Martin Karl Vanags
Join business owners and leaders, entrepreneurs, community and economic development professionals in learning about the latest trends impacting your future today. Today, more than ever, technology, the green economy, leadership and human performance intersect. Gaining knowledge and wisdom in these ares make for a well-informed leader. Every Thursday I curate these topics as well as articles about the quirky and fun things in life (think music, food and drink).
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The Main Thing: This week, I have written the last post of a three-part series on how to be more creative and innovative and overcome obstacles. This week, we explore a potent and enjoyable method to challenge our perceptions and beliefs. If we hold something true, how can we verify its reality? The 'absolutely, positively, yes' method is a tool that can reveal whether our beliefs are rooted in fact or if there's a more profound truth waiting to be uncovered. It's a journey of personal growth and discovery that intrigues and motivates. Believe me, this is not some Jedi mind trick, but it comes close. If you employ all three methods I have discussed in the past three weeks, you can be much more effective at overcoming obstacles, more creative, and generate innovative ideas you had no idea was in you or your team. Focus on Technology How data centers and the energy sector can sate AI’s hunger for power by Alastair Green, Humayun Tai, Jesse Noffsinger | McKinsey and Company A giant footprint project that many communities yearn for is Data Centers. And while they are prominent real estate footprints (but low job producers), they are power hogs, too. The article highlights the dramatic increase in data center power demand in the US, driven by AI and digitalization. The surge in electrical demand presents challenges in power supply, sustainability, and infrastructure. However, it also opens up a world of potential growth and opportunity. Key investment opportunities lie in power access and sources, equipment production, and addressing the shortage of skilled workers. The article suggests exploring secondary markets, developing behind-the-meter solutions, and investing in renewable energy and specialized equipment manufacturing. This optimistic outlook should inspire confidence in the potential of the industry and the investment opportunities it presents. Tech Habits Across Generations by Yackulic Khristopher | Android Headlines I am lucky that I grew up with computers. When I started my first job out of graduate school, no computers were on everyone's desks. Computer networking within a job site or office was more common in the mid-nineties but still not ubiquitous. It has been hard to keep up, but I am glad I have. The technology gap between generations is that younger people are more confident with digital tools, while older adults often struggle. The piece emphasizes the growing trend of younger family members providing tech support to their parents and grandparents, with 80% of adults helping their parents with tech issues. The piece offers tips for teaching older adults about technology, including starting simple, encouraging hands-on learning, and focusing on security. It concludes by stressing the importance of intergenerational support in helping everyone benefit from digital advancements, especially as new technologies emerge. Europe’s Innovation Ecosystem Can Make It the New Palo Alto by Saul Klein | Wired Is anyone interested in the European tech startup landscape? In this WIRED article, the author explores the shift in the tech startup world from chasing 'unicorns' to focusing on 'thoroughbreds' - startups with substantial annual revenues. The 'New Palo Alto' is a network of European innovation hubs that's emerging as a serious contender to Silicon Valley. This region, which includes cities like London, Paris, and Amsterdam, has given birth to over 500 high-potential companies. Despite its success, the 'New Palo Alto' faces a significant funding gap compared to the Bay Area, especially for scale-ups. The article examines government efforts to support this ecosystem and calls for greater investor recognition of its potential. The question arises: how many Silicon Valleys can the world support, and do we need a new one? Other Articles of Interest this week: Leadership -- 5 Traits of Effective Leadership Teams by by Gregory LeStage et al. | Harvard Business Review -- As an executive team leader, your success depends not only on individual talent but also on how effectively members function together. Economic Development -- McCormick seeks to ‘reform’ IEDC as part of economic development plan by Cate Charron | Indiana Business Journal City/Rural -- The Role of Local Governments in Strengthening Infrastructure Resilience by EIS Council -- The significance of local governments in strengthening infrastructure resilience cannot be understated. In the realm of preparing for and mitigating the effects of large-scale, catastrophic events local governments emerge as pivotal players. Mentoring -- Circles of Seven™ can create community and generate goodwill for economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, and communities. Here is some testimony from a recent participant in Manitowoc, Wisconsin: “I cannot express enough how impactful my experience with Circles of Seven has been! From the moment we began, I felt welcomed into a community that truly cares about its members. The insights and support I received were invaluable in shaping my entrepreneurial journey. The resources offered are informative and practical, equipping me with tools I could apply immediately. The mentors are incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely invested in our success, providing guidance tailored to my unique challenges. But what sets Circles of Seven apart for me is the sense of friendship and camaraderie that permeates our group. I’ve forged connections with fellow entrepreneurs that have turned into friendships, providing a network of support that I never expected to find. If you're looking for a place that combines professional growth with personal connection, look no further than Circles of Seven. I am so grateful for everything they have done for me and can’t recommend them highly enough!” Stacey McDonell -- Owner, The Executive Concierge, LLC, Manitowoc, Wisconsin. We are now signing up communities for cohorts that can start immediately or next year. This website has more information about C7. You can also schedule a no-obligation conversation about how C7 works and how it can benefit your organization and your small business community here. Something You Should Read (and subscribe to): This report by KPMG offers a view of the U.S. economic landscape, making it essential reading for readers of Curated Morning who are keenly interested in economic trends and their impact on climate. It includes forecasts on GDP growth, consumer spending, and inflation, all of which are of significant interest to our readers. Analyzing how climate-related events increasingly impact the economy is particularly timely and relevant. Insights on housing markets, interest rates, and employment trends can help you decide whether to move to parts of the country more prone to disaster. It would be interesting to hear from economic developers in Florida and other southern states about whether these hurricanes have had any impact on their economic development efforts. Overheard : “Someone who thinks the world is always cheating him is right. He is missing that wonderful feeling of trust in someone or something.” – Eric Hoffer (from the Mark Manson newsletter) Listen, EAT, Drink, WATCH, Read, View For many, including myself, instant Ramen was a lifesaver during college. The prepackaged square chunk of noodles with a flavor packet was a quick and easy way to whip up a satisfying lunch, especially when time and finances were tight (though it's not the best option for those on a low-carb diet). I love to add my own twist when it comes to instant Ramen. I whip up a unique sauce using a blend of soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and a dollop of peanut butter. Sometimes, I'll sprinkle in some toasted sesame seeds and a dash of red chili oil. There's no fixed recipe; I just mix it up in a pan and heat it. The best part? I get to toss out the high-sodium flavor packet and create something truly my own. But if you're craving the real deal, it's time to step away from the instant version and head to a top-notch ramen restaurant. These gems can be found in many cities, and they're worth the hunt for a truly authentic ramen experience. If you are in Tokyo any time soon, you may want to try Ginza Hachigou. This Ramen restaurant is a serious place operated by one person and is rated with one Michelin star. The Chef, Yasushi Matsumura, sells his bowl of Ramen for only $10. That is more than the 69 cents you will pay for instant Ramen, but the experience and quality are likely incomparable. Listen, Eat, Drink, Watch, READ, View Climate Change has produced warmer summers over the past few years. It’s hard to deny it. How do we cope with these hot summers? We go inside and turn on the air conditioning, which contributes to more global warming. It’s a luxury that many of us can afford. Of course, there are those who can’t afford air conditioning, and there has been an increase in deaths due to hotter weather. Fortunately, cities and towns have set up cooling centers to help those who need to cool off. Before air conditioning was common, people had a harder time cooling off, and the pictures from New York City during the heatwave of 1911 show proof. These pictures are interesting in that many people could have likely been cooler had they shed their heavy woolen suits and dresses. Listen, Eat, Drink, WATCH, Read, View Doodling and drawing have always been a source of joy for me. In my youth, I would spend hours sketching, and I'd like to think I was pretty good at it. I've even taken online classes to hone my skills in drawing and shading. But for me, drawing is more than just a hobby; it's a delightful escape from the seriousness of life. I found the YouTube website linked by accident and visited it from time to time to relax and have some fun. The channel, run by a soft-spoken teacher, offers a variety of art tutorials that are perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike. The teacher does an excellent job helping you along, making the learning process enjoyable and relaxing. While I don’t plan on making a career out of my drawing skills, I firmly believe in the importance of taking time for oneself. Engaging in small, enjoyable activities like doodling is a great way to give your brain a break and recharge. Thanks for Reading If you liked this email, pay it forward. Share it with someone you think might benefit. Did someone share with you? Sign up here. For previous editions, click here. Whenever you’re ready, there are several ways I can help you: 1. Economic Development: If you are looking to supercharge your economic development organization, I can help by strategizing and developing a roadmap to success. Set up a time to talk to me here. 2. Culture Change; Is your organization changing? Would you like to create an asset out of your culture? Do you know how to assess team strengths? Let me help you. I'm a certified culture change practitioner. Set up a time to talk to me here. 3. The Green Economy; The world is changing. Some of it is positive, and some of the change is not. Let me help you develop green economy opportunities for your community. Set up some time to talk about here. 4. Mentoring Programs: Circles of Seven (C7) is a proven and award-winning model for mentoring. Whether it is for business or your community leadership program, I can develop a mentoring program for you. Let's talk about your situation. Set up a time here. If you have any thoughts or comments regarding any articles in this newsletter please feel free to contact me through email at martin@martinkarlconsulting.com. You can review my services and offerings at www.martinkarlconsulting.com |
Martin Karl Vanags
Join business owners and leaders, entrepreneurs, community and economic development professionals in learning about the latest trends impacting your future today. Today, more than ever, technology, the green economy, leadership and human performance intersect. Gaining knowledge and wisdom in these ares make for a well-informed leader. Every Thursday I curate these topics as well as articles about the quirky and fun things in life (think music, food and drink).