212 Updates #135 | April 7th
2nd Quarter | Books
We are back in the office after Eid Al-Fitr. It’s hard to believe the first quarter of 2025 has already gone by.
Last week was a very quiet week as Eid Al-Fitr was combined with administrative holiday. I had a chance to catch up on my readings. I finally finished The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek. Sinek explores the idea that many aspects of business and leadership should be approached as infinite games. Unlike finite games, such as sports, infinite games have no fixed endpoint, no clear winners, and ever-evolving rules. The goal is not to win but to keep playing and improving. It’s very relevant in today’s environment of constant and fast-paced change.
The Infinite Game was a drastic shift from the last book I read, The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson, which was about the civil war in the US. I’m planning to start The Gatekeepers by Chris Whipple next.
I would like to share the blog Ali published last week, “The Frankenstein Effect: When Founders Are Destroyed by Their Own Creations.”
Meet the Team
Say hello to Gizem Yagiz, our Partner at 212NexT Fund. Gizem has been with 212 since November 2023.
Q&A Spotlight:
If you could bring one guest to the 212 annual party, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would bring my father as I would love for him to see the work I do and meet the people who shape my world today. Plus, he would probably have some sharp observations and unexpected wisdom to share with everyone.
What’s one technology or trend you think is dramatically underrated right now?
The power of the pause. We are obsessed with productivity and constant stimulation, but creativity and better decisions come when our minds have space to wander.
Gizem's Picks:
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and how has it helped you at 212?
“İş beğenme, insan beğen.” (Do not choose the job, choose the people.) My grandmother used to say this, and it has proven true for me all along. The right people can turn challenges into opportunities, while the wrong ones can make the best job hard to endure. At 212, I am working with driven, visionary and trustworthy people which makes all the difference for me.
If you could describe your job at 212 with movie title, what would it be and Why?
Everything Everywhere All at Once —because some days feel exactly like that, with countless opportunities unfolding all at once (I know this was not the core message of the movie, and I also loved it for its deeper philosophy).Last Week
Last week was Eid Al-Fitr and public holiday, so it was very quiet.
This Week and Next
Ali will attend Techsign at Mext on Thursday, April 10th.
Zeynep will be at e2day: Summit 2025 on Thursday, April 10th,
Ali will be at Founder Meetup on Friday, April 11th.
Zeynep will attend Ankara Speed Networking on Friday, April 11th.
Some News
Don’t miss Keyrails co-founder Berhan Kongel’s post on LinkedIn. Read more…
Amazon Said to Make a Bid to Buy TikTok in the U.S. Read more…