Cognitive biases, small talk and Dr Seuss - find out how to do your best work!
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TUESDAY 07 MAY 2019  |  EDITION 13
Did you know a 93-year-old man near Madrid is building his own cathedral? Justo Gallego Martínez began his construction project back in 1961, despite having no planning permission, religious authority or support from his neighbors. He starts work at 6am and finishes at 4pm each day, taking only Sundays off. Justo’s dedication is definitely impressive, but do we all need to give up so many hours to do our best work? Find out in this week’s newsletter.
YOUR WEEKLY PRESCRIPTION
9 QUESTIONS INTERESTING PEOPLE ASK TO CUT THROUGH SMALL TALK

9 QUESTIONS INTERESTING PEOPLE ASK TO CUT THROUGH SMALL TALK

5-minute read | Inc.

Have you ever felt like you’re boring the person you’re speaking to? This article tells you how to connect on a deeper level simply by listening closely and asking the right questions. For more meaningful conversations, equip yourself with these go-to questions designed to encourage more authentic responses and help you come across as more persuasive. 

5 HIDDEN COGNITIVE BIASES THAT KEEP US FROM OUR BEST CREATIVE WORK

5 HIDDEN COGNITIVE BIASES THAT KEEP US FROM OUR BEST CREATIVE WORK

6-minute read | The Book Mechanic on Medium

No matter how hard we try, at the end of the day, we’re only human. And being human means our brains work against us sometimes. This article explores five cognitive biases that are harmful to creative productivity and prevent us from doing our best work, as well as providing tried-and-tested tips on how to overcome them. 

YOUR PRODUCTIVITY HINGES ON HOW YOU ARRANGE YOUR DESK

THE WEIRD STRATEGY DR. SEUSS USED TO CREATE HIS GREATEST WORK

4-minute read | James Clear

The children’s book Green Eggs and Ham has sold more than 200 million copies and uses only 50 different words from beginning to end. It was written as the result of a bet between Dr. Seuss and a friend. This article explores how constraints can help you accomplish your goals and create better work, whatever the project may be.

MEET THE MEMBER
Each week, we profile a Zoku community member - hit reply if you'd like to be featured!
Sabine de Witte - LinkedIn
Sabine de Witte is a creative PR & communication specialist. In addition to freelancing as a content consultant and travel journalist, she works part-time for concrete architectural associates (the firm behind our amazing interior design). One of our earliest WorkZoku members, you'll often find Sabine working at the Zoku Beer Bar, and at our daily Fika break.

Why Zoku?
I like to feel at home when I’m abroad, but also experience the local lifestyle. That’s what Zoku is about and even in my own city, I always meet inspiring people who stay in the Lofts, host their event or just go there for lunch or work.
What path has your career taken?
An unexpected road without much planned ahead, it took a leap of faith! I started ten years ago as a freelance copywriter and tech journalist whilst finishing my studies. I focused on SEO-copywriting, but at that time social media was new and upcoming. I decided I wanted to be more of an all-round online marketing specialist, as I love lots of different things. I always kept my own website, yourambassadrice.com - which is nowadays one of the biggest luxury travel and lifestyle platforms in the Netherlands (in Dutch, sorry!).

It became my business card and connected all my interests: I've since worked for citizenM, Zoku, National Geographic Traveler NL; wrote for Monocle (my dream) and filled the IAmsterdam Instagram with creative copy. After being a freelancer for a decade and traveling the world, this year I decided I also wanted to be part of a team and unite all my knowledge for a company with a strong brand. That’s how I ended up at concrete and they unite all my interests and dare to be different.

Which book have you gifted the most, and why?
The Monocle Travel Guide Amsterdam - because I have many friends who moved here or visit the city - and I co-created it. I love personal or crafted gifts and can’t think of anything cooler than passing on my dream.

FOR YOUR AGENDA...
Celebrating the new season with Zoku, Lowlander Beer and Amsterdam Music Project.
Fri 10 May, 18:30 - 22:30 | Zoku Amsterdam
 Learn and discuss growth strategies for Mobile Apps, Brands & Mobile Games.
Thu 23rd May | Berlin, Germany
© 2019 ZOKU
AMSTERDAM | COPENHAGEN 2020 | VIENNA 2020 | and more to come...

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