High Agency

Salutations, Olio aficionados! 👋

Midweek greetings to all, as we unveil the 151st chapter of Weekly Olio—a delightful concoction of laughter, insight, and a sprinkle of mystery. Within these pages, you'll discover a handpicked selection of fascinating finds from the vast realms of the internet.

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The Quote󠀢 💭

The Tweet 🐦

AI is forcing every single industry to re-think its value proposition. Online shopping is no different. This market map from a16z captures how insurgent startups are trying to reshape the online shopping scene.

The Infographic 💹

Counter intuitively, being more efficient might end making up you less efficient. Instead of falling for productivity hacks, let things take their course and allow for rest - to again unlock additional productivity.

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The Short Read 📝

Classical Risk vs. Quantum Risk - by Kanyi Maqubela

Traditionally, startup risk is modelled linearly with each stage in the startup’s life used as a signal to lower risk. As risk comes down, the startup’s value increases. Kanyi Maqubela has likened this model to classical Newtonian mechanics. But what if that is not the case? Prior to product market fit, none of the early signals predict whether a startup will actually fail or succeed. There have been rockstar teams that have struggled to build something people want.

What if the only event that really de-risks a startup is achievement of product market fit. Maqubela proposes a quantum mechanics-inspired model, suggesting that startup risk remains high and relatively constant until a discrete event—achieving product-market fit—causes a sudden drop in risk. This mirrors quantum systems, where particles exist in uncertain states until a specific interaction causes a state change. He draws parallels to Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, noting that just as one cannot precisely know both the position and momentum of a particle, one cannot predict when a startup will achieve product-market fit. As a result, the risk of investing might be lower at the earliest stages since none of the ‘false de-risking’ has happened. Read more…

The Long Read 📜

High Agency - by George Mack

This fantastic article by Geo delves into the concept of "high agency," describing it as an individual's capacity to take initiative, challenge norms, and effect change despite obstacles. He illustrates this through a thought experiment: if you were imprisoned in a foreign country and could call only one person for help, who would it be? The person you choose likely embodies high agency—a blend of resourcefulness, resilience, and determination.

High-agency individuals often display certain common traits. These include a willingness to pursue unconventional interests during youth, an energizing presence, independent thinking that defies predictable patterns, and a mindset often found in immigrants who are open to relocating for better opportunities. They are drawn to sharing niche, valuable content over popular fluff, speak honestly even when it’s uncomfortable, and are unafraid to leave prestigious positions in pursuit of personal growth. They also tend to challenge groupthink, learn independently, and question assumptions to find their own path forward.

Ultimately, the article argues that cultivating high agency is key to personal and professional success. It’s about shaping the world around you instead of letting the world shape you. Do not miss reading this article in full. Read more…

That’s all for this week. If you enjoyed this edition, we’d really appreciate if you shared it with a friend, family member or colleague.

We’ll be back in your inbox 2 PM IST next Wednesday. Till then, have a productive week!

Peeyush and Mohit

Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author's employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.