Five Bullet Friday - August 29, 2025

Dear A,

It's been a whirlwind of a week... how is it already Friday? The funny thing about about entrepreneurship is that nobody every says, "T.G.I.F." when you own a business. It's just another day that ends in "y".

Here's what I'm following this week... 

AUDIOBOOK I'M LISTENING TO...

The Challenger Sale by Matthew Dixon and Brett Adamson. I have a simple philosophy when it comes to business: if you can't sell, you can't eat. I am always amazed at the number of people who claim they want to start a business, but absolutely hate the idea of selling their product, service, or, most importantly, themselves to a stranger. A "Challenger" sale essentially means challenging a prospective customer's idea of how something has been done before. It's about educating them, as well as offering them a new way of thinking about their problems.

BOOK I'M READING...

The Art of Thinking in Graphs by Delov Erez. I am a highly visual person. Therefore, I enjoy learning through charts and graphs. Similarly, whenever I need to explain something "complex" to a client, I will typically resort to process visuals. This is a handy little book that illustrates principles which shape our productivity, decision-making, and the way we think.

STUDY I'M CONSIDERING...

One of Three Founders are Dyslexic by Virgin. Billionaire Sir Richard Branson has talked publicly for decades about his struggles with dyslexia. I also have dyslexia. And, it has certainly brought with it challenges both as a kid and as a collegiate athlete. Letters float around on book pages. Numbers dance out of order in my head (awful if you were a quarterback tasked with calling complex plays). Worst of all, I often stuttered if asked to read out loud. But, as this study points out, kids with dyslexia are forced to think differently in order to problem solve. You learn as a child that you can't hide out in the bathroom when it's time to read Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury in front of the class (9th grade was rough!). Eventually, you have to get resourceful. This creative thinking has served me well as an entrepreneur, because the first way - or the easiest way - isn't always the best way.

INTERVIEW I'M WATCHING...

Narcissist, Psychopath, or Sociopath by MedCirlce. Three labels the world throws around carelessly - usually by people who don’t have a clue what they’re talking about. Late one night, I clicked on this video with over 15 million views. Hooked instantly, the doctor laid it out plain: psychopaths are born, sociopaths are made.

And narcissists? They’re the ones who demand the spotlight, live off validation, radiate arrogance, and have zero empathy towards others. They are "entitlement babies" personified.

But here’s the real chill: some people out there walk this earth with no fear, no conscience, no guilt. Lying, cheating, stealing - even killing - isn’t immoral to them; it’s a survival mechanism. They don’t see people, they see tools. They don’t see relationships, they see leverage. They are shameless about asking for huge favors, like needing money, a place to stay, or some other inconvenient handout (knowing full well that their gratitude and reciprocity will be bogus or completely non-existent). The collateral damage of betrayal, heartbreak, and ruined lives, means nothing to these soulless creatures.

Michael Caine said it best in Batman Begins: “Some people just want to watch the world burn" (Hence, the reason many of us went into the global security profession.)

And the frightening truth? Those people are real... and they’re closer than you think.

QUOTE I'M PONDERING...

“The two worst things you can be in life are a liar and a thief." - George Perles

Thank you for your attention. As always, I welcome your thoughts and suggestions.

Stay safe and vigilant,

Luke Bencie