Placing Our Minds Elsewhere
News alert anxiety? Come chill.
Hello Wonderful.
From the first week of January to the last, it’s been a whirlwind. But then again, when you’re in the business of people, ideas, and the sweet serendipity of connection, every month feels like a blur. Recently, every room we’ve stepped into has crackled with energy—ideas sparking as people find their people and new possibilities emerge. Even against the backdrop of natural disasters, revenge politics, and existential doomscrolling, some good continues to rise.
We’re putting our energy into work that matters, people who inspire, and causes that remind us the world isn’t entirely off its hinges. But, if it ever feels like a slow-motion unraveling, let THE WHAT be your weekly refuge of unexpected delights to remind you that not everything is a crisis.
THE PODCAST.
Acquired is a podcast we learned about from fellow founders and venture friends, peeling back the curtain on the biggest tech IPOs and acquisitions of all time. Think of it as the Song Exploder of business—sharp, insightful, and compelling. Our must-listen? The Complete History & Strategy of Hermès.
THE SHOW.
If you’re looking for your next Netflix and chill, make it Black Doves. While not a perfect or plausible spy show, Keira Knightley, Ben Wishaw, and Sarah Lancashire are captivating to watch as they spin their intrigue in London. Watch trailer.
THE GLASSES.
We spend an unhealthy amount of time cartwheeling. What is that, you ask? Let it be known on this 31st Day of January 2025 thatThe What’s Gina Pell has coined cartwheeling to describe “scrolling through endless retail sites, adding things to carts, and maybe (or maybe never) buying them.” On our recent cartwheeling excursion we came across a reasonably-priced eyewear brand called Donahugh that, based on our scrolling, is apparently loved by dudes everywhere. We bought a pair for ourselves and concur!
THE LAUGHTERNOON BREAK.
Here’s a blast from the past: South Park’s John Denver Experience is so wildly inappropriate, completely out of bounds, and in spectacularly bad taste—but yet, we’d still rather watch it than RFK Jr.’s confirmation hearings. For those with a sick sense of humor, watch here. Shame on you.
The What Alliance Spotlight
The What Alliance is our highest-level private network, connecting impact-driven female leaders across industry to reach new heights personally and professionally. We’re excited to share an incubator—led by three of our brilliant Allies—for senior creatives, designers, or founders stalled at VP or C-suite levels hoping to unlock leadership and break through.
Introducing The KDA Creative Leadership Incubator of 2025
Tap into the power of our very own ALLIES: Keva Dine (Founder & Executive Recruiter, The Keva Dine Agency), Rimma Boshernitsan (founder of DIALOGUE Agency), and Bonnie Wan (creator of The Life Brief).
Led by veteran advertising executive and author, Bonnie Wan & leadership expert and strategist, Rimma Boshernitsan + Special Guest Speaker, Keva Dine.
Learn how to navigate change, lead with vision, inspire your teams, discover actionable strategies, explore personal awareness, and discover leadership and organizational influence.
Get inspired to pursue your dream leadership roles with confidence!
Fridays from 9:00 AM PST to 11:30 AM PST, Feb 28, 2025, through April 4, 2025.
Save your seat today (only 25 available), or sponsor a cohort!
This isn’t a lecture or webinar—it’s real talk, real tools, and real impact.
Applications Now Open – Secure or Sponsor Your Spot for Winter 2025.
THANK YOU to our subscribers who signed up this week. We’re not used to getting paid by readers and we’re humbled, grateful, and committed to serving up WHAT you didn’t know you needed ; ) Cue the horns and unfurl the banners for our hero CHRIS B. who became a $500 Founding Member today, Mahalo! Let’s not forget a whole lotta love to Kathleen N., Karen W., Sally T., Alexandra W., Barbara O., Kate W., and Rachel K. for being among our first paid subscribers. We couldn’t do this without you. Thank you!