Look
We're currently seeing unsettling market movements with shifts we haven’t experienced in many years, triggered by Donald Trump's reintroduction of tariffs. The only times markets experienced a more significant fall over two days were during the Global Financial Crisis and COVID-19.
It’s natural to feel uneasy in times like these. But that’s also precisely why we build well-diversified portfolios. Different assets respond differently to shocks, and that blend helps cushion the impact.
Downturns are not unusual, and history has shown that staying invested rather than reacting emotionally to short-term noise gives investors the best chance of long-term success.
Listen
Whoever thought vacuum cleaners and hairdryers would become beautiful? Their products are eye-wateringly expensive, but most people who can afford a Dyson seem to believe it’s worth every cent.
James Dyson is interesting because he turned an everyday frustration, like a vacuum losing suction, into groundbreaking inventions (bagless vacuums). He’s known for his persistence (5,000+ prototypes!) and boldness in challenging big industries.
Podcaster Shane Perrish from The Knowledge Project dedicated this episode to summarising James Dyson’s autobiography and story. He shares a few lessons we can learn from Dyson.
- Persistence is key.
- Master your circumstances.
- The Standard was excellence.
- Don’t dilute the message.
- Action leads to progress.
- Founders should run companies, or at least people that deeply care.
- There are billion-dollar ideas in common frustrations.
- Play the long game.
This story taught me that innovation, grit, and thinking differently can lead to tremendous success, even when the odds are against you. Don’t be afraid to be different and do what you believe is right.
Learn
A graduate who was recently shadowing me asked how we’re using AI in our business and whether I feel concerned about my future as an advisor. I have to admit, I felt a little awkward responding because, so far, our use of AI has been relatively limited, and we pride ourselves on being a tech-savvy business.
But it’s a fair question.
There’s a lot of noise in the industry with workshops, webinars, and endless recommendations on integrating AI into our work. At Foundation, we always think about how AI might help us work smarter. It’s an exciting space, and we see potential to improve parts of the business that can be time-consuming or inefficient.
That said, we’re still in the early stages of learning what tools are out there and how to use them securely and responsibly.
As for job security? I believe the heart of what I do is deeply personal. Relationships, trust, and empathy are hard to automate. AI might be a tool that supports my work, but I don’t believe it will replace the human side of what I do.
With all this in mind, I came across an interesting report from the World Economic Forum about the future of jobs. The report shows how AI is expected to shift the job landscape, showing where growth is likely and which sectors face the most automation risk. It’s a valuable lens to understand how the workforce is changing and why it’s essential to keep evolving alongside it.
Interesting research and expert opinions suggest AI will lead to job losses and creation. Contrary to many beliefs, technological innovation historically creates more jobs than it destroys, albeit different types of jobs.
- Jobs lost: Usually repetitive, routine jobs susceptible to automation (e.g., administrative tasks, specific factory roles).
- Jobs created: Typically, new roles focused on technology management, data analysis, AI ethics, training AI systems, cybersecurity, and human-centric jobs requiring creativity, empathy, and personal interaction.
Have you considered your current role and how AI may change the landscape? If you’re older than 25, would you follow the same career path or studies? What would you do differently?
Ponder
In this section, I invite you to think about a question I may pose or a thought I may share.
“The illiterate of the 21st Century are not those who cannot read and write but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.” Alvin Toffler
Oenophilia
“Oenophilia simply refers to enjoying wine, often by laymen.”
As the leaves turn brown and we ease into the turn of the season, there's something comforting about a bold, character-filled red, and the Luddite Shiraz delivers just that. Known for its depth, richness, and the passion behind its creation, this wine reflects the winemakers’ love for crafting wines with soul and individuality. It’s the perfect companion for slower evenings and meaningful conversations.
Luddite is a family winery that produces wines of character. If the Shiraz is a little hard on the wallet, you can try the Saboteur.
Abraham Lincoln once said, “Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.”
Stay curious,
Elke Zeki