Tristan’s 7+1: What I'm reading, watching, listening to, etc...

Hi ,

We spend so much time building our businesses, perfecting the pitch, chasing the next deal, leveling up our systems,  that we forget to build ourselves. 

The external game only works when the internal game is solid. 

This week, I want you to slow down just enough to check in with yourself. Not your pipeline. 

Not your CRM. You. That's where the real work lives.

^{WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT}
The Evening and Morning Challenge: Prepare to Marvel. Next week I'm running a challenge that's close to my heart. It's called Prepare to Marvel, and it's all about getting intentional with how you start and end your day. We're so focused on business that we forget to focus on ourselves internally, our mindset, our energy, our clarity. This challenge is designed to fix that. If you've been feeling like you're running on autopilot, this is your reset. If you want to join the group coaching for a month just to get into it let me know by sending me an email and I’ll add you in the 20 day challenge. 

^{BOOK I’M READING}
Building a StoryBrand 2.0 by Donald Miller. If you haven't read the original, start here. If you read it years ago, the 2.0 version is worth your time. Miller's framework for clarifying your message is one of the most practical things I've ever applied to my business. The core idea is simple: your customer is the hero, not you. When you position yourself as the guide, everything changes, your website, your listing presentations, your content. This updated edition goes even deeper and it's hitting at the right time.

^{WHAT I’M WATCHING}
Simon Sinek: Why Good Leaders Make You Feel Safe. This TED Talk has been around for a while but it's one I keep coming back to. Sinek's core message is that leadership isn't about being in charge, it's about taking care of the people in your charge. When your team feels safe, they'll give you everything they've got. If you're leading a team, running a brokerage, or mentoring agents, this is 12 minutes that'll reshape how you think about your role.

^{WHAT I’M LISTENING TO}
Founders Podcast #412: How Roger Federer Works by David Senra. David Senra doesn't miss. This episode breaks down the book The Master by Chris Clarey and pulls out the lessons from Federer's career that apply way beyond tennis. What stood out to me most is Federer's ability to live in the present, to fully experience a moment, finish it, and move on. That's something we all need in this business. Stop replaying the deal that fell apart. Focus on what's in front of you right now.

^{WHAT I JUST BOUGHT}
Laconic Solid Write Mechanical Pencil 0.5mm. I'm a pen and pencil guy. There's something about writing things down by hand that makes ideas stick. This Japanese-made mechanical pencil has a metal hexagonal body with a rubber coating, no clip (by design), and the weight balance is incredible. It just feels right in your hand. If you're someone who journals, takes notes, or plans your day on paper, you'll appreciate this one.

^{ARTICLE I’M READING}
How Do Workers Develop Good Judgment in the AI Era? from Harvard Business Review. This one really made me think. The article dives into something we don't talk about enough: AI handles a lot of the repetitive work that used to build judgment in junior employees. So what happens when those employees move into leadership roles without ever doing the groundwork? It's a question every team leader and broker should be asking right now. AI is powerful, but it can't replace the wisdom you get from doing the work yourself. Use it to amplify, not to skip steps.

^{WHAT TECH I’M TESTING OUT}
Perplexity MAX. — I'll be honest, this one is blowing my mind. Perplexity MAX is the premium tier of Perplexity AI, and it gives you access to the most advanced AI models out there for research, content creation, and deep search. Think of it as Google search on steroids, powered by multiple AI models working together. I've been using it for market research, content ideas, and competitive analysis, and the depth of what it returns is wild. If you're an agent who wants to level up how you research neighborhoods, market trends, or buyer profiles, this is worth exploring.

^{WHAT I’M WORKING ON}
5 AI companies and what to use them for. I just created a carousel post on Instagram from my Big News In Real Estate videos — taking the key takeaways and turning them into visual, shareable content. But the bigger project I'm working on right now is a simple breakdown of the top 5 AI companies and what to use them for. No fluff, no jargon — just a clear guide for agents who want to know which AI tools to use and when. If you want it, just shoot me an email at [email protected].

Thank you for reading A Brilliant Tribe. 

Best regards,