Learning From the Best: Why Proximity Beats Pages
By: Chris Goldby ∣ Hickory Algorithm
Every origin story has one thing in common: a moment where all the work put in manifests into an opportunity. The catch is you have to be willing to take it.
I’ve always believed the best way to accelerate your growth in any field is simple: learn directly from the best. Not a course, not a book, not a highlight reel on social media but being around someone and witnessing the day-to-day interactions that make them special. Those little things you’d never get from a lecture or a video. The pauses before they speak, the way they respond to conflict, how they treat people when no one’s watching.
That’s the stuff that you remember if you actually saw it.
Books, Media, and Courses—Still Valuable
Now, don’t get me wrong. Books have been a huge influence in my life. Reading at your own pace, pen in hand, highlighting the lines that impact that’s one of my favorite things about reading. I love that when I finish a book, I can pass it on, and it lives another life in someone else’s hands.
One thing that’s underrated about books is how pure the experience is when an author drops something new. There’s no “single” like a band, no movie trailer, no sneak peek. Maybe a short description, but for the most part, it’s a whole new experience the moment that book hits your hands. Remember midnight releases?
In fact, I think a new personal goal for me is this: next year, I want to find an author I admire with a book coming out, take the day off work, and treat that release like it’s a big concert or movie premiere.
Media can also be a great tool. I love following people I admire online because every now and then, you get those little off-script moments. I had to laugh recently when a business guy I follow filmed himself simply returning his shopping cart. Nothing glamorous, just a reminder he’s human—and somehow, it made my day.
But here’s the thing: media is curated. It’s what people want us to see. And if we’ve learned anything, it’s that the human experience isn’t always sunshine and rainbows.
Formal education has its strengths too. Being in a room with like-minded people, all studying the same period of history or the same language, creates a powerful shared experience. There’s value in structured learning environments, with everyone asking questions and digesting the same material.
But even then, the question that always lingers in the back of my mind is: what would it be like to spend a day with that person I admire?
It’s a fun thought experiment, right? Almost like playing the “if I won the lottery” game. Because we can picture it. We can see it in our minds.
What if you could shadow your mentor for a day? What if you got two days in a row? A week? What would you learn by just observing, listening, and asking questions?
The truth is, those opportunities do exist. I’m in one.
I cannot wait to start sharing the upcoming things we have going on.
“For the man in the mirror, it’s all getting clearer.”
#fortheloveofthegame
last week in the Hickory Algorithm Newsletter
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Events:
📆 September 27th - 🚍
Tickets Available Here
📆Oktober 10th through 12th - 🍻
Link to Facebook Event Page
The 37th Hickory Oktoberfest is a three-day, outdoor festival on the second weekend in October! Having been co-founded by a German, Adolphus “Dolph” Shuford, Hickory has a long, proud German heritage. Home to the United States headquarters for several German companies and sharing a region-to-region partnership between Altenburger Land, Germany, and the four Greater Hickory Metro counties of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba, our connection to Germany has never left us.
Come see your boy at the WHKY table Friday night with Hal Row and Saturday night with the hottest midwife on the planet.
📆 October 18th - 🧙♂️
Link to Facebook Event Page Here
Moonjoy Meadery Presents: The Fellowship of the Ring Hobbit Party!
This one is selfish because I’m hoping to attend.
Embark on an epic quest through Downtown Lenoir on Saturday, October 18th, from 1 PM to 6PM, as Moonjoy Meadery hosts a "Fellowship of the Ring" Hobbit Party!
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Things I use:
Google Workplace 🕸️
Looking to start a new workspace? I’ve been using google workplace for the last 5 months. If you are looking to have a business email and not use your personal email? I’ve been there, believe me. A new email like you@your-company.com to help you stay organized in the workplace. Link above with my Google Workplace, you get 10%, business email, and a 14 day trial.
Oura Ring 💍
I’ve been using Oura ring for the last 2 years. If you’re looking to take control of your sleep, recovery, and daily energy, the Oura Ring might be the smartest wearable out there. It’s a sleek, lightweight ring that tracks your heart rate, sleep quality, readiness, and activity all without the bulk of a smartwatch. Here is link to 10% off.
