I’ve never thought of myself as a “content” person. I’m not trying to be a “thought leader” and I certainly believe that there are a lot of people out there who are talking more than they’re doing. I don’t want to be one of those people.
What I do believe in is sharing my writing with people who find it helpful. And through the years I have prioritized doing a lot more than sharing. So now I’m trying to achieve a better balance. My work as a Program Partner and EIR at Reforge as well as my advisory practice allows me the space and ability to strike that balance.
So why a newsletter?
1,000 true fans. That’s why. And while I don’t consider myself a Creator in the current, fashionable sense I do believe in the value of creating community and maintaining relationships with people who find my writing helpful. To that end the best way to achieve that is to be able to deliver something directly into your inbox. To know that when I write a new article you’ll see it if you want to. That’s just not true on other platforms that are powered by advertising and algorithms.
When I joined Patreon in 2016 I wrote an announcement about why. Despite growing that company into a behemoth that pays creators billions annually the biggest platforms still act as gatekeepers between those who make things and those who consume. And while I’m appreciative of the likes and follows on Twitter and LinkedIn the more valuable conversation is happening here.
So welcome to my newsletter. Here I’ll post my thoughts on growth, product management, leadership and company building. And I’m happy to answer your questions on any of the above. This will also include some hot takes that you may not always agree with and some advice on being a Dad in the world of technology companies. You have been warned.