Execution Season
The struggle itself is enough.
Welcome back to YKC. February is that in-between moment, after the noise of January, before the pace of spring... when real work gets done and the daily execution start to matter.
LinkedIn ghostwriting: Most people treat LinkedIn like a posting platform. The best founders + investors treat it as their #1 distribution channel. If you want to win in 2026, you build that distribution now. I’m opening up a few 20-minute LinkedIn Distribution Diagnosis calls this week. Reply “Call” and I’ll send times.
“It is better to live one day as a lion than a hundred years as a sheep.”
-Primo Levi
Arthur Brooks: Suffer Like a Marine: I am all for seeking to embrace pain in order to help manage suffering, but even when we prepare ourselves, we don’t know how we will respond when a challenging life event occurs. I’ve been reading Professor Brook’s work recently, and a lot of the common-sense philosophies and tactics have beneficial utility in our everyday lives, not just in being happier, but when dealing with life’s hardships.
When it comes to dealing with suffering, there is this popular idea today that we shouldn’t stuff down our suffering, but should instead embrace it. The stoic acceptance of hard times is what common therapy culture rallies against, toxic masculinity, and all the buzzwords. There is some truth to this. Obviously not addressing the pain is not ideal, and it will come out strong in one way or another as it needs a release. We’ve seen this with various addictions, avoidance, and more troubling, violence, suicide, and other forms of harm. But on the other hand, attempting to fully embrace difficult emotions can overwhelm you, and cause you not to be able to function. What I believe is a middle ground is to embrace the idea of Amor Fati, to accept the pain and suffering, to find ways to feel it and yet manage it. Personally, I have found journaling (with prompts, as well as listing things I am grateful for), alongside intense exercise as ways to both experience suffering, to live fully, but also not be completely buried by it. This is something every individual needs to figure out and balance on their own, and some days will be better than others. Everyone is going through something, but I suppose we should attempt to come out as unscathed as possible, and maybe with a life lesson that suffering offers us. This is not about “optimizing” suffering, but learning to fully embrace life, both the good and the bad.
As a bit of a spoiler alert, Professor Brooks talks about faith as a grounding practice, and it’s something I am starting to learn more about. Yes, like a typical podcast bro I got more interested when I heard Andrew Huberman talk about belief, but age and life experiences always change and expand your thinking. This reminds me of what one of my business coaches would state, that we need to have grace with ourselves and others during challenging times, sometimes that really is a good start.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Tues Feb 10: Tel Aviv International Salon is the largest speakers forum in Israel. Their nonprofit was established in 2009 to provide a thought provoking nonpartisan platform for Tel Aviv’s young adult community. The Salon curates a unique space to debate and discuss global politics, history, economics, social and cultural issues with a diverse range of engaging decision makers and influencers. They are honest brokers working hard to highlight the leading voices leading Israel and the world. Feb 10 at 7pm. Cappella, 28 HaArba’a St, Hagag South Tower, 14th Floor, TLV. Register here.
Matchbox Valentine’s Day I Tel Aviv, ISR: Matchbox comes to Tel Aviv, and this is their biggest one. After launching Matchbox across five cities globally, Club Allenby returns to Tel Aviv for what will be our largest and most in-demand Matchbox event. A highly vetted crowd of singles in their 20s & 30s. A warm, social setting built for conversation. Curated matches sent directly to your phone throughout the night. Important: This event is capped at 200 people. Once it’s full, it’s closed. Thursday, February 12th Cappella, Tel Aviv Only 200 spots Ages 20s & 30s. Tickets here.
Valentine Jubilee at Somewhere Nowhere - Thursday 2/19: Fall in love with the night at the 1st Annual Jewish Valentine’s Day Fest, taking place high above the city at the stunning Somewhere Nowhere Rooftop Club. Thursday, Feb 19 at 10 pm EST. Somewhere Nowhere NYC - Lounge, Nightclub & Rooftop Pool. New York, NY. Tickets here.
NELLYSLIST PRESENTS QUEEN ESTHER MASQUERAVE: Annual Purim Costume Mega Party. Top DJs – Magic – Live Entertainment. The Queen requests your attendance in Mask, Costume & Royal Fashion … Celebrate under the stars with the best crowd at the city’s BIGGEST Purim Costume Party! 10PM til 3:30AM. SATURDAY NIGHT FEBRUARY 28 ASTRA ROOFTOP – WYNWOOD. Tickets here.
PURIM MASQUERADE LA - WEST HOLLYWOOD: A Moroccan Oasis awaits. Mid East Sounds, Magic, and 100s in Costume. NELLYSLIST SOCIAL CLUB LOS ANGELES. 3rd Annual Purim Costume Mega Event. MOROCCAN MASQUERADE. VIP Sponsored Cocktials 9pm-10pm. Top DJs – Magic – Live Mid East Entertainment – Bazaar Market – Sweet Bites – Celebrate with 500+ young professionals at the city’s Dress in Mask, Costume, Moroccan Royal Fashion. 9PM til 2AM. SATURDAY NIGHT FEBRUARY 28. SKYBAR – Mondrian Hotel – West Hollywood, LA. Tickets here.
PURIM BALAGAN w/ GIL FUX at SOMEWHERE NOWHERE: Don't Miss Out on one of the Hottest Purim Events of the Year! This will be an event not to miss out on! Join them and party at Purim Balagan at one of NYC’s top nightclubs Somewhere Nowhere w/ Sounds by DJ GIL FUX. Tickets and tables will be completely sold out for this event do not wait to purchase tickets. Costumes are recommended but are not enforced. Mar 5 at 10 pm to Mar 6 at 4 am EST. Somewhere Nowhere NYC - Lounge, Nightclub & Rooftop Pool. 112 West 25th Street. New York. Tickets here.
Israel Tech Week 2026: Israel Tech Week 2026 is opening its Startup Showcases across AI, Cyber, FinTech, DefenseTech, HealthTech, Climate, PropTech, and Travel & Hospitality. Pitch in front of investors, meet enterprise partners, and build real momentum in the U.S. market. Founders: this is your stage. April 27–30, 2026 | Miami. Apply here.