Uncovering Wisdom: Notes from a Curious Mind

Who are you a product of?

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You are the product of the people you surround yourself with!

We all want to grow, but we rarely grow alone.

This Substack is about relationships: the people who shape us, challenge us, walk beside us, or open doors we never knew existed. Whether it’s a mentor who shares wisdom, a friend who consistently shows up, or a bold thinker who reframes our perspective on the world, connection fuels growth.

I’ve seen this in my own life, again and again. Some of the most significant shifts I’ve experienced came through conversations, not content, through people, not just ideas. And when I look back, those shifts often feel intentional, almost as if threads are being woven into something larger.

So, I’m exploring that tapestry—curious about how relationships form us, stretch us, and sometimes even save us. I’ll share stories, reflections, and questions I’m asking along the way.

And I’d love to hear from you:
Who are you learning from right now?
Who’s helped shape who you are becoming?

The Power of Brilliant Minds

Jim Simons, founder of Renaissance Technologies, transformed his passion for solving complex problems into a revolutionary approach. A mathematician with no finance background, he tackled the stock market like a puzzle, building the Medallion Fund, which averaged a 39.1% net annual return from 1988 to 2018. My dad always warned that promised returns sound like scams, but Simons’ data-driven model, rooted in math rather than emotion, might have proved him wrong. His ambition inspires me to dream of businesses built on such clarity; one of their methods was trading names for numbers to stay objective.

What I admire most is Simon’s leadership. By making employees equity holders, he ensured everyone was invested in success, fostering a culture of shared purpose. His five guiding principles shaped this legacy:

• Do something new: Original ideas help you stand out. It's better to lead in a niche than get lost in the mainstream noise.

• Be guided by beauty: Find elegance in well-run systems, like a perfect equation.

• Don’t give up easily: Persistence turns vision into reality.

• Hope for good luck: Fortune favours the prepared, but it’s unpredictable.

• Surround yourself with the most intelligent people: Brilliance sparks brilliance.

That last principle hits home. Simons didn’t just chase “smart”—he sought people who pushed limits, who saw possibilities others missed. I’ve met someone whose passion or insight sparks a fire within me, and it’s thrilling. Often, I feel intimidated or envious of their gifts, achievements, and success, but rather than shying away, I’m learning to lean in, eager to grow and collaborate. Simons’ team of mathematicians and scientists wasn’t merely talented—they were fearless, reshaping what’s possible.

This mindset leads to mentorship, my next topic. When you find those who challenge you to be better, hold on tight and learn everything you can.

Who’s inspired you to push your limits? Share below!

Mentors

Success is never a solo act—it’s a tapestry woven by many hands. Individuals shine, but we’re all dependent on those who inspire, teach, and guide us. From a young age, my mom urged me and my three siblings to seek out people who could light our paths. That advice stuck, shaping how I approach life and relationships.

Two books, gifts from key people, solidified this truth. Tribe of Mentors by Tim Ferriss, bought by my mom, and If I Could Tell You Just One Thing by Richard Reed, given by my mentor Keith Fairweather, Head of Marketing at my high school, were game-changers. Both books, with their short 3–5 page chapters, distill wisdom into single, powerful principles—perfect for quick, impactful reads.

One favorite gem comes from Esther Perel, a renowned psychotherapist:

“The quality of your life ultimately depends on the quality of your relationships… a reflection of your sense of decency, your ability to think of others, your generosity.”

This resonates deeply. Achievements aren’t about raw talent or ambition alone—they flow from the connections we nurture.

I’ve been blessed by countless people who’ve invested in me—too many to thank in one newsletter. But I want to highlight Keith Fairweather, whose encouragement opened doors I didn’t even see. He showed me how kindness and intentionality can deeply affect the lives of those around you. People are placed in our lives to guide us for a reason, moulding us like clay. Sometimes we have to seek them out though.

Seek out mentors who spark growth. Their wisdom is a gift that multiplies.

Who’s guided your steps? Share below!

The Heart of Friendship

I got recommended Tim Keller’s sermon on friendship, drawn from Proverbs, and it’s reshaped how I see connection. Keller highlights four pillars of friendship—constancy, carefulness, candor, and counsel—that work for any relationship, yet they echo a divine design that resonates with my faith.

Constancy means showing up through thick and thin. Proverbs explains, “A friend loves at all times.” It’s not about constant contact but being there when it counts, trusting God weaves our paths together. Carefulness is protecting a friend’s heart, sensing when to push or pause. It feels like God’s gentle love, attentive and kind. Candor brings truth with care—Proverbs notes, “Wounds from a friend can be trusted.” Honest words, spoken in love, reflect faith in growth. Counsel offers guidance, like perfume to the soul, helping navigate life’s turns, as if God speaks through friends.

Here’s the paradox: chasing friends often leaves you empty. Instead, live authentically, pursuing what lights you up. Proverbs hints at this—be true to yourself, and you’ll find your “You too” people, those who share your passions. I’ve seen it happen: bonds form over shared loves—faith, coffee, justice—when I’m not looking but living fully. It’s like God nudges the right people my way.

So, don’t hunt for friends this week. Lean into what you love. Be constant, careful, candid, and wise with those around you. A “You too” moment might be waiting.

Thanks to Jonty for the sermon tip.

What’s your “You too” friendship moment? Share below!

Staying Connected

One of my biggest challenges is keeping up with multiple relationships. I love people, but I’m admittedly terrible at remote communication. At the start of this year, my family unanimously voted me the hardest to reach—a humbling wake-up call. Seeking help, my dad suggested I talk to one of his friends, a master at staying connected. His advice was a game-changer, offering practical ways to bridge the gap.

One guideline stood out: always remember your last conversation with someone and follow up. Whether it’s their dog’s name or an event they mentioned, recalling details shows you care. It’s simple but powerful—people feel genuinely loved when you notice what matters to them. He shared a list of 50 relational “proverbs,” each a nugget of wisdom for building connection.

Image from Richard Rekhy

While a list of 50 unspoken social rules might seem extensive, certain ones resonate deeply—like not monopolising the armrest on a plane or always signaling before changing lanes. These seemingly minor acts of courtesy can significantly impact our social interactions, highlighting the importance of considering others before ourselves.

This wisdom echoes the constancy of friendship from Proverbs, the boldness of Simons’ team, and the generosity of mentors like Keith Fairweather. It’s about intentionality, a reflection of the love I believe we’re called to share. My faith reminds me that relationships, like clay, are moulded by small, purposeful acts. Sometimes, though, I need to seek out those who can teach me how to do it better.

I’m learning to lean into these conversations, even when it’s hard. Which of these relational “proverbs” resonates with you—maybe the armrest struggle or another? Share below!

What’s a tip that’s helped you stay connected? Let me know!

All-in Podcast

Part 1: The Heart of Agriculture

The All-In Podcast has dropped gems on the U.S. economy, Trump’s Middle East trip, and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai’s take on Google’s future amid search industry challenges. But the episode with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stood out, offering a sharp view on agriculture’s role in our lives. Rollins framed food security as a cornerstone of national stability, arguing that its absence is one of the biggest threats we face. This hit home, especially after reading Christiaan Claasen’s Substack on African food security. A PhD candidate in sustainable aquaculture, Christiaan’s vision for resilient food systems is compelling—I’ve chatted with him, and his ideas are worth exploring. Check out his work for a fresh perspective.

From a tech perspective, Rollins noted that specialised crops like strawberries require extensive manual labor, as automation and innovation have not kept pace. Tasks such as hand-picking delicate berries, pruning, or inspecting for quality demand skilled workers, driving up costs and limiting scalability. This lag in mechanisation challenges farmers, who must balance rising consumer demand with sustainable practices that protect soil and water resources. Without advanced tools, the industry risks inefficiencies that could strain food supply chains. Addressing this gap requires investment in robotics and AI tailored to nuanced agricultural needs, a hurdle that underscores the complexity of modern farming.

What’s a food security issue you’ve noticed? Share below!

Part 2: Leadership That Sharpens the Blade

Rollins’ insights on leadership were equally compelling. She described a Trump cabinet united by a shared vision, enabling swift action—evident in the flurry of executive orders from day one. The administration’s preparation since 2020, as Rollins noted, was like “sharpening your equipment before you go out to sea.” This discipline ensured readiness. Rollins also emphasised, “Everything you do has an influence on your future.” Every choice—hiring bold thinkers, fostering unity, or acting with purpose—shapes what’s next, like ripples in a pond. It’s a call to live intentionally, trusting that small acts build a legacy.

What’s a leadership lesson you’ve learned? Share below!

Experimenting with a New habit

I came across a LinkedIn post (source lost, unfortunately) that introduced the idea of Start-of-Week and End-of-Week reports. The author mentioned that successful teams use them to identify where they’re wasting energy and working inefficiently. That idea stuck with me, so I asked Grok to help me design a weekly review format for my personal use—and the advice it gave was simple but solid:

Tips for Success (from Grok)

• Keep It Simple: Focus on clarity, not complexity.

• Be Honest: Acknowledge setbacks so you can learn from them.

• Celebrate Wins: Track progress to stay motivated.

• Iterate: Keep refining the format until it works for you.

Why It’s Been Useful (So Far)

After a week of trying it out, I found the process surprisingly insightful. Writing these reviews forced me to pause and reflect—on what worked, what didn’t, and to uncover the why. I noticed that most of my writing (both academic and personal) happens in the first two days of the week. By midweek, events start piling up and my energy dips.

That insight alone was worth it.

One key principle I’m learning: honesty is everything. The review only works if I’m completely real with myself. It’s easy to gloss over discomfort or pretend something “wasn’t a big deal,” but the more black-and-white I am—the more direct and logical—the more useful the reflection becomes.

This is still a work in progress, but I’m starting to see the benefits:

• Clarity: It clears mental clutter and helps structure the week.

• Accountability: Writing things down makes me more likely to follow through.

• Growth: Naming challenges helps me improve.

• Time Awareness: I’m starting to plan around when I know I’m most productive.

I’ll keep tweaking the format, but even in its rough form, this small weekly habit is helping me think and act more deliberately.

Spongelist

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2. Jim Simon's Principles

3. Ferriss T. Tribe of mentors: Short life advice from the best in the world. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; 2017.

4. Reed R. If I could tell you just one thing...: Encounters with remarkable people and their most valuable advice. Edinburgh, London: Canongate Books; 2016.

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   Why I'm All In on Fish, Food, and Feeding the Future

Other sources I sponged From

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