$35
That’s how much graphic design student Carolyn Davidson charged Phil Knight to design the Nike "Swoosh" logo in 1971. She spent about 17 hours on it, earning roughly $2 per hour. Today, Nike is worth over $100 billion. (Don't worry, Phil eventually gave her 500 shares of stock as a thank you).
Help Wanted: OpenAI is offering $555k for a "Head of Preparedness" (but it comes with high stress).
Red Cup Season: Starbucks proves that boring consistency actually drives huge sales.
Gyms > Laundry: Renters are now willing to pay extra for fitness amenities over almost anything else.
1. The Job Market: The $555,000 Headache
OpenAI is looking for a new "Head of Preparedness," and they are willing to pay $555,000 a year for it.
The Role: You would be in charge of figuring out how AI could go wrong - from cybersecurity hacks to catastrophic risks - and stopping it before it happens.
CEO Sam Altman was honest: the job is stressful, intense, and requires "jumping in immediately."
The Personal Note: I know the job market feels impossible right now. I’ve been there myself, and I’ve helped a lot of people navigate the chaos of layoffs and job hunting. It’s draining.
But this listing is a reminder of two things about the current market:
Specialization pays: General roles are shrinking, but high-stakes, specialized roles (like AI safety) are exploding.
Risk is the new currency: Companies are terrified of getting things wrong. If you can solve "fear" for a company, you become very expensive.
My Take:
Go out and meet people. Learn. Try different things. Find out what you’re good at. Leverage.
2. Marketing: Why Starbucks Loves Being Boring
In marketing, everyone usually wants the "new, shiny thing." Starbucks did the opposite.
For their 2025 "Red Cup Day," they didn't reinvent the wheel. They just did exactly what they’ve done for years: give away a free reusable red cup with a holiday drink. And guess what? People showed up in record numbers.
Why it worked:
Training the customer: Starbucks has "trained" us to expect this day. It’s a habit now.
Simplicity: They announced the date, showed the cup, and opened the doors. No complicated contest or QR codes.
Participation: The cup is a physical badge of honor you can carry around (and post on Instagram).
The Lesson: Don't be afraid to be predictable. Traditions build trust. If customers know exactly what to expect, they are more likely to show up.
3. Wellness: The $6.8 Trillion Shift
The wellness market is now worth $6.8 trillion. To put that in perspective, that is bigger than the sports and tourism industries.
Real Estate is changing: People aren't just paying for gyms; they are choosing where to live based on them.
Renters: 71% say they check for fitness access before renting, and over half are willing to pay up to $63 extra per month for it.
Travelers: 60% of hotel guests care more about the gym than other perks.
Bottom line: Fitness used to be a "nice-to-have" luxury amenity. Now, it’s a non-negotiable utility, just like WiFi or air conditioning.
“The horse is prepared for battle, but victory comes from the Lord”
Proverbs 21:31
Expect victory. Your path was prepared to you by Him.
If you are experiencing trails and adversities, become prepared. Take action. Have faith.
If you are blossoming, give thanks to the Lord.
“All my losses are mine, all my wins are His.”
💭 Closing Thoughts
Enjoy the passage of time. Take it day-by-day. Cheers.
P.S. New here? Would love to E-meet you - email me.
