Your work speaks for you. But sometimes, other people try to speak for you, too.
This week, we look at how to manage your story, from an artist whose legacy is still being debated to a leader sharing a difficult personal journey.
MENTOR SPOTLIGHT
Pablo Picasso
Spanish Modernist Master; Co‑founder of Cubism and Prolific 20th‑Century Artist
Pablo Picasso died in 1973. But this month, his work is making news in Texas, New Zealand, and his hometown of Málaga, Spain.
Exhibits are pairing his paintings with Monet, connecting them to a fashion designer, and exploring his political activism. His art is not a static object on a wall. It is a starting point for new conversations, decades after his death.
Most people focus on finishing a project. Picasso shows that the real work begins after you ship. Your creation takes on a life of its own, interpreted and used in ways you never intended.
The goal isn't just to do the work, but to create something clear enough to stand on its own. Because one day, you won't be there to explain it.
Ask Pablo Picasso in the app →IN THE NEWS
Denzel Washington Denzel Washington ’s name appeared in headlines this week for something he didn't say. President Trump shared a fake quote praising him, which Washington's representative quickly confirmed was “not real.” It’s a sharp lesson in modern reputation. Your name is an asset, and you have to be ready to defend it from being used without your permission.
Sheryl Sandberg Sheryl Sandberg appeared on a podcast last week not to discuss business, but grief. She spoke with Anderson Cooper about losing her first husband and finding love again, and wrote a letter encouraging others to support widowed parents. Leaders are often expected to be invulnerable. Sandberg is showing that sharing personal struggles can be a form of leadership, too.
QUICK WISDOM
"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." — Pablo Picasso This quote captures his belief that creative work serves a vital, restorative purpose.
"You pray for rain, you gotta deal with the mud too. That's a part of it." — Denzel Washington This quote explains that accepting challenges is an unavoidable part of pursuing any goal.
"Option A is not available. So let's just kick the shit out of Option B." — Sheryl Sandberg This advice from her book on resilience is about moving forward with focus when your original plan is gone.
FROM THE BLOG
Steve Jobs's Guide to Saying No: A Practical Way to Protect Your Focus Steve Jobs didn't just say no to meetings; he cut entire product lines to protect Apple's focus. This post explains how to apply that same discipline to your calendar, your projects, and your attention.
I read every reply. If something hit home this week, just hit reply and tell me.
— Jesse Krim Founder, Get Mentors
