matthieu.
@imnottheboss.com
I (try to) write about valuable life lessons from world events, historical figures, biographies. Feel free to reach out anytime :)
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matthieu.
@imnottheboss.com
· Jul 26
How David Lynch Unlocked People's Potential
Where others saw a block of marble, he recognized the sculpture hiding underneath
www.imnottheboss.com
David Lynch worked with relatively unknown people who, time and time again, turned out to be incredibly talented.
Was he just lucky or did he have some sort of mystical powers?
The answer is neither.
What was his method? And how can we apply it ourselves?
Was he just lucky or did he have some sort of mystical powers?
The answer is neither.
What was his method? And how can we apply it ourselves?
''It was all because of David. He literally changed my life. David is just one of a kind. He loves actors, and you trust him and want to give anything and everything to him, and you want to please him. He radiates good energy and I always feel well taken care of when I'm with him.''
- Naomi Watts
- Naomi Watts
How David Lynch Unlocked People's Potential
Where others saw a block of marble, he recognized the sculpture hiding underneath
imnottheboss.substack.com
July 27, 2025 at 8:27 PM
''It was all because of David. He literally changed my life. David is just one of a kind. He loves actors, and you trust him and want to give anything and everything to him, and you want to please him. He radiates good energy and I always feel well taken care of when I'm with him.''
- Naomi Watts
- Naomi Watts
David Lynch worked with relatively unknown people who, time and time again, turned out to be incredibly talented.
Was he just lucky or did he have some sort of mystical powers?
The answer is neither.
What was his method? And how can we apply it ourselves?
Was he just lucky or did he have some sort of mystical powers?
The answer is neither.
What was his method? And how can we apply it ourselves?
How David Lynch Unlocked People's Potential
Where others saw a block of marble, he recognized the sculpture hiding underneath
www.imnottheboss.com
July 26, 2025 at 7:20 PM
David Lynch worked with relatively unknown people who, time and time again, turned out to be incredibly talented.
Was he just lucky or did he have some sort of mystical powers?
The answer is neither.
What was his method? And how can we apply it ourselves?
Was he just lucky or did he have some sort of mystical powers?
The answer is neither.
What was his method? And how can we apply it ourselves?
Sometimes you don't need to tell someone what to do in order to get them to do it.
Just by doing the thing yourself, it might naturally inspire the other person to join in.
Just by doing the thing yourself, it might naturally inspire the other person to join in.
Not Saying Anything Can Be Just As Impactful
How simply doing something can inspire others to join in
www.imnottheboss.com
May 8, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Sometimes you don't need to tell someone what to do in order to get them to do it.
Just by doing the thing yourself, it might naturally inspire the other person to join in.
Just by doing the thing yourself, it might naturally inspire the other person to join in.
When giving constructive criticism, replace ''but'' with ''and'':
❌ I like your idea, but it needs some more work
✔️ I like your idea, and it can be even better with some work
The other person will be more receptive to what you're trying to communicate.
❌ I like your idea, but it needs some more work
✔️ I like your idea, and it can be even better with some work
The other person will be more receptive to what you're trying to communicate.
April 17, 2025 at 5:33 PM
When giving constructive criticism, replace ''but'' with ''and'':
❌ I like your idea, but it needs some more work
✔️ I like your idea, and it can be even better with some work
The other person will be more receptive to what you're trying to communicate.
❌ I like your idea, but it needs some more work
✔️ I like your idea, and it can be even better with some work
The other person will be more receptive to what you're trying to communicate.
Today, on April 16th 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. wrote his famous ''Letter from Birmingham Jail'', which he began in the margins of a newspaper while in a cell in solitary confinement.
Sticking to your Values
What defines a person's character is how they act when things get tough
www.imnottheboss.com
April 16, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Today, on April 16th 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. wrote his famous ''Letter from Birmingham Jail'', which he began in the margins of a newspaper while in a cell in solitary confinement.
While in a cell in solitary confinement, Martin Luther King Jr. would write his famous 7000-word letter ''Letter from Birmingham Jail''.
Even in the worst of circumstances, King held strongly to his values of nonviolence, and found it in himself to express love and hope.
Even in the worst of circumstances, King held strongly to his values of nonviolence, and found it in himself to express love and hope.
Sticking to your Values
What defines a person's character is how they act when things get tough
www.imnottheboss.com
April 4, 2025 at 4:55 PM
While in a cell in solitary confinement, Martin Luther King Jr. would write his famous 7000-word letter ''Letter from Birmingham Jail''.
Even in the worst of circumstances, King held strongly to his values of nonviolence, and found it in himself to express love and hope.
Even in the worst of circumstances, King held strongly to his values of nonviolence, and found it in himself to express love and hope.
Martin Luther King Jr. lived a burdensome life in his pursuit for racial justice.
Regardless of the circumstances, he always preached nonviolence and lived by his own words.
He practiced what he preached.
Regardless of the circumstances, he always preached nonviolence and lived by his own words.
He practiced what he preached.
Martin Luther King Jr.: Practicing What You Preach
If you follow your own rules, others will too
www.imnottheboss.com
April 4, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Martin Luther King Jr. lived a burdensome life in his pursuit for racial justice.
Regardless of the circumstances, he always preached nonviolence and lived by his own words.
He practiced what he preached.
Regardless of the circumstances, he always preached nonviolence and lived by his own words.
He practiced what he preached.
How do you reply to an unpleasant email or message?
Do you match the other person’s tone? Or do you try to reply as amicably as possible?
Do you match the other person’s tone? Or do you try to reply as amicably as possible?
Our Thoughts Don’t Matter, Our Actions Do
Applying Sartre's philosophy of existentialism to everyday life
www.imnottheboss.com
March 28, 2025 at 5:58 PM
How do you reply to an unpleasant email or message?
Do you match the other person’s tone? Or do you try to reply as amicably as possible?
Do you match the other person’s tone? Or do you try to reply as amicably as possible?
During the sinking of the Andrea Doria in 1956, captain Raoul de Beaudéan decided to turn his ship around to assist in rescue operations.
His decision cost the shipping company a small fortune, but lead to the successful rescue of 1660 in peril.
His decision cost the shipping company a small fortune, but lead to the successful rescue of 1660 in peril.
Putting People Before Profits
How one decision saved 1660 lives
www.imnottheboss.com
March 27, 2025 at 3:14 PM
During the sinking of the Andrea Doria in 1956, captain Raoul de Beaudéan decided to turn his ship around to assist in rescue operations.
His decision cost the shipping company a small fortune, but lead to the successful rescue of 1660 in peril.
His decision cost the shipping company a small fortune, but lead to the successful rescue of 1660 in peril.
Two tragedies, half a century apart: Sinking of the Andrea Doria (1956) and Costa Concordia (2012).
How did the actions of one Captain lead to disaster, whereas the actions of another saved lives?
How did the actions of one Captain lead to disaster, whereas the actions of another saved lives?
A Tale of Two Captains
How the actions of one led to disaster, and actions of another saved lives
www.imnottheboss.com
March 27, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Two tragedies, half a century apart: Sinking of the Andrea Doria (1956) and Costa Concordia (2012).
How did the actions of one Captain lead to disaster, whereas the actions of another saved lives?
How did the actions of one Captain lead to disaster, whereas the actions of another saved lives?
The book I’m reading for my next article!
February 28, 2025 at 7:46 PM
The book I’m reading for my next article!
How would you react if your company left a note saying you couldn't take time off to take care of your sick child?
A Sick Child is No Excuse. Go Team!
Leaving a threatening note: What could go wrong?
www.imnottheboss.com
February 28, 2025 at 7:38 PM
How would you react if your company left a note saying you couldn't take time off to take care of your sick child?
Did being mean to the ballgirl cause Yulia Putintseva to lose against Jasmine Paolini at the 2024 US Open Tennis Championships?
Maybe.
But here's what could she have done instead.
Maybe.
But here's what could she have done instead.
Yulia Putintseva & Why Being Mean is a Loser’s Game
Leveraging your behavior to succeed when things aren't going your way
www.imnottheboss.com
February 21, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Did being mean to the ballgirl cause Yulia Putintseva to lose against Jasmine Paolini at the 2024 US Open Tennis Championships?
Maybe.
But here's what could she have done instead.
Maybe.
But here's what could she have done instead.
Be specific when you thank someone.
Saying a generic ''thanks'' can be quickly forgotten.
But if you add context, ''thank you for helping me with xyz'', people are more likely to remember what you said.
Saying a generic ''thanks'' can be quickly forgotten.
But if you add context, ''thank you for helping me with xyz'', people are more likely to remember what you said.
February 20, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Be specific when you thank someone.
Saying a generic ''thanks'' can be quickly forgotten.
But if you add context, ''thank you for helping me with xyz'', people are more likely to remember what you said.
Saying a generic ''thanks'' can be quickly forgotten.
But if you add context, ''thank you for helping me with xyz'', people are more likely to remember what you said.
No one's perfect, everyone has the capacity to grow.
Just because you don’t like how you are now, doesn't mean you can't create a version of yourself that you do like.
Just because you don’t like how you are now, doesn't mean you can't create a version of yourself that you do like.
February 20, 2025 at 7:32 PM
No one's perfect, everyone has the capacity to grow.
Just because you don’t like how you are now, doesn't mean you can't create a version of yourself that you do like.
Just because you don’t like how you are now, doesn't mean you can't create a version of yourself that you do like.
What’s the most interesting biography you’ve read?
Looking for inspiration on what the read and write about next 🙂
Looking for inspiration on what the read and write about next 🙂
February 20, 2025 at 6:08 PM
What’s the most interesting biography you’ve read?
Looking for inspiration on what the read and write about next 🙂
Looking for inspiration on what the read and write about next 🙂
At first Dave was annoyed with his security alerts, but they quickly became the best part of his summer.
How did he turn things around?
And what can we learn about getting the outcome we want without even saying a word?
How did he turn things around?
And what can we learn about getting the outcome we want without even saying a word?
The Power of Silent Solutions
Ssshh! There's another way to solve your problems!
www.imnottheboss.com
February 20, 2025 at 6:07 PM
At first Dave was annoyed with his security alerts, but they quickly became the best part of his summer.
How did he turn things around?
And what can we learn about getting the outcome we want without even saying a word?
How did he turn things around?
And what can we learn about getting the outcome we want without even saying a word?
What’s a better way to handle a difficult situation with another person?
Rather than reacting (with fighting), act (with compassion)
Rather than reacting (with fighting), act (with compassion)
February 6, 2025 at 8:50 PM
What’s a better way to handle a difficult situation with another person?
Rather than reacting (with fighting), act (with compassion)
Rather than reacting (with fighting), act (with compassion)
If you have to confront someone directly about an issue:
- Start off with a quick friendly conversation
- Ask questions instead of assigning blame
- Be understanding of their difficulties
- Ask for (rather than demand) a change
- Offer your help
- Start off with a quick friendly conversation
- Ask questions instead of assigning blame
- Be understanding of their difficulties
- Ask for (rather than demand) a change
- Offer your help
February 5, 2025 at 6:33 PM
If you have to confront someone directly about an issue:
- Start off with a quick friendly conversation
- Ask questions instead of assigning blame
- Be understanding of their difficulties
- Ask for (rather than demand) a change
- Offer your help
- Start off with a quick friendly conversation
- Ask questions instead of assigning blame
- Be understanding of their difficulties
- Ask for (rather than demand) a change
- Offer your help
The more you argue with someone, the more both of your will get in each other’s faces.
You have to be the one to take a step back, and de-escalate the situation.
You have to be the one to take a step back, and de-escalate the situation.
February 5, 2025 at 4:27 PM
The more you argue with someone, the more both of your will get in each other’s faces.
You have to be the one to take a step back, and de-escalate the situation.
You have to be the one to take a step back, and de-escalate the situation.
Today is Rosa Parks' birthday.
Throughout her life, she put aside her own problems and decided to stand up for others.
That's what made her a true leader and an inspiration to so many.
Happy Black History Month!
Throughout her life, she put aside her own problems and decided to stand up for others.
That's what made her a true leader and an inspiration to so many.
Happy Black History Month!
Rosa Parks & Putting Others First
Reshaping the world by helping one person at a time
www.imnottheboss.com
February 4, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Today is Rosa Parks' birthday.
Throughout her life, she put aside her own problems and decided to stand up for others.
That's what made her a true leader and an inspiration to so many.
Happy Black History Month!
Throughout her life, she put aside her own problems and decided to stand up for others.
That's what made her a true leader and an inspiration to so many.
Happy Black History Month!
If a public facing worker (cashier, delivery person, customer service) is doing a less-than-adequate job, should you berate them?
Try being kind and compassionate instead.
You're more likely to get better service, and also improve the other person's mood!
Try being kind and compassionate instead.
You're more likely to get better service, and also improve the other person's mood!
February 3, 2025 at 9:54 PM
If a public facing worker (cashier, delivery person, customer service) is doing a less-than-adequate job, should you berate them?
Try being kind and compassionate instead.
You're more likely to get better service, and also improve the other person's mood!
Try being kind and compassionate instead.
You're more likely to get better service, and also improve the other person's mood!
Small actions can have big outcomes. Even if it's not your responsibility, give someone a helping hand.
It might not be a huge effort on your part, but you might have made someone’s day better.
It might not be a huge effort on your part, but you might have made someone’s day better.
February 2, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Small actions can have big outcomes. Even if it's not your responsibility, give someone a helping hand.
It might not be a huge effort on your part, but you might have made someone’s day better.
It might not be a huge effort on your part, but you might have made someone’s day better.
Reciprocal altruism: when an altruistic act now can lead to the repayment of an altruistic act in the future.
By helping someone now, you can nudge them to help you or others in the future.
By helping someone now, you can nudge them to help you or others in the future.
February 2, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Reciprocal altruism: when an altruistic act now can lead to the repayment of an altruistic act in the future.
By helping someone now, you can nudge them to help you or others in the future.
By helping someone now, you can nudge them to help you or others in the future.
Before you judge someone, try to put yourself in their shoes.
Maybe the reason they're acting out is because they're stressed, or afraid, or don't know any better.
Doing so will help you react better towards them, as you'll be more compassionate towards their circumstances.
Maybe the reason they're acting out is because they're stressed, or afraid, or don't know any better.
Doing so will help you react better towards them, as you'll be more compassionate towards their circumstances.
February 2, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Before you judge someone, try to put yourself in their shoes.
Maybe the reason they're acting out is because they're stressed, or afraid, or don't know any better.
Doing so will help you react better towards them, as you'll be more compassionate towards their circumstances.
Maybe the reason they're acting out is because they're stressed, or afraid, or don't know any better.
Doing so will help you react better towards them, as you'll be more compassionate towards their circumstances.