Welcome. 👋

Every two weeks, I share thoughts and curated links on investing, career transitions, meaningful work, parenting, living intentionally, and other topics that interest me.

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Here in Maine in February, the sun is out, yet the temp "feels like" -5.

Sorry doggos. No walk today.

Without oversharing (this is a public newsletter after all), it's been a difficult yet illuminating few weeks.

Rather than dwell on the sadness (all is ok - no need to worry), let's focus on the positives.

Here are a few sparks that brightened my recent days. I hope they do the same for you, or maybe inspire you to do something similar for someone in your life.

• I'm grateful for the surprising number of comments and replies to my "One Call" essay about Rick's retirement party. Thanks for reading!
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• In a catch-up call, J shared a story about his father's 75th birthday. His family assembled on an island in his honor. They wore silly t-shirts. They ordered his favorite food and drinks. They played his favorite music. Such a great example of memory dividends, Bill Perkins's concept described in his book Die With Zero.
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• First, it's the great conversation with a friend who grants their full attention. And then it's the unexpected follow-up text several days later, checking in to see how things are going.
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• A neighbor discovered a bat hanging in her daughter's room and texts the 'hood asking for help dealing with the visitor. By asking for help, she gave me a way to contribute in a small way (and conquer a fear!). We used a metal colander and a flexible cutting board to capture the creature and escort it out of her home.
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• I worked with John from 1993 to 1996 and lost touch soon after. It'd been more than 20 years since we last spoke. Randomly, he texted, unsure he had my number right, and asked to find a time to catch up. No agenda. Inspired, I texted another old friend I hadn't spoken to in years. We scheduled a time to speak next week. Is there someone in your life you could text right now? They'd love to hear from you.

Stuff To Share

• AI in Investment Management: According to the Brunswick Group's 2026 survey of 100 institutional investors, more than half embed AI in their research process. Top use cases include summarizing financial news and SEC filings. You'll find several other interesting tidbits in this 34-slide collection focused on investor relations and communication. LINK​

• Eye-Popping AI Capex Stat Numbers with proper context tell a story. Here's an example. When I told my wife I couldn't believe Amazon was planning to spend $200 billion in capex this year, she stared back with a look that said, 1) this means nothing to me, and then, after a few seconds, 2) why are you telling me this? Fair enough. Later, I came across this essay on Market Sentiment and realized there was a better way to make the point. See below.

• Parenting and Leading at Work This Lenny's Podcast interview with Dr. Becky nails the overlap between parenting and managing in a way that is both practical and kind. There’s a line I keep thinking about: “I believe you and I believe in you.” It’s such a helpful way to respond to your kids (or colleagues) when they're overwhelmed. You take their feelings seriously, and you instill in them the confidence to handle what comes next. Also, helpful for all relationships is emphasizing the importance of repair. LINK​

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• Beginning to Thaw Feeling stuck lately? I've been feeling it, and I know I'm not alone. This short Lead with Gina post from my friend Gina des Cognet delivers several actionable steps to getting back on track. In her own words, her post is "a simple list of a few things that are warming me from within. And a reminder that while February often begins buried in snow and frigid temps, she ends with sunnier mornings and longer days, and the promise of spring on the horizon." It's hopeful and tactical. Good stuff. LINK​

And a Farewell Photo...