Making deep connections is better than making money.
And, a list of things I feel are worth sharing.
Whenever Frank the joiner comes round to do a simple job, he stays for an hour or so afterwards to chat.
I know all about Frank’s family, how he spends his spare time, and the things that make him tick and make him happy. And he knows all about my family and where we are all up to.
And the next time I see him, he always remembers exactly what we talked about last time and he always asks where we’re all up to now.
Frank works for himself but he does work for a lot of people in the hospitality industry - designing and building cool bars and restaurants.
Every time he's round he tells me that he hates doing that kind of work, and he's going to stop doing it. Soon.
He never stops doing it though, because the people he does work for always dangle a big, fat, juicy carrot of future work at better rates in bigger venues.
It always ends up the same, Frank says. Being the perfectionist he is, Frank ends up taking on the entire project management, and people take advantage of his kind nature.
He says the people are rude and disrespectful. They don't listen to his ideas, and then always regret it further down the line. And the end product isn't something Frank is happy to be associated with.
He says he loves doing the domestic work. Working with nice people on projects he loves building, and that he's super proud of when they're finished.
Frank loves people as much as he loves joinery.
He stays for an extra hour each time because the cup of tea and the chat is just as important to Frank as the perfect sheen on the beautiful oak shelving units he's just fitted.
Frank isn't interested in just the money he makes on a job, he's interested in the connections and friendships he makes along the way.
I recommend him to everyone, and I'm constantly looking for wooden things for Frank to build for me; not only because he makes beautiful things, but because I want to fill his time with the kind of work he loves.
And I love talking to Frank, he’s so passionate and inspiring.
I hope one day that he has the strength to put the boundaries in place for himself, and walk away from the work he doesn't enjoy and focus more on the work that makes him happy.
Frank is one of a kind.
He deserves the best.
Here are a few things I felt were worth sharing this week:
This podcast episode of HUNGRY by Dan Pope features a fascinating interview with David Hieatt. David is just about one of the most interesting people I know. His story of how he created Hiut Denim in the far reaches of West Wales in order to get 400 people their jobs back after the town’s historic factory closed down is truly inspirational.
Steve Edge is another incredibly inspiring person. He’s a true eccentric and maverick. Besides running one of London’s most sought-after design and branding agencies, he is a master storyteller and advocate of being your unique true self. His Do Lecture talk about Why You Should Have A Party Everyday is one I have watched over and over again.
As I’ve mentioned before, I do feel AI is not a path the human race wants to ultimately go down, but there are some innovations it is being used for that, for now, are interesting. An AI version of John Lennon’s song ‘Grow Old With Me’ has emerged - poignantly one of the very last songs he wrote before he died - has been reimagined as a Beatles duet with AI harmonies and vocals by Paul McCartney. I have to say, it brought a tear to my eyes.
This video by Lucy Davis with Peter Salusa is a fascinating conversation, covering a number of subjects related to the spiritual path but predominantly touching on the collective amnesia spell that the human race seems to be finally waking up from.
A brilliant article by John Michael Greer about the tipping point humanity is at regarding the rise and fall of civilisations. His blog is a brilliant read, centred around the premise of ‘the quest for ways to lead a meaningful human life in harmony with nature during the decline and fall of a vast and profoundly unnatural civilisation’. I’m down with that.
The drawing advice that changed my life. A great watch.
Classic but often forgotten tracks from 1981 that I revisited this week.
Thanks for reading!
My new book, B7965 - A boy called Szmulek: A man named Sam, is out NOW!. It’s a powerful memoir of my unexpected year-long journey with a Holocaust survivor. I’m super proud of it and very passionate about sharing Sam’s incredible story and getting it out into the world. I truly believe this is a very important story and one that the world needs to hear more than ever right now.
Also, if you like great music, please check out my radio station, The Buzz Mcr. We don’t do ad-breaks, news, weather, and travel. The music never stops. We have a thing called our Three Song Trust Policy, it’s like the old Pepsi challenge only with music. Try us, I think you’ll like us.
With love
Rik
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