Great to dive into this with you Alex. It's been a pleasure coaching you this year and seeing how far you've come. You're one of the most undefinable people I know. So, to help you find the Golden Thread you can see yourself doing for the next 10 years has been a pleasure. Keep up the great writing and I look forward to you bringing TrueNorth to life 🚀
I really like that part about deciding who you want to help.
I’ve always wanted to help RPG nerds level up their finances but it’s been a struggle. Most weren’t actively seeking the solution I was offering.
So I had to narrow that down even further: Age, education, career interests, and really dig deep. I think I found the sauce but wouldn’t mind working with your friend. Sounds like he had a wealth of wisdom!
Highly recommend, I totally agree, it can be a daunting task for sure. That's why somethings having somebody as a sounding board to make sense of the mess is invaluable.
Hey guys, while these are useful coping mechanisms for individuals, I can't help but think we're treating the symptoms and not the disease. The core issue is the fundamental structure of the traditional corporation itself. So why spend energy trying to reframe our relationship with a broken system when we could be building a better one? Worker co-ops prove that a model where employees are the owners is a viable alternative. What do you think about that?
Frederic Laloux's Reinventing Organisations philosophy deeply resonates with me. I definitely agree with you and for me redesigning organisations is in my plans for the future. Dancing the fine line between entrepreneurial motive and collective benefit will be core to the approach. Personally, I've built the undefinable community as a non-profit largely for that reason - it indirectly helps build advocates, but doesn't directly pay me.
You've nailed a key concern, though I think a lot of the misconceptions about this model come from the fact that so few people have tried to actually build and adapt one. A coops doesn't have to mean drowning in consensus for every minor decision or has "flat" structure
Like for day-to-day operations, it can operate with a traditional hierarchy: a CEO, managers, and a BoD making swift calls, so it can be as competitive and agile as any other company. Employees can engage solely with the most important strategic decisions, often on an annual basis, like electing the board, approving major financial moves, or changing the company's charter. So if they're unhappy with the BoD decisions, they can replace the board after 1 year
Actually, I'm setting one up now, and I believe this model is the most viable solution to the widespread problem of employee disengagement at work right now
Redesigning organisations is easier said than done because in the end it depends on the person in-charged, especially how they behave when challenged. In the absence of strong hierarchy cultures, what's required is people have developed a lot of self-awareness or are willing to do that inner work (therapy if needed) and incentive schemes have to be appropriately designed to support and sustain that "better" way of working.
What a timely piece. I’m in a frustrating place right now—I’ve climbed the corporate ladder, fallen all the way back down, and at this point I’m mostly just working to pay the bills while trying (and struggling) to build something more sustainable on the side. Your words gave me a much-needed reminder that there’s still hope, even in this messy in-between.
Thank you for sharing. Yes surface level for sure...this is the start of alignment. Listening to your own decisions. Becoming a leader of your own life in a world where we're told to look outside. At the job title. The accolades. Following our true direction.
Thank you Alex, for your inspiring curiosity. Renaissance Man for our rEvolution. As we each tap into that North Star, I feel we step into "being" human, the human that knows how to live harmoniously in community, with planet and beyond.
Interestingly, I just had a "Golden Portal" experience an hour ago, and upon reflecting on the Golden Thread, I was reminded of our masculine and feminine energies. For me, the Golden Portal is being with that Golden Thread, with the remembrance of the wisdom we carry from our interrelatedness with Mother Earth, and the cosmos.
And I feel this is foundational to regeneration… Remembering our relations as we radiate from our North Star. 🌟
I invite you and any of your readers to my "7-Day Remembrance with Pachamama" (Mother Earth in Quechua), a Circle of 7.
Because I’m convinced: The rEvolution is ours to create, as a collective. 😊🙌🏽
It's a refreshing way to think about things. The Golden Thread looks into the deeper questions that a person has to answer truthfully. A lot of times, when thinking about "what do I want to do?", people gravitate towards existing things in the world, and try to tweak it to make it their own. The Golden Thread model forces you to think internally and battle out the ambiguity before looking outside.
Isn’t life about living your golden thread? Isn’t each day you work on yourself and your goals the door to a better life?
I have also way too many and broad interests, similar to what you mention, Alex. And I have misstepped more times than I can remember. But that’s the path, isn’t it?
Thought about my thread and the 3 parts of it. I think my problem is that I am too fickle—ask me the same questions in 6 months and I may have very different answers because my life would have given me different experiences too. Signed up for TrueNorth!
This piece gave me the feeling of a conversation with a friend. I loved reading it :) And, yeah, I relate to this so much. For a long time, having multiple passions felt like a curse because nothing seemed to connect. But eventually you realize the thread is you, and the more you follow your curiosities, the more your work reflects your you-ness.
I totally hear you on this Violeta. Being undefinable can be so confusing. Especially when you know you can be great at anything, choosing your thing becomes much harder. I'm glad they're starting to connect! Would you say you have a Golden Thread now? 😊
Ahaha, straight to the heart of it with that question! I'd say the Golden Thread is starting to have a shape, though it still feels like it's evolving...:)
This truly resonates with how I’ve been feeling for the past couple of years. I just couldn’t put my feelings and “soul-searching” into words. You’ve articulated it well, bravo 👏 Some practical guidance on how to find your True North in this noisy world would be helpful.
Great to dive into this with you Alex. It's been a pleasure coaching you this year and seeing how far you've come. You're one of the most undefinable people I know. So, to help you find the Golden Thread you can see yourself doing for the next 10 years has been a pleasure. Keep up the great writing and I look forward to you bringing TrueNorth to life 🚀
Absolute pleasure mate!
Looking forward to having you along for the journey 😅
I really like that part about deciding who you want to help.
I’ve always wanted to help RPG nerds level up their finances but it’s been a struggle. Most weren’t actively seeking the solution I was offering.
So I had to narrow that down even further: Age, education, career interests, and really dig deep. I think I found the sauce but wouldn’t mind working with your friend. Sounds like he had a wealth of wisdom!
Highly recommend, I totally agree, it can be a daunting task for sure. That's why somethings having somebody as a sounding board to make sense of the mess is invaluable.
Hey guys, while these are useful coping mechanisms for individuals, I can't help but think we're treating the symptoms and not the disease. The core issue is the fundamental structure of the traditional corporation itself. So why spend energy trying to reframe our relationship with a broken system when we could be building a better one? Worker co-ops prove that a model where employees are the owners is a viable alternative. What do you think about that?
Frederic Laloux's Reinventing Organisations philosophy deeply resonates with me. I definitely agree with you and for me redesigning organisations is in my plans for the future. Dancing the fine line between entrepreneurial motive and collective benefit will be core to the approach. Personally, I've built the undefinable community as a non-profit largely for that reason - it indirectly helps build advocates, but doesn't directly pay me.
You've nailed a key concern, though I think a lot of the misconceptions about this model come from the fact that so few people have tried to actually build and adapt one. A coops doesn't have to mean drowning in consensus for every minor decision or has "flat" structure
Like for day-to-day operations, it can operate with a traditional hierarchy: a CEO, managers, and a BoD making swift calls, so it can be as competitive and agile as any other company. Employees can engage solely with the most important strategic decisions, often on an annual basis, like electing the board, approving major financial moves, or changing the company's charter. So if they're unhappy with the BoD decisions, they can replace the board after 1 year
Actually, I'm setting one up now, and I believe this model is the most viable solution to the widespread problem of employee disengagement at work right now
Redesigning organisations is easier said than done because in the end it depends on the person in-charged, especially how they behave when challenged. In the absence of strong hierarchy cultures, what's required is people have developed a lot of self-awareness or are willing to do that inner work (therapy if needed) and incentive schemes have to be appropriately designed to support and sustain that "better" way of working.
What a timely piece. I’m in a frustrating place right now—I’ve climbed the corporate ladder, fallen all the way back down, and at this point I’m mostly just working to pay the bills while trying (and struggling) to build something more sustainable on the side. Your words gave me a much-needed reminder that there’s still hope, even in this messy in-between.
Sorry to hear that you've found yourself in a tricky situation.
I'm glad that you found this piece at the right time!
Thank you for sharing. Yes surface level for sure...this is the start of alignment. Listening to your own decisions. Becoming a leader of your own life in a world where we're told to look outside. At the job title. The accolades. Following our true direction.
Thank you Alex, for your inspiring curiosity. Renaissance Man for our rEvolution. As we each tap into that North Star, I feel we step into "being" human, the human that knows how to live harmoniously in community, with planet and beyond.
Interestingly, I just had a "Golden Portal" experience an hour ago, and upon reflecting on the Golden Thread, I was reminded of our masculine and feminine energies. For me, the Golden Portal is being with that Golden Thread, with the remembrance of the wisdom we carry from our interrelatedness with Mother Earth, and the cosmos.
And I feel this is foundational to regeneration… Remembering our relations as we radiate from our North Star. 🌟
I invite you and any of your readers to my "7-Day Remembrance with Pachamama" (Mother Earth in Quechua), a Circle of 7.
Because I’m convinced: The rEvolution is ours to create, as a collective. 😊🙌🏽
https://areyouhome.substack.com/p/rise-in-remembrance-to-sacred-self
Wow what a great dive into exploring and finding ones self and purpose.
My golden thread…
Teacher → Career Advisor → Personal Development Coach → Mother → Widow → Writer → Content Creator → Entrepreneur → Mentor
It's a refreshing way to think about things. The Golden Thread looks into the deeper questions that a person has to answer truthfully. A lot of times, when thinking about "what do I want to do?", people gravitate towards existing things in the world, and try to tweak it to make it their own. The Golden Thread model forces you to think internally and battle out the ambiguity before looking outside.
What a thoughtful and inspiring article. Thank you
Isn’t life about living your golden thread? Isn’t each day you work on yourself and your goals the door to a better life?
I have also way too many and broad interests, similar to what you mention, Alex. And I have misstepped more times than I can remember. But that’s the path, isn’t it?
Thought about my thread and the 3 parts of it. I think my problem is that I am too fickle—ask me the same questions in 6 months and I may have very different answers because my life would have given me different experiences too. Signed up for TrueNorth!
This piece gave me the feeling of a conversation with a friend. I loved reading it :) And, yeah, I relate to this so much. For a long time, having multiple passions felt like a curse because nothing seemed to connect. But eventually you realize the thread is you, and the more you follow your curiosities, the more your work reflects your you-ness.
I totally hear you on this Violeta. Being undefinable can be so confusing. Especially when you know you can be great at anything, choosing your thing becomes much harder. I'm glad they're starting to connect! Would you say you have a Golden Thread now? 😊
Ahaha, straight to the heart of it with that question! I'd say the Golden Thread is starting to have a shape, though it still feels like it's evolving...:)
This truly resonates with how I’ve been feeling for the past couple of years. I just couldn’t put my feelings and “soul-searching” into words. You’ve articulated it well, bravo 👏 Some practical guidance on how to find your True North in this noisy world would be helpful.
Thanks so much, I really appreciate the support 👍🏽
Great stuff Alex. Seems like you're doing an incredible job honing your craft. Awesome work! Loved reading this piece.
Thanks Max! Really appreciate it :))
What a great piece Alex. Quickly becoming one of my favourite reads on this app.
Appreciate it Alex! Great to catch up yesterday :))