Blog

98: Career 4: On Generalism and Specialism, and career principles

Apr 15, 2023 · 2 min read

As a self-identified generalist, I often think about the use and meaning of considering specialisation. Its also a topic that has come up several times with my peers - many of whom are generalists too, by virtue of starting my career in a primarily general area. I’ve noticed that this critical decision (binarity of choices), suffers from the Grass-is-greener on the otherside complex. The Generalist feels insecure and the lack of definition on the value of their skills and their transferability.

97: Philosophy 2: On Intuition and wine

Apr 15, 2023 · 2 min read

I recently revisited sthe concept of intuition. I’ve been holding on to a strong belief that intuition comes with a certain wisdom. I’m not saying that intuition is better than logic per se. But I believe there’s a natural progression where people transition from idealistic logic to a matured form of quality “intuition”. Just like wine, I see the complexity and irrationality (difficult to describe) as a natural conclusion for people who start to make sense of things but ultimately realise that our minds are simply unable to comprehend and decide across spectrums and the myriads of possibilities

96: Energy 4 - On Engaging with Energy Narratives

Apr 15, 2023 · 4 min read

In my previous posts, I had endeavoured to bring clarity to myself on the complex topic of Energy. Having written this amost a month apart - I hope there isn’t too much repetition - though if there is: it serves to underscore the areas i feel terribly strongly about. I had also touched on the point that I have seen multiple narratives, and the noise in this field. Complex Problems with No right answer We can recognise a complex problem exists when a caste of “Thought Leaders”, bringing with them: varying passion and vitriol emerges with different views.

95: Energy 3 - The Broad Pathways to Decarbonisation

Mar 1, 2023 · 4 min read

This post mirrors one that I had loosely outlined about sustainability (which I now can’t find). These are complex topics, but its directive principles can be reduced down to: 1) Increasing the efficiency of impact vs consumption and 2) reducing consumption Though when it comes to energy, I think I can afford to go into a bit more detail. And I’d also like to explore a nuance on the point of reduction if technology is able to catch up.

94: Energy 2 - The Three Lenses to Understand the Energy landscape

Mar 1, 2023 · 6 min read

My last post lightly covered the general energy trilemma framework. I noticed that there are slightly different definitions around the same thing; though I’ve adapted Arup’s one. First because theyre reputable as engineers, and second, because I really like the use of the word “security. The Energy Trilemma encompasses a balance in affordability, sustainability and security. “Trilemma” is a great word, as it captures the inherent trade-offs between them all, as I emphasise this again.

93: Management 1 - On Leadership

Feb 17, 2023 · 4 min read

Or more broadly: a contemplation East vs West management Philosophy. This too, is a reflection of my personal heritage (third culture kid banana). This post was triggered by this immensely interesting interview by egon zehender with ed Schein (that popped up on my linkedin feed. He happens to be the biographer of my former workplace’s management strategy.) As a consensus builder, I recognise, and take pride in my strength to bring people together - acknowledging and communicating trade offs where possible.

92: Philosophy 1 - On a Sense of Self

Feb 17, 2023 · 4 min read

This was written on a return plane ride from a Hong Kong work trip to Singapore around 10 Feb 2023. A philosophical post as a I find myself, tired, occupied and worried over numerous journeys in the last week. Being out of one’s homeland, being out of one’s comfort zone, being forced to deliver and achieve (but by whom - is yet another philosophical question). This post was spurred once again by my good friend, my best friend.

91: Geopolitics 1 - Pax Technologica

Feb 17, 2023 · 4 min read

Peace has historically been dictated by the control of a power singular hegemon. Examples: pax Romania, pax Mongolia, pax… The stability of the hegemon confers benefits. The ideal state of a wider market, leading to improved trade, consumption, employment, enrichened culture in theory brings all under its influence to prosper. This continued prosperity promulgates further stability. However, with the free market within its hegemon comes competition. And with competition (no doubt having the hegemon benefit the most) comes inequality.

90: Life 4 - On...Retirement

Feb 17, 2023 · 3 min read

Retirement has been a topic recently. Cropping up in some conversations. Certainly not applicable for myself at this hustly career focused stage. Neither am I an immediate proponent of the Financially Independent, Retire Early movement. I suspect the inner survival instinct and drive will lead me to continue to work. Instead, the conversations are centred around myself and my peers whose parents are entering the zone of retirement. It also ties in to some recent 2023 planning (which could be a post in itself - though slightly curated for a truly public version.

89: Decision-making 4: Maximising and Satisficing

Feb 17, 2023 · 3 min read

With all my ramblings on decision-making and theorising, i suppose what can one actualy do in practice? I’ve spoken a little about the importance of timing and not being paralysed. Often times, waiting can be a dangerous decision. I try, where I’m able to, to frame certain decisions as either Maximising or Satisficing. Here are some examples. Maximising Maximising entails finding the best damn deal accessible at the time. Online shopping comes to mind.