Opportunity Overdrive - Issue 11 - January 25, 2024

Because TL;DR is Life

Generative AI will reshape 90% of US jobs. This is kind of sobering. Cognizant, in partnership with Oxford Economics, suggests that generative AI will affect 90% of jobs in the United States, indicating a significant shift in the workforce and economic dynamics. Are you ready?

The future of work has arrived; it’s here now - This is all about 2024 employee benefits & workplace predictions: Reskilling & upskilling.

Your personal brand and how to convey it. You’re selling you. Go ahead and tell them that they should have FOMO. Brag as much as possible about your accomplishments and assets…Don’t downplay anything.

The First Bitcoin ETF Could Revolutionize The Blockchain Space - Expect growth in decentralized finance, GameFi, and real-world asset tokenization, as well as a massive expansion and acceleration of Layer-1/2 network development.

Mood Swings & Unicorn Dreams

Grounds for Optimism in 2024: Five Significant Changes Since the Paris Agreement

1. Electrification of buildings and transport is progressing rapidly

   • Despite challenges like EV charging infrastructure and affordability, advancements in battery storage, especially the 80% drop in the cost of lithium-ion batteries in the last decade, are addressing some barriers.

2. Renewables are now cheaper than fossil fuels

   • In a significant shift, renewables have become more cost-effective than fossil fuels.

   • The transition to flexible, decentralized power systems, including wind and solar, has exceeded expectations.

   • New renewables are now cheaper than new fossil fuels in 90% of the world, and the investment ratio has shifted from 1:1 to $1.70 in clean energy for every $1 invested in fossil fuels.

3. Investors and businesses feel pressure to act on climate

   • Once a niche topic, climate change is now a serious concern for investors and businesses.

   • Many corporations report on and disclose their climate impacts, driven by both public pressure and legal obligations.

   • Sustainable investments are on the rise, with 84% of global asset owners implementing or evaluating such strategies in 2021 compared to 53% three years earlier.

4. Most countries are aiming for net zero - and temperature rise predictions are lower.

   • There's a positive global shift toward net-zero goals among most countries.

   • Temperature rise predictions for 2100 have reduced from 3.6-3.9°C in 2015 to 2.7°C today.

5. Climate change discourse has become mainstream.

   • A decade ago, only parts of society were meaningfully aware and concerned about climate change.

   • The discourse has become mainstream today, indicating a broader understanding and acknowledgment of the climate crisis.

While celebrating these positive developments, it's crucial to recognize the urgent need to increase momentum in addressing the accelerating pace of the climate crisis.

Fresh Out of Silicon Valley (or Someone’s Garage)

Windows 12 (Hudson Valley)? Yes, you heard it right - set to potentially grace our screens by the 3rd quarter of 2024. Based on the $13B that MS has thrown at OpenAI, we would guess that 12 is going to be infused with AI everywhere. Here’s a quick, 3 month read from The New Yorker on the Openai-MS story.

So, what can we expect from Windows 12? Maybe it'll feature an AI assistant so intuitive it finishes your sentences before you even start them. Typing an email? No need; Windows 12's AI has already predicted, drafted, and sent it – along with an apology for the typos it assumed you'd make. If Microsoft's investment in AI is anything to go by, Windows 12 might be the most telepathic, overachieving, and empathetically digital mind-reader we've ever installed – accidentally or otherwise.

Now, let's talk numbers - as of September 2023, the Microsoft operating system is lounging comfortably on 68.41% of all desktop computers. Meanwhile, Apple’s macOS X, with its sleek design and the price tag of a small island, is sitting pretty at 20.15%. It’s like the age-old battle of VHS vs Betamax, but with fewer tapes and more emojis.

Apple's upcoming OS, in a daring attempt to one-up Windows 12, is rumored to include a feature that automatically writes snarky tweets about your PC-using friends, because why just outperform when you can also out-sass?

Ramen to Riches

Rich Paul - Fascinating story.

Rich Paul is a remarkable figure in the sports world, renowned for his ascent to the top echelon of sports agents. His journey began modestly, without the traditional background often seen in his field.

His break into the industry was largely attributed to his relationship with LeBron James, which started in 2002. This bond would prove pivotal, as Paul eventually became James' agent, leveraging this opportunity to build his reputation and expand his clientele. .

In 2012, Paul founded Klutch Sports Group, which quickly became a powerhouse in sports representation, managing a roster of high-profile NBA players. His success is not just in negotiating lucrative contracts for his clients, but also in guiding them through the complexities of branding, public relations, and long-term financial planning.

Today, Rich Paul is recognized as one of the most influential sports agents in the industry, with his impact extending beyond contract negotiations. He now sits on the board of Hollywood representation firm United Talent Agency and Live Nation Entertainment. He has taken on the NCAA over rules limiting who can represent young athletes. Recently, Paul published a best-selling memoir and has been public about his relationship with 16-time Grammy-winning artist Adele. 

Because Lost Luggage is a Mood

As night falls and the glow of the laptop screen illuminates your face, one thing becomes clear: in the world of the digital nomad, the true power lies not in the bars of connectivity or the percentage of battery but in the undying spirit to answer emails and meet deadlines, come rain, shine, or the utter lack of civilization. So, power and connectivity rain supreme.

The Holy Grail of Wi-Fi and the nonexistent power outlet. There’s gotta be a way, and there is. Starlink has the connectivity issue handled for about $150 a month. You can drag around your dish in a backpack that’ll set you back another buck and a half. Power - Jackery offers a variety of solar generators some large enough to power NASA’s next shot, but Growatt has some solar products that are less expensive and worth a look.

Ctrl+Alt+LOL

It’s Not a Trap, Just a Poll

Pretend to Listen (But Do)

Rabbit R1 - Hype, innovation, business model

VIP (Very Impulsive Purchases)

Money can’t buy happiness - but this is worth a try.

Sometimes, you need to take a look at the stuff you have and ask yourself what do I need? The bottom line is that the thrill of acquiring new possessions tends to diminish over time. You know, jewelry, cars, clothes, etc.

In contrast, investing in experiences rather than material goods is believed to offer longer-lasting satisfaction. How about a trip to Tanzania and then hop over to Zanzibar? Go for it.

This preference for experiences over material goods is supported by psychological research. Dr. Thomas Gilovich, a psychology professor at Cornell University, conducted a 20-year study exploring the effects of purchases on happiness. His research found that people derive more happiness from buying experiences, such as trips or other adventures than from purchasing tangible items.

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Opportunity Overdrive is brought to you by Candle. At Candle, want to empower the modern worker and put them at the center of opportunity.

For more information about our project, visit: https://www.projectcandle.ai/