Category: Book Review

Insights from “Ask and It Is Given” by Esther Hicks

Book Review

We started with Introductions to the book and the Author. Ether being is a renowned philosopher, a spiritual guide and a channel to an entity is known for her deep insights into the human psyche and the universe’s workings.

Section 1: The Journey to Self-Actualization

• The concept of a genuine heart in asking the universe.
• The role of self-discovery and self-actualization in manifestation.
• Reference to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

Section 2: Personal Development and Manifestation

• Overview of the Barrett value assessment and its connections to spiritual concepts.
• Personal anecdotes and experiences shared by members.
• Discussion on visualization techniques and tools: Sincere intention + focused thought can manifest desires.

Section 3: The Cosmic Order and Timing in Manifestation

• Insights on the importance of timing in manifestation.
• Personal stories highlighting the role of cosmic order alignment.
• Ancient wisdom from Buddhism and Hinduism that aligns with manifestation concepts.
• Sufi -Himma concepts and influence on manifestation.

Section 4: Quantum Physics and Neuroplasticity

We Discussed the lunar calendar and its influence on personal habits. Insights into Sufi wisdom and quantum physics. The importance of neuroplasticity and suggestions for enhancing brain health, like learning new languages and developing new hobbies every year or so.

Section 5: The Science of Frequencies

• The role of frequencies and sound in health improvement.
• Devices and techniques for tuning into specific frequencies.
• Discussion on the law of attraction and related concepts.
• The power of resonance into creating a pull or destructing desires action Items

A small exercise was made with the true nature of accountability where the community made a clear intention and detailed desire to manifest one idea.

Conclusion

Life presents a variety of perspectives on how intentions and beliefs influence our reality.

Ether’s book “Ask and You Are Given” explores the concept of the universe being a generous source ready to fulfill clear and sincere requests.

The book emphasizes:

• The transformative power of positive intentions.
• Aligning with the vibrational frequency of our desires.
• Utilizing personal experiences, ancient wisdom, and scientific principles.
• The teachings align with the ancient belief that our thoughts and emotions can manifest our deepest desires.

We also discussed the book Contrasting viewpoint:

• Intentions are not the only factors determining our life path.
• Recognizes the influence of external factors, societal structures, and unexpected events.
• Advocates for a balanced approach, combining positive thinking with:
• Taking action.
• Demonstrating resilience.
• Understanding the world’s inherent unpredictability.

Synthesis of both viewpoints:

• Life is a balance between intention and adapting to circumstances.
• The universe is receptive to our desires but also presents challenges to test our resilience and adaptability.
• Growth and wisdom are attained through navigating life’s challenges.
• Encourages an optimistic approach to life, with an openness to embracing both certainty and uncertainty.

Book Summary:

In this powerful autobiography, Maya Angelou takes us on a journey through her early years, marked by trauma, racism, and sexual assault. Despite the hardships, Angelou’s resilience shines through, as she finds solace in literature and discovers her voice, eventually blossoming into a woman who values her independence and intellect. The book serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit’s ability to rise above adversity.

Discussions Summary:

Our recent discussion on Maya Angelou’s seminal work led to a rich and diverse conversation. Here are the detailed insights:

Maya Angelou’s Life and Work:

We delved deep into Angelou’s life, discussing her traumatic childhood experiences that led to muteness and her eventual love for literature. This sparked a conversation on the themes of prejudice, overcoming challenges, and breaking barriers, much like Angelou did in her lifetime.

Personal Anecdotes and Breaking Societal Norms:

Members shared personal stories of breaking societal norms, drawing parallels with Angelou’s journey of self-discovery and defiance against societal expectations. Stories ranged from challenging generational mindsets to pursuing unconventional career paths.

Themes:

Prejudice and Speaking out :

The discussion extended to the broader societal issues of prejudice, particularly focusing on skin color and the caste system, and how these factors influence common mentality and personal interactions.

Resilience and Dignity:

We defined and explored these two powerful themes present in Angelou’s work. Resilience was seen as the ability to recover and grow from adversity, while dignity involved maintaining self-respect and moral integrity, even in challenging situations.

Integrity and Vision:

The conversation highlighted the importance of maintaining integrity through consistent commitments and having a clear vision, akin to Angelou’s clear narrative voice in her autobiography.

Cultural Perspectives:

We discussed various cultural perspectives, including British colonialism and personal experiences of living and studying in different countries, and how these experiences shape one’s worldview, much like how Angelou’s experiences shaped her writings.

Highlights from personal Experiences:

Challenging Expectations:

• Our courageous team member “persistence” and “vision” helped her overcome barriers and achieve her goals. She faced questions and prejudice but gained confidence over time, challenging the expectations of the society for women.
• Similarly, in India and Africa there is a stigma attached to “skin colour”, particularly in rural areas. The caste system also perpetuates discrimination based on skin colour.

We agreed that Colourism is driven by the beauty industry, creating an inferiority complex among different races. It’s important to have a plan and remain consistent while rejecting societal expectations

Similarly when another member echoed the message when she chose to explore the world instead of getting married. Breaking away from generational mindsets can be challenging but necessary for personal growth.

• On those notes Participants in the conversation discussed the desire for happiness and personal fulfilment, by aligning with the true-self once discovered. Another participant discusses how they followed societal expectations but eventually found the courage to pursue their own path, including going back to school and changing careers.
• Another story was shared on of breaking societal norms by completing engineering school and joining the circus for 2 years, which ultimately led them back to engineering. The group then reflected on how these unique experiences affected their relationships with their parents. Ultimately, parents’ expectations often come from a place of love and wanting what’s best for their children.

On Doubts and Fears:

The conversation then shifts to discussing doubts and fears that can hold people back from pursuing their goals or speaking out about certain topics, using examples from corporate politics as an illustration. The participants acknowledge the importance of social connections and community in achieving longevity and overall well-being.

We discussed the concept of self-doubt and social acceptance within communities. It highlights that acting outside of societal norms can result in being shunned or seen as an outsider. However, finding a community where one is accepted and appreciated can provide strength and encouragement. The variation across populations, such as ADHD and dyslexia, is also mentioned, with successful entrepreneurs often having these traits. Thinking differently and acting differently can make an outcast in one society, which jeopardize the innate survival mechanism.

The importance of both pushing boundaries for success and maintaining a cohesive society is emphasized. We distinguished between different types of communities like:

“Love Network”: Family

“Support Network”: True Friends

“Career Network”: Corporate and teams

“Professional Networks”: Network that will enable us to grow and unlock our pathways.

The Challenge:

The struggle between fitting in within a corporate environment while remaining aligned with personal values was discussed. Taking a stand for what one believes in is seen as crucial for personal growth and integrity but may come with challenges and stress.

Resilience is defined as the ability to bounce back from adversity with strength and positivity, using experiences as opportunities for growth. Dignity refers to inherent value that warrants respect from others based on self-respect and moral integrity.

The conversation focuses on defining and understanding integrity and dignity.

Integrity is described as consistency in commitments, promises, words, deliverables, identity, image, and relationships.

Dignity involves carrying oneself with grace even in challenging situations and treating others with consideration and esteem. The importance of being true to oneself is emphasized, using personal anecdotes to illustrate the concept.

The cultural relativity of dignity was also discussed, highlighting how different cultures perceive certain professions differently. We agreed that having clarity of vision and articulation skills are essential for aligning with one’s true self.

Challenging situations are seen as opportunities to test resilience and build it over time through bouncing back from setbacks.

One Idea to Take Away:

Angelou’s life story, combined with the discovered personal experiences we learned the power of resilience and the ability to rise above adversity. We stand to carve out our own path, armed with dignity and integrity.

The financial theories that have shaped the investment world.” In our recent discussion, we delved deep into the world of finance, market behavior, the power of perception and most importantly the controlled narrative. We have triggered these highlights with the help of a great book that encapsulated these themes and offered valuable frameworks into the financial landscape.

Featured Book of the Week: Title: “The Alchemy of Finance” Author: George Soros Genre: Finance, Economics

Discovered Achievements and Pivot Points in the Life of the Author:

• Georges Soros, the Alchemist of money is the founder of the “Quantum Fund,” one of the most successful hedge funds in history.
• He famously shorted the British Pound, earning $1 billion USD in one day, challenging the Bank of England’s monetary policies.”
• Philanthropist with a focus on promoting democratic governance, education, and public health.

The Main Message of the Book: Understanding and analyzing market behavior is key to making informed decisions. The book delves into the concept of “Reflexivity” in markets and how markets participants’ perceptions and actions can impact “Objective Reality” as they are taking actions in the marketplace, hence the importance keeping a the “Feedback Loops” in check. “Our discussions were so enlightening that we decided to extend our conversation over two sessions.”

“This theory, central to Soros’s investment philosophy, challenges traditional financial theories and provides a fresh perspective on market dynamics.”

What It Means:

Reflexivity, in the context of George Soros’s financial theories, refers to a feedback loop where actors in a market cannot base their decisions purely on an objective reality because they are themselves shaping that reality. In other words, the actions, and thoughts of participants in a market both influence and are influenced by the market’s movements.

Components:

1. Objective Reality: The fundamental, underlying factors that should theoretically determine market prices (e.g., a company’s earnings, assets, and liabilities).
2. Subjective Reality: The perceptions, beliefs, and actions of market participants, which can diverge from objective reality.

The Feedback Loop:

• Market participants’ actions, based on their perceptions (subjective reality), impact the market, changing the objective reality.
• This new objective reality then influences participants’ perceptions, leading to further actions.
• This loop can reinforce itself, leading to exponential market movements that diverge significantly from what would be expected based on fundamentals alone.

How to Apply It:

Understanding Market Behavior:

1. Identify Feedback Loops: Look for situations where market participants’ beliefs and actions are significantly impacting market prices.
2. Analyze Divergence from Fundamentals: Determine how far market prices have diverged from underlying fundamentals and consider the potential for correction.
3. Consider Psychological Factors: Consider market sentiment, herd behaviour, and other psychological factors that can exacerbate feedback loops.

Investment Strategy:

1. Contrarian Investing: Consider going against market sentiment when it appears to be excessively driving prices away from fundamentals.
2. Risk Management: Be aware of the potential for significant market corrections when feedback loops unwind.
3. Adaptive Strategy: Continuously reassess the market situation, understanding that feedback loops can change rapidly.

Case Studies:

1. The 2008 Financial Crisis:

• Feedback Loop: Rising house prices led to increased borrowing and lending, further driving up house prices.
• Reflexivity Application: Recognizing the feedback loop and the divergence from fundamentals (house prices vs. underlying asset values) could have allowed investors to anticipate the eventual market crash.

2. The Dot-Com Bubble:

• Feedback Loop: Speculation drove up technology stock prices, leading to more investment and further price increases.
• Reflexivity Application: Observing the feedback loop and the extreme divergence from fundamentals (stock prices vs. company earnings and assets) could have signalled the impending bubble burst.

3. Soros Breaking the Bank of England:

• Feedback Loop: Speculation against the British pound and the UK’s economic vulnerabilities led to a devaluation of the pound.
• Reflexivity Application: Soros observed the feedback loop and the divergence from fundamentals (the pound’s value vs. the UK’s economic situation), successfully betting against the British pound.

Excerpts from “The Intelligent Investor” Book, Benjamin Graham: To explain the power of “Narrative Control” we used the experience from the “intelligent Investor” how investor buy their stocks like they buy perfumes. “Graham’s philosophy emphasizes the importance of analyzing a company’s intrinsic value and not getting swayed by market sentiment.”

Then we grounded it with common narratives:

Channel perfume’s pricing is influenced by market demand and the story of a client who wanted to invest all their money immediately.

Bitcoin’s Worth: Driven more by narrative and perception than intrinsic value.

Benjamin Graham: The Pioneer of Value Investing

Benjamin Graham, often referred to as the “father of value investing,” was an esteemed economist, professor, and financial analyst. Born in 1894, Graham’s contributions to the world of finance have left an indelible mark, shaping the investment philosophies of countless individuals and institutions. He introduced the world to the concept of value investing, emphasizing the importance of analyzing intrinsic value, understanding financial statements, and maintaining a margin of safety.

Scientific Principles: The concept of “Reflexivity” and its impact on market behavior. The importance of feedback loops and analyzing divergence from fundamental values. These divergences create the opportunities for great gains.

The Audience’s General Experience and Understanding: The book resonates with both novice and experienced Investors, offering insights into market behavior, investment strategies, and the psychological factors influencing financial decisions. The community agreed on the critical importance of “raising sound financial acumen” to support us filter the noise and build the right habits for our personal financial resilience.

The Benefits: the community gained a deeper understanding of market dynamics, the importance of diversification, and the role of personal finance to secure the resilient future.

Meeting Discussion Summary: The meeting touched upon several topics related to market behavior, personal branding, and the importance of genuine engagement on social media platforms. The discussion also highlighted the significance of understanding market sentiment and herd behavior in making informed investment decisions.

Understanding Market Behavior:

Markets are not always rational; they are influenced by the collective perceptions and actions of participants.

Recognizing feedback loops can provide valuable insights into potential market movements.

Value vs. Perception:

While intrinsic value is fundamental, market perception can drive prices away from this value, creating opportunities for investors.

Importance of Diversification:

Both reflexivity theory and value investing emphasize the need for a diversified portfolio to mitigate risks.

Adaptive Investment Strategy:

There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Investors should be flexible and adapt their strategies based on market conditions and emerging trends.

Power of Narrative:

Narratives and stories can significantly influence investor behavior. Being aware of prevailing market narratives can offer a competitive edge.

Psychological Factors in Investing:

Emotions, biases, and herd behaviour play a crucial role in investment decisions. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence are key to successful investing.

Continuous Learning:

The financial landscape is ever evolving. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest theories and practices are essential.

Balancing Theories:

While Soros’s reflexivity theory offers insights into market behaviour, Graham’s value investing provides a foundation for analysing individual assets. A balanced approach, drawing from both theories, can lead to more informed investment decisions.

Importance of Risk Management:

Regardless of the investment approach, understanding and managing risks is paramount. Both Soros and Graham emphasize the significance of risk assessment in their strategies.

Community and Collaboration:

Sharing experiences, insights, and knowledge with a community, like the book club, can provide diverse perspectives and enhance individual understanding.

Key Takeaways :

1. Formulating an Investment Thesis: Emphasis was placed on crafting a lucid hypothesis and setting objectives. This serves as a compass for investment choices, aligning with overarching financial aspirations. The thesis should commence from macroeconomics, narrowing down to micro aspects, and then to the specifics of the targeted asset. This encompasses its fundamentals, price dynamics, and the market disparity between objective and subjective valuations, fortified by the feedback loops from market stakeholders.
2. Diversification: As a bedrock of risk management, diversification’s role in dispersing risk across diverse assets was underscored. A recommended cap of 33% exposure to any single asset class was suggested.
3. Continuous Monitoring & Adaptation: The ever-shifting financial terrain mandates periodic oversight and prompt recalibrations to strategies, ensuring the harnessing of opportunities and risk mitigation. For a deeper dive, consider our newsletter, “The Financial Impulse.”
4. Leveraging Opportunities: While leverage can bolster profits, comprehending its inherent risks and judicious application is pivotal.
5. Understanding Market Cycles: A steadfast buy-and-hold tactic may not always be the golden rule. Discerning market rhythms and asset flux can pave the way for astute investment choices.
6. Feedback Loops in Finance: The pivotal concept of feedback loops in financial arenas was broached, drawing analogies with Soros’s legendary stance against the British pound.
7. Global Perspectives: The discourse spanned a gamut of themes, from the clout of leaders in molding public sentiment to the machinations of propaganda and the ascendancy of nationalist waves globally.

Mohamad’s Thoughts: “In the evolving world of finance, staying informed is critical. ‘The Alchemy of Finance’ serves as a guiding light, illuminating the complexities of market behavior and investment strategies”.

The Razor-Edge Approach: Soros vs. Graham

In the realm of finance, two giants stand tall with their distinct philosophies: George Soros with his “Reflexivity Theory” and Benjamin Graham with his “Value Investing” approach. While at first glance, these theories might seem at odds, a razor-edge approach allows for a harmonious blend of both, optimizing investment strategies based on market conditions. We will be delving into the depth even further in the future session.

Quote to Remember: “Market value is not always a reflection of intrinsic value; it’s often driven by narrative control and participate perception” – Mohamad K. Mrad

Mohamad k. Mrad

The Financial Engineer

Much like gold, which is valued for its rarity, Golden Leadership stands out in its uniqueness. It’s not about following a set playbook or mimicking other successful leaders. It’s about forging your own path, guided by authenticity and empathy.

In our latest session, we delved into the profound insights from Brené Brown’s “Dare to Lead.” The discussion revolved around the essence of “vulnerability” in leadership, the significance of “trust” and “communication” in fostering a healthy workplace culture. Drawing from Brown’s research, we uncovered the transformative power of “Curiosity” and that can be developed by our “Own experiences”. The book is rich with tools and techniques that can guide professionals in their “leadership” journey.

Featured Book of the Week:

• Title: Dare to Lead
• Author: Brené Brown
• Genre: Leadership, Personal Development
• Date: 25/10/23

Brené Brown, Ph.D., LMSW, is a research professor at the University of Houston and a renowned author and speaker. She has spent over two decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy. Brown’s groundbreaking work has transformed our understanding of leadership, offering a human-centric approach that emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and authenticity. With several best-selling books and a popular TED talk, she has inspired millions to embrace vulnerability and lead with courage, from her portfolio of books we have selected “Dare To Lead”

Key Takeaways and ideas from the Discussion:

1. Vulnerability in Leadership: Being open and honest without masks or pretence is vital. Vulnerability can be a strength, fostering trust and connection.

Vulnerability is not about weakness or exposure; it’s about showing up authentically, without masks or pretence. When leaders embrace their vulnerabilities, they showcase their genuine self, making them more relatable and trustworthy.

While vulnerability can be a powerful tool for connection, it’s essential to ensure it’s not used manipulatively. Genuine vulnerability is spontaneous and sincere, might be a calculated move to gain sympathy or advantage.

Leaders are open to feedback, allowing them to make more informed decisions. They recognize that they don’t have all the answers and value the input and expertise of their team.

Leader’s vulnerability sets the tone for the entire organization. When leaders are open about their challenges and learnings, it creates a safe environment where employees feel encouraged to share, innovate, and take risks.

Open discussions about failures and weaknesses without shaming or blaming can lead to growth and understanding.

Rumbling with Vulnerability, by Brené Brown’s concept, means engaging in open discussions about failures, weaknesses, and uncertainties without resorting to blame or shame. It’s about confronting challenging situations head-on, with honesty and integrity.

2- Permission Slips: Encouraging thoughtful communication in meetings and using them in journaling for self-reflection.

Permission Slips is a tool introduced in the discussion that encourage thoughtful communication in meetings and personal reflections. They serve as reminders to stay open, honest, and vulnerable in conversations, promoting a culture of understanding and empathy.

3- Curiosity: The Heartbeat of Confident Leadership, A tool to build confidence, identify values, and drive innovation. It’s about approaching relationships and challenges with an open mind. In the realm of leadership, curiosity is not just a fleeting interest or a momentary diversion; it’s a profound force that drives growth, innovation, and connection. Brené Brown, in her groundbreaking book “Dare to Lead,” underscores the transformative power of curiosity in shaping effective leaders. Let’s explore this concept:

Curiosity pushes us to ask questions, seek answers, and venture into the unknown. Each time we embrace curiosity, we challenge our comfort zones, leading to personal growth and increased confidence.

The key is to have “Curiosity aligned with one’s values and his objectives”, Curiosity prompts introspection. Leaders who are curious tend to reflect on their actions, decisions, and motivations. This self-reflection helps in identifying core values and ensuring that one’s leadership style is aligned with these values. When actions resonate with personal values, it instils a sense of authenticity and purpose, driving Innovation.

Curious leaders are bored with the status quo. They constantly question existing processes, seeking ways to improve, innovate, and bring about positive change. This mindset fosters a culture of continuous improvement within organizations, leading to breakthroughs and advancements.

We have also applied “Curiosity” on relationships by approaching interactions without judgment or preconceived notions. It’s about genuinely wanting to understand others’ perspectives, feelings, and experiences. This approach fosters deeper connections, mutual respect, and collaboration. In the discussions, the importance of being curious about people, even the ones you love the most, it helps recharging relationships.

In the face of challenges and setbacks in leadership. A curious leader views them as Opportunities instead of obstacles. Opportunities to learn and grow. Hence instead of asking why? He will ask, How can this challenge lead to a better outcome?”

defensively, they ask, “What can I learn from this?”

Healing Dysfunctional Workplace Cultures: The backbone of a healthy workplace culture. Trusting oneself and learning from failures is crucial. Trust is the foundation of any strong relationship, and in leadership, it’s paramount. By being vulnerable, leaders allow others to see their human side – their fears, hopes, and challenges. This transparency fosters a deeper connection and trust within teams.

just as gold is malleable and can be molded into various forms without losing its essence, Golden Leadership is adaptable. It allows leaders to navigate the complexities of today’s dynamic world while staying true to their core values.

Recommendations and tools, including those from Brené Brown’s research, were discussed to foster a positive work environment.

a- consistency in Actions and Words

b- Open and Honest Communication

c- Admitting Mistakes

d- Showing Empathy and Understanding

e- Empowering and Delegating

f- Being Accessible and Approachable

g- Recognizing and Appreciating Efforts

h- Setting Clear Expectations

i- Promoting Fairness and Equality

j- Investing in Team Development

k- Walking the Talk

Contradictory Opinions: While many participants resonated with the idea of vulnerability as a strength, there were concerns raised about its potential misuse. Vulnerability, when not genuine, can be wielded as a tool for manipulation, creating a facade of authenticity to gain trust or sympathy. It’s essential to differentiate between authentic vulnerability, which fosters connection and trust, and strategic vulnerability, which can be used to manipulate perceptions and outcomes

Mohamad’s Thoughts: Golden Leadership is the alchemy of blending authenticity with empathy, creating a leadership style that is both impactful and compassionate. In a world filled with transactional interactions, Golden Leadership offers a beacon of hope, shining brightly and guiding the way towards a more inclusive and empathetic future.

Leadership is not just about guiding a team but also about introspection, understanding, and growth. Brené Brown’s insights offer a fresh perspective on leadership, emphasizing vulnerability, trust, and curiosity. In our discussion, the importance of self-awareness and the courage to face one’s weaknesses stood out. As we navigate the challenges of leadership, it’s essential to remember that true strength lies in our ability to be genuine, to learn, and to lead with empathy.