Kenneth Flakes
@kennethflakes.bsky.social
Building a brighter future through engineering, exploration, and empowering the next generation of leaders. Discover more ways to connect, learn, and grow at kennethflakes.com/subscribe. Let's connect! 🔗
#ProfessionalPlus #STEM #Travel #Sports
#ProfessionalPlus #STEM #Travel #Sports
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Kenneth Flakes
@kennethflakes.bsky.social
· Nov 19
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Stay informed and connected! Subscribe to Kenneth Flakes Professional Plus and follow me on social media for the latest career insights and inspiration.
www.kennethflakes.com
Elevate your mind and career! Subscribe to Kenneth Flakes Professional Plus and follow our social media for career advice, insightful cultural perspectives, and fresh takes on trending topics.
#ProfessionalPlus #career #InvestInYourself
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#ProfessionalPlus #career #InvestInYourself
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Found this article insightful: Hybrid work isn’t the issue — poor leadership is. MIT Sloan research shows that results-driven teams thrive when leaders focus on outcomes, not badge swipes. #Leadership #work #FutureOfWork
Hybrid Work Is Not the Problem — Poor Leadership Is
Workplace transformation isn’t about where people work — it’s about how they work together to drive outcomes.
sloanreview.mit.edu
November 5, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Found this article insightful: Hybrid work isn’t the issue — poor leadership is. MIT Sloan research shows that results-driven teams thrive when leaders focus on outcomes, not badge swipes. #Leadership #work #FutureOfWork
Aaron Judge didn’t just bet on himself. He made history in 2025.
🔹 3rd player ever with 50+ HR and a batting title
🔹 Tallest batting champ at 6'7"
His 2022 story is a masterclass in discipline and belief. Read how Judge turned excellence into $150M and how you can, too.
#MLBSky #baseball
🔹 3rd player ever with 50+ HR and a batting title
🔹 Tallest batting champ at 6'7"
His 2022 story is a masterclass in discipline and belief. Read how Judge turned excellence into $150M and how you can, too.
#MLBSky #baseball
Aaron Judge Bet on Himself and Gained $150M. You Too Can Win Big Like Judge with These 4 Tips.
Aaron Judge bet big on himself this season, and his huge gamble paid off greatly. In Judge’s “walk year,” the year immediately before becoming a free agent in baseball, he declined a seven-year, $213....
kennethflakes.com
September 29, 2025 at 12:35 PM
This is a 14-minute read, but a great read. #HistorySky
Are We Witnessing the Fall of the American Empire?
Mike Duncan has covered the rise and fall of empires on his podcasts The History of Rome and Revolutions, and he knows what it looks like when things fall apart
www.yahoo.com
September 23, 2025 at 1:15 AM
This is a 14-minute read, but a great read. #HistorySky
What is mind-boggling to me is that people want to hold regular Americans to a higher standard than the President of the United States.
Can someone please make it make sense❓️
Can someone please make it make sense❓️
September 20, 2025 at 1:02 AM
What is mind-boggling to me is that people want to hold regular Americans to a higher standard than the President of the United States.
Can someone please make it make sense❓️
Can someone please make it make sense❓️
We need to eliminate the stereotypes about being labeled a "STEM person." Especially in the Black community, we need more examples of Blacks in STEM regularly on television shows. #BlackSky #STEM #BlackInSTEM
Kids who see themselves as “STEM people” are far more likely to pursue STEM careers, and new research shows caregivers play a key role in shaping that identity (or not).
buff.ly/TnWJFQP
buff.ly/TnWJFQP
Identifying as a ‘STEM person’ makes you more likely to pursue a STEM job – and caregivers may unknowingly shape kids’ self-identity
STEM jobs – ranging from software engineer to physicist, to plumber – tend to be well paid. And women tend to be underrepresented in these fields. New research suggests one reason starts in kids’…
theconversation.com
September 18, 2025 at 4:08 AM
We need to eliminate the stereotypes about being labeled a "STEM person." Especially in the Black community, we need more examples of Blacks in STEM regularly on television shows. #BlackSky #STEM #BlackInSTEM
This Wall Street Journal story stood out to me today: Big Oil has leaned heavily into Trump-era policy wins, but the market hasn’t exactly followed suit.
Is this energy dominance, or a strategic gamble with uncertain returns❓
#EnergySky #BusinessSky #OilandGas
Is this energy dominance, or a strategic gamble with uncertain returns❓
#EnergySky #BusinessSky #OilandGas
Oil Tycoons Bet Big on Trump. It’s Paying Off.
The Trump administration has opened land to drilling and is moving to roll back environmental restrictions and hobble renewable energy. But crude prices have dropped.
www.wsj.com
September 8, 2025 at 3:46 AM
This Wall Street Journal story stood out to me today: Big Oil has leaned heavily into Trump-era policy wins, but the market hasn’t exactly followed suit.
Is this energy dominance, or a strategic gamble with uncertain returns❓
#EnergySky #BusinessSky #OilandGas
Is this energy dominance, or a strategic gamble with uncertain returns❓
#EnergySky #BusinessSky #OilandGas
First Sunday of the NFL season — A perfect moment to reflect on leadership beyond the gootball field.
From C.J. Stroud’s quiet grit to Russell Wilson’s empathy, the game teaches resilience, bold choices, and legacy.
I unpack six lessons in this Professional Plus edition. #NFL #NFLSky #SkyNFL
From C.J. Stroud’s quiet grit to Russell Wilson’s empathy, the game teaches resilience, bold choices, and legacy.
I unpack six lessons in this Professional Plus edition. #NFL #NFLSky #SkyNFL
Kickoff to Success: Leadership Lessons from the NFL
The NFL season is here, bringing with it not just thrilling games but also powerful lessons in leadership and personal growth. From the gridiron to the boardroom, the qualities that define great athle...
www.linkedin.com
September 7, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Amid continued volatility in the oil and gas sector, Halliburton has executed a series of layoffs over several weeks per sources directly involved but not authorized to speak publicly.
The sources reported that at least 3 business units experienced workforce reductions ranging from 20% to 40%.
The sources reported that at least 3 business units experienced workforce reductions ranging from 20% to 40%.
Halliburton reduces workforce as oil activity slumps, sources say
U.S. oilfield services provider Halliburton has been cutting staff in recent weeks, according to two sources familiar with the matter, marking the latest workforce reduction in the U.S. oil industry as it faces rising costs and a period of lower prices and volatility.
www.reuters.com
September 6, 2025 at 4:27 AM
Amid continued volatility in the oil and gas sector, Halliburton has executed a series of layoffs over several weeks per sources directly involved but not authorized to speak publicly.
The sources reported that at least 3 business units experienced workforce reductions ranging from 20% to 40%.
The sources reported that at least 3 business units experienced workforce reductions ranging from 20% to 40%.
Disappointing news here in Houston: ConocoPhillips has confirmed plans to lay off up to 25% of its workforce, potentially affecting over 3K roles.
ConocoPhillips cites operational efficiency as a driver, with automation and AI increasingly replacing traditional roles.
www.khou.com/article/news...
ConocoPhillips cites operational efficiency as a driver, with automation and AI increasingly replacing traditional roles.
www.khou.com/article/news...
Houston-based ConocoPhillips to lay off up to 25% of its workforce, impacting thousands of jobs
JUST IN: Houston-based oil giant ConocoPhillips is planning to lay off up to a quarter of its workforce.
www.khou.com
September 6, 2025 at 4:22 AM
Disappointing news here in Houston: ConocoPhillips has confirmed plans to lay off up to 25% of its workforce, potentially affecting over 3K roles.
ConocoPhillips cites operational efficiency as a driver, with automation and AI increasingly replacing traditional roles.
www.khou.com/article/news...
ConocoPhillips cites operational efficiency as a driver, with automation and AI increasingly replacing traditional roles.
www.khou.com/article/news...
In 2023, Black unemployment hit a historic low (4.8%), and the gap with white unemployment was the smallest on record.
The reversal to 7.2% — the highest since 2021 — threatens to erase progress in wage growth, representation, and economic mobility.
#jobs #BlackSky #economy
The reversal to 7.2% — the highest since 2021 — threatens to erase progress in wage growth, representation, and economic mobility.
#jobs #BlackSky #economy
Black Americans Are Losing Jobs in a Warning for the Economy
Unemployment among Black people reaches highest level since 2021. “I am in the fight of my life.”
www.wsj.com
September 4, 2025 at 2:41 AM
This insightful WSJ piece explores how China’s vision for AI diverges from Western models: prioritizing state-led integration and long-term planning, as compared to the more decentralized, market-driven approaches often seen in the West #AI #artificialintelligence #STEM #SkySTEM #SkyScience #science
The U.S. is spending billions of dollars in a rush to beat China to the next evolutionary leap in artificial intelligence. China is running a different race.
China Has a Different Vision for AI. It Might Be Smarter.
Xi Jinping is pushing the country’s tech industry to build practical, low-cost tools that boost the country’s efficiency and can be marketed easily.
on.wsj.com
September 3, 2025 at 10:46 PM
This insightful WSJ piece explores how China’s vision for AI diverges from Western models: prioritizing state-led integration and long-term planning, as compared to the more decentralized, market-driven approaches often seen in the West #AI #artificialintelligence #STEM #SkySTEM #SkyScience #science
The Wall Street Journal just published a piece on the quiet disappearance of middle management and it resonated with me because it confirms what many of us have been sensing in real time.
If Peter Drucker were alive today, he'd be greatly disappointed in management theory today.
#jobs #management
If Peter Drucker were alive today, he'd be greatly disappointed in management theory today.
#jobs #management
Your Boss Doesn’t Have Time to Talk to You
Amazon wants bigger teams. Bank of America is flattening. Corporate America is shedding managers, and the workplace is changing radically.
www.wsj.com
September 3, 2025 at 10:44 PM
The Wall Street Journal just published a piece on the quiet disappearance of middle management and it resonated with me because it confirms what many of us have been sensing in real time.
If Peter Drucker were alive today, he'd be greatly disappointed in management theory today.
#jobs #management
If Peter Drucker were alive today, he'd be greatly disappointed in management theory today.
#jobs #management
Disappointing news here in Houston: ConocoPhillips has confirmed plans to lay off up to 25% of its global workforce, potentially affecting over 3,000 roles. This move follows its merger with Marathon Oil and signals deeper shifts across the energy sector. #energy #oilandgas #jobs #business
Houston-based ConocoPhillips to lay off up to 25% of its workforce, impacting thousands of jobs
Estimated cuts would impact between 2,600 and 3,250 workers.
www.khou.com
September 3, 2025 at 10:39 PM
Disappointing news here in Houston: ConocoPhillips has confirmed plans to lay off up to 25% of its global workforce, potentially affecting over 3,000 roles. This move follows its merger with Marathon Oil and signals deeper shifts across the energy sector. #energy #oilandgas #jobs #business
Initially, I thought this was a joke, but then I did a quick Google search....
Why It Happens:
The process is driven by a focus on corporate greed and a lack of competition or regulation, which allow platforms to worsen the user experience and increase profits without fear of losing customers.
Why It Happens:
The process is driven by a focus on corporate greed and a lack of competition or regulation, which allow platforms to worsen the user experience and increase profits without fear of losing customers.
enshittification | noun | when a digital platform is made worse for users, in order to increase profits
September 3, 2025 at 10:32 PM
Initially, I thought this was a joke, but then I did a quick Google search....
Why It Happens:
The process is driven by a focus on corporate greed and a lack of competition or regulation, which allow platforms to worsen the user experience and increase profits without fear of losing customers.
Why It Happens:
The process is driven by a focus on corporate greed and a lack of competition or regulation, which allow platforms to worsen the user experience and increase profits without fear of losing customers.
A quick search confirms: WWII ended with the unconditional surrender of Germany and Japan. The troubling part? Misinformation and disinformation spread faster than truth, and correcting it is often harder than spotting it.
JD Vance: "This is how wars ultimately get settled. If you go back to World War 2, if you go back to every major conflict in human history, they all end with some kind of negotiation."
August 25, 2025 at 5:18 AM
A quick search confirms: WWII ended with the unconditional surrender of Germany and Japan. The troubling part? Misinformation and disinformation spread faster than truth, and correcting it is often harder than spotting it.
Elections have consequences. Some more costly than others. If the current administration continues to stall solar and wind development, I hope they have a serious plan to address the rising cost of electricity. #solar #wind #renewables #energy #electricity
Solar executives warn that Trump attack on renewables will lead to power crunch that spikes electricity prices
Renewable power executives say difficulty getting permits, rising costs due to tariffs and the end of key tax credits are making it tough to plan.
www.cnbc.com
August 25, 2025 at 3:57 AM
Elections have consequences. Some more costly than others. If the current administration continues to stall solar and wind development, I hope they have a serious plan to address the rising cost of electricity. #solar #wind #renewables #energy #electricity
Grateful to stand alongside two rising stars from the University of Houston's Black Male Engineering Mentoring Network (BMEN) and their dedicated advisor.
BMEN was founded to confront a powerful truth: fewer than 3% of engineering graduates are Black men.
#BlackInSTEM #STEMsky
BMEN was founded to confront a powerful truth: fewer than 3% of engineering graduates are Black men.
#BlackInSTEM #STEMsky
August 22, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Grateful to stand alongside two rising stars from the University of Houston's Black Male Engineering Mentoring Network (BMEN) and their dedicated advisor.
BMEN was founded to confront a powerful truth: fewer than 3% of engineering graduates are Black men.
#BlackInSTEM #STEMsky
BMEN was founded to confront a powerful truth: fewer than 3% of engineering graduates are Black men.
#BlackInSTEM #STEMsky
Great read. Target scrapped what made people stick around, and it backfired, cost the CEO, and hit their stock price hard.
The Quiet Part Out Loud: Target Ditching DEI Cost The CEO His Job And Investors $12 Billion
It’s time to say the quiet part out loud. Eliminating DEI was very bad for Target's business - costing investors billions and the CEO his job. Here is how it happened.
www.forbes.com
August 22, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Great read. Target scrapped what made people stick around, and it backfired, cost the CEO, and hit their stock price hard.
Stepping back into the world of Bridgerton at the 2025 NSBE Annual Fundraising Gala this past July.
What an incredible night at the Crystal Ballroom at The Rice, surrounded by amazing people — and what an honor to be recognized among such amazing company!
#NSBE #ProfessionalPlus #STEM #Excellence
What an incredible night at the Crystal Ballroom at The Rice, surrounded by amazing people — and what an honor to be recognized among such amazing company!
#NSBE #ProfessionalPlus #STEM #Excellence
August 18, 2025 at 1:21 AM
Stepping back into the world of Bridgerton at the 2025 NSBE Annual Fundraising Gala this past July.
What an incredible night at the Crystal Ballroom at The Rice, surrounded by amazing people — and what an honor to be recognized among such amazing company!
#NSBE #ProfessionalPlus #STEM #Excellence
What an incredible night at the Crystal Ballroom at The Rice, surrounded by amazing people — and what an honor to be recognized among such amazing company!
#NSBE #ProfessionalPlus #STEM #Excellence
Grateful for thoughtful exchanges and familiar faces at the UH Engineering Alumni Association Annual Meeting. @uhengineering.bsky.social #GoCoogs #STEM #leadership #networking #EngineeredForWhatsNext
August 17, 2025 at 11:33 PM
Grateful for thoughtful exchanges and familiar faces at the UH Engineering Alumni Association Annual Meeting. @uhengineering.bsky.social #GoCoogs #STEM #leadership #networking #EngineeredForWhatsNext
Is work-life balance a myth❓
From President Obama’s family dinners to Mark Cuban’s “no balance” stance, five high achievers share how they navigate ambition vs. fulfillment.
Read our latest newsletter📰
#worklife #success #career #leadership #ProfessionalPlus
From President Obama’s family dinners to Mark Cuban’s “no balance” stance, five high achievers share how they navigate ambition vs. fulfillment.
Read our latest newsletter📰
#worklife #success #career #leadership #ProfessionalPlus
Is Work-Life Balance a Myth? What 5 High Achievers Say
Discover how President Obama, Mark Cuban and other high achievers define work-life balance—and the trade-offs that fuel success and fulfillment.
www.linkedin.com
August 17, 2025 at 1:12 AM
Is work-life balance a myth❓
From President Obama’s family dinners to Mark Cuban’s “no balance” stance, five high achievers share how they navigate ambition vs. fulfillment.
Read our latest newsletter📰
#worklife #success #career #leadership #ProfessionalPlus
From President Obama’s family dinners to Mark Cuban’s “no balance” stance, five high achievers share how they navigate ambition vs. fulfillment.
Read our latest newsletter📰
#worklife #success #career #leadership #ProfessionalPlus
I just watched Fareed Zakaria’s opening monologue on CNN about his recent Washington Post article.
He laid it out clearly:
1. The world doesn't get why Americans feel like victims of free trade.
2. Trump and MAGA's narrative of American decline is false.
(1/2)
He laid it out clearly:
1. The world doesn't get why Americans feel like victims of free trade.
2. Trump and MAGA's narrative of American decline is false.
(1/2)
Opinion | Don’t believe the MAGA doomers on trade
America has flourished under free trade. Don’t upend the world based on exaggerations and lies.
www.washingtonpost.com
August 10, 2025 at 5:59 PM
I just watched Fareed Zakaria’s opening monologue on CNN about his recent Washington Post article.
He laid it out clearly:
1. The world doesn't get why Americans feel like victims of free trade.
2. Trump and MAGA's narrative of American decline is false.
(1/2)
He laid it out clearly:
1. The world doesn't get why Americans feel like victims of free trade.
2. Trump and MAGA's narrative of American decline is false.
(1/2)
I am proud to share that I was honored as Advisor of the Year at the NSBE Houston Professionals Gala, joined by our phenomenal chapter president and vice president.
Grateful and humbled doesn’t even begin to express how honored I truly feel.
#ProfessionalPlus #NSBE #Leadership #Community #Purpose
Grateful and humbled doesn’t even begin to express how honored I truly feel.
#ProfessionalPlus #NSBE #Leadership #Community #Purpose
August 9, 2025 at 3:54 AM
I am proud to share that I was honored as Advisor of the Year at the NSBE Houston Professionals Gala, joined by our phenomenal chapter president and vice president.
Grateful and humbled doesn’t even begin to express how honored I truly feel.
#ProfessionalPlus #NSBE #Leadership #Community #Purpose
Grateful and humbled doesn’t even begin to express how honored I truly feel.
#ProfessionalPlus #NSBE #Leadership #Community #Purpose
Social media can help—or hurt—your career. Use these 10 smart habits to stay sharp, protect your reputation, and keep your professional image intact.
Follow kennethflakes.com for more career insights and professional tips.
#SocialMediaTips #CareerAdvice #ProfessionalBrand
Follow kennethflakes.com for more career insights and professional tips.
#SocialMediaTips #CareerAdvice #ProfessionalBrand
August 3, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Social media can help—or hurt—your career. Use these 10 smart habits to stay sharp, protect your reputation, and keep your professional image intact.
Follow kennethflakes.com for more career insights and professional tips.
#SocialMediaTips #CareerAdvice #ProfessionalBrand
Follow kennethflakes.com for more career insights and professional tips.
#SocialMediaTips #CareerAdvice #ProfessionalBrand