By 
To My Children, Nieces, Nephews, and Every Young Soul Who Needs to Hear This,
Society has been telling you that mastering skills like STEM, Biotech, and Coding are crucial for your future and success. But there’s something even more powerful – a skill that transcends technical knowledge and will impact every aspect of your life.
That skill is “Storytelling”.
Yes, storytelling. Storytelling is more than communicating – it’s how you connect with people, how you influence decisions, and how you create meaning from your experiences. In today’s world, where leverage has never been more accessible, storytelling is your greatest asset. It can open doors, create opportunities, and build the kind of wealth that matters most – real wealth.
Heartbreak and Disappointment: Shape Your Story
Life is full of heartbreak and disappointment. You have faced setbacks – whether it’s not making the team you’ve trained for, not getting the promotion you thought you deserved, or pouring your heart into something only to see it fail. Son – I remember the disappointment you faced when you were waitlisted at your top college choices. You worked so hard, but the result was uncertainty. But here’s the truth: these moments were not failures. They were defining moments in your story.
Challenges never mean you’ve reached the end. They mark the beginning of a new chapter. Many who know me have remarked that I am a big fan of Naval Ravikant and his Navalisms – you will see several in this letter essay – it is scaffolding necessary for me to write this.
Naval once said, “You can’t control all the variables, but you can control how you react to them.”
The way you respond to heartbreak and disappointment shapes your future. Setbacks aren’t meant to stop you – they’re meant to refine you. Every time you face a challenge, you’re given the chance to grow, to become more resilient, and to craft a story of perseverance.
When you face these tough moments, remember: you’re not writing the story of defeat. You’re writing the story of resilience, of learning to move forward even when things don’t go your way. It’s through these moments that you build character and strength that is uniquely yours.
The Journey is not the Destination
Often, we may think that success is the destination – getting the job, achieving the promotion, or hitting a financial goal. But the real success lies in the journey. It’s the process, the learning, and the becoming that truly matter. The lessons we learn along the way are what shape us, not just the end result.
Think of life as a continual story, not a series of finish lines. The journey will always bring you more joy, growth, and fulfillment than any single achievement ever could. Think of the satisfaction – even elation – you feel when you look back on the times you survived, improved, or achieved in the face of a challenge.
Simon Sinek says, “The goal is not to be perfect by the end. The goal is to be better today.”
Every day is a brand new chance to become better than you were yesterday. And that’s where the real value of life lies – not in reaching some perfect end but in the growth that comes from each step along the way. Those tiny, incremental, compounding spurts of growth.
When we focus too much on the end, we miss the richness of the experiences that lead us there. The journey teaches us resilience, creativity, and humility. It prepares us for what’s next. So, don’t rush to the finish line – embrace the thrill of learning, of becoming better, and of finding joy in the process itself.
Storytelling Is the Most Important Skill You Need. Period.
Why is storytelling the most important skill – even more than technical skills like data, coding, or biotech? Because storytelling is how we make sense of the world. It’s how we communicate our values, how we influence others, and how we create opportunities. Storytelling is also a form of leverage, one of the most powerful tools you can use in today’s world.
Naval talks about the importance of leverage: “Give me a lever long enough, and I can move the world.” In this age of technology and media, storytelling provides that leverage. It allows us to amplify our ideas, scale our influence, and reach far beyond our immediate environment. Whether we’re leading a team, pitching an idea, or building a business, the story we tell shapes how people perceive us and our value.
Think about it: People don’t just buy products, they buy stories. They invest in narratives that resonate with them emotionally. This is why the most successful leaders – remember the legendary Steve Jobs – aren’t just innovators, they are storytellers. Jobs didn’t just sell technology – he sold a vision of a better future, and people wanted to be part of that story.
In every aspect of your life, your ability to tell a compelling story will set you apart. Whether it’s convincing someone to take a chance on you, building relationships, or navigating tough times, storytelling helps you shape your reality and the opportunities that come your way. It’s how you build credibility, inspire action, and create wealth.
The Evolutionary Origins of Storytelling
Storytelling isn’t just a skill we learn; it’s deeply embedded in the fabric of our evolution as a species. As anthropologist Yuval Noah Harari explains in Sapiens, one of the reasons Homo sapiens became the dominant species on Earth is because of our unique ability to create and share collective myths – essentially, stories. While other species could communicate about immediate physical realities, humans evolved the ability to construct and share abstract ideas, enabling us to cooperate in large groups and pass down complex knowledge through generations.
The ability to create shared stories allowed early humans to build communities, establish social norms, and inspire trust among individuals who had never met before. Whether through religious beliefs, cultural traditions, or historical narratives, storytelling helped unite tribes, form societies, and mobilize people toward common goals.
According to Harari, “Homo sapiens conquered the world thanks to the unique ability to create and believe in shared myths.”
Storytelling is likely what sets humans apart from other species, allowing us to navigate uncertainty, plan for the future, and even empathize with others by imagining their experiences. Stories give us the ability to coordinate and adapt in a way no other species could, making storytelling an evolutionary advantage that continues to shape human behavior today. A story is more than a tool for entertainment or communication – it’s a biological imperative that shapes human cooperation, innovation, and survival.
This power will influence how you connect with others, make decisions, and lead in the modern world.
Keys to Great Storytelling
Becoming a great storyteller isn’t just about speaking or writing well; it’s about crafting a narrative that resonates with people on an emotional level. Here’s how to apply four essential elements of storytelling to make your stories impactful, relatable, and memorable:
1️⃣ Start with “Why”
In storytelling, the why is your foundation. Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle framework emphasizes the importance of beginning with why because it connects your audience to the core reason behind your message. When you start with why, you’re tapping into the emotional side of your audience—explaining the purpose behind the story. This helps establish a deeper connection because people are more likely to engage when they understand why something matters.
Example: Imagine you’re telling the story of how you started your business. Instead of focusing on what your product or service is, begin by sharing why you felt compelled to create it. Maybe you saw a gap in the market that frustrated you, or perhaps you experienced a personal challenge that inspired you to solve a problem for others. The “why” establishes an emotional bond and hooks your audience from the beginning.
Application: Next time you’re sharing an experience—whether it’s personal or professional—ask yourself: “Why does this story matter?” It doesn’t have to be grand. The key is to align your purpose with what your audience values. For instance, if you’re discussing a leadership lesson, the why could be your desire to help others avoid the same mistakes you made early in your career. Always think about how the why of your story can resonate with your readers’ or listeners’ needs, concerns, or aspirations.
2️⃣ Be Vulnerable
People are drawn to authenticity, not perfection. In a world where social media often shows only polished, curated versions of success, vulnerability is refreshing and powerful. It’s moments of failure, doubt, or struggle that make your story relatable. When you share your vulnerabilities, your audience sees themselves in your journey, building trust and deeper engagement.
Example: Think of public figures like Brené Brown, whose work on vulnerability has inspired millions. She doesn’t shy away from talking about her fears, failures, or moments of uncertainty. Her authenticity is what makes her work resonate so deeply. In business, a CEO who admits they made mistakes during a company’s early years – and learned from them – builds stronger connections with employees and customers than someone who pretends they’ve always had it together.
Application: The next time you share a story, don’t gloss over the difficult parts. Talk about your setbacks – whether it was a failed project, a missed opportunity, or personal struggles that shaped your path. Being vulnerable doesn’t mean oversharing; it means being honest and open about the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. The more authentic you are, the more trust you’ll build with your audience.
3️⃣ Build Tension
Conflict is at the heart of every compelling story. Without tension, there’s no drama, and without drama, there’s no reason to keep listening. Tension gives your story momentum and keeps your audience emotionally invested. It’s the challenges and uncertainties that your protagonist (in many cases, you) must overcome that captivate people.
Example: Consider the movies or books you love – there’s always a central conflict. Whether it’s the underdog athlete training for the big game, a startup struggling to make it to market, or someone navigating a personal crisis, the tension is what keeps us watching or reading. The hero’s journey is a classic framework: the hero faces a series of escalating challenges before finally succeeding or failing. It’s their journey through adversity that makes the story unforgettable.
Application: When telling your own story, don’t shy away from the hard parts. If you’re telling the story of how you started your career, or how you struggle to find the next milestone, don’t just talk about the highlights – talk about the moments of doubt when things weren’t going your way. Explain the obstacles you had to overcome. Tension might come from a difficult decision, a long period of uncertainty, or a sudden and unexpected challenge. The key is to take your audience on that emotional journey with you so that they feel the ups and downs, just as you did.
4️⃣ End with Purpose
A story without a meaningful ending can leave your audience feeling unanchored. Every great story needs a resolution – a point where the audience can reflect on what they’ve learned or experienced through your narrative. Purpose makes your story stick. It’s not just about how your story ends but about the lesson or takeaway you want your audience to remember.
Example: Think of every great speech or memoir you’ve heard – there’s always a key message that resonates long after the story ends. For example, a business leader might conclude a speech about overcoming failure by emphasizing the importance of resilience and persistence. Oprah Winfrey, when reflecting on her career struggles, often leaves her audience with a powerful message about self-worth and perseverance. These are universal truths that people can apply in their own lives.
Application: To ensure your story ends with purpose, distill your message into a single, clear takeaway. What do you want your audience to walk away with? Is it a lesson about leadership, resilience, or personal growth? When wrapping up your story, connect the dots between your experience and a larger universal truth that others can apply to their own lives. For example, if you’ve just shared a story about a professional setback, you might end with a call to action: “What matters is not how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up.”
Incorporate these four elements – start with why, be vulnerable, build tension, and end with purpose – to elevate your storytelling to a level that engages, connects, and resonates with your audience. Whether you’re speaking with a small group or writing for a large audience, craft stories that not only hold attention but also inspire action. Storytelling is your greatest tool – use it to build relationships, influence decisions, and create lasting impact.
Real Wealth: Own Your Time and Freedom
Let’s talk about wealth. Most people equate wealth with money, but real wealth is so much more than that. The greatest wealth you can have is owning your time. It’s having the freedom to live your life on your own terms, doing what you truly want.
Naval Ravikant says it best: “The most important form of wealth is owning your time.”
Real wealth isn’t just financial – it’s about mental, emotional, physical, and financial well-being. Here’s how I want you to think about wealth as you grow:
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Mental Wealth: This is your peace of mind – your ability to stay calm, centered, and focused no matter what’s happening around you. Mental wealth is about knowing who you are and what you stand for. It’s about controlling your thoughts and emotions rather than letting the world control them for you.
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Financial Wealth: Yes, money is important, but only when it gives you the freedom to live your life the way you want. Financial wealth isn’t about accumulating things – it’s about using money as a tool to buy back your time so you can focus on what matters most to you.
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Emotional Wealth: Emotional wealth comes from meaningful relationships. It’s about surrounding yourself with people who love, support, and challenge you to grow. Having deep, fulfilling connections with others is a form of wealth that no amount of money can buy.
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Physical Wealth: Your health is the foundation for everything else. Without physical health, none of the other forms of wealth matter. Take care of your body, prioritize your well-being, and make sure you have the strength and energy to enjoy all that makes your life rich.
The ultimate goal is to balance these forms of wealth. True success isn’t about having more material things – it’s about having enough, or even more than enough as long as you are able to live a life that aligns with your values. When you own your time and have mental, emotional, financial, and physical health, you will be wealthy.
Leverage and Innovation in the Modern World
We live in a world where leverage is more powerful than ever before.
As Naval often says, “Leverage is the key to wealth. Without it, your time and labor are finite.”
Today, you have access to three primary forms of leverage: code, capital, and media. But there’s a fourth, often overlooked, form of leverage: Storytelling.
Storytelling allows you to scale your influence and create opportunities far beyond what you could achieve on your own. Thanks to technology, media, and social platforms, your story can reach millions, opening doors that wouldn’t have been possible a generation ago. Whether through podcasts, writing, or social media, the stories you tell can amplify your message and build your brand in ways that money and labor alone never could.
In this modern age, you don’t have to wait for someone to give you permission to share your ideas. You can create your own platform, build your own following, and attract opportunities through the power of your story.
Own Your Story and Your Time
At the end of the day, kids, I want you to remember this: You are the author of your life. You get to write your story. Life will bring you challenges, disappointments, and unexpected twists, but how you respond to them will define your narrative.
True success isn’t about accumulating things or chasing accolades—it’s about owning your time and living life on your terms. It’s about having the freedom to pursue what matters most to you and finding balance across all forms of wealth—mental, financial, emotional, and physical.
As Naval says, “To be wealthy, you need time. You can always make more money, but you can’t make more time.”
The stories you tell yourself and others will be the key to unlocking that time, that freedom, and that wealth. So go out into the world, and tell your story. Use your story to build connections, create opportunities, and craft a life of meaning. Own your time, your decisions, and your narrative. The ability to tell a compelling story will not only open doors but will also give you the leverage to design the life you truly want.
Success Isn’t Just Measured by Money – It’s About Freedom
I want you to always remember that success isn’t defined by the size of your bank account or the title on your business card. Real success is about freedom – the freedom to spend your time the way you want, to be mentally and emotionally at peace, to nurture meaningful relationships, and to have the energy and physical health to enjoy your life fully.
You are living in a time where you have more tools at your disposal to create wealth and success than any generation before you. Innovation and storytelling are key drivers in this era of exponential opportunities.
Naval emphasizes, “We live in an age of infinite leverage,” and that means your ability to innovate and share your story can create extraordinary opportunities for you.
You have the power to shape your own narrative and, through that, create the life you want. This is the true wealth I encourage you to strive for – the wealth that gives you the freedom to choose how you spend your days, who you spend them with, and what you pursue.
Own Your Life Through Storytelling
At the end of the day, storytelling isn’t just about captivating an audience; it’s about owning your life. It’s about creating meaning from both the highs and the lows, shaping how you see the world, and how the world sees you. Storytelling allows you to build credibility, attract opportunities, and influence people in ways that no other skill can.
As you continue to write your own story, know that it’s not the setbacks, rejections, or challenges that define you – it’s how you use them to grow, innovate, and adapt. Each chapter of your life adds richness to your narrative. Every disappointment teaches you something valuable, and every success gives you the momentum to keep going.
You have all the tools to create the kind of life you want. It’s your story to tell – go tell it well.
With all my love, belief in your potential, optimism for your future, and support for your journey,
We are all doing our best ~ Assume Positive Intent!
Let me know how I can help.
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