Kayvon Kian, an entrepreneur and senior advisor at McKinsey & Company, dives into the fusion of philosophy and business. He explores the concept of 'skeptic capital,' underscoring the importance of surrounding oneself with challenging thinkers. Kayvon emphasizes using historical philosophers like Socrates and Nietzsche as advisory tools for modern decision-making, urging listeners to ask, 'What would a wise person do?' His insights on embracing healthy skepticism and focusing on personal values provide a refreshing perspective on navigating life's uncertainties.
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Saved by a Stranger
Kayvon was saved from drowning by a stranger on a beach in Maui as a child.
This moment felt almost angelic and profoundly impactful.
insights INSIGHT
Ask What Wisdom Would Do
Asking "What would a wise person do?" reframes complex decisions by aligning with timeless values.
This approach reduces regret and clarifies decision-making.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Build Skeptic Capital
Build your "skeptic capital" by surrounding yourself with people who challenge your assumptions.
This helps prevent irreversible mistakes and improves decision quality.
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A Collection of Practical Thoughts for Better Decisions in Life
Kayvon Kian
What is Water?
What is Water?
Kayvon Kian
In this episode of 'The Friday Habit,' Mark Labriola and Benjamin Manley are joined by Kayvon Kian, an entrepreneur, teacher, and senior advisor at McKinsey & Company, to discuss his latest book, 'What Is Wisdom?' The conversation covers various philosophical approaches from ancient thinkers such as Socrates, Nietzsche, and Hippocrates, and how their wisdom can guide business decisions. Kayvon shares personal anecdotes, discusses the importance of skeptic capital, and emphasizes strategies for dealing with uncertainty, making better decisions, and focusing on values. The episode concludes with practical advice on preparing for 2022, highlighting the significance of controlled thinking, surrounding oneself with diverse perspectives, and making intentional decisions.
Key Takeaways:
Skeptic Capital Matters: Kayvan encourages building “skeptic capital”—surrounding yourself with people who challenge your assumptions and help prevent costly mistakes.
Ask the Wisdom Question: When facing tough decisions, ask: “What would a wise person do in this situation?” This reframes the decision-making process through timeless values.
Use Philosophers as a Thought Board: Kayvan introduces the concept of using historical thinkers (like Socrates, Nietzsche, and Hippocrates) as an advisory board to gain diverse perspectives on modern challenges.
Socrates – Embrace Healthy Skepticism: Question your assumptions. Ask “Is that really so?” before jumping into new opportunities or narratives.
Nietzsche – Eternal Recurrence: Act as if your decisions will recur infinitely. Would you still choose this path if you had to live it over and over again?
Hippocrates – First, Do No Harm: Even with good intentions, interventions can worsen a situation. Sometimes, restraint is the wisest choice.
Watch for Patterns (Taoist Influence): Recognize patterns in personal and business life. Understanding recurring cycles can help you predict outcomes and avoid mistakes.
Be Present, Not Just Reactive: Don’t live on autopilot. Be mindful of how your words, actions, and energy affect others and yourself—especially in moments of stress.
Intentional Decision-Making: Big decisions should be values-driven, not reactive. Slowing down and switching between philosophical frameworks leads to wiser outcomes.
Plan for Uncertainty: 2022 (and any year) will bring challenges. Focus on what you can control, invite diverse perspectives, and be open to shifting your mental models.
Learn More: Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the guide on working on your business rather than in it.
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