Weekly digest #9 of 2025

• How AI will divide the best from the rest, by The Economist — AI is often hyped as a great equalizer, helping less able workers to level up with the best. This article suggests that it may do the opposite, that is widening social divides. „Unlike earlier automation, which replaced routine jobs such as assembly-line work and book-keeping, AI may extend its reach to non-routine and creative work. It can learn tacitly, recognise patterns and make predictions without explicit instruction.“
• Read like an artist! — Austin Kleon is sharing his 10 tips for a better life with books in a PDF you can download and print.
• Two free virtual events for freelancers to check out:
• Solo Summit 2025, hosted by Lettuce Financial and Upwork, is an event packed with insights on building your pipeline, shaping your brand, and managing finances as a solo business owner. Featuring 30+ speakers and 20+ sessions, it starts on February 26th, and you can register for free on the website.
• The three-day Fractional Executive Summit, organized by Shirley Cress Dudley, starts today, and you can still register for free. Join industry leaders and experts for a virtual summit on the latest trends and strategies in fractional executive services. Gain actionable insights, network with like-minded professionals, and discover the tools you need to thrive in today’s dynamic marketplace.
• Productivity rain dances, by Cal Newport — Real productivity is more about maximising outputs, not just inputs, says Cal in his latest article and reminds us that answering the phone, clearing your email inbox, or attending another Zoom meeting won’t bring you any closer to your long-term professional goals.
• Building a business you never want to retire from: Lessons from my parents' 40-year journey, by Sarah Duran — Imagine building a business so meaningful that retirement feels optional. Sarah shares the story of her parents, who ran their own business for 40 years, and offers valuable lessons on what it truly means to love your work.
• Master the basics, by Donn Felker — Instead of chasing complex strategies in our businesses, the key might simply be to master the basics. The best in any field of work or life are so special because they have mastered the basics to absolute precision.
• Thriving in the age of AI with Filip Drimalka, Wisepreuners podcast by Nigel Rawlins — In this episode, Filip Drimalka, a Czech-based digital nomad and the author of The Future of No Work, discusses how AI is reshaping knowledge work, automation, and productivity.
• 12 scenarios where selling strategy prevents headaches, by Austin L. Church — Why should freelancers sell strategy, not just execution? Austin explains how shifting from an 'order taker' to a 'trusted advisor' helps avoid bad clients, increase earnings, and save time.

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