“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” ― Socrates

And the kind of education that kindles the flame the brightest is self-education. One of the ways to do that is to be a fly on the wall listening to smart people interact and share their perspectives on matters. It's highly improbable that you will remain the same after listening to 100s of such conversations.

I intend to do that by listening to podcasts while driving, during walks, or at the gym.

Nicolai Tangen is the CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management, the world's biggest Sovereign Wealth Fund and when he interviews the movers and shakers, it makes for a Must-Consume content.

Herein are a few takeaways from this short interview that are available on any podcast player of your choice or YouTube -

Permanent Platform Success is an Illusion

Nothing is permanent and hence you should embrace change and constantly innovate. What got you success earlier may not work in the times ahead. You ought to be on your toes at all times, paranoid about the technological progress of society, and constantly seeking opportunities to ride the wave of the future.

For individuals, it could be about upgrading their communication or leadership skills, and for organizations, it could be adopting AI across their business model to enhance staff productivity and process efficiency.

Confidence + Hubris = Failure + Embarrassment

Confidence + Humility = Success & Longevity

Enough confident people have short-circuited their careers because of arrogance that comes from past success and delusion in their abilities to cut corners and not pay the price. This point reminds me of fallen business tycoons like Vijay Mallya (Kingfisher Airlines), disgraced investment professionals like John Meriwether (LTCM), and legendary athletes like Lance Armstrong (Cycling).

Confidence is an essential trait for building business and leading companies, but humility is even more important because it keeps you grounded, and focused on the most fundamental things at all times i.e. lifelong learning, business/career longevity, durable relationships, and good health. Everything else becomes secondary and hence envy or ego doesn't play a role in lives centered around humility.

Empathy is a Superpower

Your success largely depends on leading or communicating with empathy i.e. appealing to people's senses as human beings. It needs you to be able to step into others' shoes, understand others well, and become one with them. It's only possible to influence outcomes when you are effective in creating the space for people to express themselves, execute their roles with high integrity, and enjoy their work to the fullest.

Without empathy, this is a pipedream.