My friend Michael had a big day today.

After months of prep and years of study, today was their dissertation defense — the final step of their PhD program in the Music department of the University of Washington.

A short but monumental two hours presenting original research, analysis, and, yes, visuals shining a light on a tiny corner of a massive domain.

Fielding tons of questions testing the depth and durability of the thesis.

And at the root all of it, a unique point of view.

Leading up to the intellectual tribunal today, Michael was a bit nervous, but said their advisor gave some calming advice:

“Remember, no one knows this better than you.”

This is something we forget as experts -- a title we're hesitant to accept, by the way.

Even with years, decades under our belt.

Dozens of roles, hundreds of delivered accomplishments, thousands of meetings.

Still the doubt remains: "who am I? what do I actually know?"

When quietly, you’ve built not just deep expertise but also a unique point of view.

Your challenge, out on your own, is how to articulate it.

And it doesn’t need to be a 200-page dissertation like Michael.

In fact, for your purposes, it probably shouldn’t be.

Like I say often - your job is so much easier.

Put some bounds around who you help and what you do.

Then write down your why and how, with words and pictures.

And that’s your unique point of view.

Which, by definition, no one knows better than you.

💡

-Wes

P.S. The annual Lightbulber survey is still open

Your chance to tell me what you like and don't around here.

Anonymously, of course :) It takes just one minute. 🙏