Kedron Rhodes

I’ve always loved Only the Paranoid Survive by Andy Grove, the legendary Intel CEO. It’s one of those books that sticks — not just because it’s full of sharp insights, but because it reminds us that strategy is more than talk. It’s about making decisions that close some doors and force you to walk through others. No hedging. No hedging about hedging.

That’s what makes this week’s lead story such a compelling read. Bradford Morgan White, over at Abort Retry Fail, digs into a defining moment in Intel’s history — the kind of move that reorients not just a company, but an entire industry. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like when a strategic choice truly reshapes the game, this one’s worth your time.

And while we’re on the subject of craft and transformation: don’t miss the Nokia Design Archive. Yes, that Nokia — and yes, it’s that good. It’s a time capsule of design ingenuity, material experimentation, and pure creative curiosity. Makes you wonder what other dormant archives are just waiting to inspire us.

Plus, I’ve included a few other pieces that explore leadership through chaos, innovation during downturns, and even a centennial celebration of art deco. Good ideas tend to echo — across decades, disciplines, and sometimes unexpectedly delightful places.

Intel Inside - by Bradford Morgan White ♟️

Intel’s decision to abandon memory and focus entirely on microprocessors wasn’t just a pivot — it was a bet-the-company moment. In this beautifully detailed deep dive, Bradford Morgan White revisits that turning point, showing how Grove’s conviction reshaped Intel’s identity and its future. The piece doesn’t just recount the events; it captures the texture of decision-making under pressure, with all the uncertainty and clarity that come with it. It’s a story of risk, focus, and the kind of strategy that demands real action. (Read More →)

🪏 Take it a bit deeper with these…

💼 Leadership

• 10 Strategies for Leading in Uncertain Times — Practical and research-backed, these approaches help leaders navigate volatility with a steadier hand and clearer priorities.
• When Launching a Product During a Recession Pays Off — Not all downturns are equal — and neither are all launches. This piece explores why timing a new product for late-cycle recovery might just be your best bet.

🎨 Design

• Nokia Design Archive — A stunning deep dive into the forgotten future. From early mobile prototypes to industrial experiments, this archive is a reminder of how design can lead technological imagination.
• Dezeen’s A to Z of Art Deco — One hundred years after the Paris exposition, this A to Z guide offers a stylish, smart overview of art deco’s enduring charm and legacy.

👋 Sign-Off

Strategy, design, history — this week’s links aren’t just about looking back. They’re about understanding the throughlines that shape what’s next. Whether you’re charting your next big move or rediscovering some old inspiration, here’s to making bold choices with craft and clarity.

Until next time, keep your eye on the signal, not the noise.

P.S. I love taking friends and family (me and my little bros below) to the Guardian Building in Detroit - it’s an Art Deco treasure!