What if everything we thought we knew about success was wrong? In Outliers: The Story of Success, Malcolm Gladwell challenges our deeply held beliefs about achievement and merit, arguing that extraordinary success stories aren’t just the products of individual brilliance and determination. Malcolm Gladwell examines how opportunities and cultural legacies play a significant role in the lives of successful people. This website provides an excellent summary of the book.
There are several ideas from Outliers that really resonate with me. Firstly, while IQ is definitely plays a role in success, it is not the sole determinant. I agree on his argument that having an extremely high IQ doesn’t necessarily make someone more successful than someone with a slightly above-average IQ. Once an individual’s IQ is high enough to meet the demands of their field, and usually it’s not at the genius - 150 IQ - level, other qualities like creativity and opportunities become far more important.
I can personally see this idea manifested in my field: software engineering and the trading industry. In software engineering, the fresh graduate hiring process often involves solving highly complex algorithmic problems. The ability to solve these problems is typically seen as a proxy for intelligence, with the hope that this intelligence will translate into strong job performance. As a result, software companies often use these assessments to select candidates with the highest perceived IQ.
However, based on my full-time experience, I’ve realized that those who advance their careers the furthest are not always the smartest people. Instead, they are the individuals who can operate effectively within the company. They bring real value by solving practical problems the company faces and identifying opportunities for growth. Success in these roles is less about raw intelligence and more about understanding the organization’s needs, working collaboratively, and delivering impactful solutions.
Luck also plays a significant role. Factors such as having a team lead who is willing to mentor you or supportive colleagues who share their knowledge and guidance can significantly influence your trajectory. These elements, which are often beyond an individual’s control, can make a big difference in shaping one’s career progression.
Secondly, Gladwell also emphasizes on the 10,000-Hour Rule. He argues that the mastery of any skill requires approx ~ 10,000 hours of deliberate practise and having this skill allows you to seize opportunities in the right place at the right time. This is exactly what I see reflected in many individuals in Caladan. Many of the team leads, including the founders, are seasoned engineers and traders from various TradFi institutions. When the crypto boom occurred in 2017, they already possess the expertise to seize this opportunity in a very nascent industry.
Thirdly, Gladwell also discusses how cultural legacy shapes our characteristics, from work ethic to communication style. Before joining Caladan, I would typically avoid speaking directly to my team lead. For e.g., if I noticed something wrong or had an issue, I would tend to phrase it more tentatively by suggesting things like “I think this might be an issue”. However, since joining Caladan as FT, I’ve noticed that the people in Caladan are much more direct when it comes to expressing their thoughts and ideas. Personally, I find this environment is liberating as I am given the freedom to express my ideas easily and people will be more likely to listen to my ideas when it’s clear instead when it’s being hinted as a suggestion.
Overall, I find this book fascinating, and it has made me deeply grateful for the success I’ve achieved so far. I now realize that much of it has been shaped by the opportunities and cultural legacy I’ve had access to. I am especially thankful to my parents, who provided me with the opportunity to study in Singapore. Their support and the opportunities they’ve given me have played a significant role in shaping my journey and achievements.