Professionally, I focus on creating social benefit startups. In my Saturday morning emails I share what I’m learning and thinking. Topics range from better living and parenting to business and philosophy.
Tapping a Founder. In the past, I’ve wondered if founders are born, made, or lucky? Now I believe founders can be tapped. For some founders, they can start their journey when someone else recognizes their potential and tells them. One example is Danny Meyer, the founder of Union Square Cafe and Shake Shack. Bill Gurley (a Midas list VC) calls him THE great restaurant founder. How did Danny get his start? You might assume that he knew what he wanted to do and made it happen. Actually, he was working in sales and applying to law school when his uncle suggested that he start a restaurant. Do you know an unrecognized future founder? (Two asides: one, learn more about Danny Meyer’s life and philosophy in his great book Setting the Table. Two, I think politicians can be tapped, too. See Contest Every Race.)
Miscarriages. An estimated 1 (or more) in 7 known pregnancies end in miscarriage. Considering how common they are, let’s do more to de-stigmatize them. Do we educate people how common they are? Do we have a ritual to grieve afterwards? It may help some to learn that many early miscarriages are due to genetic factors and beyond the parents control.
Positive News. Are you looking for more positive news? “Tired of all the doom and gloom? Maybe what you need is a weekly dose of optimistic ideas from smart people. [The Progress Network’s] weekly newsletter What Could Go Right? covers constructive ideas for a better future and collects global progress news.“ I’m a fan.
Until next week,
Miles