Hi Playmakers,
I recently shared how every teacher growing up told me I talked too much.
At the time, it felt like a flaw. Year after year, we’d sit down and read the report card aloud and, like clockwork, read complaints about my talking in class.
But here’s the twist: that thing I was told to shrink? It became the thing that built my career.
Since then, I’ve spoken on global stages. I’ve written a bestselling book. I’ve raised a $23 million venture fund, in large part thanks to using my big voice.
Turns out, my biggest “curse” was actually my biggest gift.
This has got me thinking a lot lately.
Today is a lot different than when I was a kid. As we plan for a world where AI is rapidly replacing knowledge worker roles, I can’t help but wonder what my future child will need to learn. For most of us in public school, education revolved around memorizing textbooks.
But now? The co-founder of Anthropic recently shared that he believes the cost of knowledge will go to zero with the advent of AI (thereby making college largely useless) and how his toddler daughter is enrolled in Montessori schooling, where the focus is on skill-building and problem-solving.
For me, my “weaknesses” in school actually turned out to be valuable life skills that propelled my career. Sitting still and memorizing facts never was a fit for me, and now, it seems the forcing of children into these singular forms of learning might not be a fit for the future world altogether.
This week’s theme is a reminder that the world doesn’t always know how to value your strengths. That doesn’t mean you should bury them. It means you may have to teach others how to see them.
So here’s my question for you:
What’s the part of yourself you once saw as a flaw… but now recognize as power?
P.S. Hit reply and tell me your “curse” that turned out to be a gift. I’d love to hear it.
The Play of the Week: Lisa Su, CEO of AMD
She went from a public school kid in the Bronx to becoming the highest-paid CEO in the world and one of the greatest turnarounds in the tech industry.
Before becoming one of the most respected CEOs in technology, Lisa Su attended the Bronx High School of Science, where she was one of the few girls in advanced math and science classes. She spent afternoons soldering circuits and taking apart electronics, a curiosity that led her to earn three degrees in electrical engineering from MIT.
After roles at IBM and Freescale, she joined AMD in 2012. Two years later, she became CEO and launched one of the biggest comebacks in tech history.
The Execution Plan: Your Play for the Week
Work in progress…
Insights are only valuable if they’re acted on. Let’s turn this knowledge into impact with small but powerful action steps.
I have to be vulnerable for a second. I’ve been feeling insecure recently during a period of many changes in my life. I’m on the cusp of becoming a mother. I’ve also spent months taking my businesses in new directions (more to come very soon).
Put simply, I’m at a crossroads. One of the ways I find strength during a period of immense change is by reminding myself that I have many strengths that will help me navigate each challenge as it comes my way. It’s easier to focus on your perceived weaknesses, rather than celebrate your strengths. I’m choosing to intentionally remind myself I’ve got this.
This week’s challenge: identify an area of your life you told yourself was a weakness. Reflect on if it may actually be one of your strengths.
Call to Action:
1️⃣ Reflect on one area in your life where a weakness may actually be a strength.
2️⃣ Report back and let me know how it went! Drop a comment or share your post below.
Playmaker’s Spotlight: Real People, Real Wins
This week’s play comes from the “longevity ladies”, a group of female scientists gaining recognition for unlocking breakthroughs in female longevity science.
Given that the majority of pharmaceutical testing revolves around results from male patient studies, which leads to higher dosing recommendations than medically necessary for female patients, I’d say “it’s about damn time”.
Want to be featured next?
Make sure to tag @Jenny Stojkovic on your post for a chance to be featured.
The Extra Edge: Industry & Success Trends
🦠 This student invented a self-disinfecting door handle. It’s perfect for hospitals.
🩺 Gene editing is on a roll. This diabetic man is now producing his own insulin again.
📈 The biggest trial of a four-day workweek is underway. Check out how it’s going.
Today honors which rare trait found in people?
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