The way we glorify tech and startups is something I think about a lot. I question what real problems these new endeavors are actually solving, and ask if they're really necessary or just putting another thing into our lives. Or what if inefficiency and friction isn't always a bad thing? (Getting groceries at the store is a simple reminder that I haven't over scheduled my life.)
We pour more money into salaries for the shiny new thing than we do valuing the teachers who build the foundations in all of us. From the outside I notice the complete lack of age diversity, and with that, the lack of lived experience to inform decision making at many of the "top" tech companies. Is it possible that we focus so much energy on hitting targets and goals that we don't look at the reality which could ultimately have a bigger impact? And then there's the issue of mental health that gets more attention these days, but still not enough.
These aren't sexy topics, so rarely do they make the media. Instead we celebrate click bait titles and the successes as if to make endeavors look easy. I can't help shake the feeling that we too often live with blinders on....
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Listen.
Had there been a camera on me as I listened to the mini serial podcast The Dropout about Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of Theranos, you would have seen my eyes pop out of my head and jaw drop. It's the riveting tale of deception and fraud around the multi-billion dollar valued company that claimed to be able to run hundreds of tests with just 2 drops of blood.
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Watch.
Rocketman is the new Elton John biopic. Going into it I knew more of his music than I did about his life. Spoiler alert: it wasn't easy. It's a reminder that we're all human—even the biggest names in the world—and at some point you choose the path you take, less you get sucked in... I've been jamming to Elton John ever since I saw the film
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I want to know! What are your thoughts on the state of hype? (Yes, I made up that term.) I definitely feel like I'm against the grain on this one.
Here's to an insightful week! 💡
P.S. One thing I am curious about in the evolution of my business is what it'd be like to coach at the executive level (don't worry, I'm still working with individuals and creatives!! ❤️). As a strong proponent of slowing down, killing the hustle, and thinking differently, I'm not necessarily the person most people would pick to work with in that space.
For the right person open to a different perspective that doesn't involve working more or harder, it could be interesting. I think the natural fit is for those transitioning out of tech or corporate jobs. If you know anyone in that world, do let me know or pass along my name/site.
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Anne S. Ditmeyer is a creative coach and consultant based in Paris, France who works with clients around the world to help them get where they want to be. ✨ Start here.✨
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