Post by Hewan Dagmawi

One of the most unexpected highlights of my time in Silicon Valley was taking a class at Stanford University and hearing from James C. Rhee, the author of Red Helicopter. His talk was one of those rare moments that makes you rethink how you move through the world. One idea that stayed with me was the oxymoron we grow up in: In school, we’re taught not to disrupt. Not to question. Not to imagine. To stay in line, follow the rules, and “do things the right way.” But then we enter the real world — and suddenly society expects the opposite. Be innovative. Be curious. Take risks. Break systems and build new ones. Dream bigger than what exists. He talked about how discomfort is often a signal that you’re actually growing, and how you can’t lead anyone else until you can lead yourself. That one hit me hard. Another part of his talk that stuck with me: System change is a long game — sometimes a full generation — and yet we still have agency in how we show up every day. Even when agency feels heavy. Listening to him speak was grounding, honest, and refreshing. He’s one of the most humble, thoughtful individuals I’ve met, and I’m already ordering Red Helicopter so I can keep learning from him.