At McKinsey, we charged $400k+ per presentation.

Here’s the simple 7-step framework we used (steal it for free)🧵:

“There is one thing stronger than all the armies of the world, and that is an idea whose time has come.”

🧵 Framework for generating high-impact ideas:

Cultivating ideas is a process.

You have to build a system to cultivate impactful ideas consistently.

I will share a 4-part framework that you can use to cultivate ideas.

1. Idea generation
2. Idea selection
3. Idea validation
4. Idea implementation

In this thread, I'll dive into "Idea Generation" & describe a simple framework that you can implement right away!

The following threads will cover the remaining 3 parts to cultivate ideas.

Lateral thinking is key - first, diverge & then converge.

Overview:

1/ PROBLEM - a question proposed for a solution, a matter stated for examination or proof.

Reframe problems into well-defined & clear "How might we.." statements.
This prioritises intention over tech/process.

But 1st, it is very important to be at the right problem level.

Example problem:
Our customers don't order pizza.

GO NARROW:
Ask "what's stopping you?" to get to the real problem.

What's stopping customers from ordering pizza?
- stale toppings?
- bad sauce?

Problem statement:
How might we ensure that the pizza toppings are fresh?

If you want to give yourself a personal MBA, read these 10 books:

Zero to One
by Peter Thiel

Subject: Strategy and Positioning

Lessons:

• Last can be first
• Rivalry causes us to copy the past
• Progress comes from monopoly, not competition

Expert Secrets
by Russel Brunson

Subject: Marketing

Lessons:

• Maintain absolute certainty
• The riches are in the niches
• Convince with emotion first, then logic

$100M Offers
by Alex Hormozi

Subject: Sales

Lessons:

• Create grand slam offers
• Find the starving crowd
• The fundamental equation of value

Deep Work
by Cal Newport

Subject: Productivity

Lessons:

• Embrace boredom
• Create daily rituals
• Find your work-style
• Treat work like a craft

Invest in the future:

• Robotics
• Blockchain
• Clean Energy
• Electric Vehicle
• Meat Alternative
• Cancer Research
• Machine Learning
• Space Exploration
• Artificial Intelligence
• Internet of Things (IoT)

What else would you add?

21 lessons learned in 2021:

Engineered Serendipity

I believe that some of what we call "luck" is actually the macro result of 1,000s of micro actions.

Your daily habits can put you in a position where "luck" is more likely to strike.

Increase your serendipity surface area.

Engineer your own serendipity.

Pessimists Sound Smart, Optimists Get Rich

Pessimists look at the future and see the doors that are closed.

Optimists look at the future and see the doors that are open—and probably kick down the closed doors, too.

Surround yourself with optimists. The future is bright.

The Exponential Growth Challenge

Human brains cannot fathom the insane power of exponential growth. We consistently underestimate its impact.

When you're on an exponential growth curve—stop trying to set specific goals.

Strap in, keep your head back, and enjoy the ride.

Work Like a Lion

Most people are not wired to work 9-5.

Modern work culture is a remnant of the Industrial Age—long periods of steady, monotonous work.

If your goal is to do inspired, creative work, you have to work like a lion.

Sprint when inspired. Rest. Repeat.

Charlie Munger said that reading was the main reason for his success in life.

As a generalist, he reads about all kinds of topics.

I’m sure a List of Charlie Munger’s Book Recommendations is among the top 1% of lists you can get.

So here it is👇🏼

Influence - The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini

Charlie Munger probably read enough on human psychology to become a professor himself.

His legendary talk at Harvard showcased this.

Robert Cialdini’s “Influence” was one of the books he learned from.

The Outsiders by William N. Thorndike Jr.

The Outsiders is about extraordinary CEOs who outperformed their peers by being radically different.

It’s an industry classic and recommended by Munger and many greats of the industry.

Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl

Viktor Frankl was an Austrian psychologist and Auschwitz (concentration camp) survivor.

Man’s Search for Meaning is Frankl’s autobiography and deals with his theory of “Logotherapy.”

A theory about finding meaning and purpose.

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin was an inventor, scientist, writer and political philosopher.

Oh, he’s also kind of known for being one of the United States' founding fathers.

Franklin is one of the eminent dead teachers of Charlie Munger.