You Can’t Lead If You’re Stuck in the Middle

Most business owners don’t notice when it happens.
They start as the operator… and slowly become the center of everything.
The real risk isn’t being busy. It’s being required for everything.
BELAY’s new guide From Operator to Owner: How to Exit the Middle Without Losing Control shows you how to step out of day-to-day execution while keeping visibility, quality, and momentum intact.
BELAY matches you with U.S.-based Assistants who bring structure, follow-through, and operational clarity so work keeps moving without you at the center.
Hey!
2026 is the year skills matter more than ever.
The people winning right now aren't working harder. They're learning smarter.
I found eight YouTube videos from people actually doing it - making millions, going viral, building careers and they all share the same insight: your skillset determines your outcome.
All under 20 minutes each. All worth more than most courses.
These are the exact videos that changed how I think about growth, storytelling, AI, and building a real business.
Let's dive in, but first, this week's biggest news👇
📰 Important News
🤖 Meta plans to replace 90% of content review staff with AI, expanding automated moderation across Facebook and Instagram.
🥑 OpenAI is using food-themed codenames like "Jalapeño," "Garlic," and "Shallot" for secret AI projects and custom chips.
📺 YouTube Studio received new updates, including a unified alerts hub, revenue estimates, and an improved Account Status page.
💰 Oracle disclosed it cut 21,000 jobs due to AI-driven automation, highlighting AI's growing impact on the workforce.
🎯 Google added Gemini-powered AI guidance to Demand Gen campaigns, helping advertisers optimize creatives and improve performance.
8 YouTube Videos That Will Actually Level You Up
Pick one. Watch it. Your skills just leveled up👇
1/ Tuan Le - What Getting 3 Billion Views Taught Me About Human Psychology
This is perfect for creators who want to actually understand what makes content go viral, not just copy trends.
Tuan breaks down the psychology behind 3 billion views - the real mechanics of what makes people stop scrolling and engage. If you're creating content, this changes everything about how you approach your strategy.
2/ Dara Denney - How I Use Claude Cowork as a Creative Strategist
This is perfect for creators and strategists who want to level up how they think and plan content.
Dara doesn't do tutorials. She shows how she actually uses Claude Cowork to brainstorm, strategize, and execute real work. This is the kind of behind-the-scenes skill that separates creators making $5K from creators making $50K.
3/ Leila Hormozi - I'm 33. If You're In Your 20s or 30s, Watch This
This is perfect for ambitious folks who feel like they're not moving fast enough or building the life they want.
Leila talks about compound growth, decision-making, and what actually matters in your 20s and 30s. If you're building a business or brand, this perspective shift is gold.
The World Cup Has a Market for Every Match.
From the group stage to the final, trade real outcomes on Kalshi, official regional partner of the Argentine National Team. Who wins, who advances, who takes the trophy. Peer-to-peer, no house, cash out anytime. Get $10 free.
Trade responsibly.
4/ Griffin Wooldridge - How to Use Claude Skills as a Designer
This is perfect for designers who want to work faster without losing creative control.
Griffin shows exactly how to use AI to handle the repetitive work so you can focus on the design that matters. If you're a creator working with visuals, this is your efficiency upgrade.
5/ René Remsik - I Made $82,000 In 1 Month With AI Content (Here's How + 5 Important Lessons)
This is perfect for creators and entrepreneurs building an actual business, not just posting for fun.
I broke down exactly how to build a profitable AI content biz - from tools to strategy to monetization layers. He shares five lessons that work whether you're just starting or scaling to serious revenue.
6/ Shreya Heda - I Made 72 LPA as a Designer in Bangalore (Full Story)
This is perfect for creators and professionals who want to understand their actual market value.
Shreya shares the exact path to serious money - when to negotiate, when to leave, and how to build leverage. If you're undercharging for your skills, this will change your pricing.
7/ Philipp Humm - Give Me 9 Minutes and I'll Improve Your Storytelling Skills by 176%
This is perfect for people who write posts, scripts, or any content that needs to hook people.
Philipp teaches a framework that immediately improves how people engage with your work. If you write anything - emails, captions, threads - this skill compounds fast.
This is perfect for a person who feels burnt out and needs to rebuild their energy and focus.
Nadeen talks about protecting your attention and nervous system - the stuff nobody teaches but everyone needs. If you're grinding without rest, this perspective matters.
Level Up This Week
Your skills are your currency in 2026. These eight creators show you how to build them.
Pick one video. Spend 20 minutes. Let your skillset catch up to your ambition 🙌
All the best,
René



