If your portfolio includes several ETFs such as VOO, GBTC, VOOV, ARKK, QQQ, and IBIT, you may have noticed that all of them are down over 10% year-to-date. In contrast, the gold ETF (like AAAU) is the only one showing a positive return, with an impressive 26% increase this year. This situation highlights the significance of diversification, particularly in uncertain or volatile market conditions. While gold is currently performing well, it doesn’t imply that the other ETFs won’t excel in the long run. A well-diversified portfolio can enhance your resilience across various market cycles. The key takeaway is this: with sufficient time and patience in the market, it’s possible to outperform gold. However, maintaining some exposure to gold as a hedge in your portfolio is a prudent strategy.

A few days ago, I added BlackBerry to my portfolio. Once a dominant leader in the mobile phone industry, BlackBerry was a household name before being outcompeted by Apple and Samsung. However, BlackBerry didn’t fade away. Instead, it demonstrated resilience and vision by reinventing itself and pivoting into new industries. Today, BlackBerry is a pioneer in intelligent security software and services, operating across three key segments: BlackBerry’s story is a testament to the power of reinvention and the necessity of disrupting oneself to remain relevant. Similarly, in our own lives, we must embrace change, adapt to new challenges, and consistently look for ways to innovate within our sphere of influence. Reinvention isn’t just about survival; it’s about thriving and staying impactful in a constantly evolving world.

The Parable of the Sower is a powerful teaching that can provide valuable insights for investors and those seeking financial growth. In this parable, The Master illustrates how the “seed” of the word of God can yield vastly different returns depending on the “soil” or environment in which it is planted.  The parable speaks of seed falling on four different types of soil – the path, rocky ground, thorns, and good soil. Only the seed planted in the good soil brought about an abundant harvest, yielding 30, 60, and even 100-fold returns.  As an investor, we can draw parallels between this parable and our own financial endeavors. The “seed” can represent our investments, whether in stocks, real estate, or other asset classes. And the “soil” can signify the environment and conditions in which we choose to place our money. Just as the seed needs fertile, well-tended soil to thrive, our investments require the right market conditions, economic climate, and personal financial discipline to truly flourish.  When we carefully cultivate our “soil” – conducting thorough research, diversifying our portfolio, and maintaining a long-term perspective – we position ourselves to reap the kind of bountiful returns exemplified by the seed planted in the good soil. A minimum of 30% annual profit may be an ambitious, but not unrealistic, goal for the investor who diligently prepares the ground and nurtures their investments. The parable of the sower reminds us that the key to financial success lies not just in the investment itself, but in the care and attention we devote to the environment in which we plant our financial “seeds.” By aligning our investment strategies with the principles of this timeless teaching, we can cultivate an abundant harvest and achieve our financial goals.

A few years ago, I organized a workshop titled “Turn Your Research into a Profitable Startup”for postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows. The event was a great success, thanks in part to my research subsidy, which I used to cover the hotel and catering expenses. I invited Dr. Yomi Ajayi, a friend and accomplished entrepreneur with a PhD in Engineering, to speak. Dr. Ajayi is the founder of a thriving company in South Africa, and his insights greatly inspired the attendees. Recently, I came across the story of Fred Krueger, another remarkable example of a PhD graduate excelling in entrepreneurship. Fred holds a PhD in Operations Research and Applied Mathematics from Stanford. After gaining experience in Wall Street bond arbitrage with Salomon Brothers and Greenwich Capital, he transitioned into entrepreneurship, founding and selling several successful companies. Today, he is an Early-Stage Angel Investor. Like Yomi and Fred, PhD students and graduates possess unique skills—critical thinking, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of complex systems—that make them well-suited to thrive as entrepreneurs and investors. However, to unlock this potential, it is essential for graduate programs to incorporate entrepreneurship and innovation into their curricula. Universities can partner with business schools to offer specialized courses or workshops, equipping students with the tools they need to navigate the business world. This is particularly important given that only a small percentage of PhD graduates secure academic positions. Even those who do would benefit immensely from adopting an entrepreneurial and innovation-focused mindset, enabling them to achieve greater impact and success both inside and outside academia.

Last Saturday, I set out to wash my car at a coin-operated pump station. The system required three $1 coins to activate a vacuum with shampoo and a water wash, but to my frustration, it wasn’t working. I considered heading back home to wash the car manually, but the thought of doing so in the cold that evening felt like a daunting inconvenience. While debating my options, I noticed an automatic car wash nearby. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try. After paying $10, the hall’s door opened on its own—no attendants in sight. I drove in, and to my amazement, the entire process was fully automated. The car was thoroughly washed and dried while I stayed warm and comfortable inside. As I exited the car wash, I couldn’t help but marvel at the incredible efficiency of the system. It made me reflect on the age of robotics that is steadily approaching. The era of robotics and automation promises to be one of unprecedented abundance and ease. Tasks that are currently tedious, time-consuming, or physically demanding will be seamlessly handled by robots. From mundane chores like cleaning to more complex tasks in industries, automation will redefine the way we live and work. Life will undoubtedly become more convenient as these intelligent machines shoulder the burdens that once consumed our time and energy. But this also raises a profound question: What will we do with our time in a world where robots handle much of the work? Will we use the newfound freedom to pursue creativity, learning, and personal growth? Will we deepen our relationships or explore ways to improve society? Or, will we risk falling into idleness and complacency? The era of robotics will not just be a time of ease but also a test of our purpose and values. How we choose to adapt will shape the legacy of this transformative age.

Suya Spot is a Nigerian restaurant in Baltimore, Maryland, where I’ve dined five times across their two branches. On my most recent visit, I ordered pounded yam with egusi soup, a small bowl of asun, and a plate of fried rice, which I planned to save for lunch the next day. When I saw the receipt totaling $65, I couldn’t help but think that they need to reassess their pricing strategy if they aim to grow and reach a broader audience. For instance, a plate of fried rice is priced at $11, but it doesn’t include any meat. Customers have to buy meat separately. A more appealing option might be to include a chicken drumstick with the rice and price it at $12 . This should not be hard to accomplish given that 12 chicken drumsticks sell for 6 dollars at Walmart. In essence, Suya Spot serves delicious food, but they need to adjust their pricing to ensure that customers feel they’re getting good value for their money, which is crucial for retaining customers and expanding their reach. #foodbusiness #pricingstrategy #Africanfood 

I offer this advice with respect, understanding that not everyone may agree. If you are a professional, such as a professor or medical doctor, who has relocated to South Africa from another African country, consider planning for early retirement, perhaps by 55 or even earlier. Doing so would allow you to create space for South African black professionals to advance in their careers. It is crucial to mentor and train South African black professionals to eventually take over your role. The reasoning behind this suggestion is rooted in the socio-economic dynamics within South Africa. One of the contributing factors to the xenophobic sentiments among some South Africans is the perception that foreign professionals are competing with them for the limited job opportunities. By stepping back earlier and empowering local talent, you not only contribute to the growth and development of the country but also help to alleviate some of the tensions related to job competition. This approach would be a powerful gesture of solidarity and support for the future of South Africa, showing that as African professionals, we are not just here to work but to help build a stronger, more inclusive society. I earned both my PhD and MBA in South Africa, where I worked and rose to the position of Full Professor. However, I made the decision to resign and immigrate to the United States. My time in South Africa deeply impacted me, and I have a profound love for the country. I will always keep South Africa in my prayers and hope for its continued growth and prosperity. The experiences and opportunities I had there will forever shape my journey, and I remain committed to supporting the nation’s progress in any way I can.

Excelling in sales often demands a unique combination of tenacity, grit, risk-taking, and fearlessness.