Yes my people. What’s good? I hope we’re all doing well. We’re back up with the Notes For The Week. Please forgive me for my absence — relocating to another country is a real logistical effort. It’s coming up to a year now and it’s been a journey!

I’ve got a nice cadence back up and running after a summer of travel so thought now is the time to resume with my notes for the week. This week will be looking at the importance of finding good teachers and revisiting a modern classic.

Find Good Teachers

I’ve been thinking a lot recently about the apprentice relationship. For much of recorded history this has been the main model in which learning has taken place. A budding tutee following attentively to either (or both) the words or actions of their master. Sometimes we can be tempted to think that someone who becomes great may have done it purely by themselves - it’s a quip that can sometimes be touted in this modern iteration of capitalism where hyper-individualism has become a mode of celebration (rather than a signal for correction).

However, if you look closely at even the most gifted people in their professions or areas of work - you’ll often find that they were for a period of time or throughout the course of their career coached, taught or tutored. A prime example of this is the fastest man in history - Usain Bolt and the relationship he had with his coach Glen Mills. Mills was the head coach of the Jamaican Olympic athletics team between 1987 and 2009. Mills was approached by Usain Bolt shortly after the Athens Olympics and he became the sprinter's coach in late 2004.

What I find most interesting about Glen Mills is that he personally doesn’t have a single professional athletics’ medal. However, his Racer’s Track Club tutees have won a total of 71 medals at he IAAF World Championships and another 33 medals at Olympic competitions—with nineteen of these medals were won by Usain Bolt.

Mills takes a technical approach to coaching, focusing on details and intricacies in race photographs, and balancing the psychological elements of each athlete. He integrates motivational work with daily routines in order to create well-rounded people rather than just “speed machines.” Central to Mill’s approach is the idea that athletes “must lose in order to learn to win.” His athletes have faith in him because of the strong physical and psychological grounding he provides. 

When Usain was talking about Glen Mills he said: “I’ve always believed in the coach. And I know that the coach will always bring me to another level. Personally, I’ve always respected and believed in what the coach has disciplined and what he says and his instructions because he has taken me to another level.”

So, do you have an iota of talent? If yes, then make it your mission to not go another day without submitting yourself to a teacher, coach or mentor who can help make you better than what you currently are—there is always a next level and a good teacher will get you there.

“At the table, the ladies praised a portrait by a young painter. “What is most surprising,” they added, “he has learned everything by himself.” This could be seen particularly in the hands, which were not correctly and artistically drawn. “We see,” said Goethe, “that the young man has talent; however, you should not praise, but rather blame him, for learning everything by himself. A man of talent is not born to be left to himself, but to devote himself to art and good masters who will make something of him.” — Johann Peter Ecjermann, Conversations with Goethe

Solange: A Considered Carpenter

I revisited Solange’s A Seat at the Table a few weeks back, and it’s been on rotation ever since. The album’s introspective nature gives it a timeless appeal, offering a deep exploration of identity, empowerment, and resilience. Solange’s vulnerability to explore her own experiences with family, love, and loss on wax makes it all the more beautiful. Her ability to blend soulful melodies with poignant social commentary is unmatched, and the superb, considered use of interludes throughout the tape makes the journey all the more personal. A Seat at the Table is a modern classic that will continue to age well.

Personal Favourites from the Tape:

• Rise 

  • A powerful opening that sets the tone for the entire album, “Rise” encourages self-awareness and resilience, while its minimalistic arrangement feels like a calm yet steady call to action.

• Weary 

  • “Weary” blends subtle instrumentation with lyrics that speak to the exhaustion of navigating both personal and collective struggles. It’s a meditative track that forces you to sit with the weight of the world and yourself.

• Junie 

  • A groovy, funk-infused track, “Junie” stands out for its infectious rhythm and upbeat energy. It’s a playful yet poignant reminder of Black musical legacy, paying homage to funk pioneer Junie Morrison while celebrating creativity and self-expression.

• Mad 

  • Featuring Lil Wayne, “Mad” is an exploration of justified anger and frustration, delivered over a smooth, understated beat. It’s a nuanced reflection on the tension between personal pain and the need to express it without apology. I have to admit as a Jay fan I never really heard the arguments when people would put Wayne as their top rapper but this verse moved me. It’s exceptional all the way through.

Weekly Recommendation 

This was one of the best interviews I’ve watched in a while. Jay Shetty has an amazing interviewing style. Daniel articulated so many of the thoughts I’ve had over the years so well. On my third listen since it’s dropped. Daniel is one of them ones. I particularly enjoyed Daniel’s contrast of London and New York. I spent some time over the summer in New York and you can’t help but feel the city whispering you to be great. It’s a wise assessment to pay attention to the person we become in each city we may find ourselves in. As Paul Graham cites every city whispers something different to us. What is the city you’re currently in whispering to you?

Until next week (I promise). Peace.