Happy Fri-Yay! Reader,

Welcome to the 4x Friday, four of the coolest things I've found, learned, or experienced this past week.

If someone thinks of you and forwards this email, please consider subscribing.

What I learned

I learned to draw a two-point perspective using a rubber band and a safety pin in three minutes. Less, actually. A video created by Channel FMT (00:03:00) gets the point across very quickly. Add a thumbtack, and one can draw a one-point perspective drawing in just over four minutes.

What I discovered

The bipartisan Corporate Transparency Act, enacted in 2021 to curb illicit finance, took effect on Jan 1. The act requires many corporations and LLCs doing business in the U.S., which have 20 employees or less and 2023 sales of less than $5 million, to report information about the individuals who ultimately own or control them. According to my AI assistant, that's an estimated 12.4 million corps and LLCs (how it came to that conclusion). Existing companies have one year to file. Companies started in 2024 must file within 90 days of creation or registration. In 2025, new companies will have only 30 days to report the info. I got the info from the Department of the Treasury, and there's a downloadable PDF compliance guide. I'm told to use the online form, not the PDF version. It should only take ten minutes or so, most of which will be spent looking for your identification.

What I read

Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, became president of the 100th American Institute of Architects (AIA). She is the first black woman to lead the organization. The CultureTypc.com article describes her background, achievements, and goals as the president of AIA, which is to do more to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in architecture. It seems to be the vision of the organization, too. Dowell is the AIA's third African American since Marshall Purnell in 2008, and the sixth woman to hold the office since Susan Maxman in 1992, the second woman in two years, and the 2024 President-Elect is Evelyn M. Lee, FAIA, will be installed in December. Ms. Dowdell also wants to make architecture more accessible and relevant to the general public.

What I'm listening to

Otu has 19 years of experience in composing, producing, and mixing music for films, commercials, video games, and YouTube creators. He is a Finlander, multi-instrumentalist, and a versatile singer who manages the Moonic Productions YouTube channel. I've been listening to his "What If" cover songs. So far, some of my favorites are: what if AC/DC wrote Stayin' Alive? (00:03:08) and what if Metallica wrote Down Under? (00:03:35). I'm not sure they would be classified as parodies because they are creative and somewhat accurate renditions. But now and then, Otu causes me to chuckle.

PS - Be a helper and a hero by allowing others to become #BetterEveryDay. Please pass on this exclusive link and encourage them to sign up for a free daily mentoring video by Darren Hardy.

PPS - Achieve healthy growth for your organization and people. Learn more about the Great Game of Business.

PPPS - Want to share this issue via text, social media, or email? Copy and paste this link: https://steve-mickley.ck.page/posts/4x-friday-January-19-2024.

Generative AI assisted in writing and editing this email's content. If you find a mistake, don't blame the technology. Sometimes, I ignore its suggestions.