Owning our decades

And creating our own lists!

I recently listened to an Acquired podcast interview of Morris Chang. Legendary founder of TSMC, which makes all of the chips for NVIDIA and Apple. Ninety percent of the world’s advanced chips, period.

After it ended, I checked Morris Chang’s age out of curiosity – 94. He was being interviewed by a top business podcast duo at the age of 93! Stepped down as Chairman in his 80s. Had returned for a second stint as CEO at 77. Before TSMC, his career had been sidelined at Texas Instruments when he was about 56.

That full-on, super interesting interview hit me as a surprise. I asked myself, “What would I want someone to interview me about when I am in my 90s?” In fact, a few decades from now.

I am not saying that anyone should have to work so long unless they want to do it. Or drive so ambitiously, etc.

It just made me suddenly question if I, and we, stop “owning our own decades” and visions forward at some strange magical number (like say 50). Good thing Morris didn’t. The world would be missing a great deal of progress if he had retired early.

So this, of course, caused me to share with friends and colleagues my new fun goal of being interviewed about something important – that does not yet exist today – when I am 90. And that led to some more ideas:

What if there were a Forbes 90 Under 90? Well this list might end up mostly being in their 30s and 40s, the way we stereotype age dynamics. Let’s refine it to be sure:

• The 90 Nearly 90
• The 80 About 80
• The 70 Over 70

That’s better!

Okay, I realize that the numbers start to sound like blood pressure measurements. Maybe even could be more memorable: The “90 Over 60” or “120 Over 80” anyone?

Meanwhile, my point to myself is this: I want to look at each decade as one in which to live – with dreams and growth and new experiences. So better to see each of them as a possible new horizon. And try to convince those around me to do the same.

It’s a mindset. Imagining a real life continuing. Longer. Owning every decade. Embracing every horizon for its own value to you. Not on someone else’s arbitrary timeline.

In that regard, we might all become a little bit a Morris Chang.

NOTE: The first Acquired podcast I tried at a friend’s recommendation – the LVMH episode – hooked me for them all. Be advised: the episodes are longer than most typical podcasts or even American grid iron football games. The same friend often listens to the whole three-four hours in one go, multi-tasking at home. For me, it’s 45 mins at a time while cooking until nearly a week of meals have been enjoyed. 😊