The Genius Is in What You Don’t See

Devo Harris on designing what doesn’t exist by trusting what already does.

Most of us were taught to prove our value by matching the room.
To smooth the edges.
To sound like we belong.

But some people don’t just belong.
They see what’s broken and start building something better.

This week’s Field Note is about what happens when you stop trying to fit the pattern and start trusting the one only you can see.

Devo Harris sees the system underneath the surface.

He notices the friction before it slows you down.
Spots the pattern before it’s named.
Moves toward the future like it’s already here.

We talk about:
– Seeing through the structure, not just surviving it
– Holding onto your perspective when others tell you to change it
– Building what doesn’t exist yet, without waiting for approval

Devo has lived all over the world.
He speaks multiple languages.
He teaches at Harvard.
And he does it all with precision, clarity, and calm.

This is a story about design, direction, and discipline.

It’s about knowing what’s yours and building it on purpose.

Listen in 🎧

Harlem, NYC

Thanks for pausing here with me.

If this story stayed with you, I hope you ask:
What are you already building that no one else can see yet?

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💬 And if it moved you, pass it on. That’s how we build what lasts.

With care,
Lindsey