How to Build Human Greatness
Your weekly newsletter from the mind of Miles Lasater
Happy Saturday! Here is your weekly dose of the world of Miles’ curiosity, learning, techno-optimism, business thoughts, and ways to be a better human and parent.
Building Futures. Make the Impossible Possible is one of my favorite book titles (and tells an amazing story, too). Years ago, I was so excited that a dynamic team in New Haven was starting ConnCAT to emulate Bill Strickland’s famous Manchester Bidwell. Using the arts and focused job training to inspire and prepare people for a brighter future is a worthy cause. I jumped at the chance to join the committee that conceptualized their culinary arts training program. Now I’m pleased to serve on the board of ConnCAT’s newest effort to directly spark economic development. ConnCorp’s signature project is the Dixwell Plaza redevelopment to turn it into a “bustling mix of apartments, stores, and cultural venues in the heart of New Haven’s historic Black neighborhood. It’s the largest real estate project I’ve been involved with so I’m learning a lot.
Artist rendering of Dixwell Plaza project from ConnCorp In Defense of Intense. I’ve written about the “gardening” theory of parenting. Here comes the counter-argument in the Atlantic with lots of citations to research papers. “Stop pretending that intensive parenting doesn’t work. It’s expensive and time-consuming. But the data prove that kids benefit.” I’m looking forward to reading his book to dig in more. Want to skip the research papers? For an inspiring story of intense parenting check out László Polgár. He set out to raise chess masters before getting married. And it worked.
Taking Over. A loyal reader pointed me to the How to Take Over the World podcast. A fun and thought provoking listen. The podcast seeks to “tell the stories and analyze the lives of the greatest men and women to ever live. By examining their strategies, tactics, mindset, and work habits, How to Take Over the World helps you understand the great people of history, so that you can follow in their footsteps.” I liked hearing about Alexander the Great’s focus on the most important thing or cutting the Gordian knot. But the podcast is not really about taking over the world. If you’re interested in that, read the Dictator’s Handbook.
Until next week,
Miles
P.S. I run a venture studio called Purpose Built where we create companies from scratch with great founders. Know a high potential person who wants to start a company? Please introduce us.