The Contrarian Digest [Week 9]

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 [9th Edition] 👇

1️⃣ Your Skills Are Expiring Faster Than You Think – Sol Rashidi, MBA

⚡𝐈𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟: In the AI era, your career won’t die from disruption but from your own stagnation. RELEVANCE isn’t a title you “earn,” it’s a habit you practice.

🗞️𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭: https://lnkd.in/eUGrj9nu

2️⃣ When “Tolerable” Becomes Terminal – Shashank Sharma (2nd week)

⚡𝐈𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟: The real danger ISN’T what breaks you, but what you can “tolerate.” Mediocrity doesn’t announce itself, it slowly becomes your normal.

🗞️𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭: https://lnkd.in/eDe-nXqf

3️⃣ Beyond Tariffs, History Repeating – Ray Dalio

⚡𝐈𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟: Everyone’s staring at tariffs. But the real story is deeper: A global order crumbling under its own weight. HISTORY says what happens next.

🗞️𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭: https://lnkd.in/eBj_4xsq

4️⃣ Your Business Is (Probably) Worth Less Than You Think – Bradley Lay

⚡𝐈𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟: EBITDA, and even more so “adjusted EBITDA”, are financial fiction. Here’s what actually matters when money’s real.

🗞️𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭: https://lnkd.in/egMet2z5

Do I fully agree? YES on the principle. But, are we gonna change the world? Probably not.

Wanna learn more about EBITDA in LBOs and how you can use it to your advantage to acquire businesses and build a holding? This is the most unique opportunity of the next 5-10 Years, check out my video: CLICK HERE.

5️⃣ Why Your Startup’s Growth Might Be Lying to You – Paul Watson

⚡𝐈𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟: Early traction ISN’T PROOF of Product-Market Fit. It might just be your burn rate talking. Here’s what real validation looks like.

🗞️𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭: https://lnkd.in/eMfCj7Sm

6️⃣ The Dark Secret of AI Transparency? Most Explanations Are LIES – Kieran Flanagan

⚡𝐈𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟: When AI explains its thinking, it’s likely just telling you what you want to hear. New research shows models fake their reasoning 75% of the time.

🗞️𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭: https://lnkd.in/eUY8bwpe

7️⃣ The Cortisol Crisis – Oliver Anwar

⚡𝐈𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟: You’re not just “stressed.” You’re POISONED by your own body’s reaction. Here’s why cortisol might be the real silent killer.

🗞️𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭: https://lnkd.in/eBMvQNBg

8️⃣ The Monsters We Fed (Democracy? Disrupted) – Rik Vera

⚡𝐈𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟: We didn’t lose democracy to a coup. We outsourced its erosion—to algorithms optimized for fear. And now, the bill is due.

⚠️ While I don’t entirely agree with the WHEN or HOW this “materialized,” the core diagnosis is sharp and something we should be talking about – definitely worth a read.

🗞️𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭: https://lnkd.in/eGTfHZyB

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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 — April 14, 2025 (HERE)