Big Ideas · History

Drinking My Own Kool-Aid: Embracing the Advice I Give

4 months ago Author By cumeadi

When I spoke to those bright-eyed LAS graduates at the University of Illinois, my heart was pounding as I talked about being “dangerous dreamers.” I painted this picture of a future full of possibilities, urging them to chase their dreams with courage and unwavering spirit. But as I walked off that stage, with the applause still ringing in my ears, I had a nagging thought – was I actually living by the advice I was giving out? Was I really a dangerous dreamer, or just someone who talked a good game? This essay is about my journey to “drink my own Kool-Aid” – to actually apply the wisdom I’ve shared with countless others, and to close the gap between talk and action.

The Speech and Its Big Message

In my commencement address, I talked about the idea of dreaming dangerously – not as some reckless pursuit of crazy ambition, but as a commitment to transformative action that can change the world. I shared stories of people who dared to dream and turned their visions into reality. I told the graduates to avoid complacency, to step up as leaders, and to create their own destiny. Looking back, I realized that I needed to take a look at my own life and see if my actions matched my words.

The Problem with Giving Advice

It’s a common thing – how easily we give advice, while conveniently forgetting to apply it to our own lives. I’ve seen it time and again, both in others and in myself – the disconnect between what we say and what we actually do. After that speech, the weight of my own hypocrisy became clear. It was a wake-up call, a demand for change.

Drinking My Own Kool-Aid: From Talk to Action

To me, “drinking your own Kool-Aid” goes beyond just believing in your vision; it’s about bringing that vision to life with the same passion and commitment that you encourage in others. Here’s how I started on this journey:

  • Project Initiation: My company, Parallelscore, which operates in the fast-paced tech industry, became the place where I put my own dangerous dreaming into practice. I pushed the limits of innovation, took risks, and embraced the uncertainty that comes with exploring new territory.
  • Community Engagement: I made a promise to mentor young entrepreneurs, not just with words, but with action. I shared my knowledge, my experiences, and my hard-earned wisdom, and I put the idea of collective dreaming into practice.
  • Personal Growth: I made time for my own education, diving into areas where I had been coasting. I challenged my own assumptions, faced my intellectual blind spots, and pushed myself to grow.

These steps weren’t always easy. But each challenge, each setback, served as a reminder of the core message of my speech: dreams require action, resilience, and unwavering belief in the face of adversity.

The Ripple Effect of Practicing What I Preach

The results of this journey have been amazing. Not only have I seen my company grow, but I’ve also noticed a shift in how others see me – as someone who takes action, not just someone who talks. The feedback from my mentees has been overwhelmingly positive, with many admiring my hands-on approach and my willingness to get involved. This journey has taught me a valuable lesson: living your advice not only fuels your personal growth but also makes your message more powerful.

A Call to Action

Now, I challenge you:

  • Reflect: Take a look at your own life. What advice do you give others that you could, and should, apply to yourself?
  • Act: Take that first step, no matter how small. Whether it’s starting a new project, pursuing a personal goal, or getting involved in your community, break free from inaction and embrace the power of action.
  • Connect: Find or create a community of like-minded dreamers who share your passion and your desire for change. Support each other, lift each other up, and dream dangerously together.

#MentalNote · Big Ideas · communication · Education

The Convocation Speech That Didn’t Make It

4 months ago Author By cumeadi

I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be delivering the convocation speech at my alma mater, the University of Illinois School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, on December 21st, 2024! It’s an honor to address the winter graduating class of 2024, and I’ve been putting a lot of thought into what I want to say.

I’ve gone through many drafts of my speech and am excited about the message I’ll share. I even collaborated with a professional speechwriter on one version, but ultimately decided it wasn’t right. Although well-written, it felt more like a lecture than the inspiring message I wanted to leave to the graduates.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the speech I didn’t use.

Convocation Speech: The Canvas of Purpose: Dreams and Diligence


University of Illinois Winter Convocation, December 21, 2024

Good evening, esteemed faculty, devoted parents, and, most importantly, the inspiring graduates of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the bright torchbearers of our future.

It is a profound honor to stand before you today and celebrate this incredible milestone. We gather today not just to celebrate your years of hard work but to honor the resilience and determination that brought you to this moment. Every late-night study session, every challenge you faced, and every triumph, big or small has led to this defining achievement.

While today is a celebration of your accomplishments, I also want to share a powerful lesson that I have found is integral not just to my personal life but also to my work which has made it possible to stand before you today, and that is the power of dreaming and diligent work. In product management, success often hinges on striking a delicate balance between being a dreamer and a doer. The most successful product managers dare to envision what seems impossible, they dream of innovation, imagine transformative solutions, and see opportunities where others see obstacles.

A life of purpose always starts with being a Dreamer. Dreams are the seeds of every great achievement. Dreams are the sparks that ignite revolutions, the blueprints for breakthroughs, and the foundation of every meaningful life. They demand our courage, energy, and willingness to navigate uncharted territory. As Lawrence of Arabia once said: “All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake up to find it was vanity, but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible.” Graduates I challenge you, to be the dangerous men and women who act on their dreams with open eyes.

However, we must acknowledge that dreaming with open eyes isn’t passive. It is active, requiring you to be behind the wheel, steering your vision toward reality. This is where diligence comes in, transforming visions into reality, Dreams are the seeds but they flourish only with diligence. Diligence is a word that has enthralled me, In Latin, the word diligentia means “carefulness” or “attentiveness.” It comes from the verb diligere, meaning “to love” or “to value highly.” In Greek, the concept of diligence is often tied to the word spoudé, which conveys the idea of earnestness, zeal, and urgency. Looking at these spectacular roots of the word diligent, diligent work therefore means you must Love and value your dream highly enough to pursue it with attentiveness, zeal, and urgency.

I learned this lesson first-hand from my parents. They came to the United States with a simple dream to create a future for their children and they worked tirelessly, sacrificing comforts to build something greater than themselves. And ultimately their sacrifice and diligence are the reason I stand here today. That is the transformative power of dreams, they ripple outward, touching lives beyond yourself.

But, to truly pursue your dreams with attentiveness, zeal, and urgency, you must first ensure they are YOUR dreams. As Dave Chappelle once said, “You have to be wise enough to know when you are living in your dream, and you have to be humble enough to accept when you are in someone else’s dream.”

You stand today as living testaments to the dreams of those who came before you, your parents, professors, and ancestors. Who sacrificed, guided, and believed in your potential. Now it’s your turn to carry the torch and define your dreams.

Ask yourself:

  • What is the dream I’m willing to fight for?
  • What impact do I want to make in the world?

There has never been a time more primed for powerful dreamers and diligent workers. As you step into the world beyond these walls, you step into a world filled with challenges. Knowing that should excite you, Bruce Lee said it best “Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one, for it is in hardship that we find our greatest purpose.” The Challenges of our day demand dreamers to surmount them and I am confident you are that dreamer.

No matter what route your dream takes you on, remember: your path is your unique canvas, your dreams are the paint, and diligent work is the brushstroke that brings your masterpiece to life. Every act of effort, persistence, and care adds depth and meaning to your highly valued vision. Without action, the canvas remains blank, but with diligence, your dreams become a work of art that inspires and impacts the world.

Today I charge you Be the teacher who inspires generations to dream bigger. Be the writer who changes hearts and shapes narratives. Be the social worker who brings hope to the underserved. Be the human rights advocate who challenges injustice. Be the artist who stirs souls and redefines beauty. Be whoever you want to be.

To the parents: this moment is a testament to your sacrifices, love, and unwavering belief in your children. You’ve given them not just an education but the courage to dream bigger and the foundation to succeed. To the professors and administrators: thank you for shaping minds, inspiring growth, and nurturing leaders. Your commitment to their growth is a true reflection of the University’s motto of Learning and Labor.

Graduates, as you leave this ceremony and step into the next chapter of your lives, let your dreams be bold, your work be diligent, and your purpose be unwavering. Be fearless in the face of challenges. Be thoughtful in your actions. And above all, be true to yourself, remembering your unique path is your unique canvas.

Class of 2024, the world awaits your brilliance. Dare to dream boldly, work with unwavering diligence, and leave a legacy that inspires generations. Congratulations

music

Drake vs. Kendrick: How Social Media Redefines Rap Beefs and the Quest For Clout

12 months ago Author By cumeadi

Before you read this, please listen to the following song:

The recent feud between rap titans Drake and Kendrick Lamar has not only ignited the hip-hop world but also illuminated how social media has revolutionized the landscape of rap beefs. While traditional rap beefs were often defined by lyrical skill, clever disses, and street credibility, today’s battles are increasingly shaped by the attention economy, where clout and online engagement often take precedence over traditional metrics.

The Evolution of Rap Beefs

Historically, rap beefs were predominantly confined to the realm of music. Artists exchanged lyrical blows through diss tracks, mixtapes, and radio freestyles. The victor was typically determined by the quality of their wordplay, the impact of their insults, and the response they elicited from their opponent.

However, social media has fundamentally transformed the dynamics of rap beefs. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have become virtual battlegrounds where artists can amplify their disses, engage directly with fans, and generate viral moments that transcend the boundaries of music. Metro Boomin’s release of “BBL Drizzy,” a diss track aimed at Drake, is a prime example of how social media can amplify rap beefs and redefine their impact.

The Attention Economy and the Quest for Clout

In the digital age, attention is a valuable currency. Social media platforms thrive on user engagement, and rap beefs provide the perfect fodder for generating buzz and attracting eyeballs. Artists understand that a well-crafted diss track can quickly go viral, garnering millions of views, likes, and shares. This heightened visibility translates into increased streaming numbers, album sales, and ultimately, greater cultural influence.

The Drake and Kendrick beef perfectly exemplifies this phenomenon. Their feud has dominated social media conversations for weeks, with fans and pundits alike dissecting every lyric, meme, and online interaction. This constant stream of content has kept both artists at the forefront of the cultural consciousness, even if the quality of their disses may not have reached the heights of past rap beefs.

Redefining Victory in the Digital Age

In the attention economy, the victor of a rap beef is often not the artist with the most lyrical skill or the most cutting insult. Instead, it’s the artist who can generate the most buzz, garner the most engagement, and ultimately, accumulate the most clout.

This shift has led some to criticize the current state of rap beefs, arguing that they have become more about sensationalism and online theatrics than genuine artistic expression. However, others see this evolution as a natural progression in an increasingly digital world.

The Future of Rap Beefs

As social media continues to evolve, so too will the nature of rap beefs. We can expect to see even more innovative ways for artists to engage with each other and their audiences online. Virtual reality battles, augmented reality disses, and AI-generated beefs may not be far off.

Regardless of how rap beefs evolve, one thing is certain: the attention economy will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of hip-hop. Artists who can master the art of online engagement will be the ones who ultimately emerge victorious in this new era of digital warfare.

Big Ideas · Uncategorized

Creating Content in a Post Chat GPT/Bard World

2 years ago Author By cumeadi

As artificial intelligence (AI) technology advances, so does the content creation process. With the rise of GPT-3 and BARD, content creators are now able to generate high-quality content quickly and efficiently. However, this has also led to concerns about the future of content creation and the role of human creators. Let’s discuss how to create content in a post-chat GPT/BARD world.

The Benefits of GPT/BARD

GPT-3 and BARD have revolutionized the content creation process. These AI tools can generate high-quality content quickly and accurately, saving time and increasing productivity. For me, they serve as a way to destroy writer’s block and get a lot of content on paper quickly. It changes my approach from choosing which words get added to rapid subtraction

The Role of Human Creators

While GPT-3 and BARD are useful tools, they cannot replace the creativity and unique perspective of human creators. Human creators bring their own experiences and viewpoints to the content creation process, adding a personal touch that AI cannot replicate. Fundamentally, your content has to have heart. People can tell the difference.

Balancing AI and Human Creativity

The key to creating content in a post-chat GPT/BARD world is to strike a balance between AI and human creativity. Utilize AI tools for tasks such as research and idea generation, but ensure that the final product is infused with your own unique perspective and voice. Human creators should also focus on creating content that is authentic and resonates with their audience, rather than simply optimizing for search engines, like this paragraph for example.

Conclusion

In conclusion, GPT-3 and BARD are powerful tools that can aid in the content creation process. However, human creativity is still an essential component of creating high-quality content. By striking a balance between AI and human creativity, content creators can continue to thrive in a post-chat GPT/BARD world.

Idea!!! · venture capital

The 5 Dangers To Scale In Emerging Markets

3 years ago Author By cumeadi

Every industry has its jargon. In venture capital, there’s traction, scale, product market fit, etc. The problem with jargon in venture capital is it’s purposely elusive and nebulous.

The core of private equity markets is information arbitrage. There’s information asymmetry between capital and operators. As a result, different stakeholders create different definitions and everyone ends up talking past each other.

Why am I starting this conversation with jargon? It’s important we have a unified definition of what I mean by scale. Scale, from an operators and investment perspective, means I know what inputs I put in and I can predict my outputs/outcomes with reasonable certainty.

Emerging markets present unique challenges when it comes to scaling. They transcend business types and sectors. It makes scaling super challenging for emerging market companies and sometimes create zero-sum industry dynamics. This is why I’m launching a series on the 5 dangers of scaling in emerging markets and how to overcome them. The five dangers we’ll be diving into are:

  1. Customer distribution – Most of the time, market organization is one of the core challenges for companies. How do you organize your market in ways that are scalable and repeatable? Is repeatable important at this point?
  2. Customer education – While building/organizing a market, you might have to do more education to customers which might lead to higher acquisition costs. How do you teach customers but still keep your cac down?
  3. IC ramp up – how do you train people fast enough to execute on your behalf?
  4. Management / scaling operations – How do you create management expertise so your operations can scale with the market opportunity?
  5. Irrational Competition – How do you compete/navigate irrational competitors? what are irrational competitors?

Over the next couple of weeks – I’ll be diving deeper into these areas and exploring potential solutions.