lead to controversy and pushback.

Hero Culture means your systems are broken

Sunday Letters • 159 implied HN points • 19 May 24
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Hero culture shows that a company's systems aren't working right. If you need someone to save the day, there's likely a problem with the organization's processes.
  2. Celebrating heroes can be nice, but it distracts from fixing the real issues. It's better to thank them and work together to prevent future emergencies.
  3. Good systems include clear documentation and solid processes. These tools help avoid relying on individuals to step in and fix issues all the time.

TBM 321: "Reducing Complexity"

The Beautiful Mess • 1480 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Product work is naturally complex because it involves many changing factors and teamwork among different groups. This complexity isn't bad; it's just part of making meaningful products.
  2. A company operates as a complex system influenced by habits, processes, and people. This can lead to mismanagement and stress when priorities clash and workloads become heavy.
  3. Leaders should not try to simplify the work itself but instead create an environment where teams can handle their complexity efficiently. Reducing friction and improving communication can help people do better work together.

Becoming a Cult Leader

Investing 101 • 36 implied HN points • 10 Jan 26
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Control mindshare: be the obvious voice in your category, deeply knowledgeable and present so people instinctively turn to you.
  2. Command capital: influence without funding can’t move the needle, so find the right forms of capital—VC, revenue, grants, or debt—that let you execute.
  3. Be the standard bearer: combine relentless public leadership and real financial resources to set the market’s rules and pursue your mission no matter what.

A Cagan Critique

The Beautiful Mess • 476 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Not everyone thinks the same way about success. People have different paths to achieve their personal and collective goals, and that's what makes teamwork rich and creative.
  2. It's important to question and critique ideas, even widely respected ones. This helps us understand different perspectives and encourages an open mind.
  3. Success isn’t just about ambition. Various motivations matter, and we should recognize that each person can contribute in their own unique way.

A good start

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 239 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Amorphous consulting is about tackling unclear and emerging problems that organizations face. It's often the first step in consulting even if clients don't recognize it or want to pay for it.
  2. Starting with amorphous consulting is cheaper and quicker than hiring a concrete consultant right away. It avoids the lengthy process of re-scoping a project.
  3. Amorphous consultants ask the 'dumb' questions that uncover hidden problems. This approach is useful when there's uncertainty, helping organizations find solutions they didn't even realize they needed.

Can We Please Have Some Honesty About Trump’s Lockdowns?

COVID Reason • 1487 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership
  1. The document drafted by Trump's Department of Health and Human Services guided government at all levels in dealing with COVID-19 in 2020.
  2. The consequences of lockdowns implemented in response to COVID-19 were devastating, leading to various societal and economic issues.
  3. DeSantis challenges the narrative on Trump's response to COVID-19, advocating for individual liberty and responsibility over lockdowns as the new-normal response.

Movers, Shakers, & Money Makers (8/26)

Human Capitalist • 39 implied HN points • 27 Aug 24
💼 Business Leadership
  1. There were many job changes last week, highlighting shifts in talent and leadership across various companies. It's important to keep track of these moves to understand industry trends.
  2. Noteworthy individuals have transitioned to major roles at companies like OpenAI and TikTok, indicating a shift in expertise and focus in tech and marketing sectors.
  3. Monitoring job changes can provide insights into companies’ strategies and priorities, which is useful for investors and recruiters alike.

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 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.

Decapitation Strike

Thinking about... • 1339 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership
  1. Trump's appointments seem surprising, but they might be part of a bigger plan to weaken the U.S. government. It's important to look beyond the shock and see the real dangers these choices pose.
  2. Five key areas are critical for a healthy society: health, law, administration, defense, and intelligence. If Trump's appointments go through, they could cause serious harm in these areas, leading to chaos.
  3. Citizens need to unite, regardless of political beliefs, to stand against these harmful appointments. It's a time for common action to protect the future of the country.

Inside Red Bull: The Private Playbook That Built A Global Powerhouse

Huddle Up • 43 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Red Bull began when its founder discovered a Thai energy drink and struck a deal to adapt and sell it globally, with each partner investing $500,000 to launch the company.
  2. The business was built on strict financial conservatism — no debt, self-funded growth, and all expansion paid from profits rather than borrowed money.
  3. Leadership and control were tightly held and private: the founder gave very few interviews, and the original 49/49/2 ownership split kept decision-making concentrated and the Thai family with the decisive share.

5 Frameworks To Master Communication And Influence As An Engineer

High Growth Engineer • 1415 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
💼 Business Leadership
  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.

Everyday Freedom

News Items • 432 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership
  1. Trump's popularity stems from his rejection of the establishment and tapping into American resentment towards broken systems.
  2. Americans are seeking a new public operating philosophy that prioritizes trust and accountability in government.
  3. The need for rebuilding government on a foundation of human responsibility and simplicity to restore everyday freedom for Americans.

Culture Debt

Fish Food for Thought • 47 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Leadership
  1. Rushing for growth often creates "culture debt"—small compromises in norms and incentives stack up over time and eventually cause major problems.
  2. Culture debt is harder to fix than technical debt because it erodes trust and psychological safety, leading to inconsistent decisions, normalized risks, and slow recovery.
  3. Preventing and paying down culture debt requires deliberate leadership: make culture a C-suite responsibility, define observable behaviors, keep reflection rituals, reward candor, and regularly reassess assumptions.

($) Lip-Bu Tan: the Tiger Dad Intel Needs

Interconnected • 401 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Leadership
  1. Lip-Bu Tan is a highly accomplished tech CEO and venture capitalist who has had a successful career, including leading Cadence through a remarkable turnaround. His skills in managing multiple tasks and building connections have made him a powerful figure in the industry.
  2. He has a rich history of helping companies go public, with over 145 IPOs attributed to his career. This shows his deep understanding of the venture capital world and his ability to spot potential growth.
  3. Now at Intel, Lip-Bu Tan's leadership style combines discipline and fairness, which many believe is exactly what the company needs to regain its footing in the semiconductor industry.

TBM 330: (Un)common Sense Playbook

The Beautiful Mess • 1163 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Getting to know your team is really important. When managers understand their team members, it helps everyone work better together.
  2. Clear communication about goals and priorities helps keep the team focused. It’s better to do a few things really well than to try and do too much at once.
  3. Sometimes, the environment can hold back good management practices. Creating a supportive atmosphere makes it easier for common sense leadership to succeed.

‘They Know He’s Going to Become the Next Mayor’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 380 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership
  1. Zohran Mamdani is gaining strong support among young voters and labor groups, making him a strong contender for mayor. People see a real chance for change with him in power.
  2. He has out-fundraised his opponents and received major endorsements from unions, which boosts his campaign significantly. This shows he has the backing of important organizations.
  3. Political experts agree that Mamdani is likely to win unless there are big changes in the race, like his opponents dropping out. He seems well-positioned for victory.

No more Theatre: How I embraced failure as an Engineering Leader

🔮 Crafting Tech Teams • 139 implied HN points • 20 May 24
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Leaders need to embrace failure and turn it into a learning opportunity without fear of judgment.
  2. Teams require leaders to set clear boundaries, values, and expectations to create a psychologically safe environment.
  3. Continuous delivery in engineering leadership involves delivering faster, reducing stress, fostering a positive environment, and supporting team growth.

Perspective

Points And Figures • 932 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership
  1. Different people can have varying perspectives on the same situation. For example, traders in different markets may see things differently based on their positions.
  2. Recent political events have exposed a lot of government corruption and misinformation. Many people are starting to see the truth behind past political narratives.
  3. Social media is becoming a more reliable source for finding the truth in the current landscape. It's interesting how platforms can shift the narrative and reveal important information.

No More Mr. Nice Guy

Fish Food for Thought • 37 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Being “nice” can become avoidance: trying to spare individual discomfort by postponing hard choices ends up harming the team and shifts unfair costs onto others.
  2. Psychological safety isn’t the same as comfort: real safety comes from clear expectations, honest feedback, and timely decisions, even when conversations are uncomfortable.
  3. Mature leadership balances empathy with decisiveness: caring often looks like setting standards, delivering candid feedback, and sometimes making the hard calls so the system can function.

the puzzle of authority when no one is really in charge

Brain Pizza • 331 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Leadership
  1. Authority can be confusing when no one person is clearly in charge. It's hard to know who to turn to for decisions or guidance.
  2. The way organizations are structured affects how power and responsibility are shared. A balanced structure can help everyone work better together.
  3. Questions about leadership can highlight gaps in communication within large groups or systems. Finding clear lines of contact is important for success.