Netflix’s ‘Narcos’ and ‘Narcos Mexico’ shines a light on the ingenuity of narconomics

Disclaimer:

As a writer for Medium and trainee lawyer, I do not advocate for any direct or indirect interaction with any syndicates of organized narco-crime. Drug cartels have committed unimaginable crimes and this piece does not seek to glorify or romanticize any aspect of narcoculture or any linked individual. This piece is to simply examine the business strategies that drug cartels have routinely used, and are televised on the popular Netflix dramas, “Narcos” and “Narcos Mexico”, and how they can be applied to legitimate businesses that adhere to the laws of their jurisdiction. Drugs are a threat to society, and to deal or distribute them is a punishable offence that will be reciprocated with a hefty fine and/or lengthy prison sentence.

Since the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have often found myself filling my evenings with a few good Netflix marathons. Recently, I have blitzed through all three seasons of “Narcos” and both seasons of “Narcos: Mexico”. While I have been expressing my disgust at the misdemeanours of the Medellín, Cali and Guadalajara Cartels, I have also felt the traitorous threads of admiration for their clever business strategies. Gross as it feels and sounds, “Narcos” and “Narcos: Mexico” shines a light on how drug cartels, both past…

How the need for inclusivity triggered the stratospheric rise of Fenty Beauty

From sweet and baby-faced, to unapologetic and confident, to edgy and cool. Throughout her music career of nearly 17 years, Rihanna is no stranger to the cycle of renaissance that plagues the career of most music artists. Born from the need to maintain relevance within a fickle industry, the idea of re-invention has been entrenched within the entertainment industry for decades.

However, in 2017, Rihanna subverted the trope by establishing a product, within an alternate but equally fickle industry, that needs no reinvention, renaissance, or update.

Since 2017…

Perfectionism and entrepreneurship rarely go hand in hand

During a recent job search, I was asked what my favorite brand or business was based on its image, product, or service. Instantly popping in my mind, Apple was a clear favorite. Its clean, sleek designs, innovative operating systems, and two trillion-dollar valuation have established itself as a company that brands itself on its continuous quest for commercial perfection.

Of course, this pathological need for complete excellence has stemmed from the conduct of the late father of Apple, Mr. Steve Jobs. Within his company culture, Jobs ingrained the need for Apple to…

In a dank London office, a young recruitment officer talks to the BBC about the recent influx of job-seeking clients she was now having to guide in finding a new occupation. In her interview, she recalls one of her clients who sought her help:

“I had a particular gentleman who was a stockbroker before the pandemic. Now, he works as a night porter in a hotel.”

From struggling families to six-figure earners, everyone has been financially impacted by the global pandemic. The once well-off is now having to count their pennies, and the numbers of those claiming Universal Credit has…

Gryffindor or Slytherin. Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw. Your house allegiance can inform your words as well…

For many of us, Harry Potter is a strong fixture firmly set within our childhoods. Even to this day, J.K. Rowling’s beloved masterpiece of the adventures of the eponymous boy wizard and his friends has managed to “slytherin” in our adult hearts through the books, movies, amusement parks, and much more. All around the world, Harry Potter enthusiasts have dreamt of receiving the lucky Hogwarts acceptance letter (even after turning 11!) and there is no greater debate amongst friends and families than arguing in which…

Unlearn what you have learnt about learning…

In life, I have always thought of myself as a car on an endless road. On this road, potholes and bumps can steer my vehicle off track, and unseen bends and curves can make a journey a whole lot less straightforward. However, there are some off-the-track routes that rise onwards and upwards where we can drive up and marvel at the panoramic view that may await us. In the recent lockdown, I have driven up these routes more than I ever have before. The journey of learning is an uphill climb where our…

From legal to literary, how lawyers operate can help you with writing more effectively.

After 3 arduous years of late-night trips to the library and pouring over case law until I went cross-eyed, I graduated from law school in 2019. Despite the immense pride that I have of my socially admired law degree, the year that I have spent as a freelance writer since graduation has brought me more personal and professional accomplishment than I could have ever predicted. After many formulated theories of why this is, I have now concluded that the legal skills of learning how to isolate…

From BC to AC — life post-pandemic has its fair share of surprises.

Since the beginning of 2020, the meaning of the historical term, “BC,” has completely changed. Once referred to the times before Jesus Christ made his arrival into the world, the reference to “BC” has now completely revolutionized in the times of COVID-19 and now calls attention to the times “before coronavirus.” Over the last four months, life has completely flipped and spun on its head. A world that once seemed to be the setting of dystopian works is now a common reality. Entire economies are crumbling. Death…