Your Silk Road Treasures

Ever wonder what ancient traders on the Silk Road would think of today’s trade landscape?

In this edition, we’re looking at the boldness, human connection, and problem-solving skills that made the Silk Road so vital to societal evolution, and showing how those same principles still shape successful businesses today.

Plus, we’re lining up some must-see events, media picks, and why skipping lunch might actually make you live longer.

Agenda:

1. The Timeless Truths of Commerce: Lessons from the Silk Road for modern business.

2. Events You Need to Attend: Spotlight on Science in the City 2025.

3. Media You Should Be Consuming: Curated content for curious minds.

4. Longevity

⏲️ Estimated read time 7 minutes.

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The Timeless Truths of Commerce

Commerce has come an extremely long way since the early days of the Silk Road. From trading spices and silks across treacherous terrains to today’s digital transactions happening in milliseconds, the way we do business has evolved dramatically.

Yet, despite the changes in technology, infrastructure, and transportation, three fundamental truths remain unchanged, and they will continue to be the foundation of successful commerce.

1. Humans Sell to Humans

No matter how advanced our tools get, at the heart of every transaction, it’s still one person convincing another to say yes.

Whether it’s in a bustling ancient marketplace or on a sleek e-commerce platform, human connection drives commerce. Those who forget this crucial fact get left behind. There are a few core skills that have transcended centuries.

• Building relationships

• Understanding needs

• Communicating value

2. Your product needs to solve a problem, oftentimes that prospective buyers don't even realize they had

One of the most fundamental principles of commerce is that your product needs to solve a problem, often one that prospective buyers don’t even realize they have. This concept is as old as trade itself, dating back to the Silk Road.

The Silk Road was not just a series of trade routes, it was a transformative network that addressed an age-old problem: how to obtain goods and resources unavailable in one’s own region, such as:

• Silk

• Spices

• Precious stones

• Cultural knowledge traveled from East to West 

Solving the problem of scarcity and satisfying the human desire for luxury, novelty, and new experiences.

Modern commerce still follows this principle. Whether through innovative technology, unique services, or lifestyle enhancements, the most successful businesses understand that their products must solve problems, even if consumers haven’t yet recognized them.

Today’s entrepreneurs are still charting new paths. Whether it’s venturing into AI-driven retail, building niche communities, or daring to push boundaries in consumer experience, the spirit of the Silk Road lives on.

3. Fortune favours the bold

This ancient trade route was perilous, plagued by harsh climates, bandits, and treacherous terrain. Yet, those daring enough to traverse it were rewarded with immense wealth and cultural exchanges.

Merchants who took risks opened up lucrative trade networks, securing silk, spices, and precious goods that shaped civilizations. In modern commerce, the same principle holds true.

Bold decisions, whether entering new markets, innovating products, or challenging industry norms, create opportunities and long-term success. Just like Silk Road traders, those who take calculated risks often reap the greatest rewards.

Polaris Perspective (So what, who cares)?

Although commerce is rapidly changing around us, how you sell to people and take calculated risk will be your ethos of success.

• Double down on enablement, your team, and face to face selling

• As a leader, what is the calculated risk you need to take this year to set yourself up for years and years to come?

Events you need to attend

🚀 Science in the City 2025: The Future of Medical Cannabis in France! 🍷🌱

Big things are happening in Bordeaux this October! After making history as France’s first-ever medical cannabis conference—featured in Forbes, no less—Science in the City International is back and bigger than ever.

A one-of-a-kind, full day of immersion encompassing elements of lifestyle and medicine that speak directly to all medical communities at large. They are offering continuing education on integrative and functional medicine, experts actively practicing in plant based research and scientific presentations on outcomes, healthcare provider health and wellness, practice design, tech, fashion, music and more! If you want to attend tickets are here, if you want to sponsor reach out and I’ll connect you!

📅 Champagne Reception @ InterContinental Bordeaux France
📅 Main Conference @ La Cité du Vin France

This female-led event is THE place to connect, learn, and shape the future of cannabis innovation. Secure your spot now—sponsorships and tickets are moving fast!

🔗 Join us here

Join the Leading Decision-Makers in Cannabis This June in Chicago!
Be part of the conversation as we wrap up what could be one of the most pivotal six-month periods for cannabis entrepreneurs in recent memory.

Benzinga’s Cannabis Capital Conference is the ultimate destination to raise capital, close deals, and find the perfect partners to take your business to the next level. With over 120 thought leaders—including industry giants like George Archos (Verano), Charlie Bachtell (Cresco Labs), Boris Jordan (Curaleaf), Tim Seymour (CNBC/Seymour Asset Management), and many more—this is your opportunity to network with the best in the business.

📅 June 8 to June 10 in Chicago IL

Get Tickets HERE

CONBUD 420 Rooftop Party in the LES is the place to be! Join us at CONBUD for a night of fun under the stars. Get ready to dance, mingle, and enjoy the cool rooftop vibes of the Lower East Side. This in-person event is the perfect opportunity to connect with friends and make new ones. Don't miss out on the hottest party in town!

📌 The Yard: Lower East Side Co-working Office Space NYC

📆 85 Delancey Street New York, NY 10002 United States

Get Tickets HERE

🧘 Longevity - Fasting

Fasting, the voluntary abstinence from food for a set period, has been practiced for centuries for both spiritual and health reasons. In recent years, it has gained popularity as a tool for enhancing physical and mental well-being.

• One of the primary benefits of fasting is metabolic flexibility. When you fast, your body shifts from burning glucose to utilizing stored fat as a primary energy source. This process, called ketosis, can aid in fat loss and improve insulin sensitivity.

• Beyond physical health, fasting also is known to have cognitive benefits. Studies suggest that intermittent fasting may enhance brain function and neuroplasticity. By reducing inflammation and promoting the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), fasting supports memory and learning.

• Many practitioners also report improved mental clarity and focus during fasting periods. The absence of digestive demands allows the body to redirect energy to other processes, like cellular repair and autophagy, where the body breaks down and removes damaged cells.

However, fasting isn’t suitable for everyone. It’s essential to approach it mindfully, considering factors like lifestyle, medical conditions, and overall health goals. As with any dietary change, consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended.

Have you ever tried fasting? What was your experience like? Hit reply and let me know, would love to chat.

This is not health advice

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As the world becomes more complex, it becomes more and more challenging to stay grounded, focused, and aligned. Stay ahead by fostering unity, innovation, and trust across your teams and yourself. Don’t miss out on upcoming events and insights that will help shape your success in the months to come.

- SKV