Hi Reader

Ever feel like business is becoming one giant paradox? You’re told to innovate, but also to keep it simple. Work hard, but take Fridays off. Leverage AI, but don’t forget the human touch. Somewhere between all these contradictory ideas is the sweet spot where success lives. This week’s newsletter will help you navigate that maze – with insights on productivity, leadership and shaking up how we work and grow.

Enjoy!

The neuroscience of doing nothing

Here’s why Jeff Bezos spends the first hour of his day doing very little (with absolutely no screen time first thing) and how it could help you become more productive and creative too. It seems a morning spent reading the papers, drinking coffee and having a leisurely family breakfast is the slow-burn route to being a being a better decision maker. Inc has the story.

The YouTubeification of Spotify

I spotted an interesting post from Iconic which ties into the community trend I highlighted in my November 3 newsletter, when I shared Zoe Scaman’s Decoding Community deck. Here’s what James Kirkham at Iconic has to say about Spotify’s recent addition of polls, comments and other community features: “In a way, music was just the opening act. The playlist was just the beginning. Spotify was perhaps never trying to be the world's best record store – it was busy creating the world's biggest audio community. A place where content, community and interaction create a sticky ecosystem that's bigger than any single medium.” Find out more here.​

50 great social-first case studies

If you’re looking for some inspo for your social channels or campaigns, the Born Social agency has done a lot of the leg work for you, putting together this well-curated list of brands – big and small – who’ve created some great social media assets recently. Check them out here.

What’s killing your content?

Is your content underperforming? According to Martech, there are five common culprits sabotaging your results. These "content killers" include weak calls-to-action, a lack of emotional resonance and overly complex language that turns readers off. The good news? Each issue has a fix, like sharpening your CTAs, simplifying your messaging and crafting stories that connect with your audience on a deeper level. It’s a reminder that great content isn’t just about quantity – it’s about cutting through the noise with clarity and impact. Read the full breakdown and solutions here.

James Dyson on the pain of innovating

The always excellent Tim Ferris has plenty of great podcast guests to his name, but I particularly enjoyed the James Dyson episode, where the British entrepreneur takes us through some of his most challenging times, as well the leaders and innovators who’ve inspired him as an inventor. Here’s his view on technological breakthroughs: “It always takes four times as long as you think it will, and it always costs more money.” Listen to the podcast here.

Will you soon have an AI co-worker?

Here’s an interesting concept from Forrester. Will you have an AI co-worker (or even direct report) by the end of 2025? And what does an agentic future mean for B2B? Find out more here.

Saying goodbye to the five-day work week

The four-day workweek (4DWW) is gaining traction among UK business leaders, according to Startups.co.uk. Once seen as a radical idea, it's now being embraced for its potential to boost productivity, improve employee wellbeing and attract top talent. Companies trialling the approach have reported higher engagement and reduced burnout, with many making the shorter week permanent. For entrepreneurs navigating recruitment and retention challenges, it’s an intriguing model that could offer a competitive edge. Explore the full story here.

Why simplicity bias could hurt your business

Founders are rethinking traditional startup advice, according to a new Crunchbase report. Instead of blindly following "best practices," many entrepreneurs are now focused on advice that aligns with their company’s unique goals and circumstances. From valuation strategies to growth tactics, they’re favouring tailored input from those with firsthand experience over cookie-cutter playbooks. This shift highlights the importance of critical thinking and adaptability in today’s startup ecosystem. If you're building a business, it's important to remember that not all advice is created equal. Read more here.

Signs of success

Great businesses are built through great leadership. Whether you’re a start-up founder or a captain of industry, here are the qualities that will help your company thrive.

Drop me a line

That’s it for this week. Hopefully, you’re leaving with a few fresh ideas or at least something to shake up your thinking. If you’ve got a trend, insight or story worth sharing, I’m all ears. See you next Sunday for more inspiration, lively perspectives and maybe even a few surprises.

Cheers!
Adam

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