Atiba’s Musings | Book I’m Currently Reading | Dinner With Friends | Community Spotlight

Atiba’s Musings 🤓

Ever held the door for someone and gotten a look that made you regret it? I did, and it hit me when did accepting help start feeling like a weakness? We live in a world that glorifies independence, but have we oversubscribed to the idea that we have to do everything alone? The scarcity principle doesn’t just apply to business it’s happening in our daily lives, in the way we connect (or don’t) with each other.

If we want to increase demand for respect, support, and appreciation, we have to stop seeing help as a transaction and start seeing it as a reflection of value. I don’t hold the door because I think someone is weak I do it because they matter. And maybe, just maybe, the real fear of missing out isn’t on trends or opportunities but on meaningful human connection.

Let’s talk about it. Are we rejecting the very thing we need most? Hit reply and share your thoughts I read every message. And if this resonated with you, share it with someone who might need to hear it too. 💬

I’ll be honest, I put off reading Atlas Shrugged for a long time. Not because I wasn’t interested, but because it’s huge. The kind of book that could double as a doorstop or a weapon in an emergency. But once I started, I realized it’s not just a book, it’s a challenge. A challenge to how we think about work, success, and what happens when the people who hold everything together start to wonder, what’s the point?

Ayn Rand’s world is intense, filled with people who are either builders or takers, creators or destroyers. And honestly, it hits close to home. Ever felt like you’re the one carrying all the weight while everyone else just coasts? Ever questioned if the effort is worth it? This book doesn’t just explore those feelings it forces you to sit with them. Agree or disagree with Rand’s philosophy, you can’t walk away from this book without thinking differently about ambition, independence, and what it really means to create value in the world.

I’m still deep in the pages, but I’d love to hear from you. Have you read Atlas Shrugged? What did you think? Did it fire you up or frustrate you? Let’s talk in this email. And if you haven’t read it yet, consider this your sign to dive in just maybe clear your schedule first. 😉

There’s something special about gathering around a table with incredible people—sharing laughter, stories, and a meal that somehow tastes better because of the company. Last year’s Dinner with Friends Austin was exactly that: an evening filled with connection, great conversations, and a few unforgettable moments.

This photo captures some of that magic, featuring Will Steel, Josh Lannan, and Ben Grossman deep in conversation—three brilliant minds who bring passion, insight, and energy to every discussion. Whether the topic was business, life, or just which dish was the best of the night, you know it was a conversation worth listening to.

And we’re doing it all again! This year’s Dinner with Friends Austin is coming soon, and you won’t want to miss it. Whether you were there last time or this will be your first, consider this your invitation to connect, unwind, and enjoy an evening of real, meaningful conversations. Stay tuned for the details! Who’s in? 🍽✨

Community Spotlight ✨

Josh Lannan is a unique kind of guy.

I love Josh. He's a tech-savvy expert who communicates brilliantly a remarkably rare combination.

He’s a guy who's successfully led Influence Live Media for years, while simultaneously studying AI and development in depth for nearly a decade. Now, with his latest venture, Strategic A.I. Consultants, he's helping companies seamlessly integrate AI into their infrastructure. Josh understands this field from the inside building the actual tools and technology, not just speaking in generalities.

He's such a wonderful human being. One thing I truly appreciate about Josh is his curiosity. In the nearly four years I've known him, I've consistently been amazed by his eagerness to learn and seamlessly incorporate new knowledge. It's no surprise he transitioned into coaching it's the perfect fit for someone with his wealth of insights and genuine desire to help others.

Josh, I'm honored to call you a friend.