Finance and Business

[close] A monthly non-fiction book group reading books devoted to the exciting world of fintech--the good, the bad, and the ugly. We welcome everyone from folks considering making their first crypto investment to industry professionals doing some light reading on the weekends. Professional networking is encouraged for anyone interested, but NO INVESTMENT ADVICE AND NO SOLICITATION OF ANY KIND WILL BE PERMITTED.

[close] What is your next step towards growth and change in different life areas? The big idea of Next Step Club can be aided by a quote, book reference, and warning... Charlie Jones seems to have been attributed with saying, "You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read." I would say its more expansive than that, may include the networking, relationships we have, the media, resources we think on, the experiences, willingness to change, and intuitive leading we receive. Another quote: "Nothing changes if nothing changes." Gary Keller's book 'The One Thing' brings us some focus within the madness of multitasking that the above quotes might cause. "I gotta grow in everything now!" He reminds us that success can come by narrowing our concentration to one thing, prioritizing, being realistic that our willpower, energy and time is finite, and big can be bad. And, a warning: Don't worship growth, be adaptable but have a sense of direction and focus. Your and my identity is not wrapped up in some better future version of ourselves, which would be idolatry. You are worth enough exactly as you are right now because you are made in the image of God with inherent value, and can have a personal, faith-derived, grace-bought relationship with God through Jesus Christ, establishing your significance and peace outside of time. That said, are we made to be selfish, independent, apathetic, unfriendly, lazy, isolated, aimless without purpose people? Or does it take courage and wisdom to explore the next conversation, action step, book/resource we might need to take in the spiritual, learning, vocational, financial, relational, physical health (and more) aspects of life? The culture of Next Step Club is listening to others as a friend wanting progress for their "brother/sister" and increasing self-accountability through expression to those peers of the steps you are seeking to take, things you are learning.

[close] Dear Readers, I am absolutely passionate about business, business growth and self development as a leader. In recent years, I've found myself reaching for more and more business and leadership books to learn from others that have been there and done it, to complement what I'm learning every day and have done for the past 20 years and more! I have so many thoughts that it keeps me up at night and so channelling those thoughts into this group will hopefully both help me sleep better and connect with other like minded business growth fans. The plan is to discuss the work and related topics together. I will post some questions/thoughts/quotes to get things started but would love for this group to grow into an open discussion between you all. If you fancy it, please join up and participate. Everyone is welcome and I would be honoured! Alastair

[close] Sharing ideas through books