The Dating App Founder | 8M members | Bootstrapped startup with a team of 50+ | Co-founder & COO of Inner Circle | Follow for insights on business, leadership and relationships

Co-founder of Inner Circle. The dating app for people who want fewer matches and better dates.

Built on the belief opposites don’t attract, so you don't waste time.

Bootstrapped since 2012. 8M+ members worldwide.

Try the app with code MK2024 for a month of premium access.

Follow me for honest insights about work, life and love.

Looking for stars to join the team, check out the careers page: www.about.theinnercircle.co/careers. 

About me: 
I believe no strategy is better than its execution. 
My scope includes:
🏆 Hiring and developing winning teams 
✅ Alignment and execution driven by OKRs
🚀 Marketing that drives growth with ROI
🥾 Data to accelerate experiments that move the needle
🍸 Advisor and angel

In 2025, I stepped back into marketing as COO CMO. Content is the most powerful lever for any brand, so I started posting here to understand what makes it tick, share my learnings and lead my team better.

Michael Krayenhoff

The best leaders aren’t just tough.

They're compassionate.

Compassion isn't a weakness.
It's the courage to lead with humanity, especially when the stakes are highest.

It's about delivering hard feedback, but never with cruelty.
Holding firm standards, but always with dignity.
Driving real results, but never at the cost of people's worth.

I've seen leaders who mistake harshness for strength; 
They burn out their teams and themselves.

The ones who last? 
They understand that respect and accountability aren't opposites.

True leadership isn't choosing between being effective and being decent.
It's refusing to accept that false choice in the first place.

Here are 3 leadership reminders that actually hold up in real life:

1️⃣ Compassion takes backbone.
↳ Say what needs to be said, clearly and directly.
↳ Avoiding the truth feels kind in the moment, but it costs trust later.

2️⃣ Compassion needs standards.
↳ Hold the line on behavior, effort, and values.
↳ Being human does not mean lowering the bar. It means being fair about it.

3️⃣ Compassion is built in small moments.
↳ How you listen. How you respond. How you follow up.
↳ People remember consistency more than big speeches.

Strong leadership is not a choice between results and decency.
That is a false trade.

Real leaders refuse to make it.

So ask yourself this today,
How are you showing compassion when it actually counts? 
Lets discuss in the comment 👇

♻️ Repost to inspire your network.
✅ Follow Michael Krayenhoff for more on business, leadership and careers.

I've worked with hundreds of leaders over the years.

The gap between good and great? It's not strategy or skill.

It's self-awareness.

The best leaders don't just drive results;
They develop people while doing it.

Here's what sets them apart:
16 Signs of a Highly Intelligent Leader

1/ They never punish honesty.
↳ People speak up when they know the truth won’t cost them their seat.

2/ They leave room at the table.
↳ Influence grows when others are invited in.

3/ They create calm in the chaos.
↳ Steady energy keeps teams focused when pressure hits.

4/ They admit when they're wrong.
↳ Owning mistakes sets the standard faster than pretending to be right.

5/ They set direction, not demands.
↳ Clear intent beats rigid instructions.

6/ They over-communicate the ‘why’.
 ↳ Clarity creates alignment faster than control ever could.

7/ They give others permission to fail.
↳ Progress only happens where mistakes are allowed.

8/ They hire people smarter than them.
↳ Strong leaders optimize for outcomes, not ego.

9/ They prioritize trust over popularity.
↳ Being respected lasts longer than being liked.

10/ They care deeply but act objectively.
↳ Empathy informs decisions without clouding them.

11/ They ask more questions than they answer.
↳ Good questions unlock better thinking across the room.

12/ They don’t claim credit for the team's work.
↳ They direct praise to the team to celebrate those who execute.

13/ They coach people, they don't control them.
↳ They don't want people just to deliver, they want them to develop.

14/ They don't build followers, they build leaders.
↳ The real test is what the team does when you’re not there.

15/ They show up with the same attitude, every day.
↳ Predictability builds trust and trust drives results.

16/ They step back so others can step into the spotlight.
↳ Progress accelerates when credit is shared.

Intelligent leadership changes teams.

It’s not about being in charge,
It’s about how you show up for the people who trust you.

Which leader does this remind you of?
Drop a name below 👇

♻ Repost if this resonates.
✅ Follow Michael Krayenhoff for more on business, leadership and careers.

You can have high standards and treat people well.

They're not mutually exclusive.

I've interviewed over 1,000 people to build Inner Circle.

Entry level to senior leaders.

Everybody gets nervous at times.
Because, behind every resume is a real person.

They've prepared for hours.
They're thinking about their rent.
They've practiced answers in the mirror.
They're wondering if they're good enough.

About finally getting a shot.
About their family.

But most companies forget this, and: 

They ghost candidates for weeks.
They treat hiring like a transaction.
They forget there's a human waiting.

And that shows.

How you hire shows your culture more than any values slide ever will.

Not what you say.
What you do when no one is watching.

Here is what treating candidates like humans looks like in real life:

1️⃣ You respond
↳ If someone spoke with you, you close the loop.
↳ Even a short no is better than silence.

2️⃣ You are clear
↳ You explain why the answer is no.
↳ You say it in plain words, not corporate talk.

3️⃣ You respect time
↳ You only add interviews if they are truly needed.
↳ You decide who makes the final call before the process starts.

This is not going the extra mile.
It is walking the talk on your values..

People remember how you treated them.
Even when they did not get the job.

Quick question for you,
What is one thing you never compromise on when hiring?
Share it in comment 👇

♻️ Repost if you believe hiring should feel more human
✅ Follow Michael Krayenhoff for more on business, leadership and careers.

If you want success, you need to out-fail everyone.


Most people don’t actually fail.
They just never even start.

They over-prepare.
They wait for confidence.
They wait for permission.
They wait for certainty.

Then they call it being realistic.

Failure isn’t the opposite of success.
Inaction is.

Failure only shows up after you’ve moved.
After you shipped the idea.
Had the uncomfortable conversation.
Put your name on the line.

That’s why failure hurts.

Not because you’re weak,
but because you cared enough to commit.

Execution is the filter most people never pass.
They stay busy.
They stay smart.
They stay safe.
And mistake that for progress.

If you failed, congratulations.
You made it past the hardest step.

The real question isn’t
“Did it work?”

It’s:
Did you step into the arena or stay in the stands?

What’s one thing you’re trying this year,
even if it might fail?

♻️ Repost this to inspire others.
And follow Michael Krayenhoff for more insights on leadership.

Fear of failure will keep you average.

Even if you're capable of more. 

Image credits to Alvin Huang

I’ve seen this closely. 
When I started Inner Circle, nothing was guaranteed.
There was no safety net. Just a belief that mattered more than the noise outside.

Failing was simply a part of the process at the time.

Features that didn’t work.
Markets we entered too early.
Hires that looked right on paper but wrong in real life.

Each one felt heavy at the time.
Like maybe this was the moment it all breaks.

But failure rarely shows up as a big dramatic ending.

Most of the time it looks like this,

👇 You try something.
👇 It doesn’t work the way you hoped.
👇 You sit with the discomfort.
👇 You figure out what you missed.
👇 You adjust.
👇 You try again.

That’s not failure.
That’s the job.

After building a bootstrapped company to 8M members, 
I can count the real failures on one hand.
The kind I’d never repeat.

Everything else was just a part of the process of getting better.

Early on, it’s hard to tell the difference.
Everything feels urgent. Everything feels final.

With time, you get faster at spotting what needs killing,
and what just needs another round.

So if you’re in that uncomfortable middle right now, ask yourself:

Are you failing,
or are you just not done yet?

♻️ Repost this to nudge somebody in your network
✅ Follow Michael Krayenhoff for more on business, leadership and careers

Changing jobs isn't the same as quitting.

Quitting used to be seen as weak.

Now it's a sign of growth.

Here are 8 reasons leaving may be the smart choice:

1/ You’ve outgrown the role
↳ You’re doing more than the job asks, but the title and scope haven’t moved.

2/ Your pay no longer matches your value
↳ Loyalty feels nice, but the market doesn’t reward it the same way.

3/ The environment drains you
↳ If work costs you your energy, health, or confidence, that’s a signal.

4/ You want better leadership
↳ A great manager can change your entire career path.

5/ You’ve stopped learning
↳ Comfort is great until it quietly stalls your growth.

6/ You want broader exposure
↳ New companies mean new ways of thinking, building, and solving problems.

7/ You need to stretch yourself
↳ Change forces adaptability. And adaptability compounds fast.

8/ There’s no real path forward
↳ Some org charts just don’t have space for what you’re ready to become.

Knowing when to leave isn’t failure.

It’s self-awareness.

Curious, when did leaving work out for you?
Share it in comment 👇

♻️ Repost if this helps someone in your network.
✅ Follow Michael Krayenhoff for more on business, leadership and careers.

Toxic leaders can destroy your self-worth.

Don't blame yourself.

Recognize their behaviours.

A toxic leader can ruin your career:

🚨 Creating fear
🚨 Killing confidence
🚨 Controlling opportunity

Here are 9 signs to watch out for:

1. The Favourite Picker
↳ Loyalty is rewarded, not performance
↳ Promotions become politics, not merit

2. The Credit Thief
↳ Takes your wins and does the bare minimum
↳ Recognition is stolen, and so is your recognition

3. The Power Tripper
↳ Uses their title to silence, not support
↳ “Because I said so” becomes their leadership style

4. The Blame Shifter
↳ They spread fear by criticising and blaming
↳ Shames mistakes instead of coaching growth

5. The Control Freak
↳ Micromanages every task but shares no vision
↳ You’re overloaded, under-trusted, and out of oxygen

6. The Burnout Machine
↳ Glorifies overwork and calls it ambition
↳ Well-being is sacrificed at the altar of “urgency”

7. The Fear Builder
↳ Uses silence to protect their authority
↳ People stop speaking up and trust disappears

8. The Mood Swinger
↳ Hot one day, cold the next
↳ You’re stuck guessing which version shows up

9. The Growth Blocker
↳ Rejects change to protect their ego
↳ They never leave their comfort zone and make sure others can't

Which have you experienced?
Let me know below 👇 

♻ Repost this to help your network.
✅ Follow Michael Krayenhoff for more on business, leadership and careers.

9 Signs Of A Toxic Leader

The best performing teams aren’t the smartest. 
They’re the most curious.

Being with the team in São Paulo this week 
made that obvious again.

Teams move faster
when the energy is right.

Not because they’re smarter.
Not because they work longer.

It comes from curiosity.
From teams that challenge assumptions
Instead of defending the status quo.

5 ways curiosity drives outsized results:

1/ Better questions replace old answers
↳ Progress starts when teams stop defending and start improving.

2/ Testing beats debating
↳ Momentum builds when learning happens in the work.

3/ Less process, more momentum
↳ Clarity reduces the need for endless coordination.

4/ Ownership goes up
↳ People move faster when they help shape the thinking.

5/ Energy compounds
↳ Belief grows when teams see ideas turn into reality.

Curiosity is the unlock to real growth.

Where have you seen curiosity lift results?
Let me know in the comments ⬇️

♻️ Repost this to inspire others.
And follow Michael Krayenhoff for more insights on leadership.

What separates the best founders from the rest? 

It's not their vision or the product!
It’s the decisions they repeat every day.

Most people think leadership shows up in big moments.
Fundraises. Pivots. Announcements.

That matters for sure. 
But it is not what shapes the team.

What defines you are the silent decisions no one sees or applauds.
Here are five key decisions that define you: 

1️⃣ Who you build around
→ Notice who you involve early, when the problem is still messy and the answer isn’t clear.

2️⃣ What behavior you protect
→ Pay attention to what you address immediately and what you tolerate because it’s inconvenient to confront.

3️⃣ Where your attention goes
→ Look at what consistently gets your time when priorities collide. That’s what your team learns to value.

4️⃣ What you simplify
→ Track the rules, steps, or approvals you remove so people can act without waiting on you.

5️⃣ How you show up under pressure
→ Observe how you react in the moment things break, not how you explain it later.

These are the moments where your leadership takes shape.
If your team feels cautious, slow, or dependent,
there is a good chance one of these decisions is stuck on repeat.

Which one do you think leaders struggle to change the most?
Drop it in the comments 👇

♻️ Repost if this made you think
✅ Follow Michael Krayenhoff for more on business, leadership and careers

Being yourself is the real flex.

Especially when everyone else is putting on a show.

Social media didn’t create this behaviour.
It just made it more visible.

Some people optimise perception over capability.

They become whoever the moment rewards:
- Visible when projects succeed
- Quiet when things get hard
- Quick to talk about outcomes they didn’t own
- Fast to turn team success into personal optics

You see it online.
You see it inside companies.

Perception works at a distance.
Capability shows up in delivery.

When decisions carry weight.
When results actually matter.
That’s when the image collapses.

What’s left is simple:
 1/ Who actually owns the work
 2/ Who stays consistent
 3/ Who doesn’t change depending on who’s watching

That’s why the best operators don’t play the optics game.

They don’t need to.
Their work does the talking.

Where do you see capability beat perception?

♻️ Repost this to inspire others.

And follow Michael Krayenhoff for more insights on leadership.

Leadership isn’t a title. 
It’s a craft. 

Most leaders manage work they don’t understand.
That’s when performance breaks.

Every quarter we run a workshop,
where we experience a craft.
This week it was content creation.

We worked in groups of three.
Each group created two pieces of content, 
that had to perform in the real world.

We didn’t just talk theory,
Everyone got to experience;

What makes a great hook.
Where storytelling breaks.
And the practical limits of filming, format and timing.

Once you do the work together, clarity comes fast.
What sounds simple in a meeting
is rarely simple in execution.

Content is one of the biggest growth levers in modern marketing.

When leaders only touch content 
through agencies or dashboards…
They lose the feel for what great looks like.

5 Reasons the best leaders stay close to the craft:

1/ You experience execution, not coordination
 ↳ You feel the friction plans never show.

2/ You understand real constraints
 ↳ Time, format and context shape every decision.

3/ You see where clarity breaks
 ↳ Briefs collapse when they meet reality.

4/ You keep standards grounded
 ↳ Distance turns “high bar” into a slogan.

5/ You earn the right to challenge the work
 ↳ Feedback lands when you’ve done the reps.

Staying close to the craft isn’t micromanaging.
It’s how leaders raise the bar and move faster.

What’s one craft you still do yourself? 

♻️ Repost this to inspire others.

And follow Michael Krayenhoff for more insights on leadership.

Ranked #1 LinkedIn HR Creator (Global), #2 Female Creator (US) | Positioning Companies & Founders to Attract Talent, Capital & Credibility | 100M+ Organic Reach | Ex-Amazon, Cognizant, Labcorp

200K+ LinkedIn & Newsletter Community 🐝 LinkedIn Growth Support, Talent Acquisition/Hiring & Brand Partnerships🐝 Neurodiversity Advocate 🐝

Hiring. Visibility. Credibility.

The three levers every founder, CEO, coach, or consultant needs to scale.
The problem? Most get them wrong.

That’s where I come in.

I built 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 to help seed to Series B startups, lean teams, and high-stake leaders attract the right talent, amplify their brand visibility, and build credibility that wins capital and clients.

What sets us apart?
We operate at the intersection of AI, recruitment, and brand strategy turning overlooked processes into growth systems.

Here’s what that looks like in numbers:
✔ 3,000+ hires placed globally across industries
✔ 250,000+ resumes reviewed with precision at scale
✔ 100M+ organic impressions without ad spend
✔ 150K+ community grown organically on LinkedIn
✔ 50K+ subscribers of our Li Newsletter: Incredible Edge
✔ Worked with enterprises like Amazon, Cognizant, Labcorp
✔ Partnered with unicorns like Atlan & Domino Data Lab
✔ Executed brand collabs with Lovable AI, Emergent AI, Gusto, Replit Agent 3, Gamma & GoPerfect
✔ Been named Favikon’s #1 HR Voice (Worldwide) and #2 Female Creator (US) - April'2025

But metrics are just the proof. The real outcome is this:

💡 Founders who save time and scale smarter.
💡 Executives who become visible authorities.
💡 Startups that attract capital and top talent on autopilot.

If you’re still struggling to hire right, stand out, or get noticed, it’s not because you lack potential.
It’s because you’re playing the wrong game.

My work is helping you change that.

📩 DM me or reach out: bookings@proven-patterns.com

Let’s build what they can’t ignore.

💜

Kumud Deepali R.

Working with people smarter than you
isn’t a threat.
It’s a shortcut.

The fastest growth in my career didn’t come from:
• Being the smartest in the room
• Having all the answers
• Protecting my ego

It came from:
• Asking better questions
• Listening more than talking
• Being okay with not knowing
If you’re always the smartest person around,
you might be in the wrong room.

Growth lives where your assumptions get challenged.
Who’s someone that made you level up just by being around them?

"90% of jobs can be taught."

(A truth I've witnessed repeatedly as a recruiter in the tech industry.)

What isn't necessary:
➤Perfect resume ✅
➤Fancy degree ✅
➤Decade of experience ✅

What truly matters:

1/ Learning Mindset
↳Eagerness to grow
↳Openness to feedback
↳Continuous improvement

2/ Attitude
↳Shows up ready
↳Takes ownership
↳Brings positive energy

3/ Problem-solving
↳Breaks down challenges
↳Finds creative solutions
↳Persists through obstacles

4/ Basic Communication
↳Listens actively
↳Asks good questions
↳Collaborates effectively

I've watched complete career pivots succeed.
Junior devs become tech leads.
Sales reps transform into product managers.
Customer service pros evolve into data analysts.

Why did they make it?
Because they were coachable.
Because they showed up consistently.
Because someone saw their potential.

🎯 For Hiring Managers:
Look beyond the perfect match.
Bet on growth potential.
Give meaningful chances.

🎯 For Job Seekers:
Don't self-reject.
You don't need every checkbox.
Your capacity to learn > Your current skills.

↪️What's one skill you mastered on the job that initially seemed impossible? Share in the comments below.

👉 Follow me for more insights on hiring practices that actually work.
♻️ Share if you're tired of outdated hiring norms.

Photo credit: Chad Gono

I Speak It Before I See It. A Job Search Prayer. 

Every day of my job search, I didn’t just send applications, I spoke my vision out loud.

I didn’t ask for any job.

I asked for alignment.

A place that honors my time, my energy, my boundaries so I can show up as my best self.

Leaders who lead with inspiration, not ego.

A team that values people before performance.

I asked for stability not survival.

For the freedom to care for my child without counting every dollar or losing sleep over bills.

I asked for growth. For recognition. For space to be seen, not just managed.

I prayed for real support, healthcare, security, and peace of mind not as perks, but as proof that people matter.

And I prayed for a role where I could bring all of me, my ideas, my voice, my authenticity without having to shrink to fit.

Most of all, I prayed for peace.

For joy.

For purpose.

For a place where I could thrive as a professional, a parent, and a person. If you’re still in that waiting season keep going.

Keep preparing.

Keep believing.

Because when the right door opens, it won’t just offer a paycheck. It’ll offer alignment.

If it costs you your mental health, it’s too expensive.
Read that again.

No job, title, or paycheck is worth losing yourself.

It’s better to choose peace of mind than:
• Bad bosses
• Long hours
• Bad clients
• A big salary
• Crazy deadlines
• Too many meetings
• Toxic workplace cultures
• A fancy job title with no freedom

I learned this the hard way. I once stayed in a job that slowly destroyed my mental health. By the time I left, the damage was already done. Years of anxiety.
Burnout I couldn’t “push through.”

Looking back?

Not worth it. Ever.

Because if you don’t have peace of mind, you don’t really have anything.
Your health is the foundation.
Your work should support your life, not consume it.

Agree or disagree?
I’d love to hear your thoughts 👇

Image Credit: Alex Wisch

This is science not found in textbooks.
High school students in Virginia repair old cars and donate them free of charge to single mothers who need reliable transportation.

No money involved. Just skills, kindness, and purpose.

It’s a reminder that anyone can make a difference if they want to, using what they know to help others.

This is the kind of story I share daily, where human values meet careers, AI, science, and technology.

👉 Follow for more!
🔁 Repost to spread kindness.

Kumud Deepali Rudraraju, SHRM CP

What if the real measure of success isn’t what we achieve, but how human we choose to be?

Every day, we get countless opportunities to show who we really are;
in how we help, how we listen, how we show up, and how we choose compassion even when no one is watching.

Kindness doesn’t need an audience.
Empathy doesn’t need a reason.
And humanity doesn’t need a perfect moment, it just needs intention.

What inspires me most is seeing ordinary people choose to act with extraordinary heart. Not for praise. Not for credit. Simply because it’s the right thing to do.

Imagine what our workplaces, communities, and world would feel like if more of us made humanity a daily habit.
A little more care.
A little more patience.
A little more giving.

It adds up.

Humanity matters. Practice it every single day.

If you believe the world needs more humanity, drop a ❤️ or repost this message to help it reach someone who needs the reminder today.

I’ll never forget the manager who gave me a chance when all I had to offer were two things:
a positive attitude and a desire to learn.

No fancy resume. No big titles.
Just curiosity, consistency, and drive.

That opportunity changed everything.

I practice the same now, while recruiting I remind myself that my job isn’t just filling roles, it’s about recognizing potential.

The best hires often don’t check every box on paper.

But they bring something far more valuable:
 - the humility to learn
 - the resilience to grow
 and the attitude to figure it out

To every recruiter, leader, and hiring manager out there someone’s future begins with the chance you choose to give them.

Who took a chance on you early in your career? Share in the comments below. 

♻️ Repost this if you’ve ever been given a chance that changed your career or you want others to do the same.

Not everyone at your workplace is your friend.

It sounds harsh, until you learn it the hard way.

Early in my career, I believed good work and good intentions were enough. I shared ideas freely. I trusted easily. I assumed everyone wanted to see everyone win.

One day, I watched a project I had worked on for weeks being presented… without my name mentioned once.

That moment taught me something important:
👉 Workplaces are not families.
👉 Colleagues are not automatically friends.
👉 And professionalism is a form of self-respect.

This doesn’t mean being cold or guarded.
It means being clear.
✔ Do your work with excellence
✔ Document your contributions
✔ Be kind, but set boundaries
✔ Let results, not oversharing do the talking

Now, I follow a simple rule that keeps me grounded:
Do your work. Get paid. Go home.

Have you ever learned this lesson the hard way? I’d love to hear your experience in the comments.

Repost as someone might need this reminder and follow for more workplace eye-openers!

Image Credit: Gehna Batra

💙 Worth Is Not Defined by the Job You Do

A father once told his daughter:
“Don’t tell anyone your father is a janitor. They will laugh.”
Her response was simple and powerful:
“My dad is a janitor. He is my pride. I love you, dad.”

👉 He is a father.
👉 He is a provider.
👉 He is someone who works with dignity.

This reminds us that:
• Respect doesn’t come from job titles
• Pride isn’t measured by income
• Worth is built on hard work, sacrifice, and love

No honest work is small.
No person should feel ashamed of earning a living.

Let’s raise a generation that respects people, not positions.

🔁 Repost if you believe every job has dignity.
➕ Follow for more stories that matter.

Friday reminder. Don't be afraid to start again.

What if you’re one “apply” away from a yes?

It’s wild how one person can change everything.

You can love your role, the work, even the mission, but one toxic colleague or unsupportive manager can make it unbearable.

And on the flip side?
 
One great leader or teammate can make even the toughest days feel worth it.
Work culture isn’t just policies and perks, it’s people.
 
The right ones elevate you.
The wrong ones drain you.

So if you’re a leader:
💬 Check in with your team.
👂 Listen more than you talk.
🙏 Be the reason someone wants to stay, not the reason they start job hunting.

What’s one thing a manager or teammate has done that made you love coming to work?

🔁 Repost if you’ve ever felt this way, someone needs this reminder today.
👥 Follow me, (Kumud Deepali R.) for more real takes on leadership, work culture, and career growth.

When you pray for a job, look deeper.
Because a paycheck alone won't fulfill you.

I recently spoke to a candidate who seemed perfect on paper, great salary, benefits, the works.

But halfway through our chat, her voice cracked.
"Every morning, I sit in my car for 10 minutes before walking in.
Not because I'm lazy.
But because I have to mentally brace myself for the day ahead."

That’s when it hit me:

She didn’t need another job.

She needed respect, growth, and peace.

🙏 Pray for these three pillars:
1. Respect
↳ Where your voice matters
↳ Where your boundaries are honored
→ Where dignity isn't negotiable
2. Growth
↳ Beyond just promotions
↳ Beyond comfort zones
→ Where learning never stops
3. Peace of Mind
↳ No Sunday night anxiety
↳ No toxic leadership
→ Where your wellbeing comes first

Because the right job isn't just about what you do.
It's about who you become while doing it.

Money feeds your wallet. These three feed your soul.

💭 Remember: You're not just looking for work. You're building a life worth living. 

Burnout, Depression and Regret will have lasting impacts on your health and well being.

♻️ Share this if it resonates.
➕ Follow me for more insights on career fulfillment. 🙏

A Senior Engineer at a Fortune 50 company helped me put this together:

20 YouTube channels that teach AI better than most CS degrees. These are great resources for structured learning, and the latest in AI:

1. Andrej Karpathy
Deep, intuitive walkthroughs of neural networks and modern LLMs
Link: https://lnkd.in/gE6S6raT

2. 3Blue1Brown
Visual intuition for math, linear algebra, and neural networks
Link: https://lnkd.in/g4wC_iPQ

3. StatQuest with Josh Starmer
Clear, friendly explanations of statistics and ML fundamentals
Link: https://lnkd.in/gTaEyqYg

4. Stanford Online
University-grade ML and AI lecture series (Andrew Ng, CS229, etc.)
Link: https://lnkd.in/gavEEh5v

5. sentdex
Practical machine learning and Python projects
Link: https://lnkd.in/gPAY_ga8

6. Yannic Kilcher
Deep dives into ML and AI research papers
Link: https://lnkd.in/gFkDZWE7

7. MIT OpenCourseWare
Rigorous academic courses on ML, AI, and applied mathematics
Link: https://lnkd.in/gNaRSdSZ

8. Siraj Raval
High-level overviews and motivation around AI concepts
Link: https://lnkd.in/gSdzUetp

9. DeepLearningAI
Structured learning paths for deep learning and generative AI
Link: https://lnkd.in/gdGfUwpj

10. Two Minute Papers
Fast, accessible summaries of cutting-edge AI research
Link: https://lnkd.in/gr93SaYD

11. Umar Jamil
Clear, implementation-focused explanations of transformers and LLMs
Link: https://lnkd.in/gurTw-yi

12. Hugging Face
Open-source LLMs, transformers, and modern NLP tooling
Link: https://lnkd.in/g_sfHVnH

13. Steve Brunton
Dynamical systems, control theory, and scientific ML
Link: https://lnkd.in/gV4tYCFS

14. Michael Bronstein
Geometric deep learning and graph neural networks
Link: https://lnkd.in/gUURVY4B

15. Caltech
Advanced lecture series on ML, optimization, and theory
Link: https://lnkd.in/gsP9Kcz5

16. Lex Fridman
Long-form conversations with top AI researchers and practitioners
Link: https://lnkd.in/g4VduFAM

17. Arxiv Insights
Beginner-friendly explanations of recent AI papers
Link: https://lnkd.in/gt2Qvzze

18. Machine Learning Street Talk
Unfiltered, technical discussions on AI research and theory
Link: https://lnkd.in/gKHEsafg

19. Jeremy Howard
Practical deep learning with strong intuition
Link: https://lnkd.in/gjpiiJCK

20. Kaggle
Applied ML, competitions, notebooks, and real-world workflows
Link: https://lnkd.in/gd-m8w_j

These channels will keep you current with AI trends and help you sharpen your skills.
 Which one are you watching first, or is there a go-to AI channel you’d recommend? Drop it in the comments 👇

Repost, Save and like the post to share with your network. Adopt AI before it is too late. Thanks!

16 remote-focused job boards

A verified list, sorted by free and paid job boards:

🏷️ Save it for later.

𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘
1~Remote100K
Remote jobs paying $100K+ at top companies
https://remote100k.com/

2~Arc
Vetted developer positions with quality companies
https://arc.dev/

3~Wellfound (formerly AngelList)
Perfect for startup lovers and early-stage roles
https://wellfound.com/

4~Contra
High-quality creative and marketing freelance work
https://contra.com/

5~Working Nomads
For location-independent professionals
https://lnkd.in/gFbMurSX

6~RemoteOK
Fast updates, focused tech and startup roles
https://remoteok.com/

7~NoDesk
Remote-first jobs for digital nomads
https://nodesk.co/

8~SkipTheDrive
US-focused remote and flexible positions
https://lnkd.in/g_vDzRtB

9~Jobspresso
Hand-picked remote jobs across multiple sectors
https://jobspresso.co/

𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗗
10~DailyRemote
Daily curated remote job postings
https://dailyremote.com/

11~We Work Remotely
One of the largest with global opportunities
https://lnkd.in/gFPuXy_w

12~JustRemote
Simple, clean remote-only job board
https://justremote.co/

13~Twine
Majorly freelance and remote jobs
https://www.twine.net/

14~VirtualVocations
Legitimate hand-screened openings
https://lnkd.in/gjEBg_uP

15~Himalayas
Offers AI tools such as free job application tracker
https://himalayas.app/

♻️ Repost to help another person in your network and follow for more. 

Any other job boards you know of share in the comments below. 

Image Credit: Mukhtar Khadri

Microsoft is still one of the most valuable companies of all time.
I genuinely believe it is a solid company, not because it never failed, but because it learned, adapted, and came back stronger.

This guide below was created by Nick Palomba (30 yrs at Microsoft/Microsoft GM & RCG CISO), and it’s one of the most practical, step-by-step roadmaps I’ve seen for anyone serious about joining Microsoft.

Here’s why Microsoft stands apart 👇
🔹 Built the foundation of modern work
From Windows to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Office, Microsoft reshaped how the world works; long before “knowledge work” was a buzzword.
🔹 Survived a brutal middle chapter
The 2000–2016 era was full of missteps: Zune, Windows Phone, Lumia, Internet Explorer, wearables. Most companies wouldn’t survive that many failed bets. Microsoft did, because Windows and enterprise dominance kept the engine running.
🔹 A historic comeback under new leadership
Everything changed with Satya Nadella. The focus shifted to:
- Cloud-first with Azure
- Professional ecosystems (LinkedIn, GitHub, Teams)
- Long-term platform bets (AI, developer tools, gaming)
🔹 Positioned for the AI era
The OpenAI partnership, Azure AI, GitHub Copilot, and enterprise AI integration have placed Microsoft at the center of the next computing wave, especially for businesses and developers.

Here’s your ultimate guide to get started: 👇
1️⃣ Search for a job you like:
➡︎ All jobs available: https://lnkd.in/gJBWH5h6
➡︎ Career categories: https://lnkd.in/gs646kcC
➡︎ Students and Graduates: https://lnkd.in/gQeSFjQv
➡︎ Military and Veterans: https://lnkd.in/gzvydjdK

2️⃣ Understand the company:
➡︎ Mission and values: https://lnkd.in/gXp5dBds
➡︎ Financial performance: https://lnkd.in/g3KCPsVA
➡︎ News: https://lnkd.in/gukBtc42
➡︎ Leaders: https://lnkd.in/gRpQiqsB

3️⃣ Understand the products:
➡︎ AI: https://lnkd.in/g2B7hQ_g
➡︎ Microsoft Cloud: https://lnkd.in/gvpHSUpk
➡︎ Microsoft 365: https://lnkd.in/g2GUia5g
➡︎ Azure: https://lnkd.in/gy4-iZNu
➡︎ All Products: https://lnkd.in/gZMiSJJQ
➡︎ All Learning: https://lnkd.in/g5rXd2Mu

4️⃣ Understand what it's like to work at Microsoft:
➡︎ Culture: https://lnkd.in/gCkKbSgq
➡︎ Stories from employees: https://lnkd.in/gTQw3bGb
➡︎ Corporate social responsibility: https://lnkd.in/gV36j5tK
➡︎ Diversity & Inclusion: https://lnkd.in/gzUZzydk
➡︎ Flexible work approach: https://lnkd.in/gm3y3g-Q
➡︎ Benefits: https://lnkd.in/gdqJDZz8

5️⃣ Prepare for the process: 
➡︎ Hiring tips: https://lnkd.in/gWKUsish
➡︎ Virtual interviews: https://lnkd.in/g398hd5H
➡︎ Technical interviews: https://lnkd.in/g59dHRUy
➡︎ Student and Graduate interviews: https://lnkd.in/g87tYWA4
➡︎ Inclusive hiring for disabilities: https://lnkd.in/g_Rm9zNk

Is Microsoft in your dream job list? 

👉 Follow for more nonsense filled knowledge insights on AI, careers, leadership, human sentiments and building long-term impact.
🔁 Repost to help someone else take their next step.

🚨 Choosing the wrong LLM in 2026 will cost you time, money, and momentum.

With dozens of Large Language Models on the market, “best” no longer exists, only best for your use case.

If you’re an AI engineer, builder, or learner, this quick guide will help you pick the right LLM for the right job 👇

1️⃣ ChatGPT (OpenAI)
• Best for general-purpose reasoning & workflow building
• Strong at coding, debugging, and system design
• Ideal for AI agents & automation
2️⃣ Gemini (Google)
• Perfect if you live inside the Google ecosystem
• Seamless with Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and collaboration
3️⃣ Claude (Anthropic)
• Excels at deep analysis of long or sensitive content
• Ideal for legal, policy, and research documents
4️⃣ Grok (xAI)
• Built for real-time trends and breaking news
• Great for X (Twitter) conversations & social insights
5️⃣ Perplexity
• Fast, factual answers with citations
• Excellent for research, fact-checking, and market scans
6️⃣ DeepSeek
• Cost-efficient and strong in math & logic
• Ideal for research experiments and prototypes
7️⃣ GitHub Copilot
• A developer’s IDE companion
• Great for code completion, explanations & boilerplate
8️⃣ Kimi K2
• Handles very large context windows
• Perfect for long academic & technical documents

The real skill in 2026 isn’t using AI, it’s choosing the right one.

Pick wisely to maximize output, reduce cost, and move faster.

✅ Save this for later
🔁 Repost to help your network
👍 Like if this was useful
➕ Follow for more AI breakdowns and 🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss the next guide. 

Which LLM do you use most, and why? Share to help others learn. 

#AI #LLM #ArtificialIntelligence #MachineLearning #AIEngineering #Developers #TechTrends #2026

Choose the Right AI Model 

🔁 Repost if you agree | ➕ Follow for more leadership insights
Boss vs Leader: the difference matters more than ever.

A boss:
 • Gives orders
 • Focuses on authority
 • Takes credit
 • Points out mistakes
 • Says “because I said so”
A leader:
 • Gives direction
 • Builds trust
 • Shares credit
 • Teaches through mistakes
 • Says “let’s figure this out together”

People don’t leave companies.
They leave bosses.
The best leaders don’t control people,
 they empower them.

👉 Are people following you because of your title… or your actions?
💬 What quality do you value most in a leader?

Want to Learn AI in 2026? Don’t Guess. Follow a System.

Everyone asks:
👉 “Where should I start with AI?”
👉 “What’s actually worth reading/watching?”

This visual breaks it down perfectly.
The best AI resources, organized by category.
📚 Books
From AI Engineering to Hands-on LLMs, learn how systems are actually built, not just theory.
🧠 Tech Blogs
OpenAI, DeepMind, Hugging Face, Anthropic, Google AI
→ Stay close to the source of innovation.
🎥 Courses & YouTube
Stanford CS229 / CS230
MIT’s Efficient Deep Learning
Two Minute Papers
ByteByteGo / ByteByteAI
→ Learn faster with curated explanations.
📰 Newsletters
DeepLearning.AI (The Batch)
Rundown AI
Ahead of AI
→ Signal over noise.
📄 Influential Papers
Attention Is All You Need
InstructGPT
BERT
DDPM
→ The ideas that shaped modern AI.

Big takeaway:
You don’t need more resources.
You need the right ones, and consistency.

If you’re serious about AI in 2026:
✅ Learn fundamentals
✅ Follow real research
✅ Build while you learn

How are you picking up new AI skills? Share in the comments below. 
🔁 Repost to help someone who’s just starting.

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The Battle

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