The hottest Professional development Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

The 4 Keys to Leading Today.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 44 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
💼 Business Leadership Management Workplace culture Professional development Human Resources
  1. Leaders must focus on excellence by constantly improving their skills and staying relevant. This helps build strong teams and attract success.
  2. Accepting and facing reality is crucial for leaders. They need to address problems honestly to earn trust and guide their teams effectively.
  3. Empathy and vulnerability in leadership are important. Understanding people's feelings and being open about one’s own struggles can foster better connections and teamwork.

5 Habits Of Highly Effective Data Engineers To Master in 2025

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 800 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Data Engineering Career growth Technical Skills Project management Professional development
  1. Being proactive means solving problems before they become bigger issues. If you see something that can be improved, go ahead and make that change instead of waiting for someone else to do it.
  2. Make sure your contributions are visible, so people recognize your work. Share your successes and updates with your team and leadership to build a stronger reputation.
  3. Become the go-to person for a specific area in your company. Focus on something valuable that can help others succeed, and make sure to share your knowledge and support with your team.

La rentrée est une bascule ?

L'Atelier Galita • 159 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
💼 Business Career Change Professional development Work-life balance Job search
  1. Many people are leaving their jobs, and it seems to be a bigger trend after COVID. This time of year often makes people reconsider their career paths.
  2. Pursuing your passion isn't always the best advice. It's important to build expertise and autonomy first, as true passion often comes from those experiences.
  3. Books like 'Business Model You' can help you reflect on your career and what you truly want. Taking time to learn and support a cause can lead to better life choices.

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.

The victim trap of engineering managers

Leading Developers • 160 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
💼 Business Management Leadership Workplace culture Professional development Emotional Intelligence
  1. The Drama Triangle explains how people fall into three roles during conflicts: Victim, Villain, and Hero. Recognizing these roles can help people avoid feeling powerless.
  2. When faced with challenges, it's important to shift focus from blaming others to understanding their perspective. This can help resolve issues more effectively.
  3. Concentrating on desired outcomes instead of problems can lead to better solutions. A positive mindset can transform frustration into productive action.
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Can We Select “Better” Residents?

Sensible Medicine • 2063 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medicine Residencies Professional development Training
  1. Today's medical residents have impressive qualifications on paper but may not be better than previous generations.
  2. Increased competition in medical education may result in a selection process that does not lead to better residents.
  3. Consider alternative selection processes, such as random selection or structured interviews, to potentially improve the quality of young doctors.

Training Scientists in Low and Middle Income Countries

New Things Under the Sun • 240 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🚌 Education Mentorship Professional development
  1. Training scientists in low and middle income countries is important to build local research capacity. It helps researchers focus on relevant topics for their communities instead of relying solely on outside expertise.
  2. Programs like STAARS and EDCTP show that mentorship and international collaboration can lead to more research outputs and a change in research focus. Participants tend to publish more and get higher citations.
  3. Networking plays a big role in spreading knowledge among scientists. When trained researchers return home, they often share what they've learned, benefiting their peers and enhancing local research.

2 Juicy Headline Hacks That’ll Make You Better Than 95% of Writers

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1178 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🚌 Education Writing Tips Online Learning Content creation Professional development Marketing Strategies
  1. Spend more time writing your headlines than your content. A great headline can attract attention and get people to read your work.
  2. Use the Rule of 10 to write multiple headlines before choosing the best one. This helps avoid overthinking and lets your creativity flow.
  3. Follow the 4Ps: identify the problem, person, product, and promise in your headline to make it more compelling and clear for your readers.

The School Bell Rings: Time for Class

Musings on Markets • 1778 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🚌 Education Teaching Learning Finance Curriculum Professional development
  1. Learning finance can be accessible! You don’t need a fancy background, just some curiosity and a bit of effort.
  2. Understanding the basics, like how money flows in businesses and what financial terms mean, is super important. It sets you up for success in finance classes.
  3. There are different ways to learn. You can choose free online classes or paid ones, depending on what fits your time and budget best.

What they don’t teach you in coach training (but probably should)

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 25 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
💼 Business Coaching Entrepreneurship Marketing Finance Professional development
  1. Many coaching programs focus on pure coaching techniques, but real clients often want specific advice and solutions to their problems. Coaches need to understand this difference to succeed.
  2. Combining coaching with mentoring can be valuable. Clients appreciate a mix of self-reflection and practical guidance to achieve their goals.
  3. Success in coaching comes from really knowing your clients’ needs and being flexible in your approach. Building relationships and offering direct help can lead to better outcomes.

DEI Is Destroying My University

Reality's Last Stand • 1965 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🚌 Education Academia Ideology Diversity Professional development Teaching
  1. The author expresses concerns about DEI initiatives impacting academic freedom and professional standing in universities.
  2. The author discusses the pressure to conform to diversity requirements in academic curricula, leading to challenges in maintaining academic integrity.
  3. The author highlights instances of intolerant behavior and ideological conflict in academia related to DEI measures.

Learning to give it 85%

The Shift With Sam Baker • 1637 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Work-life balance Self-care Mental health Physical health Professional development
  1. It's important to realize that giving 100% all the time may not be sustainable or healthy in the long run. Aim for 85% effort to prevent burnout.
  2. Society's expectations of always giving 100% can lead to negative consequences on one's well-being, especially when not reciprocated by employers.
  3. Taking breaks, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care by working at 85% capacity can actually lead to improved productivity and overall well-being.

Against loose feedback loops for young professionals

Optima & Outliers • 179 implied HN points • 24 Jun 24
💼 Business Startups Corporate culture Professional development Value Creation Career Advice
  1. Working at big companies can teach you specialized skills, but they often don't show you how your work contributes to the bigger picture. You might learn things that are valuable in a small circle but not necessarily important for real-world impact.
  2. Starting your career at a startup can be more beneficial for developing broader skills. You'll see the direct results of your work, and it pushes you to understand what really delivers value to customers.
  3. If you want a career where you can make a real impact and create valuable products, it's worth considering spending some time outside of large corporations to gain that experience.

Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Self-Assessments

The Caring Techie Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
💼 Business Career Advice Performance reviews Self-assessment Professional development
  1. Don't assume your manager knows everything you've done. Always remind them of your achievements to help them evaluate your performance.
  2. Be specific when describing your work. Instead of using vague statements, share exact numbers and outcomes to show your real impact.
  3. Keep track of your accomplishments throughout the year. This makes it easier to write your self-assessment and ensures you don't forget important contributions.

Friday Thread: How do you find a satisfying work "why"?

The Recovering Academic • 554 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Workplace dynamics Identity Purpose Professional development
  1. When searching for satisfying work, it's common to grapple with questions of identity, purpose, and personal values.
  2. Finding an employer or work environment that aligns with your 'why' can be challenging, even if you know your purpose.
  3. Balancing personal authenticity and branding in professional life is a complex puzzle that many individuals struggle to solve.

What is a software engineer?

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 698 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Experience Event Professional development
  1. A software engineer at Google will give a talk about the role, drawing from 10 years of experience.
  2. The talk will cover lessons on building and managing large teams, solving challenging tech problems, and working with people.
  3. The event is recommended for professionals across various roles in the software industry.

Weak Soft Skills: Why you are stuck at the Senior engineer level

Path to Staff Engineer • 35 HN points • 04 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Communication Skills Career growth Professional development
  1. Soft skills are important for engineers to move from senior to staff levels. They help in communicating and working well with others.
  2. Mastering communication includes writing clearly, speaking confidently, and being aware of body language. This helps ensure your ideas are understood.
  3. Being adaptable and knowing how to handle challenges is key. Flexibility and good problem-solving skills are highly valued in teams.

Maturity and enthusiasm

Alberto Cairo's The Art of Insight • 239 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🪑 Design Information Design Data Visualization Teaching Methods Creative Process Professional development
  1. Maturity in a profession can bring new insights and clarity. It's a journey that includes both personal growth and the evolution of skills and knowledge.
  2. Learning how to design information helps us communicate and think better. It's a valuable skill that can benefit anyone, not just designers.
  3. This newsletter will share personal experiences, analysis, and recommendations about data visualization. It's an exploration of the craft and the joy of learning together.

Top 10 UX Articles of 2024

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 27 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🕹 Technology User Experience Artificial Intelligence Design principles Professional development
  1. AI is changing the UX field, making it easier and faster for designers. It's not replacing designers but helping them work better together.
  2. UX leadership is shifting from traditional methods to more hands-on, innovative approaches. This means leaders need to be closely involved with their teams.
  3. It's important for UX professionals to adapt their skills and work closely with business goals. They need to show how their work can help the business make money.

Toxic Places, Toxic Leaders (Burnout Part 3)

Notes in the Margins • 59 implied HN points • 17 Jun 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Professional development
  1. Toxic workplaces and poor leadership significantly contribute to burnout and harm mental health of employees.
  2. Toxic leadership leads to increased stress, decreased motivation, emotional exhaustion, and high turnover rates among employees.
  3. Practical solutions for dealing with difficult managers include setting boundaries, seeking support, documenting interactions, focusing on self-care, investing in professional development, and considering external help.

The Art of Emails

Niko McCarty • 79 implied HN points • 25 May 24
🚌 Education Writing Skills Communication Professional development Literacy Self-Improvement
  1. Cold emails are powerful tools for making connections. They show you are proactive and really want to connect with someone.
  2. Writing cold emails can improve your writing skills. It helps you think clearly about what you want to say and how to say it to the right person.
  3. When writing, treat it like you're emailing one person. This helps you focus and makes it easier to express your ideas simply.

The Essential Cybersecurity Skillsets for 2024

Rod’s Blog • 257 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Skills Certifications Professional development Books
  1. Cybersecurity professionals should have curiosity and critical thinking skills to question and understand cyber events.
  2. A strong technical foundation in IT, cybersecurity, and cybercrime is crucial for protecting digital assets.
  3. Cybersecurity professionals need impactful problem-solving abilities to make a difference in people's lives by safeguarding their data and privacy.

Exciting Announcement: New Paid Subscription for The Art of Doing Technical Program Management Newsletter

Building Rome(s) • 1 implied HN point • 06 Feb 25
💼 Business Management Professional development Subscription Models Career growth Technical Skills
  1. There's a new paid subscription for a newsletter about Technical Program Management that costs $8 a month or $80 a year. This could help you grow in your career.
  2. Paid subscribers will get special content like focused guides, deep dives from experienced professionals, and tools to boost their skills.
  3. Even if you don't subscribe, free content will still be available, but you'll miss out on the deeper insights and exclusive resources that come with a paid subscription.

Why I Stopped Writing In 2024 + I Am Back

Building Rome(s) • 7 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
💼 Business Program Management Consulting Entrepreneurship Content creation Professional development
  1. The author stopped writing in 2024 due to personal and professional changes but is returning in 2025 with fresh energy and focus.
  2. The newsletter has been rebranded to better reflect its content, now called 'The Art of Doing Technical Program Management', and will provide practical insights for TPMs.
  3. New subscription options and courses will be introduced, offering deeper content and personal coaching to help both new and experienced Technical Program Managers.

Pivot to Space: Key Educational Resources for Industry Transition and Advantage

Space Ambition • 279 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🚌 Education Space Technology Career transition Professional development Online Courses STEM Education
  1. Learning about space technology can help many industries like agriculture and tourism. It can give you a better job and help your company succeed.
  2. The more talented people we have in the space industry, the better solutions we can find for Earth's problems, like climate change. Space technology can improve our lives here on Earth.
  3. There are many great educational programs and resources for anyone interested in space. Whether you're new to the topic or an experienced professional, there's something out there for you to learn.

How I Transitioned from Individual Contributor to Manager -- Twice

The Uncommon Executive • 59 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
💼 Business Management Career growth Professional development
  1. Moving from an individual contributor to a manager role can be challenging, especially in product management where prior management experience is often required.
  2. Key factors for transitioning to a management position include being a high-performer, having influence across the organization, and the presence of a business need for a manager.
  3. Securing sponsorship, networking effectively, and identifying the right mentor or manager to learn from are crucial steps in transitioning to a management role.

What can you do with a PhD in German?

The Recovering Academic • 138 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
🚌 Education Career Coaching Professional development
  1. Jennifer Askey transitioned from a tenured professor to a career coach after a long journey following her PhD in German
  2. She discusses the emotional process and challenges of leaving academia, including navigating job transitions and finding a new professional identity
  3. Askey now helps others transition from academia to other industries, emphasizing the importance of aligning career decisions with reality and creating a solid plan

How to Apply to Graduate and Professional School

Journal of Free Black Thought • 7 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🚌 Education Career Guidance Professional development
  1. Start early when applying to graduate school. Research your options and prepare your application well ahead of the deadline.
  2. Your statement of purpose is very important. Clearly explain why you want to study your chosen field and what makes you a unique candidate.
  3. Getting strong letters of recommendation is crucial. Ask professors who know you well and give them enough time to write a thoughtful letter.

Executive Presence - How to Level Up and Express the authentic you

The Uncommon Executive • 39 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
💼 Business Leadership Communication Gender norms Appearance Professional development
  1. Executive presence involves commanding attention, inspiring trust, and influencing others effectively in leadership roles.
  2. Critical components include how you present yourself, hold yourself, and express yourself through demeanor, appearance, and communication.
  3. To improve executive presence, prioritize areas to work on, practice in specific situations, and understand how cultural stereotypes and gender norms can impact perceptions.

A secret cheat code for better Networking [Storytime Saturdays]

Technology Made Simple • 99 implied HN points • 17 Sep 23
🚌 Education Networking Personal Development Success Relationship building Professional development
  1. Networking is crucial for personal and professional success.
  2. Establishing and leveraging connections with others is key - both internally and externally.
  3. A powerful networking technique focuses on meeting the right people, establishing relationships quickly, and being time-efficient.