Reseña - El hombre en busca de sentido por Viktor E. Frankl

He terminado El hombre en busca de sentido por Viktor E. Frankl Mi valoracion - 3/5 (Qualitativa - “Me ha gustado”) Un testigo en primera persona de la experiencia humana que muchos han pasado en los campos de concentración durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Frankl (neurocientífico y psiquiatra) describe, de una forma humana (física y psicológica), aquello que ha vivido y que le ha permitido desarrollar una de las principales ramas de la psicología: la logoterapia. Esta se basa en la capacidad de una persona para afrontar sus problemas, traumas y situaciones difíciles mediante la búsqueda de sentido (logos), permitiéndole así reorientar su enfoque para vivir una vida más plena. Me resultó muy difícil, dada la distancia que tengo respecto a esa realidad tan tenebrosa, conceptualizar que lo que estaba leyendo fue una realidad concreta para millones de personas hace 80 años, y todo ello únicamente por profesar una determinada religión y cultura. Es especialmente impactante cómo tantas personas con vidas acomodadas, intelectualmente activas y reconocidas por su comunidad, tanto a nivel nacional como internacional, pasaron de un momento a otro a ser tratadas como una especie subhumana, con todas las consecuencias que eso implicó. Todo ello debido a una ideología y a un hombre (lunático) que logró dominar y someter a una sociedad tan fuerte y libre como la alemana. La capacidad del ser humano para adaptarse a las circunstancias más exigentes y mantener su dignidad y sus estrategias de supervivencia es el hilo conductor del libro. Esto permitió al autor desarrollar su teoría, que se basa en la idea de que el hombre solo será pleno y capaz de vivir una vida completa en la medida en que pueda encontrar y dar sentido a su existencia. Es uno de esos libros que resuenan y seguirán resonando en tu cabeza después de haberlo leído. Lo recomiendo mucho, tanto por la historia y el relato personal como por las enseñanzas que puedes aplicar en las más diversas áreas de la vida. (texto revisado por LLM) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7325429590

- Pedro

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Speed, Strategy, and Talent: The Story Behind Ford’s Le Mans Victory

A film I recently watched about Ford’s bold bet and its race to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It’s a highly engaging movie that tells a fascinating story while illustrating how clear goals, a solid strategy, strong leadership support, and—above all—the right people and talent can turn the seemingly impossible into reality. As a bonus, it also highlights the role Goodyear’s technology played in making it all happen. If you’re a fan of cars, motorsport, and great storytelling, this is definitely a film worth watching. (text revised by a LLM) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1950186/ https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0G0ZJRP5IMCAV5729ZXNRCIP8M/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

- Pedro

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AI and Traffic Flow: Innovation, Emissions, and the Google Factor

An initiative by Google and the city of Manchester aims to use AI to dynamically regulate traffic lights across the Greater Manchester region. This is a great use case for AI technology, as studies show that 50% of car emissions at traffic intersections come from vehicles stopping and starting. Based on previous experiences in Brazil and India, traffic flow is expected to improve by up to 30%, while emissions could decrease by up to 10%. The only caveat is that, after reading The Age of Surveillance Capitalism by Shoshana Zuboff (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6776829635), I’m always looking for the catch—questioning what Google stands to gain beyond the explicit use case. In this particular instance, the implications seem both obvious and concerning. That said, opportunities like this should be explored and supported. However, we must remain vigilant and ensure that the inevitable data surplus we provide to companies like Google is not misused. (text revised LLM) https://content1.avplayer.com/6536783932d8a8365a0842d9/videos/65367e747ebff164c504fe60/65367e87c1aacf127d085a34/video.mp4?AV_TAGID=65367eb2aacb313497060747&pid=6536783932d8a8365a0842d9&cid=65367e8906c29393c30221d6&AV_TEMPID=65367eb2bc7bf3bcc50e2584&AV_PUBLISHERID=6536783932d8a8365a0842d9&av_qd1=6536806d667c2a96db026742&videoId=65367e747ebff164c504fe60

- Pedro

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Van Gogh’s Sunflowers—in LEGO form!

Van Gogh’s Sunflowers—in LEGO form! This is exactly why LEGO remains at the top of its game. You can build your own Van Gogh masterpiece, enjoy the process like a kid (or with your kids), and then hang it up as a unique piece of art—two for the price of one! Already added to my wishlist—check it out! (text revised by a LLM) https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/vincent-van-gogh-sunflowers-31215

- Pedro

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Tiny Desk Concerts: My New Musical Obsession

Probably it took me too long, but a couple of weeks ago, I discovered NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concerts on YouTube—and what a treat! These 20-minute performances feature a variety of artists in a cozy setting that makes you feel connected to the music on a whole new level. I’m completely hooked! Whenever I want to relax, escape, and enjoy great music, this is my go-to. Below is a link to one of my favorites with Sam Smith, but the best part is that there are countless performances to explore, so you can find the ones that suit your taste. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do! (text revised by a LLM) https://youtu.be/L_BHC2l30pY?si=-LhK85mVf48fMmTL

- Pedro

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Escaping into Books: The Power of Reading and Reflection

It's no big surprise to me, but it turns out books and libraries have a positive impact on readers' lives. I’m always a bit skeptical of such studies, but I couldn’t resist this confirmation bias once I saw it. 🙂 I must admit, I love reading but rarely visit libraries—something I plan to change this year. For me, the main benefits of reading are: - It transports me to different worlds and perspectives. - It helps me escape the present moment and take a long-term view on topics. - It expands my knowledge and broadens my horizons. - It fosters personal growth and self-reflection. - It allows me to engage with my thoughts and enjoy solitude. As for the study, it suggests that libraries: - Help people feel calmer and more at peace. - Prepare individuals for the complexities of the world. - Serve as valuable sources of knowledge. - Support personal growth and development. When was the last time you visited a library or picked up a book? Give it a try—you might just enjoy it. (text revised by a LLM) https://lithub.com/its-official-research-has-found-that-libraries-make-everything-better/

- Pedro

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No te Pierdas Aprendemos Juntos 2030: Inspiración y Aprendizaje en Cada Charla

Aprendemos Juntos 2030" es una iniciativa de BBVA que no te puedes perder por su calidad, diversidad y la impresionante trayectoria de sus invitados, quienes aportan conocimiento y experiencia única. He visto muchas charlas sobre diversos temas y ninguna me ha decepcionado. Si ya no sabes qué ver en tus plataformas de streaming, échale un vistazo y aprendamos juntos (texto revisado por un LLM) En BBVA creemos posible una vida mejor en un mundo más sostenible y queremos ofrecerte las herramientas para enfrentar los grandes retos del futuro. En este canal descubrirás las historias más inspiradoras y los contenidos más útiles para afrontar tu día a día, animándonos a luchar por una sociedad más inclusiva y respetuosa con el planeta. Suscríbete y no te pierdas todas nuestras novedades, ¡te esperamos! https://www.youtube.com/@AprendemosJuntos/featured

- Pedro

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Review > Value First, Then Price: Building Value-Based Pricing Strategies

Finalized Value First, Then Price: Building Value-Based Pricing Strategies by Andreas Hinterhuber (editor), Todd C Snelgrove (Editor) My Book Rating - 2.5/5 (Qualitative - between "Okay" and "I Liked It”) BOP#3 - Book Club The book explores the relevance and importance of a value-driven organization through multiple lenses: (i) pricing, (ii) procurement, (iii) management, and (iv) change management. It comprises 25 individual pieces—including interviews, essays, use cases, and empirical evidence—written by various authors. These contributions emphasize the importance of understanding value, its relevance, and how to effectively quantify and communicate it both internally and externally. As a whole, the book serves as a solid introduction and refresher on the significance of being a value-driven organization in any industry. It encourages readers to focus on the value they generate for customers and consumers. It also provides a great starting point for deepening your knowledge of value-based approaches and opens multiple pathways for further exploration.A recommended read for professionals in pricing, sales, and procurement, offering insights on how they can apply these principles within their organizations. A word of caution: Avoid the Kindle edition. While it is technically readable on a Kindle, the formatting has not been properly adapted to the platform. As a result, many of the Kindle’s features and readability enhancements are missing, significantly diminishing the overall experience and value. (text revised by a LLM) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7110863649

- Pedro

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Acabei O Tigre Branco por Aravind Adiga, Alice Rocha (Tradutor) -> A minha avaliação- 3/5 (Qualitativa - “Gostei”)

Acabei O Tigre Branco por Aravind Adiga, Alice Rocha (Tradutor) A minha avaliação- 3/5 (Qualitativa - “Gostei”) Um livro de leitura muito fácil que nos narra a história de Balram Halwai (também conhecido como Munna), um empreendedor indiano, e que nos transporta pela sociedade indiana do início do século XXI (>2010). A história de Balram é apenas um meio para nos apresentar a sociedade indiana atual e que, no meu caso em particular, nos faz entrar numa realidade que desconhecemos ou que tínhamos esquecido, sendo difícil de compreender ou até mesmo conceptualizar. Este retrato da sociedade indiana é direto, duro, assertivo, crítico e claro, identificando as disparidades e idiossincrasias chocantes que, ainda hoje, subsistem no maior país do mundo. Confesso que tinha um conhecimento relativo da importância e relevância das castas durante o século XX (por outro livro que li, do qual não me recordo o título nem o autor), mas não tinha a perceção (ou estava muito esquecida, e este livro fez reavivá-la) de todas as disparidades que ainda persistem neste país com mais de 1,5 mil milhões de cidadãos. Por vezes, este choque com a realidade, proporcionado pela leitura de livros como este, permite-nos perceber as diferenças culturais a que cada um de nós está exposto desde pequeno e que, direta ou indiretamente, nos influenciam na vida pessoal e profissional, criando uma diferença cultural que devemos considerar para compreender melhor aqueles com quem interagimos. Aconselho vivamente a sua leitura para conhecer uma realidade tão diferente da nossa (europeia) e, assim, promover o conhecimento de outras culturas e realidades, ampliando a nossa visão do mundo. (texto revisto por um LLM) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7255189611

- Pedro

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Beyond the 60/40 Rule: How Merton’s Theory Optimizes Asset Allocation

A brilliant article by The Economist explores probabilities, risk management, and investment strategies for your hard-earned savings. In a simple, insightful, and compelling way, it revisits a half-century-old investment theory by Robert C. Merton, based on his paper "Lifetime Portfolio Selection Under Uncertainty: The Continuous-Time Case." Merton’s model challenges the traditional 60/40 portfolio rule, instead advocating for an optimal asset allocation based on an investor’s individual risk aversion. Using the Constant Relative Risk Aversion (CRRA) utility function and your risk aversion, his framework determines the ideal split between high-risk assets (stocks) and safe assets (bonds) to maximize returns. In essence, Merton suggests that the percentage allocated to risky assets should be equal to their excess expected return over the risk-free alternative, divided by both personal risk aversion and the square of the risky asset’s volatility. This approach leads to a more dynamic asset allocation, adjusting as these variables change. Take a few minutes to digest this—I'll need more than a couple myself. While the theory offers a sophisticated and theoretically sound approach, applying it in practice is not straightforward. It requires precise estimations of key variables and may involve positions that some investors are unwilling or unable to take (such as short-selling). Additionally, one must be aware of and willing to accept the underlying assumptions and trade-offs. Interestingly, studies suggest that this investment strategy has stood the test of time, potentially delivering a significant premium over the conventional 60/40 approach. I must admit that, despite holding an MSc in Finance, I had never come across this theory before. It has certainly piqued my interest, and I plan to explore it further to see if it can be applied to my portfolio management. Hope you enjoy the article as much as I did! (text revised by a LLM) How much happiness does money buy? https://www.economist.com/christmas-specials/2024/12/19/how-much-happiness-does-money-buy from The Economist

- Pedro

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What Must Be True: Strategic Thinking for Managing Risk

Roger Martin, former Dean of the Rotman School, has written a fascinating and insightful article about risk management, emphasizing that a robust strategic process is the only effective way to approach it. Martin argues that, in most cases, risk management conducted by corporate boards often amounts to little more than box-ticking to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (S-OX) Section 404. This requirement, enacted after scandals like Enron and WorldCom, has become a lucrative exercise for consulting firms but provides little real value to management or investors. Instead of addressing critical risks, these efforts often generate exhaustive lists of potential risks (as seen in typical 10-K filings), which serve as "safe harbor" statements for management rather than actionable insights. A more effective way to approach risk management is by applying the Rumsfeld Risk Matrix (as illustrated in the accompanying graphic). This matrix divides risks into four quadrants: 1.Known Knowns – Risks we are aware of and understand well enough to measure and manage. 2.Known Unknowns – Risks we recognize but do not fully understand. 3.Unknown Knowns – Risks we are unconsciously aware of but fail to identify as risks. 4.Unknown Unknowns – Risks we are entirely unaware of. The ultimate goal of risk management is to increase awareness, turning unknowns into knowns, and improving precision by addressing uncertainties. This involves identifying key risks that are not fully understood, assessing their material impact and likelihood, and investing in understanding them better. It also requires implementing systems to monitor risks that might not be obvious and to uncover entirely new risks. So how is this achieved? The answer lies in a strong strategic process. A well-designed strategy explicitly considers what must be true (WWHTBT) for success and potential derailment, addressing factors such as industry dynamics, customer behavior, organizational capabilities, competitor actions, vendor dependencies, and technological advancements. By conducting thorough internal (IFE) and external (EFE) factor evaluations, along with a comprehensive SWOT analysis, organizations can identify key risk factors, enhance awareness, and improve their ability to detect unknown risks early. This article offers valuable insights and is highly recommended for anyone interested in strategic risk management. (text revised by a LLM) https://rogermartin.medium.com/risk-management-strategy-59869afd3558

- Pedro

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Hermanos Gutiérrez - Musica

Mi ultimo descubrimiento musical! Son buenísimos! https://open.spotify.com/artist/73mSg0dykFyhvU96tb5xQV?si=T9FfR1yVTu27j2VWVOipcw

- Pedro

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Books read throughout 2024! not a bad year

Throughout 2021 I’ve read 21 books, 5.745 pages and my average rating was 3.5 on Goodreads. The full list was the following: 1.Disciplina sin lágrimas 2.Até ao fim 3.The BlackSwan 4.A brief history of time 5.Raving Fans 6.Price and peace 7.Obvious Adams 8.Fascim 9.Os Ratoneiros 10.The secret language of competitive intelligence 11.Do dice play God 12.Strategy beyond the hockey stick 13.How to take smart notes 14.How to decide 15.The pyramid principle 16.12 rules for life 17.Deus na escuridao 18.The tipping point 19.Value-Based pricing 20.Win, keep, grow 21.Sobre la brevedad de la vida Hope 2025 i will make it to 25, but the most important is that i pick good ones, learn and enjoy myself in the journey. https://www.goodreads.com/user/year_in_books/2024/71159677

- Pedro

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How Math Connects Fireflies, Clocks, and Computing

A fascinating video featuring Steve Strogatz explores the power of mathematics and how it reveals hidden patterns in the world that would otherwise remain undiscovered. In one example, Strogatz discusses a study where he and his colleagues explained why fireflies begin flashing in unison. This phenomenon, initially thought to be purely biological, was redefined as a mathematical problem. Building on these findings, engineers developed a method to synchronize small electronic clocks, demonstrating how the mathematical principles from the study extend to fields like distributed computing and sensor networks. Mathematical abstraction—a cornerstone of mathematical reasoning—strips away irrelevant details, allowing us to focus on the fundamental elements of a problem. This approach uncovers connections and commonalities across diverse phenomena and scientific disciplines. I hope you enjoy the video as much as I did! (text revised by a LLM) https://youtu.be/kV-pnbtfraE

- Pedro

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El Gran Otro: Cómo el Capitalismo de Vigilancia Moldea Nuestros Comportamientos

He terminado La era del capitalismo de la vigilancia: La lucha por un futuro humano frente a las nuevas fronteras del poder por by Shoshana Zuboff, Albino Santos (Translator) Mi valoracion - 3/5 (Qualitativa - “Me ha gustado”) Un extenso libro sobre lo que la autora define como el capitalismo de vigilancia, que representa un nuevo paradigma para la sociedad, en el cual nosotros (los humanos) y nuestros comportamientos somos la fuente principal de materia prima para este proceso. Shoshana nos guía de manera exhaustiva a través de sus orígenes, cómo funciona y la importancia del behavioral surplus (excedente conductual) como base de todo. También aborda quiénes son los ganadores de esta nueva forma de organización social y económica (las "Magnificent 7") y quiénes son los grandes perdedores (nosotros). Se nos presenta todo lo que estamos perdiendo, en la mayoría de los casos sin ser conscientes de ello. Asimismo, se explican los riesgos a los que nos enfrentamos como sociedad: el fin de la privacidad, el libre albedrío individual y la creación de un "Gran Otro" que intenta influir en todos nuestros comportamientos. Es un libro cuya lectura recomiendo encarecidamente. Sin embargo, no es para todos, ya que resulta demasiado extenso. Estoy convencido de que podría reducirse fácilmente en un tercio de sus 861 páginas actuales sin perder su valor. De hecho, creo que esa reducción aportaría mayor claridad y eficacia al mensaje. Como diría Saint-Exupéry: "La perfección no se alcanza cuando no hay nada más que añadir, sino cuando no hay nada más que quitar". (texto revisado por LLM)

- Pedro

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How Games Shaped Probability, Strategy, and Economics

An excellent Economist’s Podcast that features Kelly Clancy—a neuroscientist, physicist, and author of Playing With Reality—discussing the profound impact of games on our lives and societal dynamics. Clancy emphasizes that games are a powerful form of learning, shaping how we think and interact with the world. Games like Chess, Go, Dice, and Cards introduced humanity to the concept of uncertainty, paving the way for probability theory (via Pascal and Fermat’s correspondence) and, subsequently, modern statistics. The episode also highlights the critical role of war games, such as Chess and Go, which evolved into more complex systems like Kriegsspiel. The latter was instrumental in training military officers and predicting battlefield outcomes, particularly during World War II. Clancy then connects this history to Game Theory, one of the most significant developments in economics, pioneered by John von Neumann. Game Theory has informed concepts like nuclear deterrence and continues to influence modern strategic thinking. However, it’s essential to complement it with insights from behavioral economics to understand human decision-making fully. The takeaway? Games are not just entertainment; they’re essential tools for education and skill-building. They can influence our behavior, shape our knowledge, and enhance problem-solving abilities. For instance, Miegakure (https://miegakure.com/) challenges players to solve problems in four dimensions—a fascinating way to expand your cognitive boundaries. All of this in just 38 minutes (at normal speed)—a fantastic return on your time! (revised by a LLM) The surprising ways in which games have changed the world—an interview with Kelly Clancy https://www.economist.com/podcasts/2024/11/27/the-surprising-ways-in-which-games-have-changed-the-world-an-interview-with-kelly-clancy

- Pedro

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How Machine Learning Is Revolutionizing Economic Thinking

A Sendhil Mullainathan delivered a fantastic keynote on Economics in the Age of Algorithms, a talk lasting approximately one hour (at normal speed). In it, he compellingly argues that algorithms (machine learning, AI, etc.) are, at their core, economics. Among the many fascinating topics he covered, I particularly enjoyed how he framed the difference between Estimation and Prediction. Estimation represents the traditional approach to tackling problems, while Prediction is the newer approach enabled by supervised learning (ML). In essence, estimation focuses on optimizing the estimated Beta, while prediction aims to optimize the estimated Y. Sophisticated algorithms that optimize Y (the prediction) are remarkably valuable for uncovering new and strikingly original hypotheses. However, economists (humans) play a crucial role in designing recommendations for payoffs and loss functions, ensuring that ML outputs are meaningful and actionable. Did this triggered your interest? Sit back, relax, and enjoy an hour of insights from one of the great economic minds! (text revised by a LLM) https://videosolutions.mediasite.com/Mediasite/Play/cb9d64c0274d4aae98b61dd6779791b31d?playfrom=970000

- Pedro

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An Hour with Mozart: Pure Musical Bliss

I highly recommend this masterful podcast about Mozart. The hour flies by in what feels like seconds, immersing you in a "flow" state that makes time vanish. When it ends, you’re left wishing it lasted three times longer. A significant part of the magic comes from the live performances by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields Orchestra, which elevate the experience to another level. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! (text revised by a LLM) In 1756 a musical prodigy was born in Salzburg, Austria: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Thanks to the efforts of his exacting father, Mozart's genius was exhibited and celebrated in some of the greatest courts of Europe from a young age. At four years old he wrote his first keyboard concerto, at six he was performing for the empress Maria Theresa. Soon he and his father were touring Europe, and the young Mozart's exploits proved increasingly lucrative for his overbearing parent. But, like all young men, Mozart was growing up and becoming increasingly uncontrollable. Feeling stifled and professionally frustrated, he began to disobey his wealthy patrons and went freelance, risking financial security and the favour of his family. Yet, it would also see him falling in love, and writing some of his most glorious works. Nevertheless, time and life was running out for the young composer, as he began to write the powerful Requiem, which may prove to be for his own death... Join Tom and Dominic at the Royal Albert Hall, featuring the Academy of St Martin in the Fields and the Philharmonia Chorus, conducted by Oliver Zeffman, they explore one of the most famous musical figures of all time: Mozart. What was the origin of his genius? What are the stories behind some of his most famous works, such as The Magic Flute and Don Giovanni? And, what is the truth behind his tragic and much mythologised death, young and penniless? https://podcasts.apple.com/es/podcast/the-rest-is-history/id1537788786?i=1000682044598

- Pedro

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10 Trends to Watch in 2025: Insights from Tom Standage

10 Trends to Watch in 2025, Inspired by Tom Standage’s Insights 1-America First Redux Geopolitical shifts will unfold as the U.S. doubles down on its "America First" policy. 2-A Call for Change Macro-political transformations are imminent, driven by demands for reform in nearly every major election of 2024. 3-Heightened Instability in Europe and the Middle East A transactional approach from the new U.S. administration could exacerbate tensions in these regions. 4-The Tariff Tsunami Expect more tariffs, with ripple effects on global trade and economic growth. 5-The Clean-Tech Boom China's advancements in clean technology could revolutionize the energy sector worldwide. 6-Inflation and Fiscal Tightening Most economies are gearing up for stricter fiscal policies, raising questions about growth and voter approval. 7-The Politics of Aging Could age limits for political leaders become a global trend? 8-AI Revolution Agentic AI systems are poised to become the most transformative innovation since the internet. 9-Tourism Backlash The pushback against overtourism will reshape the travel industry. 10-Expect the Unexpected From global pandemics to solar storms, the world must brace for unpredictable disruptions. Stay tuned for a deeper dive into each of these trends in the near future. (text revised by a LLM) Tom Standage’s ten trends to watch in 2025 https://www.economist.com/the-world-ahead/2024/11/18/tom-standages-ten-trends-to-watch-in-2025 From The Economist

- Pedro

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