“There is no finish line.”

- Nike Running ad from the late 1970s

Our careers are never really over. Especially for those who believe in lifelong learning and giving back to others.

There’s always something new to learn.

I read everything I can - newspapers (digital editions), newsletters, magazines, news sites - and listen to a lot of podcasts. My media subscription count is similar to the joke that cyclists always tell each other - “How many bikes is too many bikes? N+1.” And as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to listen more and ask a lot of questions. It’s ok to not always have the answer. Or feel like you always should have it.

Apart from being a lifelong learner, I voraciously consumer content because the market is efficient at identifying who's still learning and who's just collecting a paycheck. While you're celebrating your latest win, someone younger and hungrier is already reading your industry's obituary.

Here's the truth about lifelong learning: It's not some LinkedIn inspiration porn – it's career survival.

The New Algorithm of Staying Relevant: Your career value = (What you know) × (Who you help)²

Life is the ultimate A/B test, and here's what the data tells us:

• Your skills are depreciating faster than a Tesla Cybertruck

• Your network is either growing or dying

• Your knowledge has a shorter half-life than a Snapchat post

But here's the real secret: The fastest way to stay relevant isn't learning – it's teaching. Every time I help someone reach their next level, I'm forced to upgrade my own operating system.

More importantly, there are always people that need help.

"To whom much is given, much is expected."

-John F. Kennedy

I’ve been given a lot, so I’ve prioritized helping people get to their next level in business, life and career whenever I can, even without being asked. Apart from spending a lot of time connecting great people who should know each other, one thing I always say to people is “please don’t hesitate to reach out and let me know how I can help you anytime.” - which I mean sincerely. It’s because this is how I got my start.

“Our net worth is ultimately defined not by dollars but rather how well we serve others.”

- Paul Allen, Co-Founder / Microsoft

Thanks for reading and creating your own Playbook! Keep using it for your career - and to help others. The market rewards those who build career karma by helping others.

Remember: Your next level isn't your final stop. It's just a better base camp for your next climb.

Because there is no finish line.

-David Knies. January, 2025.