Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Imagine - It's the dawn of the 21st century. The economy is booming, dot-coms are soaring high, and among them, a particular star shines the brightest - Enron. An energy company that at its peak carried a worth of about $70 billion. But within a span of few years, this magnificent empire crumbled into nothing, drowning in a sea of fraud and deceit. "The Enron scandal drew attention to accounting and corporate fraud, as its shareholders lost $74 billion in the four years leading up to its bankruptcy, and its employees lost billions in pension benefits." What truly unfolded in this financially catastrophic event known as the Enron Scandal? You're about to uncover this riveting and…
Charlie Munger interviewed after the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting in 2015. Image by Kent Sievers on Shutterstock. Charles Munger, who stood as a remarkable pillar in Berkshire Hathaway's development for nearly six decades alongside Warren Buffett, passed away at 99 on 28 November 2023. Munger was fundamental in the transformation of Berkshire Hathaway from a struggling textile production company into a global powerhouse. His passing occurred in a California hospital on Tuesday, as reported by the firm. Known for his long-standing residency in Los Angeles, Munger's vast contributions have not gone unnoticed. "Without Charlie's invaluable inspiration, wisdom, and involvement, Berkshire Hathaway wouldn't be where it is today," Buffett articulated in the statement. Born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1924, Munger was…
The Emptiness After the Big Win As the year comes to an end, this is the time when we reflect and take stock of everything we’ve accomplished. Yet, for many of us, we've certainly done a lot of work, but the outcome feels insignificant. It stirs a quiet unease: the sense that, despite the projects delivered, the milestones ticked off, we have this feeling that we still haven’t done enough. This is the arrival fallacy at work, the belief that once we reach a certain goal, we’ll finally feel complete. We chase goals believing they hold the feeling we’re missing, only to discover the feeling never stays. We continually chase more success, more recognition, more wealth, believing that the next…
How to Prepare For Feedback Conversations In our previous article, we explored the power of self-awareness. This week, we dive into the art of navigating tough conversations and exchanging feedback with clarity and care. Giving and receiving feedback are deeply intertwined with self-awareness and emotional intelligence in the workplace. Before stepping into any feedback conversation, preparation rooted in self-awareness is essential. Understanding our own emotions, triggers, and behavioral patterns helps us approach feedback calmly and confidently. Self-aware leaders consider the recipient’s emotional state, while emotionally intelligent individuals manage their reactions, viewing feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than criticism. More importantly, when feedback is exchanged within a culture of trust, it fosters constructive dialogue, vulnerability, and mutual respect, thereby…
Tocotoco and the New Playfulness of Modern Art: A Young Korean Artist’s Journey At first glance, the paintings of this young Korean artist might look like respectful homages to European masterpieces. Look closer, and a bright-beaked bird sneaks into the scene. This is Tocotoco, a toucan with a curious gaze and boundless energy who has become the artist’s signature. With Tocotoco, she reimagines classical art through a playful lens, bridging centuries of tradition with the spirit of her own generation. At just her mid-20s, she has already travelled to nearly 60 countries, exhibited solo, painted murals across continents, and developed a whimsical universe that both celebrates and reinterprets art history. Her story reflects not only her personal journey but also…
