Transforming Business and Life with Philosophical Perspectives

In this episode of 'The Friday Habit,' Mark Labriola and Benjamin Manley are joined by Kayvon Kian, an entrepreneur, teacher, and senior advisor at McKinsey & Company, to discuss his latest book, 'What Is Wisdom?' The conversation covers various philosophical approaches from ancient thinkers such as Socrates, Nietzsche, and Hippocrates, and how their wisdom can guide business decisions. Kayvon shares personal anecdotes, discusses the importance of skeptic capital, and emphasizes strategies for dealing with uncertainty, making better decisions, and focusing on values. The episode concludes with practical advice on preparing for 2022, highlighting the significance of controlled thinking, surrounding oneself with diverse perspectives, and making intentional decisions. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Skeptic Capital Matters: Kayvan encourages building “skeptic capital”—surrounding yourself with people who challenge your assumptions and help prevent costly mistakes.
2. Ask the Wisdom Question: When facing tough decisions, ask: “What would a wise person do in this situation?” This reframes the decision-making process through timeless values.
3. Use Philosophers as a Thought Board: Kayvan introduces the concept of using historical thinkers (like Socrates, Nietzsche, and Hippocrates) as an advisory board to gain diverse perspectives on modern challenges.
4. Socrates – Embrace Healthy Skepticism: Question your assumptions. Ask “Is that really so?” before jumping into new opportunities or narratives.
5. Nietzsche – Eternal Recurrence: Act as if your decisions will recur infinitely. Would you still choose this path if you had to live it over and over again?
6. Hippocrates – First, Do No Harm: Even with good intentions, interventions can worsen a situation. Sometimes, restraint is the wisest choice.
7. Watch for Patterns (Taoist Influence): Recognize patterns in personal and business life. Understanding recurring cycles can help you predict outcomes and avoid mistakes.
8. Be Present, Not Just Reactive: Don’t live on autopilot. Be mindful of how your words, actions, and energy affect others and yourself—especially in moments of stress.
9. Intentional Decision-Making: Big decisions should be values-driven, not reactive. Slowing down and switching between philosophical frameworks leads to wiser outcomes.
10. Plan for Uncertainty: 2022 (and any year) will bring challenges. Focus on what you can control, invite diverse perspectives, and be open to shifting your mental models.

Connect with Kayvan: kayvankian.com

https://linkedin.com/in/kayvan

Learn More: Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the guide on working on your business rather than in it. 

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