[0:02]
hey what's up guys so I want to talk hey what's up guys so I want to talk hey what's up guys so I want to talk today about how I successfully today about how I successfully today about how I successfully negotiated a $100,000 raise with my negotiated a $100,000 raise with my negotiated a $100,000 raise with my manager at the hedge fund I most manager at the hedge fund I most manager at the hedge fund I most recently worked at and how you can do it recently worked at and how you can do it recently worked at and how you can do it too before I get into those details I too before I get into those details I too before I get into those details I thought it was important to lay out the thought it was important to lay out the thought it was important to lay out the foundation on the psych colge behind why foundation on the psych colge behind why foundation on the psych colge behind why some people get large raises and other some people get large raises and other some people get large raises and other people don't so back when we were all in people don't so back when we were all in people don't so back when we were all in Academia right if you hung out with like Academia right if you hung out with like Academia right if you hung out with like the smart ambitious kids there was the smart ambitious kids there was the smart ambitious kids there was always at least one person who would always at least one person who would always at least one person who would severely downplay how much they studied severely downplay how much they studied severely downplay how much they studied for an exam like you'd see them at the for an exam like you'd see them at the for an exam like you'd see them at the library is studying for 24 hours and if library is studying for 24 hours and if library is studying for 24 hours and if you ask them how much they studied for 
[0:32]
you ask them how much they studied for you ask them how much they studied for the exam they'd say oh I didn't really the exam they'd say oh I didn't really the exam they'd say oh I didn't really study or like I studed for like 1 hour study or like I studed for like 1 hour study or like I studed for like 1 hour it's probably obvious to you why they do it's probably obvious to you why they do it's probably obvious to you why they do this but the reason they do this is this but the reason they do this is this but the reason they do this is because they want you to think they're because they want you to think they're because they want you to think they're really smart and you kind of wonder why really smart and you kind of wonder why really smart and you kind of wonder why wouldn't they want you to think they're wouldn't they want you to think they're wouldn't they want you to think they're hardworking is isn't being hardworking a hardworking is isn't being hardworking a hardworking is isn't being hardworking a virtue you know isn't that an attribute virtue you know isn't that an attribute virtue you know isn't that an attribute that you want other people to admire that you want other people to admire that you want other people to admire about you what these people understand about you what these people understand about you what these people understand is that you get way more respect for is that you get way more respect for is that you get way more respect for being smart than for being hardworking being smart than for being hardworking being smart than for being hardworking and this is because hard work only beats and this is because hard work only beats and this is because hard work only beats Talent if talent doesn't work hard and Talent if talent doesn't work hard and Talent if talent doesn't work hard and so the person with Talent has way higher so the person with Talent has way higher so the person with Talent has way higher potential than the person who's 
[1:03]
potential than the person who's potential than the person who's hardworking and that's where all the hardworking and that's where all the hardworking and that's where all the respect comes from so that's the same respect comes from so that's the same respect comes from so that's the same reason why Elite Tech firms give you all reason why Elite Tech firms give you all reason why Elite Tech firms give you all these lead code algorithm type questions these lead code algorithm type questions these lead code algorithm type questions even if you might never try to solve for even if you might never try to solve for even if you might never try to solve for a palindrome or whatever in your entire a palindrome or whatever in your entire a palindrome or whatever in your entire life those lead code type questions are life those lead code type questions are life those lead code type questions are actually just IQ tests in Disguise I actually just IQ tests in Disguise I actually just IQ tests in Disguise I hear a lot of people saying why do they hear a lot of people saying why do they hear a lot of people saying why do they test for this we're we're probably not test for this we're we're probably not test for this we're we're probably not even going to use this GitHub co-pilot even going to use this GitHub co-pilot even going to use this GitHub co-pilot and other AI is going to code for for us and other AI is going to code for for us and other AI is going to code for for us so why why is it even important it's so why why is it even important it's so why why is it even important it's because those questions are actually 
[1:33]
because those questions are actually because those questions are actually just IQ test in Disguise it's very just IQ test in Disguise it's very just IQ test in Disguise it's very Politically Incorrect for these big Politically Incorrect for these big Politically Incorrect for these big companies to say it so you'll never hear companies to say it so you'll never hear companies to say it so you'll never hear their HR department say it but the main their HR department say it but the main their HR department say it but the main thing they care about is thing they care about is thing they care about is intelligence all those other values they intelligence all those other values they intelligence all those other values they talk about like workplace fit culture talk about like workplace fit culture talk about like workplace fit culture that's all mostly nonsense the main that's all mostly nonsense the main that's all mostly nonsense the main thing that drives a company forward is thing that drives a company forward is thing that drives a company forward is intelligence and that's why in books and intelligence and that's why in books and intelligence and that's why in books and TV shows everyone loves the flawed TV shows everyone loves the flawed TV shows everyone loves the flawed genius character that's why Sherlock 
[2:04]
genius character that's why Sherlock genius character that's why Sherlock Holmes is the main character and Watson Holmes is the main character and Watson Holmes is the main character and Watson is his sidekick if Dr Watson was the is his sidekick if Dr Watson was the is his sidekick if Dr Watson was the main character and Sherlock was a main character and Sherlock was a main character and Sherlock was a sidekick no one would want to read those sidekick no one would want to read those sidekick no one would want to read those books because we don't care about Dr books because we don't care about Dr books because we don't care about Dr Watson a guy who's moderately Watson a guy who's moderately Watson a guy who's moderately intelligent we just want him as a intelligent we just want him as a intelligent we just want him as a narrator we're intrigued by Sherlock narrator we're intrigued by Sherlock narrator we're intrigued by Sherlock Holmes because he's a genius right and Holmes because he's a genius right and Holmes because he's a genius right and we want to know how his mind works and we want to know how his mind works and we want to know how his mind works and ultimately we value Sherlock Holmes we ultimately we value Sherlock Holmes we ultimately we value Sherlock Holmes we know that all the great leaps forward know that all the great leaps forward know that all the great leaps forward in investigating the case are going to in investigating the case are going to in investigating the case are going to come from His Brilliant mind and that's 
[2:34]
come from His Brilliant mind and that's come from His Brilliant mind and that's what's fascinating to us and everyone what's fascinating to us and everyone what's fascinating to us and everyone loves these kind of flawed genius loves these kind of flawed genius loves these kind of flawed genius archetypes you know Goodwill Hunting Dr archetypes you know Goodwill Hunting Dr archetypes you know Goodwill Hunting Dr House they're very interesting firms House they're very interesting firms House they're very interesting firms want to hire the Sherlock Holmes want to hire the Sherlock Holmes want to hire the Sherlock Holmes character they don't want to hire Dr character they don't want to hire Dr character they don't want to hire Dr Watson and so in the interview screening Watson and so in the interview screening Watson and so in the interview screening process all those leak code type process all those leak code type process all those leak code type questions they're trying to get a feel questions they're trying to get a feel questions they're trying to get a feel for whether you're Sherlock Holmes for whether you're Sherlock Holmes for whether you're Sherlock Holmes they're ultimately screening for they're ultimately screening for they're ultimately screening for geniuses that's what they're looking for geniuses that's what they're looking for geniuses that's what they're looking for and when they think they found one the and when they think they found one the and when they think they found one the range of compensation they're willing to range of compensation they're willing to range of compensation they're willing to pay you the lid comes off of the ceiling 
[3:06]
pay you the lid comes off of the ceiling pay you the lid comes off of the ceiling it just it it goes through the roof that it just it it goes through the roof that it just it it goes through the roof that at least in free market free market at least in free market free market at least in free market free market capitalism the amount of money they're capitalism the amount of money they're capitalism the amount of money they're willing to pay you the figures are willing to pay you the figures are willing to pay you the figures are insane like you wouldn't even expect it insane like you wouldn't even expect it insane like you wouldn't even expect it and it makes sense because intelligence and it makes sense because intelligence and it makes sense because intelligence works the same way someone who's three works the same way someone who's three works the same way someone who's three standard deviations smarter than the standard deviations smarter than the standard deviations smarter than the average person is not a little bit average person is not a little bit average person is not a little bit smarter than the average person he's a smarter than the average person he's a smarter than the average person he's a lot of a lot smarter than the average lot of a lot smarter than the average lot of a lot smarter than the average person to the point where they're almost person to the point where they're almost person to the point where they're almost not the same not the same not the same species so you wouldn't pay that person 
[3:37]
species so you wouldn't pay that person species so you wouldn't pay that person roughly like three times more you'd pay roughly like three times more you'd pay roughly like three times more you'd pay them like 30 times more and that's them like 30 times more and that's them like 30 times more and that's something I think a lot of people don't something I think a lot of people don't something I think a lot of people don't understand about capitalism is if understand about capitalism is if understand about capitalism is if compensation figures are free floating compensation figures are free floating compensation figures are free floating once you find someone who's once you find someone who's once you find someone who's exponentially smarter than other people exponentially smarter than other people exponentially smarter than other people you have to pay them exponentially more you have to pay them exponentially more you have to pay them exponentially more to get access to their talent I don't to get access to their talent I don't to get access to their talent I don't know why human int is so wide ranging I know why human int is so wide ranging I know why human int is so wide ranging I honestly think it's it's unfair um I honestly think it's it's unfair um I honestly think it's it's unfair um I feel like the world would be a much feel like the world would be a much feel like the world would be a much simpler place if normal distribution simpler place if normal distribution simpler place if normal distribution behind human intelligence was a little 
[4:09]
behind human intelligence was a little behind human intelligence was a little more narrow more narrow more narrow because it causes a lot of issues in because it causes a lot of issues in because it causes a lot of issues in society when some people are so much society when some people are so much society when some people are so much smarter than other people I won't get smarter than other people I won't get smarter than other people I won't get too into that because it's Politically too into that because it's Politically too into that because it's Politically Incorrect but if you're a person who Incorrect but if you're a person who Incorrect but if you're a person who studies history you know this is true studies history you know this is true studies history you know this is true and I think you know we saw a lot of it and I think you know we saw a lot of it and I think you know we saw a lot of it in in World War II for example so firms in in World War II for example so firms in in World War II for example so firms want to hire the Sherlock Holmes want to hire the Sherlock Holmes want to hire the Sherlock Holmes character and so why is that when you're character and so why is that when you're character and so why is that when you're in Academia and you're doing a case in Academia and you're doing a case in Academia and you're doing a case study or a team project and you're study or a team project and you're study or a team project and you're working on a team with the genius Guy working on a team with the genius Guy working on a team with the genius Guy The Genius guy immediately sees all the 
[4:39]
The Genius guy immediately sees all the The Genius guy immediately sees all the Angles and he finds the most efficient Angles and he finds the most efficient Angles and he finds the most efficient path forward for how to solve the path forward for how to solve the path forward for how to solve the problem and ultimately you all just end problem and ultimately you all just end problem and ultimately you all just end up letting him do all the work and you up letting him do all the work and you up letting him do all the work and you you just do all the busy work that he you just do all the busy work that he you just do all the busy work that he doesn't want to do that's just the doesn't want to do that's just the doesn't want to do that's just the natural order because the second natural order because the second natural order because the second smartest guy in the group is so much smartest guy in the group is so much smartest guy in the group is so much less smart than the genius guy that it less smart than the genius guy that it less smart than the genius guy that it it simply isn't logical to sort of it simply isn't logical to sort of it simply isn't logical to sort of distribute the work evenly you just let distribute the work evenly you just let distribute the work evenly you just let the genius guy do his thing and then you the genius guy do his thing and then you the genius guy do his thing and then you just help do doing the boring things 
[5:09]
just help do doing the boring things just help do doing the boring things that he doesn't want to that he doesn't want to that he doesn't want to do and Academia is preparation for the do and Academia is preparation for the do and Academia is preparation for the real world right so this is what happens real world right so this is what happens real world right so this is what happens in the real world as well in the real in the real world as well in the real in the real world as well in the real world unlike Academia there isn't a world unlike Academia there isn't a world unlike Academia there isn't a solution manual at the end of the book solution manual at the end of the book solution manual at the end of the book you're usually pushing the boundaries on you're usually pushing the boundaries on you're usually pushing the boundaries on Uncharted Territory you're solving Uncharted Territory you're solving Uncharted Territory you're solving problems that don't have answers yet and problems that don't have answers yet and problems that don't have answers yet and you're the first one to try to discover you're the first one to try to discover you're the first one to try to discover the answer so the difference with the the answer so the difference with the the answer so the difference with the real world is that you don't realize if real world is that you don't realize if real world is that you don't realize if there was a more efficient way to solve 
[5:40]
there was a more efficient way to solve there was a more efficient way to solve the problem and no one's going to waste the problem and no one's going to waste the problem and no one's going to waste their time looking at Old work and their time looking at Old work and their time looking at Old work and reviewing it to see whether there was a reviewing it to see whether there was a reviewing it to see whether there was a more efficient way because there's new more efficient way because there's new more efficient way because there's new problems to solve that haven't been problems to solve that haven't been problems to solve that haven't been solved yet so you don't find out whether solved yet so you don't find out whether solved yet so you don't find out whether you made a poor design decision until you made a poor design decision until you made a poor design decision until much later or you might just never find much later or you might just never find much later or you might just never find out and so this is why it's so much more out and so this is why it's so much more out and so this is why it's so much more important in the real world to have a important in the real world to have a important in the real world to have a genius type character who can see all genius type character who can see all genius type character who can see all the Angles and find the most efficient the Angles and find the most efficient the Angles and find the most efficient and straight path forward to the and straight path forward to the and straight path forward to the solution that saves you months of time solution that saves you months of time solution that saves you months of time and saves you a ton of money as well and 
[6:12]
and saves you a ton of money as well and and saves you a ton of money as well and the genius archetype guy can see those the genius archetype guy can see those the genius archetype guy can see those angles but everyone else can't and angles but everyone else can't and angles but everyone else can't and corporations know this they say it corporations know this they say it corporations know this they say it quietly in private conversations but quietly in private conversations but quietly in private conversations but they know and understand this and they they know and understand this and they they know and understand this and they don't want hardworking average don't want hardworking average don't want hardworking average intelligence people stumbling through to intelligence people stumbling through to intelligence people stumbling through to try to solve the problem they want try to solve the problem they want try to solve the problem they want genius is finding the most efficient genius is finding the most efficient genius is finding the most efficient path forward to solve the problem path forward to solve the problem path forward to solve the problem winning firms simply have smarter people winning firms simply have smarter people winning firms simply have smarter people you can feel their intelligence through you can feel their intelligence through you can feel their intelligence through the products they release when Facebook the products they release when Facebook the products they release when Facebook was the hottest place to work for a was the hottest place to work for a was the hottest place to work for a while there all of my smartest friends 
[6:43]
while there all of my smartest friends while there all of my smartest friends in hcan all wanted to work there or were in hcan all wanted to work there or were in hcan all wanted to work there or were working there and when you compared it working there and when you compared it working there and when you compared it to Myspace you could just feel the to Myspace you could just feel the to Myspace you could just feel the intelligence behind the design when they intelligence behind the design when they intelligence behind the design when they first added tagging and just the lay out first added tagging and just the lay out first added tagging and just the lay out how smooth the pages would load you how smooth the pages would load you how smooth the pages would load you could just feel the intelligence of the could just feel the intelligence of the could just feel the intelligence of the engineers through the product engineers through the product engineers through the product and it became abundantly clear that and it became abundantly clear that and it became abundantly clear that Facebook was going to be the big winner Facebook was going to be the big winner Facebook was going to be the big winner in the social media space and Myspace in the social media space and Myspace in the social media space and Myspace was going to go the way of the dinosaurs was going to go the way of the dinosaurs was going to go the way of the dinosaurs you loaded Myspace and it took like 5 you loaded Myspace and it took like 5 you loaded Myspace and it took like 5 seconds for someone's page to load and 
[7:13]
seconds for someone's page to load and seconds for someone's page to load and it was just cluttered and buggy and you it was just cluttered and buggy and you it was just cluttered and buggy and you just knew that Myspace wasn't going to just knew that Myspace wasn't going to just knew that Myspace wasn't going to last and that's the difference of last and that's the difference of last and that's the difference of intelligence so intelligence is intelligence so intelligence is intelligence so intelligence is ultimately what drives a corporation to ultimately what drives a corporation to ultimately what drives a corporation to success and outperform its competitors success and outperform its competitors success and outperform its competitors and upper management knows and and upper management knows and and upper management knows and understands this but they don't spell it understands this but they don't spell it understands this but they don't spell it out because it's Politically Incorrect out because it's Politically Incorrect out because it's Politically Incorrect but once you understand this it's key to but once you understand this it's key to but once you understand this it's key to how to negotiate a really huge raise so as Peak pandemic Circa 2021 and 
[7:46]
raise so as Peak pandemic Circa 2021 and raise so as Peak pandemic Circa 2021 and I was living in Bickle Miami working I was living in Bickle Miami working I was living in Bickle Miami working remotely for this Chicago based hedge remotely for this Chicago based hedge remotely for this Chicago based hedge fund so as you probably know Miami is a fund so as you probably know Miami is a fund so as you probably know Miami is a major party town and it was the only major party town and it was the only major party town and it was the only town that was open during covid so I was town that was open during covid so I was town that was open during covid so I was just partying every day and just like just partying every day and just like just partying every day and just like drinking and doing drugs and going on drinking and doing drugs and going on drinking and doing drugs and going on dates over lunch on like weekdays and uh dates over lunch on like weekdays and uh dates over lunch on like weekdays and uh I was actually dating this girl from the I was actually dating this girl from the I was actually dating this girl from the Fresh and fit Fresh and fit Fresh and fit podcast which is pretty funny um and podcast which is pretty funny um and podcast which is pretty funny um and yeah there's one time I I went to a Nas yeah there's one time I I went to a Nas yeah there's one time I I went to a Nas concert at Club 11 and it was at like concert at Club 11 and it was at like concert at Club 11 and it was at like 4:00 a.m. on a Monday to give you an 4:00 a.m. on a Monday to give you an 4:00 a.m. on a Monday to give you an idea of how crazy of a Party Town Miami 
[8:19]
idea of how crazy of a Party Town Miami idea of how crazy of a Party Town Miami is anyways things are going fine all of is anyways things are going fine all of is anyways things are going fine all of a sudden we get this announcement that a sudden we get this announcement that a sudden we get this announcement that the firm is hiring this new director the firm is hiring this new director the firm is hiring this new director who's a partner in uh Wall Street who's a partner in uh Wall Street who's a partner in uh Wall Street Investment Bank One of those banks with Investment Bank One of those banks with Investment Bank One of those banks with uh two names back to back and he's going uh two names back to back and he's going uh two names back to back and he's going to shake things up at the hedge fund and to shake things up at the hedge fund and to shake things up at the hedge fund and so he comes in and he's this kind of so he comes in and he's this kind of so he comes in and he's this kind of fast talking guy who's really fast talking guy who's really fast talking guy who's really crude and uh just bullying people and crude and uh just bullying people and crude and uh just bullying people and like firing people left and right and like firing people left and right and like firing people left and right and just pushing people out of the group and 
[8:50]
just pushing people out of the group and just pushing people out of the group and we're all like oh this guy is this we're all like oh this guy is this we're all like oh this guy is this guy is serious he's making a lot of guy is serious he's making a lot of guy is serious he's making a lot of enemies pretty quickly but he's been enemies pretty quickly but he's been enemies pretty quickly but he's been given a lot of power so he's he's using given a lot of power so he's he's using given a lot of power so he's he's using his power so immediately I'm like oh I his power so immediately I'm like oh I his power so immediately I'm like oh I got to I got to get my act together got to I got to get my act together got to I got to get my act together first impressions matter right so I first impressions matter right so I first impressions matter right so I started working really hard and like you started working really hard and like you started working really hard and like you know trying to make a good first know trying to make a good first know trying to make a good first impression I don't I don't know where impression I don't I don't know where impression I don't I don't know where things are going to head with this new things are going to head with this new things are going to head with this new guy in charge so I start internally guy in charge so I start internally guy in charge so I start internally looking to move to another group cuz looking to move to another group cuz looking to move to another group cuz they're doing uh some interesting Quant they're doing uh some interesting Quant they're doing uh some interesting Quant work and their desk is doing pretty well 
[9:22]
work and their desk is doing pretty well work and their desk is doing pretty well so I'm kind of like networking internal so I'm kind of like networking internal so I'm kind of like networking internal a to see if you know I could be a Quant a to see if you know I could be a Quant a to see if you know I could be a Quant on their desk but uh this director guy on their desk but uh this director guy on their desk but uh this director guy reaches out to me and he he tells me hey reaches out to me and he he tells me hey reaches out to me and he he tells me hey I hear you understand this Tech stack I hear you understand this Tech stack I hear you understand this Tech stack the best and we have this high the best and we have this high the best and we have this high visibility project that we need to get visibility project that we need to get visibility project that we need to get done for the founder this is around the done for the founder this is around the done for the founder this is around the time Bitcoin first had its major rally time Bitcoin first had its major rally time Bitcoin first had its major rally up so this project was based on setting up so this project was based on setting up so this project was based on setting up a trading system around Bitcoin and up a trading system around Bitcoin and up a trading system around Bitcoin and Bitcoin ETFs and Bitcoin Futures and Bitcoin ETFs and Bitcoin Futures and Bitcoin ETFs and Bitcoin Futures and building out like a pricing model that 
[9:53]
building out like a pricing model that building out like a pricing model that would give you signals on when Arbitrage would give you signals on when Arbitrage would give you signals on when Arbitrage opportunities existed between the three opportunities existed between the three opportunities existed between the three he told me like this is like super high he told me like this is like super high he told me like this is like super high visibility super high priority we need visibility super high priority we need visibility super high priority we need it yesterday how quickly can you get it yesterday how quickly can you get it yesterday how quickly can you get this thing done I'm like uh I think this thing done I'm like uh I think this thing done I'm like uh I think everyone knows the rules of this you everyone knows the rules of this you everyone knows the rules of this you just like overshoot the number so I'm just like overshoot the number so I'm just like overshoot the number so I'm like uh maybe like 2 months he's like like uh maybe like 2 months he's like like uh maybe like 2 months he's like okay fine try to get it done in one okay fine try to get it done in one okay fine try to get it done in one month though all right and so that call month though all right and so that call month though all right and so that call ends and I'm like all right this is it ends and I'm like all right this is it ends and I'm like all right this is it this is pretty much my test he's going this is pretty much my test he's going this is pretty much my test he's going to make a snap judgment about me based to make a snap judgment about me based to make a snap judgment about me based on how I do on this project so for the 
[10:26]
on how I do on this project so for the on how I do on this project so for the next week straight I work every waking next week straight I work every waking next week straight I work every waking hour I don't know what that would be hour I don't know what that would be hour I don't know what that would be like 16 hours a day on building this like 16 hours a day on building this like 16 hours a day on building this thing out it's like written in multiple thing out it's like written in multiple thing out it's like written in multiple languages cuz it needs to talk to all languages cuz it needs to talk to all languages cuz it needs to talk to all these different parts of the Tex act so these different parts of the Tex act so these different parts of the Tex act so it's like C Java python I get this whole it's like C Java python I get this whole it's like C Java python I get this whole thing done in a week like I work all day thing done in a week like I work all day thing done in a week like I work all day Saturday all day Sunday and then I I Saturday all day Sunday and then I I Saturday all day Sunday and then I I don't tell anyone I'm working that hard don't tell anyone I'm working that hard don't tell anyone I'm working that hard on it and then I just I just announce it on it and then I just I just announce it on it and then I just I just announce it to him in a group meeting or something to him in a group meeting or something to him in a group meeting or something I'm just like oh hey yeah I got that I'm just like oh hey yeah I got that I'm just like oh hey yeah I got that thing done by the way want me to show it 
[10:56]
thing done by the way want me to show it thing done by the way want me to show it to you guys and it works perfectly to you guys and it works perfectly to you guys and it works perfectly he's all concerned that I rushed through he's all concerned that I rushed through he's all concerned that I rushed through it he's like wait wait did you did you it he's like wait wait did you did you it he's like wait wait did you did you QA test it are there unit test and I'm QA test it are there unit test and I'm QA test it are there unit test and I'm like yeah I built all those here's the like yeah I built all those here's the like yeah I built all those here's the unit test blah blah blah and he's like unit test blah blah blah and he's like unit test blah blah blah and he's like super shocked and impressed like wow wow super shocked and impressed like wow wow super shocked and impressed like wow wow this is amazing you knock this out of this is amazing you knock this out of this is amazing you knock this out of the park buddy and then so after that the park buddy and then so after that the park buddy and then so after that after that group standup he's like hey after that group standup he's like hey after that group standup he's like hey let's talk one-on-one and then he's like let's talk one-on-one and then he's like let's talk one-on-one and then he's like dude you are a rockstar where have you dude you are a rockstar where have you dude you are a rockstar where have you been I had no idea you were this been I had no idea you were this been I had no idea you were this talented man I was thinking about 
[11:28]
talented man I was thinking about talented man I was thinking about pushing you out of the group but now I pushing you out of the group but now I pushing you out of the group but now I got different plans buddy I'm like okay got different plans buddy I'm like okay got different plans buddy I'm like okay thanks for your honesty then he's like thanks for your honesty then he's like thanks for your honesty then he's like he's like yeah here's what we're going he's like yeah here's what we're going he's like yeah here's what we're going to do let me know if you're up for this to do let me know if you're up for this to do let me know if you're up for this we're going to push your boss out of the we're going to push your boss out of the we're going to push your boss out of the team we're going to give you his spot team we're going to give you his spot team we're going to give you his spot and you're going to report directly to and you're going to report directly to and you're going to report directly to me all right you're a rock star and I me all right you're a rock star and I me all right you're a rock star and I need to be working directly with you need to be working directly with you need to be working directly with you we're going to make things happen all we're going to make things happen all we're going to make things happen all right and I'm like okay uh can I think right and I'm like okay uh can I think right and I'm like okay uh can I think about it and and and he's like yeah but about it and and and he's like yeah but about it and and and he's like yeah but don't think too long you know just one don't think too long you know just one don't think too long you know just one or two days all right and get back to me 
[11:59]
or two days all right and get back to me or two days all right and get back to me about it all right so I'm like Okay cool about it all right so I'm like Okay cool about it all right so I'm like Okay cool so this is this is how this is a so this is this is how this is a so this is this is how this is a situation you want to get yourself in situation you want to get yourself in situation you want to get yourself in when you're working at a corporation and when you're working at a corporation and when you're working at a corporation and this is how you play something like this this is how you play something like this this is how you play something like this I was already working on trying to join I was already working on trying to join I was already working on trying to join another trade desk um I already knew the another trade desk um I already knew the another trade desk um I already knew the guys over there I've done work with them guys over there I've done work with them guys over there I've done work with them before they they like and respect me so before they they like and respect me so before they they like and respect me so I'm like all right I kind of have that I'm like all right I kind of have that I'm like all right I kind of have that half in my pocket so I can kind of lean half in my pocket so I can kind of lean half in my pocket so I can kind of lean on that so I have two options and on that so I have two options and on that so I have two options and basically I need to lean them against basically I need to lean them against basically I need to lean them against each other that's the idea so I got the each other that's the idea so I got the each other that's the idea so I got the guys in the other group and I got them guys in the other group and I got them guys in the other group and I got them to agree that they could give me an 
[12:30]
to agree that they could give me an to agree that they could give me an offer in the other group if I wanted it offer in the other group if I wanted it offer in the other group if I wanted it and then now I could lean on that to and then now I could lean on that to and then now I could lean on that to negotiate negotiate better with this uh negotiate negotiate better with this uh negotiate negotiate better with this uh like jerk Tech director guy what I ended like jerk Tech director guy what I ended like jerk Tech director guy what I ended up doing is I wrote him an email and I I up doing is I wrote him an email and I I up doing is I wrote him an email and I I went with an email because it gives you went with an email because it gives you went with an email because it gives you the chance to gather your thoughts most the chance to gather your thoughts most the chance to gather your thoughts most clearly and and state your case most clearly and and state your case most clearly and and state your case most strongly and as efficient and eloquent strongly and as efficient and eloquent strongly and as efficient and eloquent of a way possible so just to paraphrase of a way possible so just to paraphrase of a way possible so just to paraphrase the email like let's say this director's the email like let's say this director's the email like let's say this director's name is John it went something like hi name is John it went something like hi name is John it went something like hi John it's been exciting John it's been exciting John it's been exciting working with you and getting to know you 
[13:01]
working with you and getting to know you working with you and getting to know you I understand your your vision for the I understand your your vision for the I understand your your vision for the hedge fund and how you want to grow it hedge fund and how you want to grow it hedge fund and how you want to grow it and in what direction you want to move and in what direction you want to move and in what direction you want to move things and I think that you're going to things and I think that you're going to things and I think that you're going to need a lot of people behind you to help need a lot of people behind you to help need a lot of people behind you to help you achieve your vision for the hedge you achieve your vision for the hedge you achieve your vision for the hedge fund to succeed we need to get help from fund to succeed we need to get help from fund to succeed we need to get help from a lot of adjacent departments and we a lot of adjacent departments and we a lot of adjacent departments and we need people on our side so we can reach need people on our side so we can reach need people on our side so we can reach our goals I've been at the firm for our goals I've been at the firm for our goals I've been at the firm for about 5 years and I have a deep network about 5 years and I have a deep network about 5 years and I have a deep network of colleagues and relationships with of colleagues and relationships with of colleagues and relationships with people in other departments that I can people in other departments that I can people in other departments that I can call on when I need their help and if call on when I need their help and if call on when I need their help and if I'm being honest with you I think we 
[13:33]
I'm being honest with you I think we I'm being honest with you I think we both know that you've made a lot of both know that you've made a lot of both know that you've made a lot of enemies at the firm and you you need enemies at the firm and you you need enemies at the firm and you you need someone who has a good reputation is someone who has a good reputation is someone who has a good reputation is well-liked and can get other teams to well-liked and can get other teams to well-liked and can get other teams to work with us so we can achieve our work with us so we can achieve our work with us so we can achieve our mutual goals unfortunately I'm leaning mutual goals unfortunately I'm leaning mutual goals unfortunately I'm leaning towards joining another desk because I towards joining another desk because I towards joining another desk because I know the people on that team and this know the people on that team and this know the people on that team and this transition has been in the works for a transition has been in the works for a transition has been in the works for a little while now but I also like the little while now but I also like the little while now but I also like the idea of working with you here's what I idea of working with you here's what I idea of working with you here's what I propose I can work with you to get you propose I can work with you to get you propose I can work with you to get you where you want to be I know you want to where you want to be I know you want to where you want to be I know you want to be at the ca level CTO CFO whatever I be at the ca level CTO CFO whatever I be at the ca level CTO CFO whatever I can get you there if we work together 
[14:04]
can get you there if we work together can get you there if we work together but I want you to pull me up with you so but I want you to pull me up with you so but I want you to pull me up with you so here's what I propose if you can get me here's what I propose if you can get me here's what I propose if you can get me a $100,000 raise then you can call on me a $100,000 raise then you can call on me a $100,000 raise then you can call on me whenever you want to you can call me at whenever you want to you can call me at whenever you want to you can call me at 10: p.m. on Saturday night here's my 10: p.m. on Saturday night here's my 10: p.m. on Saturday night here's my personal phone number and we'll work 100 personal phone number and we'll work 100 personal phone number and we'll work 100 hours a week together and knock it out hours a week together and knock it out hours a week together and knock it out the park and you'll you'll get to the the park and you'll you'll get to the the park and you'll you'll get to the sea level you can pull me up with you so sea level you can pull me up with you so sea level you can pull me up with you so that's what I propose and if you don't that's what I propose and if you don't that's what I propose and if you don't think that this relationship is working think that this relationship is working think that this relationship is working then you can just push me out of the then you can just push me out of the then you can just push me out of the group at any time so let me know if this group at any time so let me know if this group at any time so let me know if this is something that works for you thank is something that works for you thank is something that works for you thank you you see he thinks I got that project you you see he thinks I got that project you you see he thinks I got that project done that quickly because I'm some kind 
[14:35]
done that quickly because I'm some kind done that quickly because I'm some kind of Genius 10x engineer but I didn't tell of Genius 10x engineer but I didn't tell of Genius 10x engineer but I didn't tell him that I was working 15 hours a day he him that I was working 15 hours a day he him that I was working 15 hours a day he thinks I just pumped out all that code thinks I just pumped out all that code thinks I just pumped out all that code like in record speed because I'm just like in record speed because I'm just like in record speed because I'm just some kind of genius and so he thinks some kind of genius and so he thinks some kind of genius and so he thinks that by being able to call on me at any that by being able to call on me at any that by being able to call on me at any time and working 100 hours a week with time and working 100 hours a week with time and working 100 hours a week with him he'll get three or four times more him he'll get three or four times more him he'll get three or four times more productivity out of me and he can ride productivity out of me and he can ride productivity out of me and he can ride me to the top that's what he's thinking me to the top that's what he's thinking me to the top that's what he's thinking and so he's willing to give me that and so he's willing to give me that and so he's willing to give me that raise cuz it simply makes sense for him raise cuz it simply makes sense for him raise cuz it simply makes sense for him big leaps in progress by departments are 
[15:06]
big leaps in progress by departments are big leaps in progress by departments are usually off the backs of one or two usually off the backs of one or two usually off the backs of one or two Geniuses and this is something managers Geniuses and this is something managers Geniuses and this is something managers will never tell you the output by will never tell you the output by will never tell you the output by individuals is not even close to being individuals is not even close to being individuals is not even close to being evenly distributed it's almost always evenly distributed it's almost always evenly distributed it's almost always off the backs of one or two brilliant off the backs of one or two brilliant off the backs of one or two brilliant people I'm laying out the groundwork for people I'm laying out the groundwork for people I'm laying out the groundwork for him to think that I'm going to be that him to think that I'm going to be that him to think that I'm going to be that guy for him in order to secure my guy for him in order to secure my guy for him in order to secure my $100,000 raise now you're probably $100,000 raise now you're probably $100,000 raise now you're probably thinking well what if you can't uphold thinking well what if you can't uphold thinking well what if you can't uphold those standards you're sort of setting those standards you're sort of setting those standards you're sort of setting yourself up to fail no not really yourself up to fail no not really yourself up to fail no not really because I knew this guy wasn't going to 
[15:37]
because I knew this guy wasn't going to because I knew this guy wasn't going to last he was making a lot of enemies at last he was making a lot of enemies at last he was making a lot of enemies at the firm and I knew I just had to work the firm and I knew I just had to work the firm and I knew I just had to work hard enough and hang around long enough hard enough and hang around long enough hard enough and hang around long enough until he got laid off and then I could until he got laid off and then I could until he got laid off and then I could keep my my new title and my new salary keep my my new title and my new salary keep my my new title and my new salary so he gets my email and a day or two so he gets my email and a day or two so he gets my email and a day or two passes and then he goes hey let's let's passes and then he goes hey let's let's passes and then he goes hey let's let's hop on a zoom call I'm like okay it's hop on a zoom call I'm like okay it's hop on a zoom call I'm like okay it's like Friday at like 5:00 p.m. like most like Friday at like 5:00 p.m. like most like Friday at like 5:00 p.m. like most people are pretty much heading out for people are pretty much heading out for people are pretty much heading out for the week he goes hey man so strong email the week he goes hey man so strong email the week he goes hey man so strong email you know you you stated your case uh I you know you you stated your case uh I you know you you stated your case uh I respect your your your negotiation offer 
[16:10]
respect your your your negotiation offer respect your your your negotiation offer and he's like so you're good with me and he's like so you're good with me and he's like so you're good with me calling you at any time and I'm like calling you at any time and I'm like calling you at any time and I'm like yeah let's do it and he's like all right yeah let's do it and he's like all right yeah let's do it and he's like all right all right we're going to do this and all right we're going to do this and all right we're going to do this and he's like he's like you this is this is he's like he's like you this is this is he's like he's like you this is this is this is kind of like homeo but goes you this is kind of like homeo but goes you this is kind of like homeo but goes you and me baby we're going to do this we're and me baby we're going to do this we're and me baby we're going to do this we're going to go straight to the top all going to go straight to the top all going to go straight to the top all right I'll get you your raise we're right I'll get you your raise we're right I'll get you your raise we're going to work our asses off until we going to work our asses off until we going to work our asses off until we make it to the top all right and I'm make it to the top all right and I'm make it to the top all right and I'm like you got it deal and he's like deal like you got it deal and he's like deal like you got it deal and he's like deal all right have a good weekend rest up 
[16:40]
all right have a good weekend rest up all right have a good weekend rest up we're going to be working our asses off we're going to be working our asses off we're going to be working our asses off from here and I'm like you got it for from here and I'm like you got it for from here and I'm like you got it for sure let's do it so in summary right sure let's do it so in summary right sure let's do it so in summary right they say EQ matters more than IQ in they say EQ matters more than IQ in they say EQ matters more than IQ in terms of how far you get in your career terms of how far you get in your career terms of how far you get in your career and how much money you make and things and how much money you make and things and how much money you make and things like that and I firmly believe that this like that and I firmly believe that this like that and I firmly believe that this is true I have an older brother who's is true I have an older brother who's is true I have an older brother who's actually way more book smart than me we actually way more book smart than me we actually way more book smart than me we went to pretty Elite high school and he went to pretty Elite high school and he went to pretty Elite high school and he he was the top math student in the high he was the top math student in the high he was the top math student in the high school he was pretty competitive at like school he was pretty competitive at like school he was pretty competitive at like the national level and those math the national level and those math the national level and those math olympiads and things like that and uh he olympiads and things like that and uh he olympiads and things like that and uh he was definitely more books smart than me 
[17:10]
was definitely more books smart than me was definitely more books smart than me though you know I wasn't always trying though you know I wasn't always trying though you know I wasn't always trying to be fair I was I was kind of a party to be fair I was I was kind of a party to be fair I was I was kind of a party kid in high school he's like senior kid in high school he's like senior kid in high school he's like senior principal something engineer at uh principal something engineer at uh principal something engineer at uh miscellaneous Tech firm and you know he miscellaneous Tech firm and you know he miscellaneous Tech firm and you know he has this like lofty title but at my Peak has this like lofty title but at my Peak has this like lofty title but at my Peak at the hedge fund I was making multiples at the hedge fund I was making multiples at the hedge fund I was making multiples of his total comp and it's because of his total comp and it's because of his total comp and it's because I understand how to finesse people like I understand how to finesse people like I understand how to finesse people like I understand how people think and how to I understand how people think and how to I understand how people think and how to play the game basically cuz my my EQ is play the game basically cuz my my EQ is play the game basically cuz my my EQ is higher than his he's just like your higher than his he's just like your higher than his he's just like your typical kind of quiet autistic nerdy 
[17:42]
typical kind of quiet autistic nerdy typical kind of quiet autistic nerdy Asian guy who you know can solve like Asian guy who you know can solve like Asian guy who you know can solve like crazy complicated math problems but crazy complicated math problems but crazy complicated math problems but doesn't understand how people think and doesn't understand how people think and doesn't understand how people think and what people want so there there's a what people want so there there's a what people want so there there's a hidden lesson there understanding how hidden lesson there understanding how hidden lesson there understanding how people think and what people want that's people think and what people want that's people think and what people want that's that's how you get the most money out of that's how you get the most money out of that's how you get the most money out of situ situations and so how did things situ situations and so how did things situ situations and so how did things play out reporting directly to the play out reporting directly to the play out reporting directly to the director well things were fine because director well things were fine because director well things were fine because even though I told him I would work my even though I told him I would work my even though I told him I would work my ass off he was one level abstracted away ass off he was one level abstracted away ass off he was one level abstracted away from the math and the code so because I 
[18:12]
from the math and the code so because I from the math and the code so because I was in a position where no one with my was in a position where no one with my was in a position where no one with my level of technical competence was really level of technical competence was really level of technical competence was really reviewing my work and it was just him reviewing my work and it was just him reviewing my work and it was just him above me because he he trusted that I above me because he he trusted that I above me because he he trusted that I was doing high quality work and being was doing high quality work and being was doing high quality work and being hyper productive he couldn't really hyper productive he couldn't really hyper productive he couldn't really gauge whether my pace of productivity gauge whether my pace of productivity gauge whether my pace of productivity was good or bad but I would basically was good or bad but I would basically was good or bad but I would basically employ a strategy that I call bursty employ a strategy that I call bursty employ a strategy that I call bursty working which is working in bursts so working which is working in bursts so working which is working in bursts so that someone like him who's trying to that someone like him who's trying to that someone like him who's trying to estimate my productivity is only able to estimate my productivity is only able to estimate my productivity is only able to see my high water marks and then is see my high water marks and then is see my high water marks and then is making estimations about my productivity 
[18:43]
making estimations about my productivity making estimations about my productivity off those high water marks so for off those high water marks so for off those high water marks so for example most people in a corporate example most people in a corporate example most people in a corporate setting they they're always in one gear setting they they're always in one gear setting they they're always in one gear they're either working their ass off in they're either working their ass off in they're either working their ass off in fifth gear or they're just a normal fifth gear or they're just a normal fifth gear or they're just a normal performer in third gear or they're a performer in third gear or they're a performer in third gear or they're a lazy slacker in first gear and most lazy slacker in first gear and most lazy slacker in first gear and most people don't shift gears very often and people don't shift gears very often and people don't shift gears very often and so managers sort of make these lazy so managers sort of make these lazy so managers sort of make these lazy assumptions that you're you know this assumptions that you're you know this assumptions that you're you know this guy's a fifth gear worker this guy's a guy's a fifth gear worker this guy's a guy's a fifth gear worker this guy's a third gear worker so what you want to do third gear worker so what you want to do third gear worker so what you want to do when you deploy this bursty working when you deploy this bursty working when you deploy this bursty working strategy is in burst you want to be strategy is in burst you want to be strategy is in burst you want to be working in fifth gear sixth gear if 
[19:13]
working in fifth gear sixth gear if working in fifth gear sixth gear if that's such a thing just like that first that's such a thing just like that first that's such a thing just like that first project I worked on for him the high project I worked on for him the high project I worked on for him the high visibility project for the founder where visibility project for the founder where visibility project for the founder where I got that crypto that I stood up that I got that crypto that I stood up that I got that crypto that I stood up that whole crypto Tech stack for him in one whole crypto Tech stack for him in one whole crypto Tech stack for him in one week about once a month I would work my week about once a month I would work my week about once a month I would work my ass off on a project and and get it done ass off on a project and and get it done ass off on a project and and get it done really quickly and then the rest of the really quickly and then the rest of the really quickly and then the rest of the month I would just hang out and and do month I would just hang out and and do month I would just hang out and and do very little work and because of the pace very little work and because of the pace very little work and because of the pace of productivity and the output of that of productivity and the output of that of productivity and the output of that one project a month he would just assume one project a month he would just assume one project a month he would just assume that I'm working my ass off on other that I'm working my ass off on other that I'm working my ass off on other things cuz I was always juggling things cuz I was always juggling things cuz I was always juggling multiple things at the same time so he multiple things at the same time so he multiple things at the same time so he he would just assume I'm bogged down on he would just assume I'm bogged down on he would just assume I'm bogged down on other projects or like helping other 
[19:44]
other projects or like helping other other projects or like helping other teams set things up to help help our teams set things up to help help our teams set things up to help help our team out and so I was able to just team out and so I was able to just team out and so I was able to just basically hang out the rest of the month basically hang out the rest of the month basically hang out the rest of the month and yeah this bursty bursty working and yeah this bursty bursty working and yeah this bursty bursty working strategy it works really well managers strategy it works really well managers strategy it works really well managers who don't have the technical expertise who don't have the technical expertise who don't have the technical expertise to measure what you're working on you to measure what you're working on you to measure what you're working on you can kind of exploit that Gap in their can kind of exploit that Gap in their can kind of exploit that Gap in their knowledge there through this bursty knowledge there through this bursty knowledge there through this bursty working working working strategy and to use more technical strategy and to use more technical strategy and to use more technical jargon basically they're downsampling jargon basically they're downsampling jargon basically they're downsampling your your your work and and and filtering only on high work and and and filtering only on high work and and and filtering only on high waterm marks to measure your pace of 
[20:17]
waterm marks to measure your pace of waterm marks to measure your pace of productivity so in understanding how productivity so in understanding how productivity so in understanding how much they know and how much they don't much they know and how much they don't much they know and how much they don't know you can control The Narrative of know you can control The Narrative of know you can control The Narrative of how productive you're being at the job how productive you're being at the job how productive you're being at the job so in this particular case right this so in this particular case right this so in this particular case right this director was not super technical he was director was not super technical he was director was not super technical he was kind of technical but not really that kind of technical but not really that kind of technical but not really that Technical and so you can just kind of Technical and so you can just kind of Technical and so you can just kind of explain things to him and make them explain things to him and make them explain things to him and make them sound like they would take way longer or sound like they would take way longer or sound like they would take way longer or way more complicated and then and then way more complicated and then and then way more complicated and then and then get it done in a fraction of the time get it done in a fraction of the time get it done in a fraction of the time and have him think that you're some kind and have him think that you're some kind and have him think that you're some kind of Genius so yeah I continue to deploy of Genius so yeah I continue to deploy of Genius so yeah I continue to deploy this bursty working strategy and you 
[20:49]
this bursty working strategy and you this bursty working strategy and you know about about 6 months passes and know about about 6 months passes and know about about 6 months passes and everyone kind of goes through me to talk everyone kind of goes through me to talk everyone kind of goes through me to talk to the the director because they like me to the the director because they like me to the the director because they like me and they trust me and so I have eyes and and they trust me and so I have eyes and and they trust me and so I have eyes and ears across the firm and I know that ears across the firm and I know that ears across the firm and I know that this Tech director is going to get this Tech director is going to get this Tech director is going to get pushed out soon so I'm not going to have pushed out soon so I'm not going to have pushed out soon so I'm not going to have to work these ridiculous like 50 to 100 to work these ridiculous like 50 to 100 to work these ridiculous like 50 to 100 hour work weeks anymore for him and then hour work weeks anymore for him and then hour work weeks anymore for him and then uh this 360 review happens where people uh this 360 review happens where people uh this 360 review happens where people review him from other departments and review him from other departments and review him from other departments and yeah he gets pushed out like he gets yeah he gets pushed out like he gets yeah he gets pushed out like he gets fired like immediately like a week after fired like immediately like a week after fired like immediately like a week after that which pretty much I expected and 
[21:19]
that which pretty much I expected and that which pretty much I expected and then basically uh I get promoted into then basically uh I get promoted into then basically uh I get promoted into like another role that's not his role like another role that's not his role like another role that's not his role but is like sort of filling in the Gap a but is like sort of filling in the Gap a but is like sort of filling in the Gap a little bit for some of the stuff he did little bit for some of the stuff he did little bit for some of the stuff he did and uh and uh and uh I get another $100,000 raise at that I get another $100,000 raise at that I get another $100,000 raise at that point and then I get to keep my kind of point and then I get to keep my kind of point and then I get to keep my kind of lofty position as as the head of that lofty position as as the head of that lofty position as as the head of that hedge fund division where I have trading hedge fund division where I have trading hedge fund division where I have trading Quant Tech and operations all reporting Quant Tech and operations all reporting Quant Tech and operations all reporting to me and weekly standup meetings so to me and weekly standup meetings so to me and weekly standup meetings so yeah that was that was like a perfectly yeah that was that was like a perfectly yeah that was that was like a perfectly executed way to kind of finesse my way 
[21:52]
executed way to kind of finesse my way executed way to kind of finesse my way into a higher title and into a way into a higher title and into a way into a higher title and into a way higher comp that's generally how I did higher comp that's generally how I did higher comp that's generally how I did it so I hope you learned something about it so I hope you learned something about it so I hope you learned something about how to navigate the world of corporate how to navigate the world of corporate how to navigate the world of corporate politics and uh kind of the psychology politics and uh kind of the psychology politics and uh kind of the psychology behind how people judge you at work and behind how people judge you at work and behind how people judge you at work and what they're thinking when they're what they're thinking when they're what they're thinking when they're deciding whether to give you a raise or deciding whether to give you a raise or deciding whether to give you a raise or or to demote you or whatever all right or to demote you or whatever all right or to demote you or whatever all right take care