Hi, my name is Thomas, and this is my ‘now’ page, inspired by Derek Sivers.
It should tell you (and remind me) where my energy is focused right now.
This page was last updated November 28th, 2023 from White Bear Lake, MN.
Smokin’ stuff for people
More specifically, smoking meats. Like, the turkey I did for the family at thanksgiving. And we have some old friends and hopefully new friends coming over in early December who I want to cook a brisket for. Also, I can’t get it out of my head that I want to attempt a beef rib. I can’t imagine a more perfect food than smoked meat and I want to perfect my technique. But, let me tell you, practicing in freezing weather does not make it easier.
Building and Growing YourSecondCall.com
In the past two months, I have developed even more clarity about how to talk about what I do. And it is mostly centered on the phrase, Self Healing Leadership. I’ve started a little bit of a thesis on that page, and now that it is in the “rock tumbler” of life, bumping up against all my thoughts and conversations, its slowly becoming more polished. I am hoping it is pretty stable for the beginning of 2024.
A lot of online business guru types really like to talk down on “trading dollars for hours,” insisting on scale through books and courses and massive group coaching packages built for “financial freedom.” And that’s fine for them. But, I have personally deepened my conviction toward building YourSecondCall in a way that protects 75% of my available time for direct interactions with individuals. ANYTHING I do that scales beyond face-time has to happen outside of that 75%.
With that in mind, I have been building toward and launching some new “outposts” to be the foundation of a growth strategy. These include the Parts Work Newsletter, and a few other experiments not worth linking just yet.
#givefirst Volunteer Mentor Hours
Since 2011, I have been holding mentor hours for startup founders through Techstars, 500 Global, Hatchet Ventures, and a few other communities. Nothing fills my cup faster than hopping on a call with a founder – especially a first time founder – especially a global majority first time founder – to talk through their hopes and fears and what might unblock the next stage in their growth.
Saying No
So, other than Quality Time with the family, volunteering to support founders, and building a business that lets me spend at least 75% of my time unburdening founders and leaders, I am slowly but surely learning how to say “No.”
What Am I thinking About
This section is inspired by Zvi Band, who shared this idea – “Richard Feynman had this idea of always carrying around a number of problems you’re thinking about, to help hone what you read, think about, and discuss with others.”
- What happens when all medias are flooded with AI generated content and the LLMs start training on copies of copies of copies?
- What are the most inclusive, acceptable, and adaptable ways to talk about psychological safely in the workplace?
- Should we buy a local Thai restaurant?
- Can I say no more often?
- Who do I love and who loves me?
If you would like to discuss anything mentioned here, please come say hi