What I’m up to
For anyone that cares (which admittedly may be no one), I thought I’d jot down a few thoughts about what I am up to and what kinds of things I’m thinking about. It is scary to put yourself out there, but once you get over that, only good can come from it so I am going to try to make writing a regular habit.
The last 9 years took a chunk out of me. First and foremost, I am getting back in shape mentally and physically (turns out building a fitness company isn’t a very healthy pursuit), taking a bunch of vacation, and spending time with the family.
Outside of this, I am also starting to be ‘intellectually curious’. While I am not ruling anything out, I am most likely going to be starting another company. Some people can just analyze markets, spot inefficiencies, and pursue the opportunity that is most compelling from a capitalist standpoint. I am not that person — I need to fall in love.
You can’t force what you fall in love with or when it happens, it happens on its own timetable. In the meantime I am advising a handful of companies, selectively writing some angel checks, trying to be helpful in the ecosystem, and spending time with interesting people doing interesting things. I’m also using this time to get out of my comfort zone and try new experiences.
One thing I am wrestling with is some of my passions (building beloved consumer brands/products/communities/movements) don’t necessarily seem to be what the world needs more of (our culture of over-consumption is part of what created this mess with the environment in the first place), and some of the things the world needs more of (help slowing climate change, help reducing wealth inequality, help getting the US government on a better course, etc.) aren’t necessarily things that I am passionate about in terms of the daily work. I am really hoping that whatever I do next will be something I am incredibly passionate about (obviously), that is ambitious from a capitalist standpoint, but equally as ambitious from a purpose/impact standpoint as well.
Another thing I am wrestling with is that I am currently flying solo — I don’t have partners that I am evaluating ideas with. This is a bit of chicken and egg, as different ideas may necessitate different types of partners, but at the same time it is less lonely and possibly more effective evaluating ideas with the right team.
A final thing I am wrestling with (at least at this moment in time) is whether to focus on a single company and go all-in, or if I could have more impact and fun working across companies with some type of studio model (Human Ventures in NY is a great example).
I am as ambitious as ever, but I am not in a rush. I am 41 yrs old, and I am at an interesting intersection in my career and life of both youth and experience. I also now have the good fortune to be as high risk with my time as I want. So while there is no perfect time to start a company, this feels like a pretty special one that I don’t plan to take lightly.
I’ll keep you posted, whether you like it or not. It is cathartic and focusing for me to put this kind of stuff out there, and maybe it will attract some likeminded people so I can continue to refine my thinking and build my tribe.
Thanks for listening!
