In a recent LinkedIn post, Callum Laing explores the often-overlooked value of community within business programs, contrasting it with the perceived benefit of curriculum content. Laing shares a personal anecdote about investing a significant sum in a business program years ago, expecting to gain a substantial education.
He reflects on the experience, stating:
I spent thousands on a business program I barely remember now. At the time, I thought I was buying an education. I’d just finished my business degree and was hungry for mindset shifts and “non-traditional” ideas.
However, Laing reveals that the lasting impact of the program wasn’t the knowledge acquired from the syllabus. Instead, the true return on investment (ROI) came from the connections forged with fellow attendees.
The Power of the “Room”
Callum Laing highlights that the people within the program became a source of invaluable support and opportunity. He points out that some individuals evolved into close friends, while others transformed into crucial business partners with whom he continues to collaborate.
According to Laing, this network proved far more fruitful than any academic material:
That one community triggered more deals and opportunities than any textbook ever could.
This realization has significantly influenced Laing’s current professional endeavors. He explains that his present focus on building communities, such as Veblen, or assisting others in establishing their own, stems directly from this understanding.
Content vs. Connection
Laing argues that in today’s information-saturated world, acquiring content is relatively easy. The real challenge and rarity lie in finding and cultivating the right group of people.
Content is easy to find, but the right room is rare.
He emphasizes that while educational content can provide foundational knowledge, it’s the synergistic effect of a high-quality community that truly accelerates business growth and innovation. The shared experiences, diverse perspectives, and mutual support found within such groups are, in his view, the critical differentiators for long-term success.
Identifying a Quality Community
Prompting further discussion among his network, Laing concludes his post by asking followers about their own criteria for identifying a valuable community.
He poses the question:
When you’re looking at joining a new group or program, what’s the one “green flag” that tells you the community is actually high-quality?
Laing’s insights underscore a shift in perspective from traditional educational models to a more network-centric approach, emphasizing that meaningful business relationships and collaborative environments are the most potent drivers of opportunity and success.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Callum Laing on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on January 20, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →