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Is there a foolproof way to spot an idiot?  You might think so, but J B Pritzker, the governor of Illinois, observes that some idiots can dazzle you with words and misdirection. They can get promoted above you. They can even get elected president! He was speaking at Northwestern University’s commencement in 2023, where he […]

Are you an overachiever? Had some successes when young, earned some respect, know your stuff? Good for you. But it could also be very bad for you. Because you’ll probably stop asking for advice. Any advice. Any time. Why? Because now that you have a reputation as a “mjuaji” to protect, you might imagine it […]

I once went to visit a CEO friend and longtime client. It was Monday morning, and she wanted to show off her new offices. So she took me on a quick tour. The place is indeed lovely: vibrant African designs in an open-plan vibe. As she took me around, she pointed to where her various […]

Seal Island is a blunt fact off the coast of Cornwall, a lump of rock out in the Atlantic that refuses to be romantic. No cathedral spires, no plaques, no mythology gift-wrapped for tourists. Just stone and swell, and the kind of wind that scrambles your thoughts.  The island gets its name from its proper […]