The Contrarian Digest [Week 2]

The Contrarian Digest is my weekly pick of LinkedIn posts I couldn’t ignore. Smart ideas, bold perspectives, or conversations worth having.

No algorithms, no hype… Just real ideas worth your time.

Let’s dive in 👇

1️⃣ Is Full-Time Work a Broken Algorithm? The Case for Fractional – Tom Goodwin

⚡𝐈𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟: Why do we cling to the idea of “all or nothing” at work? Maybe work isn’t about LOYALTY anymore, but about staying sharp, curious, and honest.

🗞️𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭: https://lnkd.in/e4FpQdt6
💭𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞: Shift your perspective – https://lnkd.in/eGyGHRyb

2️⃣ Audience or AI? You’re Choosing Wrong – Amos Bar-Joseph

⚡𝐈𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟: Elon Musk didn’t JUST build an AI. His real power move? Weaponinzing 250M users. Features fade. Distribution wins. What if the real game isn’t TECH, but owning the audience?

🗞️𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭: https://lnkd.in/eaEBsYSc
💭𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞: The REAL goldmine – https://lnkd.in/eP5Qp5NT

3️⃣ Prevention DOESN’T sell. But… – Dilip Kumar

⚡𝐈𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟: Most people don’t pay to “stay healthy.” They pay for painkillers, not promises. Building in health means rethinking what you’re REALLY selling.

🗞️𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭: https://lnkd.in/euKD2hm7
💭𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞: Brutal Honesty – https://lnkd.in/ek8QPNny

4️⃣ Reverse-Engineer Rankings with Google’s Own Data – Steve Toth

⚡𝐈𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟: Google’s ranking secrets aren’t “hidden,” they’re just overlooked. Here’s how to reverse-engineer your competitors and own your niche.

🗞️𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭: https://lnkd.in/ezTEJbep

5️⃣ Stop Complaining, Start Owning – Jason M. Lemkin

A Ristretto: Short and powerful.

⚡𝐈𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟: Unhappy at work? Useless complaing or the “exit door” aren’t your only options.

🗞️𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭: https://lnkd.in/e8-rf3Ys

6️⃣ Why BOLD Brands Win – Sharran Srivatsaa

⚡𝐈𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟: Think controversy” kills” brands? Equinox’s unapologetic breastfeeding ad sparked OUTRAGE… and an 80% sales surge! Why doubling down works.

🗞️𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭: https://lnkd.in/e8vywNXW
💭𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞: Your REAL competition – https://lnkd.in/ePHTw3pV

7️⃣ Are You Good, or Just Working for a Big Brand? – Chris Bakke

⚡𝐈𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟: Success at a mega-brand can blind you. Want to know your REAL skills? Step outside the bubble and build without the safety net.

🗞️𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭: https://lnkd.in/eRsJxQyg
💭𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞: The hardest part – https://lnkd.in/ewKxwcHs

8️⃣ The AI Overlords – Gaetan Portaels

Okay, I self-induldged again. BUT, I believe it’s really worth your time.

⚡𝐈𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟: Do you think Sam Altman uses the same ChatGPT as you? In my latest article, I explore what happens when power, intelligence, money, and AI collide.

🗞️𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞: https://lnkd.in/emWjJFZB or just CLICK HERE.

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Which of these topics resonates with you the most?
Share your thoughts in the comments!

To your success,

Gaetan Portaels

Original publication date — February 24, 2025 (HERE)