lessons learned

30 Podcasts Lessons Learned

Random Observation/Comment #705: Life is a journey of constant improvement. Why this List? I’ve done it! I’ve officially created a podcast and recorded 30 episodes! Available on your pod-catcher of choice: Spotify Stitcher Apple Google Pocketcasts – Search for “Life in Lists of 30” YouTube Because I’m an over-achiever, I’ve embedded the task to put in 30 suggested improvements throughout the...

30 Car Buying Lessons

Random Observation/Comment #670: The car buying process is broken and all dealership are finding ways to make profits. I’d personally use an “Amazon for buying cars” to reduce the stress of being upsold during the close. Why This List? I have driven quite a bit as a city dweller with zipcars and rentals during travel, but now I’ve entered into...

EUvsVirus Hackathon Lessons Learned

Random Observation/Comment #661: Remote friendly quarantine hackathons are so hot right now. Remote Pan-European Hackathon #EUvsVirus I didn’t think a remote hackathon would be as fun or nearly as productive, but it was actually pretty great. You miss some of the event in-person awkward friend-making moments and whiteboards, but you can make the most out of some productivity tools and...

30 ConsenSys 1-Year Retro Items

Random Observation/Comment #628: Time flies when you’re having fun. Why this list? In Sept 2018, ConsenSys had a Solutions off-site in Dublin with 200+ professionals greeting each other with open ears, arms, and hearts. I wrote a 30 lessons learned for that offsite. One year later, I find it fitting to do retro of these ideas in practice. ConsenSys is...

30 Milestone Questions

Random Observation/Comment #550: Time-boxing commitments and projects creates the urgency for reaching milestones of change. Why this List? What a feeling it is to reach a big milestone! Milestones keep you honest on timing, but more importantly, give you something to celebrate. Do your happy dance. Done? The next step is crucial: review and learn from your milestone. Notice that...

Lessons Learned from Corporate

Random Observation/Comment #545: It’s never an easy decision to switch jobs when you’re happy, you’re growing, and you truly see your colleagues of 6 years as family. Then why the switch? For me, it’s all about risk. My view of risk has not only evolved into a scarier nagging monster whispering in my ear before I sleep (not my wife,...

Lessons Learned from Moving

Random Observation/Comment #540: Filtering through every corner of your apartment is always a walk down memory lane. Continuing my series of “grown up stuff,” we’ve made the move to a slightly larger space with a bedroom door. While filtering through all the things we’ve accumulated, we developed a few strategies and learned a lot more about our relationship. Some of...

[List of 30] Internship Tasks

Random Observation/Comment #519: Internships are just 10-week 2-way interviews. If you’re smart, we’ll want to hire you and then we’ll try to impress the crap out of you so you accept. This is the 5th year managing the summer intern projects, and I’ve always had a good time being a mentor (and overall having coffee with everyone). Since I’m all about...

[Lessons Learned] Business Analysis Documentation

Random Observation/Comment #512: You never start working thinking “Man, I’m going to become a PowerPoint guru”, but it happens quickly. After working for over 5 years on at least a dozen successful projects as a business analyst for an investment bank, I’ve seen all flavors of documenting business and functional requirements. It’s not that one is better than the other (since they all...

[Lessons Learned] 30 lists of 30 challenge

Random Observation/Comment #282: you know what’s better than starting a project? Finishing one. 30 lists in 30 days. It was easier to write the lists up than expected, but certainly a challenge to schedule time to write them out in one sitting. Definitely do this if you feel stuck and need to evaluate a stance on a position because lists...

[Lessons Learned] Organizing a Corporate TEDx

Random Observation/Comment #449: Find activities that encompass multiple hobbies and aim towards a true mission… like TEDx. Organize a TEDx or more events appreciated by your community if you want to be happy. TEDx licenses are granted to those who demonstrate a well-rounded theme that can provide multidisciplinary speeches, demonstrations, and general talks. It’s not meant to be a marketing ploy for...

[Lessons Learned] Knowing your Career Drivers and Interests

Random Observation/Comment #433: Know thyself. It’s certainly something not emphasized enough this day and age. Stop trying to copy someone else! Depending on your personality, stage in life, and overall outlook, you will have different factors that drive your career.  These factors include: Material Rewards. It’s important for you to have possessions, wealth, and a high standard of living. (Look...

[Gaming Lessons] Stanley Parable

Random Observation/Comment #421: One can learn from everything… Especially playing video games. (Quick warning: There are minor spoilers, but not anything you probably don’t already know from reading other reviews about this game.) I had never written anything about video games because I never found one that probed my personal psycho-babel analysis… until now. Stanley Parable. This is not your...

[Lessons Learned] Table Tennis Mentality

Random Observation/Comment #417: I love table tennis almost as much as I love mashed potatoes. That’s a lot of love. I don’t have a gym membership, I just go to SPiN NY on weekdays after work (5:30-7:30pm) and play with the usual table tennis (TT) junkies.  It covers my cardio, core, legs, and overall mental focus for the day. I...

[Lessons Learned] Presenting to HS Students

Random Observation/Comment #415: The reward of educational influence can be obtained without a formal “job” in academics. While I’m growing in my career, I will always find time to be a mentor. In March 2014, I was given the opportunity to speak to 60+ high school students at Baruch HS for an hour session. What did I talk about? Pragmatic...

Epic 30 Day Challenge Reflections

Epic 30 Day Challenge Reflections

Random Observation/Comment #318: In the words of Portal’s GLaDOS: “Still Alive.” The Epic 30 Day challenge is complete! Woohoo! Balloons? Shot of Blue Label? Happy Birthday to me? I’ve spent the past 48 hours driving, eating, napping, chatting, eating, sleeping, eating, napping, chatting, etc.  It’s been very good distancing myself from the internet and any level of work as to...