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 It’s almost 2026. There’s no excuse for omitting the role of care in any workplace or economic report. When a supposed women’s empowerment organization issues the report, it’s a calculated choice to ignore it. That’s exactly what the McKinsey & Lean In “2025 Women In The Workplace” report did, aside from a minor mention of women reporting increased responsibilities at home. The only novel thing about the report is that companies are scaling back on the programs and opportunities that the report recommends. Skip the full report, and read Blessing Adesiyan’s piece instead. This line had me nodding/clapping/wanting to run through a wall:
I’m no longer interested in trying to fit in the current economy. I’d rather help normalize the portfolio career and build the infrastructure and economy we deserve. If you are looking for true mentorship and tools to help you grow your career in a corporate environment, Work Lunch is an incredible platform (enrollment opens in early January).  So what does this new economy look like? It involves portfolio careers and leveraging fractional, flexible work opportunities. More importantly, these careers are built upon how we want to live and thrive. We’re abandoning “one day, I’ll…” Instead, we’re saying “I’m plotting and executing to get there by (this specific date).” And we’re not doing it alone. Les Alfred is a creator who consistently shows up when I do a creator study (a key part of my own content planning, when I’m plotting a new series). I studied her interviewing style when I was preparing for That Desi Spark, her rebrand (from Balanced Black Girl to She’s So Lucky), and her signature keynote. She also shares excellent book recommendations and journaling prompts on Instagram, if you’re not following her already. Les launched her Substack this week, with the most clear purpose for the publication and her future:
It’s one thing to build a portfolio career for yourself and your future. To do it publicly and openly is as generous as it is ambitious. It’s another data point in my thesis that women are redirecting their ambition to build a multi-hyphenated economy, where all of us can thrive. Les, I can’t wait to learn from you and grow with you.   Costco is right up there with Taco Bell, Wegmans, and Wawa as my food retail/QSR loves. Seeing them live their values in this current administration makes me love them more. I loved these two videos: how their in-house brand began (and why it was named Kirkland) and how a Kirkland product is made, why the store is organized the way it is, and how they’ve kept their prices steady in direct opposition with other retailers. I loved the insight in Costco’s operations in the second video, as well as the practical leadership lessons from the company’s senior team. Meet Bhavitha Mandava, the history-making, hobbymaxxing Chanel model (DAZED) It’s been a big year for Desis. Auntie WhatsApp is currently buzzing about Bhavitha Mandava (especially my family’s, as Mandava is Telugu as well). And while I can’t relate to Mandava’s modeling career, I feel so seen by her in other ways. I love a woman who loves her hobbies (especially grandma ones), the fictional character she most identifies with (also, same), and how she juggles all of her roles. She’s also hilarious.  No NFL Game Has Ever Ended in a Score of 36–23 (The Atlantic) With the regular NFL season coming to an end (and me needing Joe Biden to be at every Eagles game for the rest of the season), I have a fun fact will stump even the most ardent football fans in your home. Behind this elusive score is a whole data science called Scorigami (a fascinating read if you’re a numbers nerd, and not so much if you’d rather scroll through the rest of your morning reads).
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understanding the cult of Costco
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