[#02] Three Mental Models That Help Me Make Better, Faster Decisions (and Live a Fuller Life)

Read this episode: mikekim.com/delete-and-replace Watch on YouTube here » Most of us carry stories we didn't consciously choose. Growth usually requires letting go of those stories, but trying to them can feel impossible. In this episode, I share something that has helped me: instead of fighting to delete the file, save over it by creating new experiences in the same spaces. Some stories can only be released when you transmute them into something with material consequence—a book, a body of work, something that makes it all matter. If you've spent years hiding behind other people's frameworks and voices, there comes a moment when what's clawing its way out of you demands to be heard. RESOURCES & LINKS: Waitlist for Book Accelerator: mikekim.com/writeyourbook My new book, Own Your Brand, Own Your Career: » Connect with Kevin Monroe on LinkedIn » CONNECT WITH ME Website Instagram TikTok X (Twitter) LinkedIn Facebook

Read this post: mikekim.com/ip-empire Watch on YouTube here » If your business depends on one market, one trending topic, or one lucky break, you're more vulnerable than you think. I'm breaking down the exact strategy I've used to take the same intellectual property and multiply it across multiple markets—creating an antifragile business that actually gets stronger during downturns. This is the framework that kept my business growing during COVID while others scrambled, and it's built on strategic principles I learned from an ancient Chinese novel and it's videogame counterpart. 0:01 - An overview of what shaped my view of strategy 3:15 - I'm no Sleeping Dragon, but... 4:23 - The IP Empire framework 6:44 - Stop chasing gigs, start building properties 9:05 - Taleb's "Antifragility" RESOURCES & LINKS: Waitlist for Book Accelerator: http://mikekim.com/writeyourbook My new book, Own Your Brand, Own Your Career: » Three Kingdoms book: https://amzn.to/4nAF6Gf  Three Kingdoms vid summary: Three Kingdoms - OverSimplified    Antifragile book: https://amzn.to/3VP5wYL  CONNECT WITH ME Website Instagram TikTok X (Twitter) LinkedIn Facebook

It's common to agonize over decisions, but a few years ago I realized I was asking the wrong question entirely. Instead of "Did I make the right decision?" I started asking "How do I make better decisions faster?" That shift led me to discover and study decision-making frameworks - and these three have that completely changed how I approach business and life. 1:22 - One-way vs. Two-way doors 4:39 - The Lindy Effect 8:28 - The Chick Test 12:49 - Waitlist for writing your book You can watch this episode on YouTube here » RESOURCES & LINKS: Waitlist for Book Accelerator: http://mikekim.com/writeyourbook My new book, Own Your Brand, Own Your Career: » CONNECT WITH ME Website Instagram TikTok X (Twitter) LinkedIn Facebook

I got sick this past week and it made me realize something important about my content strategy - I've been spreading myself way too thin. Sometimes it takes getting "punched in the mouth" (as Mike Tyson would say) to see what's really not working. So, I'm sharing my honest struggle with feeling scattered across multiple platforms and the bold new approach I'm testing for the next six months minimum. I f you've ever felt overwhelmed trying to be everywhere online, this look at simplifying your content might give you the permission you need to focus. Check out my new book with Andy Storch - available now! Get Own Your Brand, Own Your Career on Amazon » This fall, I'm planning to host an accelerator to help future authors ideate, write, and market their book. If you're interested, get on the waiting list here: mikekim.com/writeyourbook Connect with Me: Website Instagram TikTok X (Twitter) LinkedIn Facebook  

What happens when a hardworking analyst who gets mistaken for a flight attendant discovers she needs more than excellent work to climb the corporate ladder? May Busch's 24-year journey from junior analyst to Chief Operating Officer at Morgan Stanley Europe reveals the uncomfortable truths about executive presence, personal branding, and why your skills alone won't get you promoted. Some key points: The promotion-killing wardrobe mistake that taught May the harsh reality about looking "the part" The secret world of workplace sponsors and how May accidentally earned one of the most difficult managing directors as her champion Why AI won't eliminate all roles but will fundamentally change what companies expect from rising talent in the next 3-5 years The "hand brake" revelation that explains how world-class worriers can still achieve extraordinary success in high-pressure environments Get May's new book, Visible: thevisiblebook.com Connect with May: maybusch.com May on LinkedIn Finally, check out my new book with Andy Storch - available now! Get Own Your Brand, Own Your Career on Amazon » This fall, I'm planning to host an accelerator to help future authors ideate, write, and market their book. If you're interested, get on the waiting list here: mikekim.com/writeyourbook Connect with Me: Website Instagram TikTok X (Twitter) LinkedIn Facebook

In this conversation, I team up with my friend Andy Storch to share the behind-the-scenes story of our new book Own Your Brand, Own Your Career. We pull back the curtain on what it’s like to co-author a book from scratch, why we chose to self-publish, and how this project bridges my world of solopreneurs with Andy’s corporate leadership audience. Beyond the book itself, we dive deep into collaboration, personal branding, and the future of work in the age of AI. Get Own Your Brand, Own Your Career on Amazon » This fall, I'm planning to host an accelerator to help future authors ideate, write, and market their book. If you're interested, get on the waiting list here: mikekim.com/writeyourbook Connect with Me: Website Instagram TikTok X (Twitter) LinkedIn Facebook

In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Barry Davis, a collegiate Hall of Fame baseball coach and author of Old Dog, New Tricks: The Power of Leading with Emotional Intelligence. Barry shares how writing books has not only shaped his leadership but also expanded his platform as a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. You'll also get some golden insights on coaching and mentorship. My favorite takeaway? Coach the person, not the position. Get Old Dog, New Tricks on Amazon » This fall, I'm planning to host an accelerator to help future authors ideate, write, and market their book. If you're interested, get on the waiting list here: mikekim.com/writeyourbook Connect with Me: Website Instagram TikTok X (Twitter) LinkedIn Facebook

I sit down with author Marissa Nehlsen to share how we helped her bring her first book, Live Life Rich, to life. You'll learn how the book was conceived and structured, as well as some of the challenges we faced. You can also view this interview in studio on my YouTube channel here. If you've ever wanted to write a book or were curious about how the ghostwriter / client dynamic works, tune in. Get your copy of Live Life Rich » This fall, I'm planning to host an accelerator to help future authors ideate, write, and market their book. If you're interested, get on the waiting list here: mikekim.com/writeyourbook Finally, if you haven't yet done so, register for my You Are the Brand AI Summit where you'll learn from leading experts on how to amplify your personal brand using AI - without losing your authenticy or audience: youarethebrand.ai Connect with Me: Website Instagram TikTok X (Twitter) LinkedIn Facebook

As AI continues to change how we work, I’ve been paying close attention to the one thing it can’t replicate: taste. In this conversation, I share why I believe cultivating discernment is the real differentiator, how I’m personally practicing it, and what you can do to sharpen yours in business, branding, and creativity. Why I think AI can replicate skills but not intuition—and why that excites me. How Rick Rubin and Johnny Cash helped me see taste in a whole new way. The way I curate my inputs to sharpen my instincts and creativity. Why I’ve learned subtraction is just as important as addition in great work. The feedback loops I rely on to refine my eye and get better over time. Join me at my upcoming (free!) You Are the Brand AI Summit at youarethebrand.ai and learn how to turn your voice into your ultimate competitive edge. Connect with Me: Website Instagram TikTok X (Twitter) LinkedIn Facebook

Content alone won’t set you apart anymore. AI can create more words, images, and videos than you could in a lifetime—but it can’t replicate your voice, your perspective, or the way you connect with people. That’s why what you say, how you say it, and the stories you share are about to become your most valuable assets. I’ve just spent weeks deep in conversations with some smart entrepreneurs, creators, and leaders I know for my upcoming You Are the Brand AI Summit. One very common theme: the people who win in this next wave will be the ones who double down on authenticity, not automation. A few more shares from this episode: The “authenticity premium” that’s making human connection more valuable than ever Why live, in-person events are exploding right now Why professional speakers aren't afraid of AI (this was cool) Why your unpolished, uncomfortable stories are often your biggest differentiator The summit kicks off August 25—and it’s completely free. When you register, you’ll get my personal field notes from every conversation, plus an exclusive 90-minute live workshop where my team and I will show you exactly how we built the summit using AI (and where we didn’t). Secure your spot now at youarethebrand.ai and learn how to turn your voice into your ultimate competitive edge. Connect with Me: Website Instagram TikTok X (Twitter) LinkedIn Facebook