Writing

We analyzed 4 million recruiting emails sent through Gem. Most get opened. But only 22.6% get replies. Half those replies are "thanks, but no thanks." We dug into what actually works. Here are 8 factors that drive REAL responses: 1. Strategic timing beats everything else - 8am gets 68% open rates. 4pm hits 67.3%. 10am lands at 67% - Most recruiters blast at 9am when inboxes are flooded - Avoiding peak times alone can boost your opens by 7-10% 2. Weekend outreach is criminally underused - Saturday/Sunday emails get ≥66% open rates consistently - Why? Empty inboxes. Zero competition. Candidates actually have time - Yet few recruiters send on weekends. Their loss is your gain 3. Keep messages between 101-150 words - Shorter feels spammy. Longer gets skimmed - You need exactly 10 sentences to nail the essentials - Every word beyond 150 drops performance 4. Generic templates kill response rates - Generic templates: 22% reply rate - Personalized outreach: 47% increased response rate - Even adding name + company to subject lines boosts opens by 5% 5. Subject lines need 3-9 words - Include company name + job title for highest opens - "Senior Engineer Role at [Company]" beats clever wordplay - 11+ words can work if genuinely intriguing, but why risk it? 6. The 4-stage sequence is optimal - One-off emails are dead. Send exactly 4 follow-up messages - You'll see 68% higher "interested" rates with proper sequencing - After stage 4, engagement completely flatlines. Stop there 7. Get the hiring manager involved - Having the hiring manager send ONE follow-up boosts reply rates by 50%+ - Yet most recruiters don't use this tactic - Weekend advantage: Minimal competition for attention 8. Leadership involvement is a cheat code - Role-specific timing (tech vs non-tech) matters - Technical roles: 3 of 4 best send times are weekends - Engineers check email differently than salespeople. Adjust accordingly TAKEAWAY: These aren't opinions. This is what 4 million emails tell us. Most recruiting teams are stuck in 2019 playbooks wondering why their reply rates won't budge. Meanwhile, recruiters who implement these 8 factors see dramatically better results. The data is right there. The patterns are clear. The only question is: will you actually change how you operate? Or will you keep sending the same tired emails at 9am on Tuesday? Your call.

Want to write like a CEO? Cut the fluff. The best leaders communicate with: ✅ Clarity ✅ Brevity ✅ Impact They don’t send long, rambling emails. They don’t hide behind corporate jargon. They get to the point fast. I have written four books and have advised 300+ CEOs on their communications. Here’s the 5-part writing framework top executives use: 1 – The Subject Line Should Say It All Before you write anything, ask: ➡️ What’s the ONE thing I need them to know? ➡️ What’s the ONE action I need them to take? If you can’t answer this, don’t send it yet. 2 – Lead with the Bottom Line Busy people don’t have time for long intros. 💡 Start with the main point, not the backstory. ❌ “Hope you’re doing well! I wanted to reach out because we’ve been working on…” ✅ “Here’s the update: [Key message in one line].” 3 – Cut the Fluff High-level executives don’t read wordy emails. They scan. ✂ Remove “just,” “I think,” and “wanted to.” ✅ “We should move forward.” ✅ “The results show a 20% increase.” 4 – Be Direct, Not Rude Great leaders are clear, not cold. 🚫 “Per our last discussion, I believe this approach might be beneficial.” ✅ “Let’s move forward with this approach. Thoughts?” 5 – Always End with a Clear Ask ❌ “Let me know what you think.” ✅ “Can you approve this by Thursday?” 6 – Add Warmth Charismatic people are both competent and warm. If you follow 1-5, you may come across as competent but it may be hard to connect. Therefore, add some warmth at the end. ❌ “Looking forward to your response.” ✅ “Appreciate your time on this—excited to hear your thoughts!” 📌 Follow me Oliver Aust for daily strategies on leadership communications.

Parents share over 60 photos of their kids every month. AI needs as few as 15–20 images to generate a realistic deepfake face. What rules do you follow before posting photos of your kids online? And once something is online, it can be copied, scraped, indexed, and stored forever. The Pause Before You Post campaign from Data Protection Commission Ireland highlights a reality many families still underestimate: We are raising children in the first generation where their digital identity exists before they understand what privacy means. Some numbers that should make every parent think: + Parents post on average 63 photos of their child per month + Research shows AI models can recreate a face with 20 or fewer images + Over 70% of parents share kids’ photos publicly at least once a week + Billions of images are scraped online to train AI systems every year + Studies found ~50% of child images on criminal forums originated from public social media posts + Over 80% of photos contain metadata or visual clues about location or routine + By age 13, many kids already have thousands of images of themselves online The campaign shows how small details become data points: A school logo → location A birthday cake → date of birth A sports uniform → schedule A street sign → home area A group photo → social circle With modern AI, these are not random details. They are structured data. Face recognition, generative AI, and large-scale scraping systems can now connect identity, location, habits, and relationships in seconds. We are entering a world where: 🔹 Every photo can train an AI model 🔹 Every face can be cloned 🔹 Every post can be archived forever 🔹 Every detail can be cross-referenced 🔹 Every child can have a digital footprint before adulthood What should parents do today? ✔ Make accounts private ✔ Avoid posting school names, uniforms, and routines ✔ Disable location tagging ✔ Don’t post full names + birthdays together ✔ Ask kids before posting their photos ✔ Assume anything public can be reused by AI This isn’t paranoia. This is parenting in the AI era. #Innvation #Ai #ChildSafety #Privacy #Deepfakes #GenerativeAI #DataAwareness #TechEthics #SocialMediaSafety #ParentingInTheAIera #OnlineSafety #CyberSecurity #ProtectKidsOnline

🔑 What separates a good LinkedIn post from a great one? Great posts aren’t just read....... They’re shared, discussed, and remembered. Here’s the formula to elevate your content: 1️⃣ Hook Them Early ✨ Use the first 2–3 lines to grab attention. Example: “The biggest LinkedIn mistake? It’s not what you think.” 2️⃣ Deliver Value ✨ Focus on educating, inspiring, or solving a problem for your audience. Example: “After running 50 campaigns, here’s what I’ve learned about LinkedIn’s algorithm.” 3️⃣ Create Conversations ✨ End with a CTA that sparks comments. Example: “Agree or disagree with these tips? Let’s discuss below!” 4️⃣ Polish for Readability ✨ Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and white space to make your post easy to skim. Why It Works: ✅ Hooks draw readers in. ✅ Value keeps them engaged. ✅ CTAs build relationships. Final Thought 🌟 Great posts don’t just inform, they connect. They make your audience feel seen, heard, and ready to engage. What’s your formula for creating LinkedIn content that stands out? Let’s discuss it! 🚀 #LinkedInTips #ContentThatConnects #EngagementSuccess

i built this prompt to make me proficient in any technical topic. it's been a godsend. it includes technical depth, but translates every piece of jargon into plain english with a real world example. feel free to steal it: 🧠 Deep Research Prompt Template (Extensible Version) Objective: Create a comprehensive research report on [INSERT TOPIC HERE]. The goal is to build a deep conceptual understanding of the topic — from its theoretical foundations to its real-world applications — so that I can use this as a launchpad for further exploration. Audience: A non-technical but intellectually fluent reader. I’m comfortable following complex discussions, but I’m not formally trained in this technical domain. Tone & Style: - Write in a clear, structured, and explanatory style. - Include technical depth, but translate every piece of jargon into plain English. - After each complex term, formula, or mechanism, provide: a) A plain-language translation (explain it like you’re teaching an intelligent layperson). b) A real-world, tangible example or analogy that makes the idea concrete. Content Requirements: 1) Foundations Section - Define the core principles, vocabulary, and historical context behind [TOPIC]. - Explain why this field exists, what problems it solves, and who pioneered it. - Use simple examples to show the basic mechanics at play. 2) Core Concepts & Mechanics Section - Dive into the key theories, processes, or frameworks that make up the topic. - Introduce any math, algorithms, or scientific models central to the field. - For each technical concept, pair the explanation with: a) A plain-language breakdown. b) A real-world illustration (e.g., from everyday life, business, nature, or technology). 3) Applications & Implications Section - Show how [TOPIC] is applied in real-world systems, industries, or technologies. - Include notable case studies or examples that demonstrate its impact. - Explain why understanding these concepts matters — what it enables or changes. 4) Integration & Broader Context Section - Connect this field to adjacent domains (e.g., how it interacts with math, physics, biology, economics, etc.). - If relevant, trace how the theory translates into practice (e.g., from code → circuits → behavior). - Highlight open questions or ongoing research frontiers. 5) Formatting & Accessibility Guidelines - Use clear headings, subheadings, and summaries at the end of major sections. - Define jargon inline, not in a glossary. - Use metaphors, analogies, or thought experiments liberally. - If helpful, include short “mental models” or “rules of thumb” to aid intuitive understanding. Output Goal: A research-style explainer (typically 3,000–5,000 words) that is educational, accessible, and intellectually rigorous — something that helps a curious but non-specialist reader gain a working, conceptual mastery of [TOPIC].

One skill separates great communicators from average ones: Perspective-taking. The ability to see things from someone else’s point of view. But most people do it wrong. Here’s how to do it right, especially when you’re leading or being led: When you’re the boss, persuading down: You’re trying to convince Maria on your team to do something different. She’s pushing back. Your instinct might be to assert your authority. But that’s a mistake. Here’s why… Research shows: The more powerful you feel, the worse your perspective-taking becomes. More power = less understanding. So if you want to persuade Maria, don’t lean into your title. Do the opposite: dial your power down, just briefly. Try this: Before the next conversation, remind yourself: Maria has power too. I need her buy-in. Maybe she sees something I don’t. Lower your feelings of power to raise your perspective. From that place, ask: → What does she see that I’m missing? → What might be in her way? → What’s a win-win outcome? That shift changes the entire dynamic. Instead of steamrolling, you’re collaborating. And that’s how you earn trust and results. Now flip it. You’re the employee persuading your boss. It’s a high-stakes moment. You’re nervous. So do you appeal to emotion? No. Drop the feelings. Focus on interests. Here’s the key question: “What’s in it for them?” Not how you feel. Not your big dream. → Will it save time? → Improve performance? → Help them hit their goals? Make it about their world, not yours. Why? Because every boss has a mental shortcut: → Does this employee make my life easier or harder? Be the person who brings clarity, ideas, and upside. Not complaints, drama, or friction. In summary: → Persuading down? Dial down your power to see clearer. → Persuading up? Focus on their interests, not your emotions. Perspective-taking is a superpower, if you learn how to use it. Now practice, practice, practice.

As we gear up for our earnings call today, I was thinking about how we’ve matured in our approach to these meetings since our very first one.  Here’s what I’ve learned – which I think can be applied to any public speaking engagement: Practice, practice, practice.  I need to feel confident in and comfortable with the information I’m delivering, so I read over my key points repeatedly, I read them aloud, and I read them in front of others. Pace yourself.  After listening to my first earnings call recording, I realized I was speaking too quickly. Audiences need time to absorb detailed information – give them (and you) breathing room. Keep calm and carry on.  Confidence comes from preparation but expect the unexpected.  Have an answer ready for every anticipated question, but don’t let the one from left field throw you – and it’s ok to say, “Let me get back to you on that.” If technical difficulties pop up, take it in stride and forge ahead.    What tips help you prepare for important presentations?  #EarningsCall #CustomerFocus #LeadershipTips Darrell Campbell

Two years ago, I stepped into something completely new—building a life insurance business from 0 to 1. Before this, I had spent years in leadership roles, navigating the structured world of actuarial science, finance, and strategy. But at Acko Life, the rules were different. Unlike traditional setups where processes, playbooks, and legacy systems guide decisions, here we were faced with a blank slate—no product, no processes, no precedent. Besides, building insurance systems for policy administration, reinsurance, operations management, accounting and claims from scratch is not for the faint-hearted. I had to unlearn some things, learn many new ones and embrace a mindset where speed, adaptability and first principles thinking mattered more than past experience. This is where I had extensive help from Varun Dua, ACKO Founder. Here is what I realised: ✅ Decisions > Perfection: The need to move fast means there’s no room for analysis paralysis. Early on, we learned that making decisions, even with limited data, is better than waiting for the “perfect” answer. ✅ Iterate Relentlessly: What looks great on a whiteboard often fails in the real world. The best way to build? Launch → Learn → Adapt → Repeat. ✅ Consumer Obsession is Non-Negotiable: In a market where life insurance has remained largely unchanged for decades, we focused on understanding what consumers really want, not just what has always been done. The 5 Whys approach came in handy—digging deep to understand the real pain points instead of just treating symptoms. ✅ Conviction Matters: When you're creating something new, skepticism is inevitable. But belief in the problem you're solving and the impact you can create is what keeps you moving forward. ✅ No Job Descriptions in 0→1: At ACKO Life, I’ve been an actuary, strategic  planner, accountant, risk manager, salesperson, and customer advocate—all at once. In an early-stage build, you do whatever it takes to move things forward. ✅ Great Ideas Come from Everywhere: Not just from leadership or industry veterans, but from engineers, designers, customer service teams, and even casual conversations. The best solutions often come from unexpected places. ✅ The Small Wins Matter: In 0→1, you don’t always have big milestones to celebrate. The real sense of achievement comes from solving that one small problem—a friction point in the customer journey or an operational bottleneck—that earlier didn’t even appear to be a problem. The last two years have been challenging yet incredibly rewarding. 0→1 isn’t just about launching a product—it’s about creating momentum from Zero. As ACKO continues to challenge the status quo in insurance, I’m excited about what’s next. If you’ve been part of a 0→1 journey, I’d love to hear your experiences—what lessons stood out for you? #Leadership #StartupLife #Learning 

Clear long-term plans let me “retire” as an Amazon VP at 50, travel 5 months a year, and still make money. Here’s how I did it and how you can apply the same thinking to your own life. Bill Gates once said, “Most people overestimate what they can do in one year but underestimate what they can do in 10 years.” I agree. Here are four real long-term plans I’ve created: – A 5-year savings plan that let me retire – A 10-year travel plan to see the world – A 10-year business plan for impact – A 40-year health plan to stay fit through age 95 Plan 1: Retire in 5 Years As my career progressed, I started thinking about financial independence. I followed three simple financial rules throughout my life to make this a possibility: 1. Live on less than I make 2. Invest for the long term 3. Max out my 401(k) match In my 40s, I calculated how much I needed to retire and I realized I was about 5 years away. The plan stretched to 7.5 years, but I made it. Even if plans shift, having one gives you clarity and options. Plan 2: A Business Plan for Purpose Post-retirement, I built a 10-year business plan to help others find career success and satisfaction. The plan includes scaling my impact and reaching 1 million people. Like all good long-term plans, this one evolves, but the overarching vision stays constant. Plan 3: See the World I made a list of everywhere I wanted to go and started planning travel around those dreams. Galapagos. Iceland. Switzerland. This is my “active years” travel plan, and it only works because of Plan 1—financial freedom. But you don’t need to be wealthy to travel, just committed to a plan. Budget, partner with others, and get creative. Plan 4: Be Healthy at 95 This is the longest-range plan I’ve made. Inspired by Dr. Peter Attia’s concept of the “Centenarian Decathlon,” I mapped out what I want to be able to do at age 95 and then worked backward. If I want to lift a grandkid off the floor at 95, I need to be strong enough today. The details of each of these plans are in my newsletter. But before I link that, I want to give you some specific tips to create powerful long term plans: 1. Decide what area to focus on (my four plans were financial, business, travel, and health) Trying to create a single holistic life and career plan at this scale is likely too complex. Take it on in pieces. 2. Figure out where you want to be in 5, 10, or 40 years. What is the ultimate goal. 3. Work backwards from the end as well as forward from where you are. Meet in the middle. 4. Iterate. You can draft the plan all in one sitting, but these plans benefit from periodic revision. I have clarified, updated, and changed all of my plans once to twice a year. The end goals have rarely to never changed, but the next steps and priorities within the plan definitely do. 5. Be flexible. The plan exists to help you, not to constrain you. Link: https://buff.ly/03hEvz2 Readers—share your long-term plans.

Every 10 minutes, 6,000kg of clothes are thrown away in Australia 🌎 Most of this waste ends up in landfill, underscoring the urgent need for systemic change in the fashion industry. Fast fashion’s model of high-volume production and short product lifecycles drives unsustainable resource consumption and significant environmental harm. The production of clothing demands extensive water, energy, and raw materials, yet much of it is discarded within a year. This linear approach to fashion—produce, consume, dispose—leads to inefficiencies and growing environmental costs that recycling alone cannot resolve. Transforming the industry requires ambitious solutions: embedding circular principles into design, prioritizing durability and repairability, and fostering resource-efficient production. A shift toward responsible consumption, combined with robust policies and corporate accountability, can reduce waste and extend the lifecycle of materials. The transition to a circular and regenerative model is not only a necessity but also an opportunity. It can drive innovation, conserve natural resources, and position the industry as a leader in addressing global sustainability challenges. #sustainability #sustainable #business #esg #climatechange #climateaction #circular