Hey friends,

Hope Q4 is off to a good start!

Fall has arrived, and it’s my favorite season. Watching nature slowly changing color, getting to put on a coat and inhaling crisp air, is a real delight.​

What I’m reading

I’m finishing up a book called Big Friendship, by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman. Interesting read on the roles friendships play in our lives. We have clear rules and expectations on specific relationships; marriage, partnership, our family and children. For friendships? There are very few clear societal expectations.

Especially enjoyed the ideas of shine theory – the practice of investing in, and lifting, your friendships.

Also enjoyed the idea of not aspiring to ‘squad goals’ – this Instagram style, excluding, filtered view of friendships. Instead we can think of of ‘friend webs’, inclusive webs of friendships. Like a network that grows stronger with new people and increasing number of interconnections.

Talking about network effects – I’ve been diving into this comprehensive read called Network effects bible.

Apparently, network effects stand for “70% of all the value created in technology since 1994”. That’s not too surprising, but it’s hit me as of late what an important concept it is to truly understand.

What are network effects? “…mechanisms in a product and business where each new user makes the product or services more valuable to every other user.” Personally, I think these concepts are valuable to understand not only for business, but for life.​

What I’m watching

World’s Most Dangerous Roads | The Racing Cyclists of Burundi – Bike riders that transport banana on dangerous roads in Burundi. Might sound like a very specific premise, but it’s beautiful, informative, and humbling. It’s available on YouTube – here.

Have a great rest of the weekend!

Cheers,
Cecilia

Ps. The startup accelerator I’m a business coach with is nominated in the Global Startup Awards. Want to support us? Vote here – thank you!