Tommy Potter, a vibrant entrepreneur and University of Michigan student, is on a mission to create 'The Power Hour,' a dynamic startup community. He discusses the value of non-linear career paths and how authenticity plays a crucial role in entrepreneurship. Potter emphasizes the importance of collaborating with diverse, often delusional people to foster innovation. Through personal anecdotes, he reflects on meaningful human connections across social strata and the significance of cognitive diversity in building successful ventures.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Unconventional Education
Tommy Potter found high school boring and unfulfilling.
He opted for online high school, allowing him to explore diverse interests like building solar houses and studying river pH levels.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Networking in the Hamptons
Instead of traditional internships, Tommy chose to caddy in the Hamptons to network with influential people.
This allowed him to rapidly build relationships in diverse contexts.
insights INSIGHT
Rise of Alternative Schooling
Alternative schooling models like Sandbox and Ad Astra are gaining traction.
These programs prioritize building and hands-on learning, leading to successful startups.
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Stephen Potter's "One-Upmanship" is a humorous and insightful exploration of the subtle art of gaining an advantage in social interactions. The book uses witty anecdotes and examples to illustrate how individuals can subtly manipulate conversations and situations to their benefit. Potter's satirical approach highlights the competitive dynamics inherent in social life. The book's enduring popularity stems from its clever observations and timeless relevance to human interaction. It's a lighthearted yet thought-provoking read that offers a unique perspective on social strategy.
The Act of Creation
Arthur Koestler
In 'The Act of Creation', Arthur Koestler explores the processes of discovery, invention, and creativity across various fields, including humor, science, and the arts. He introduces the concept of 'bisociation', which involves the blending of two previously unrelated matrices of thought to create new insights. The book is divided into two parts, examining both the creative process and its biological and psychological foundations.
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Dignity
Seeking Respect in Back Row America
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Chris Arnade's "Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America" is a poignant photo essay and narrative that explores the lives and perspectives of individuals often overlooked in society. Through powerful images and personal stories, Arnade captures the struggles, resilience, and dignity of those living on the margins. The book offers a nuanced understanding of the economic and social challenges faced by many Americans. Arnade's work challenges preconceived notions and fosters empathy for those often marginalized. It's a compelling exploration of the human condition and the search for meaning in difficult circumstances.
The third door
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In 'The Third Door,' Alex Banayan takes readers on an adventure as he tracks down and interviews icons such as Bill Gates, Maya Angelou, Steve Wozniak, Jane Goodall, and many more. The book highlights the common thread among these successful individuals: they all took the 'Third Door,' an unconventional route to success that involves persistence, creativity, and sometimes unorthodox methods. Banayan's journey and the lessons he learned provide inspiration and practical advice for achieving one's biggest goals and transforming one's life.
The Science of Getting Rich
Wallace D. Wattles
Written in 1910, 'The Science of Getting Rich' by Wallace D. Wattles is a classic in the personal development genre. The book is based on the author's 'Certain Way of Thinking', which emphasizes the importance of positivity, self-affirmation, and creativity over competition. Wattles argues that wealth is not just about financial gain but also about achieving economic and emotional security. He advocates for a mindset that believes in abundance and the power of positive thinking to attract wealth. The book is divided into 17 chapters that provide action steps to add value to others, thereby creating wealth. It also draws from the mental healing movement and incorporates elements of monistic theory, suggesting that the universe is composed of a single, formless substance that can be shaped by one's thoughts[1][2][4].
Young, polymathic, and full of energy — Tommy Potter is on a quest to build a “CIA for Entrepreneurs.” He calls it “The Power Hour” — a startup community in Michigan that hosts dropouts, undergrads and PhDs across many industries: enterprise, consumer, CPG, aviation, gaming, robotics and AR/VR, as they work together to build cool projects.
I had a great time chatting with Tommy as we spoke about non-linear career paths, embracing authenticity, working with dazzling, delusional people and more!
I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!”, check out our Substack.
Infinite Loops 
