The One Question Amazon Asks That You Should Too

Jeff Bezos of Amazon once shared, “I very frequently get the question: ‘What’s going to change in the next 10 years?’” While it’s an interesting and common question, Bezos noted that the more critical question is, “What’s not going to change in the next 10 years?” He emphasized this “Because you can build a business strategy around the things that are stable in time.”

Flip-flopping doesn’t help. Persistence and focus are key.

As the world seems to spin faster—with AI, advanced automation, rising geopolitics—a leader’s job is to help people slow down. So we focus on what truly matters.

The same principle applies to all of us—especially when our companies struggle to prioritize. The more varying requests you get at the office, the more urgent it is to step back and regain control over your daily agenda. What you must build over time is skillsets that are unique and valuable. That’s how we can stay calm in a breakneck world.

So let’s turn to a crucial lesson every leader must learn.

Robert Moses: Visionary Builder or Power-Hungry Tyrant?

This 1,000+ page biography of Robert Moses, the mastermind behind New York’s iconic skyline, is a stark reminder that even the greatest visionaries can fall prey to their own power. In the age of social media and constant distraction, it’s hard to sit down for books, so it took me a year and a half to finish this massive volume.

Robert Moses, arguably the greatest urban planner in history, shaped the landscape of New York. He built highways, parks, and bridges and was involved in the creation of the United Nations headquarters and Lincoln Center.

But he also reminds us how power can betray us. As he became more powerful, he became blind to change. He became deaf to criticism. As a result, he completely missed the importance of trains, subways, and buses to ease congestion. All he knew was to build even more highways, leading to even bigger congestion problems. By the time he fell from power, it was inevitable. Success is a double-edged sword. As leaders, we must remain humble and open to feedback, or we risk becoming the architects of our own demise.

Speaking of books and continuous learning: Ever feel guilty for not remembering every detail from the books you read? Stop.

Books Aren’t About Perfect Recall. They’re About Growth.

I’m not a fan of rereading books. It’s boring. Honestly, I prefer chasing the next spark. Take Atomic Habits and The Compound Effect. Two incredible books, same core message: build good habits, achieve massive results. Whether it’s your finances, relationships, or personal growth, the principle is the same. But this week, it’s the smaller and older book that hit me even harder.

Somewhere, Darren said: Act as if you’re already successful. Want to be fit? Shop, eat, move like you’ve already got that six-pack. This isn’t about faking it till you make it. It’s about aligning your actions with your ambitions—TODAY.

Gosh, this is one piece of advice I’m sure I had already come across countless times in other books but forgotten. But during the week, because my mind was prepared, when I read Darren’s by chance, his words spoke to me—the words sank in, and I can and will act differently going forward. So, the key takeaway: When you read, don’t worry about what you forget. You won’t be able to recite it. But it will stay with you somewhere. It will shape the way you receive the next book. Stop feeling guilty.

It’s never about perfect recall.

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Elsewhere on the News

Journalists in Singapore asked me if the new CEO will bring DBS Bank to new heights. They’ll have big shoes to fill because Piyush Gupta has been an icon. Here is what he’s done during his remarkable time. Then, reporters from China asked, “What’s the future of EV exports?” Times will be tough, but some Chinese carmakers may be able to pivot just in time.

So much to learn,

P.S. What’s one book that’s had a lasting impact on you, even if you can’t remember every detail? And have you ever seen a leader become blinded by success? 🤔 I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.