Of Interest
Johnson Conley provides regular insights and updates on subjects of interest. Enjoy!
23 and me
The 23andMe bankruptcy saga presents a fascinating privacy dilemma that highlights the challenges of managing agreements and commitments for a vast customer base of 15 million individuals. This situation serves as a cautionary tale for both businesses and consumers in rapidly evolving markets.
The Privacy Predicament
23andMe, once a pioneer in direct-to-consumer genetic testing, has filed for bankruptcy. This development has raised significant concerns about the fate of customers’ sensitive genetic data.
Unlike typical business transactions where a limited number of contracts are involved, 23andMe’s situation affects millions of customers who have entrusted the company with their most personal information – their genetic code. These customers now find themselves in a precarious position, with limited control over their data’s future.
Lessons from Corporate Acquisitions
In the business world, acquisitions often lead to changes in supplier relationships (see 300 percent price hikes push disgruntled VMware customers toward Broadcom rivals). From personal experience with a large number of contracts, new suppliers may initially honor existing commitments, although some may employ heavy-handed techniques to replace pre-existing contract terms. In such cases, businesses with a limited number of contracts often retain some leverage and can consider alternative suppliers if necessary.
However, 23andMe’s customers face a different reality. They lack the collective bargaining power and face significant obstacles in ensuring their data’s privacy, including difficulties in deleting their information. This power imbalance underscores the vulnerability of consumers in data-driven industries.
The Broader Implications
This situation illuminates the potential outcomes for companies in fast-growing markets characterized by annual losses:
- Success: Achieving profitability and sustainable growth.
- Acquisition: Being bought out by a larger entity.
- Failure: Filing for bankruptcy or ceasing operations.
23andMe’s journey from a promising startup to bankruptcy filing serves as a stark reminder of the volatility in emerging tech sectors, particularly those dealing with sensitive personal data.
Conclusion
The 23andMe bankruptcy underscores the importance of robust data protection policies and the value of consumer vigilance in an era where personal data has become a prized commodity. As we navigate this new landscape, it’s crucial to strike a balance between innovation and privacy protection, ensuring that the benefits of technological progress don’t come at the cost of individual rights and data security.
10 Rules of Leadership
Bob Kierlin, the former CEO of Fastenal, who passed away on February 10, 2025, left behind a profound legacy encapsulated in his 10 Rules of Leadership:
- Challenge rather than control: Encourage innovation by inspiring team members to find their own solutions rather than micromanaging their actions.
- Treat everyone as your equal: Foster teamwork by valuing each individual’s contribution, regardless of their role.
- Stay out of the spotlight: Leaders should avoid taking credit for team achievements, instead highlighting the collective effort.
- Share the rewards: Celebrate successes by ensuring recognition and benefits are distributed fairly among all contributors.
- Listen rather than speak: Prioritize understanding others’ perspectives to build trust and collaboration.
- See the unique humanness in all persons: Recognize and appreciate the individuality of each team member.
- Develop empathy: Cultivate the ability to understand and share the feelings of others to strengthen relationships.
- Suppress your ego: Leaders should focus on the team’s success rather than their own personal glory.
- Let people learn: Encourage growth by allowing team members to experiment and learn from their experiences.
- Remember how little you know: Stay humble and open to continuous learning, acknowledging that there is always more to discover.
Great principles of leadership, thanks Bob!
Ghost Jobs
The recent Wall Street Journal article highlights the ongoing issue of job postings that don’t lead to actual hires—so-called “ghost jobs.” While the term may feel new, the reality is far from it.
Here’s what stands out:
Fake or inactive job postings are not new. As long as companies have advertised roles, these “phantom” opportunities have existed.
Ghosting isn’t new either. Throughout my career, I’ve observed that fewer than 10% of applications receive a response from employers. The reality is, recruiters are often focused on filling roles rather than managing communication with unselected applicants.
Does this mean it’s time for a change in hiring etiquette?
It’s a fair question, but the truth is, finding work has always been a job in itself. No one is more invested in the success of your search than you. While better practices in hiring would be welcome, job seekers need to remain proactive, persistent, and resilient.
My takeaway:
Adapt your strategy. Treat your job search like a full-time project—network effectively, tailor your applications, and follow up where possible. And remember, the process might not be perfect, but your approach can make all the difference.
What’s been your experience with ghost jobs or ghosting during your job search? How do you think the hiring process can be improved? Let’s discuss! #JobSearch #HiringProcess #GhostJobs #CareerDevelopment #Resilience
Nobody gets fired for following the algorithm . . .
Nobody gets fired for following the algorithm . . .
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences examines “quantification fixation,” a cognitive bias where individuals prioritize numerical data over qualitative information in decision-making. Through a series of experiments, the researchers found that people tend to favor options with quantifiable attributes, even when qualitative factors are equally or more important. This bias can lead to suboptimal choices, as decision-makers might overlook critical qualitative aspects. The study highlights the need for awareness of this bias to improve decision-making processes. #AI #datadrivendecisionmaking
What CIOs Read in 2024
A great reading list for technology leaders and others in today’s Wall Street Journal. I’ve read several, but not all, and I plan to add them to my list.
9/11 Tribute
On this day of remembrance, we honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and extend our deepest sympathies to their families and loved ones. Their memory serves as a powerful symbol of resilience, unity, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. #NeverForget #September11
The Demise of Sears Headquarters at Hoffman Estates
Amazing that the former Sears headquarters in Hoffman Estates is being demolished. Pretty soon all that will be left of Sears will be footnotes in history books and business case studies!
FTC’s Noncomplete Developments
An interesting development from the FTC, but it was struck down by a judge today(8/20/24).
An interesting development from the FTC.
Outsourcing Benefits and Risks
An interesting although an expected outcome of outsourcing challenges (Fired Americans Say Indian Firm Gave Their Jobs to H-1B Visa Holders).
Early on, outsourcing was a strategy leveraged to obtain better services than could otherwise be delivered with in-house staff. Firms could focus on their core business without having to manage an area of the business that they were unwilling to invest in. Employees would join a service provider that provided the support and access to state-of-the-art tools and techniques, not to mention career advancement opportunities. Corporate leadership championed outsourcing initiatives as part of their strategic vision. In many cases, it was a win-win-win for customer, service provider, and outsourced employees.
It was not too long before the strategy turned into a tactic to cut costs. All too often, the strategy devolved into other objectives. Creative financing to get assets off the books. Promising reduced costs that could only be delivered with staff reductions; “efficiencies.” It is no surprise that in the objective to reduce costs, labor arbitrage entered as a significant way to deliver cost savings. I recall the CEO of a major US firm reveling in the fact that he saved one hundred million dollars in operating expenses because of outsourcing. I also recall the many engagements I led providing “marriage counselling” to companies and their service providers for failed outsourcing deals.
Done well, outsourcing can be a significant strategy that delivers positive outcomes. Done poorly, outsourcing leads to higher costs, lower quality service delivery and human carnage.
9/11 Tribute
On this solemn day, I remember my time working in the South Tower, a place filled with dedicated colleagues, many of whom tragically lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Their memory remains etched in my heart and mind. I pay tribute to their unwavering commitment and the bravery they displayed in the face of unimaginable adversity. May we never forget the sacrifices made, and may their memory be a beacon of hope and unity for a better tomorrow. #NeverForget #September11