Reading has been one of the few constants in my life since childhood. I devour everything I come across—newspapers, magazines, books, newsletters—you name it, and I’ll probably want to read it! Lately, I’ve been enjoying audiobooks, and the most recent one I listened to was The Long Game: How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term World by Dorie Clark. This is by no means a new book, it was published in 2021 but I only picked it up a couple of weeks ago.
Most people play the short game. The real winners? They think decades ahead.
In her book the author lays out a playbook for those who want more than just quick wins. She makes a compelling case for strategic patience, optimizing for interesting, and the power of deep, long-term relationships.
This book resonated deeply with me because this is how I’ve built my career—not by chasing short-term opportunities, but by playing the long game, making meaningful connections, and prioritizing what genuinely excites me.
Here are the biggest takeaways and why they matter.
🚀 1. Optimize for Interesting, Not Just Immediate Gains
Clark introduces a game-changing idea: stop optimizing for the next paycheck or title—optimize for what fascinates you.
This is counterintuitive in a world where specialization is king, but the most successful people I know aren’t narrowly focused. They are renaissance thinkers, weaving together different disciplines, ideas, and relationships.
📌 What this means for you:
Follow your curiosity even if it doesn’t have an immediate ROI.
Invest in learning broadly—cross-pollination of ideas leads to breakthroughs.
Don’t box yourself in. The most valuable careers (and lives) are multidimensional.
💡 My take: This mindset shift changed my career. Instead of chasing the next raise or promotion, I followed what truly interested me. I never took a linear path—and it turns out, interesting leads to innovation.
That’s why my career has spanned industries like financial services, manufacturing, tech, health & wellness, and public service across multiple cities and countries.
For some, it might look “messy.” For me, it’s interesting!
🤝 2. The Best Relationships Have No Expiry Date
One of the best parts of the book? Clark’s approach to networking and relationships.
Long-term relationships don’t need a deadline, a reason, or an immediate purpose. They exist because they’re valuable in themselves.
Clark calls this "strategic serendipity"—cultivating relationships without expectation, trusting that the right opportunities will arise over time.
📌 What this means for you:
Build relationships with interesting people, not just “useful” ones.
Give before you ask—networking is about reciprocity, not extraction.
Stay connected for the long haul. Some of the best opportunities come from relationships you’ve nurtured for years.
💡 My take: This is exactly how I operate. I can’t count the number of times a casual, long-term connection has led to an unexpected career breakthrough. No agenda, no transaction—just genuine relationships between people who enjoy spending time together.
And it goes both ways—whether it’s reconnecting with an old contact looking to return to Canada and helping him find a job, or being offered a fascinating advisory mandate by a former board member colleague.
I don’t “cultivate” people, and I certainly don’t like being “cultivated.” Some people enjoy my company, and I enjoy theirs—simple as that. At the end of the day, people do business with people they genuinely like.
⚖️ 3. Give & Take: The Art of Asking (Without Being a Taker)
Clark is a master at breaking down how to network without being predatory. Because let’s be honest—some people don’t get it.
🚫 Asking for an intro from someone you barely know? Not okay.
🚫 Demanding free coaching/advice without offering value? Not okay.
🚫 Assuming access is a right, not a privilege? Definitely not okay.
Clark’s advice? Use common sense. Just because “one should ask” doesn’t mean you have a free pass to ask anything from anyone.
📌 What this means for you:
Be thoughtful in your asks—respect people’s time and boundaries.
Give before you take. Offer something valuable first.
Don’t be transactional. Real networking is about building trust, not making demands.
💡 My take: I’ve had my fair share of predatory networkers—people who cross boundaries, take without giving, and treat relationships as one-way streets. Don’t be that person. The best connections are built on mutual respect, not extraction.
At this point, I have an almost allergic reaction to people who couldn’t care less about who I am and only want something from me. In the past, I might have entertained it—now, it’s a hard no. I am not a mark.
And for those who think they’re being subtle, breaking news: inauthentic relationships are always obvious.
🎯 4. The 20% Rule: Playing the Long Game Daily
Clark argues that if you’re not actively investing in your long-term vision, you’re stuck in survival mode.
Her 20% rule suggests dedicating one-fifth of your time to long-term projects—even when there’s no immediate payoff.
📌 What this means for you:
Set aside time every week for big-picture thinking.
Work on projects that don’t pay off today but will in 5-10 years.
Avoid short-term thinking traps—most people underestimate how much compounding effort matters.
💡 My take: The best moves I’ve made in my career? They didn’t happen overnight. They were the result of consistent, long-term effort—small bets that grew into massive opportunities.
It took me two years to find a job in Canada. It took me a decade to break into VC. And sometimes, those investments didn’t work out—and that’s OK too!
There’s always something to learn. Knowing what you don’t want is just as important as knowing what you do. And along the way, you meet some great people, which is a win in itself.
🔮 The Bottom Line: Are You Playing the Long Game?
In a world obsessed with instant results, quick wins, and shortcuts, The Long Game is a powerful reminder that real success comes from long-term thinking.
If you:
✅ Want to build a meaningful career instead of chasing the next gig
✅ Believe in building relationships, not transactions
✅ See success as a marathon, not a sprint
Then this book is a must-read.
Now, here’s my question to you: What’s one long-term bet you’re making on yourself this year? Hit reply and let’s talk. 🚀
Peggy Van de Plassche is a seasoned advisor with over 20 years of experience in financial services, healthcare, and technology. She specializes in guiding boards and C-suite executives through transformational change, leveraging technology and capital allocation to drive growth and innovation. A founding board member of Invest in Canada, Peggy also brings unique expertise in navigating complex issues and fostering public-private partnerships—key elements in shaping the Future of Business. Her skill set includes strategic leadership, capital allocation, transaction advisory, technology integration, and governance. Notable clients include BMO, CI Financial, HOOPP, OMERS, GreenShield Canada, Nicola Wealth, and Power Financial. For more information, visit peggyvandeplassche.com.
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