Hey there, fabulous readers

Welcome to the 12th edition of 'A Five Minute Read.' First off, a huge thanks for clicking open this email – it means the world.

Can you believe it? We are almost inching towards the last month of 2023, and I still remember January like yesterday. Here is something that I did that could be useful for you. This week, I spent some time reflecting on my goals for the year and realized that I still needed to read the books I had set aside for 2023. While covering most of them may not be possible, I will keep you updated and share some bits from the next one I pick.

Moving on, this time, we're mixing it up with a fresh perspective and unpacking some thought-provoking insights.

Ready to dive in?

My Musings

Navigate Change, Embrace Authenticity.

In the ever-evolving tapestry of the modern corporate world, there's a subtle art to balancing your ambition with your authenticity.

It's like navigating through a digital age where our screens are windows to the world, yet the real journey is inward. This era, where algorithms predict our desires, reminds us that the heart of business remains human connection. It's a dance of progress, where innovation and tradition intertwine, echoing the timeless beat of human aspirations. As we navigate this rhythm, remember that every step forward in this digital dance is about embracing change and staying true to our core values, while this may look impossible with every passing day.

The takeaway? In a world constantly reinventing itself, our authenticity is the compass that guides us through the maze of progress.

Fresh Off the Digital Press

Is TikTok silently taking on Amazon?

Sounds absurd? Alright, folks, let's talk TikTok, but not the dance moves or lip-sync battles. We're diving into TikTok's latest groove – retail.

I want you to picture this: TikTok, already a playground for 150 million monthly users in the US, is now strutting into the e-commerce scene. Enter TikTok Shop. It's like your regular TikTok but with a shopping cart.

This September, TikTok added a shiny new marketplace tab. Think of it as a digital mall where you can snag products straight from live streams and videos. Considering how TikTok is already a hotspot for discovering the latest in fashion and beauty, it's a savvy move.

Remember the #tiktokmademebuyit craze? That's marketing gold, and TikTok's riding that wave, aiming to pump its global sales from $5 billion to a whopping $20 billion.

But here's the twist: TikTok's retail dance might face some tough judges. After a brief e-commerce tango in Southeast Asia, Indonesia hit the brakes on TikTok's shopping spree. And with US lawmakers already eyeing TikTok for privacy concerns, this new venture could be like dancing with an extra pair of eyes on its back. So, will TikTok's shopping move be a hit or a miss? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure – it's not just about the videos anymore.

Read more on TikTok Blog - Introducing TikTok Shop

Jobs doesn't want a degree, but the bouncer at the door didn't get the memo.

Remember the famous study two years back when Harvard Business School and Burning Glass told us companies were ditching college degree requirements? It was a game-changer, right? Well, it's been two years, and the shift to skills-based hiring is real, but it's not all smooth sailing.

ZipRecruiter did some digging with 2,000 employers and found a mixed bag. Big companies (35%) and smaller ones (47%) are perfectly okay with dropping degree requirements for some jobs. They're all about skills now, not just diplomas. Sounds great, but there's a catch.

It turns out that even if a job doesn't say "degree required," the person hiring might still want one. Over half the employers pointed fingers at hiring managers stuck in the old "degree or bust" mindset. It's like saying, "Come on in, no degree needed," but the bouncer at the door didn't get the memo.

Now, don't get it twisted. Companies didn't just wake up one day and decide to be nice. They need skilled workers, and the pandemic was an eye-opener for many talents that ventured to do their own things. Dropping degree requirements opens up the talent pool, but it's not just about being nice – it's about being smart in a tight job market.

The good news? Companies are getting creative. They're talking about training programs, tuition help, even chipping in on student loans. And the trend is clear: job ads asking for a bachelor's degree dropped by 10% in 2023.

So, what's the bottom line? The job world is changing; degrees are taking a back seat to skills, but old habits die hard. It's a step in the right direction, but there's still some road to cover.

Keep your skills sharp, folks – they're your new ticket in.

Read more on Fastcompany - Job may not require degree, but the person hiring might

Your Weekly Dose of Action

Stay Relevant at Work

1. Commit to Continuous Learning: Regularly update your skills and knowledge in your field.

2. Engage in Professional Development: Attend workshops, webinars, or online courses relevant to your industry.

3. Stay Informed: Keep abreast of industry trends and advancements.

4. Proactive Approach: Be proactive in seeking out learning opportunities and applying new knowledge in your work.

5. Adapt to Change: Embrace and adapt to new methods, technologies, and ideas in your field.