Once a month, I curate the best links on how to find work that you love, be excellent at what you do, and unlock any door that stands in your way. Mostly, I gather articles and podcasts that capture my attention because they make me think or laugh. Here is the link round-up for November.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
• The Nazis called them “Night Witches” because the whooshing noise their plywood and canvas airplanes made reminded the Germans of the sound of a witch’s broomstick. The Russian women who piloted those planes took it as a compliment. In 30,000 missions over four years, they dumped 23,000 tons of bombs on the German invaders, ultimately helping to chase them back to Berlin. I recently came across their amazing story.
• This bucket list not only changed this woman’s life, it gave her life.
• It’s sometimes hard to describe all the great things that come from working with a career coach. Here’s one woman’s experience.
• I love Katrina Kenison’s musings on life. She never fails to touch my heart.
• Filmmaker and artist Yann Arthus-Bertrand spent 3 years collecting real-life stories from more than 2,000 women and men in 60 countries Here is the result: Human — The Movie. Watch the introduction. And then the movie. It’s in 3 parts so settle in.
• 101 Career tips you can learn in 3 seconds.
• Zaria Forman’s art depicting the ravages of climate change is extraordinary. Even more interesting is how her work was profoundly influenced by her mother’s photography. Read: A Mother’s Legacy of Art, Icebergs and Inspiration.
• The NPR Interview with Brandon Stanton, the amazing human behind Humans of New York.
• Wow. Wow. Wow. The 2016 TED prize winner!! Star Wars, Star Trek and Indiana Jones all rolled into one!
• 20 Independent Magazines every creative should have on their coffee table. I want them all!
• Elizabeth Gilbert explains why we should follow our curiosity rather than look for our passion
• Dan Carlin has created a one-man empire with his podcast Hardcore History. He makes the past as entertaining as a blockbuster. Check it out.
• Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Gloria Steinem: two women who have held the lantern for us all.
• Black Friday be damned. Here are gifts that make a difference.
• An amazing look at Leonardo da Vinci’s brain and why he was able to see things that no one else could even imagine.
• Cities are changing. New York City is no different. A fascinating look at New York’s disappearing store fronts.
• Fast Company is going to be 20! Here are their predictions of what our world will look like in 20 years!
Find great work. Do great work. Unlock every door in your way.
Image: Willie Franklin.