Some people wait for permission. Others create their own leverage.
This week, we look at a president who refused to sign a bill to get something else he wanted, and a comedian whose schedule became more powerful than a movie deal.
MENTOR SPOTLIGHT
Donald Trump
45th and 47th U.S. President, Real Estate Mogul, Media Personality
In the last two weeks, President Trump has been busy. He launched military strikes against 140 targets in Iran, delivered his first State of the Union address of his new term, and attended a NATO summit in Turkey.
But his most interesting move was domestic. On July 8, he refused to sign a massive, bipartisan housing bill. He didn't oppose the bill itself. Instead, he used his signature as leverage, protesting the Senate's failure to pass a separate voting reform bill he wanted.
This is a classic Trump strategy. He connects unrelated issues to create pressure. By withholding his approval on something everyone agreed on, he forced attention onto his own priority. The housing bill became law without his signature, but he made his point to congressional Republicans.
For anyone building a career, this is a lesson in creating leverage where none exists. You don't always have to follow the expected path. Sometimes, refusing to do the obvious thing is the only way to make people pay attention to what you actually want.
IN THE NEWS
Kevin Hart Kevin Hart is so busy, he's turning down Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. Johnson recently explained their planned movie sequel, 'The Odd Couple,' fell apart because Hart is booked solid for the next three to five years. This is a clear signal of who has leverage. Hart's value isn't just in his talent, but in the scarcity of his time, forcing even the biggest stars to work around his schedule.
Usain Bolt Usain Bolt remains a master of staying relevant. In the last two weeks, his public activity was entirely on Instagram. He playfully called tennis star Novak Djokovic an 'old man' after a Wimbledon win and posted a heartfelt birthday message to his partner. Bolt shows how to transition a personal brand from peak performance to public personality, using social media to maintain a connection with his audience long after his last race.
QUICK WISDOM
"I know words. I have the best words." — Donald Trump This quote, from a campaign rally, reveals his core belief in using simple, direct language to control a narrative.
"If life is a struggle, then struggle. If you get rejected, get rejected again. If your dreams are smashed, keep dreaming." — Kevin Hart From his autobiography, this line captures the relentless persistence he credits for his rise from comedy clubs to global stardom.
"Worrying gets you nowhere. If you turn up worrying about how you’re going to perform, you’ve already lost." — Usain Bolt This quote explains the mental discipline required for elite performance, where preparation must overshadow anxiety.
FROM THE BLOG
Steve Jobs's Guide to Saying No: A Practical Way to Protect Your Focus Saying 'no' isn't just about managing your time. It's a strategic tool for focusing power and attention where it matters most.
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— Jesse Krim Founder, Get Mentors