Name Change: Let's Begin Again

Time for something new

This newsletter started under the heading “Business Drivers” when we launched it as part of our communications for my old company, Fahren. I still love the name Business Drivers because it worked so well, but since we wound down Fahren, I’ve been increasingly less interested in the “Business” part of Business Drivers. I’m still driven, but i don’t have a “business” to drive anymore.

Now, it’s about writing as a way to connect with others, find inspiration, and make sense of a topsy turvy world (society, culture, the built world, the media that filters it all) for better or worse.

This newsletter has been, and will continue to be, a flag of my disposition that I’m raising up in the world. Maybe it will help me find other folks of a similar mindset, too.

Starting Again

When I was an undergrad, I put aside a hobby that I loved (writing fiction) and told myself I’d get back to it when a lot of other obligations had been met. Since then, my wife and I got over a bunch of humps: Kids through college, retirement funds contributed, work obligations in the rear view mirror.

I dabbled a bit in fiction over the years, but I never was able to pull a Ken Cosgrove and write a book (or two) while doing my real job. I admire the folks that can pull it off, but I was too distracted by ambitions around work.

Now it’s time to start again. I’m scared to death in some ways, excited beyond words in other ways.

Where are my other Ken Cosgroves? Are you working on a secret side hustle project? Let’s connect.

The Beginners Mind

For a while, I would have considered myself an expert in a couple career-related things. I had a certain amount of confidence in what I knew. Now, i’m starting over in a new area and I am embracing the “beginners mind,” or shoshin.

That means unhooking my ego from my hobbies and my “work” such as it is.

Generally, I am curious and I love to learn. The creative pursuits I’m starting will keep me learning until all the brain cells are gone and the lights are out. It will be maddening and thrilling all at the same time and who doesn’t want a life like that?

Good news: These days, I’m not very worried about looking stupid when i don’t know things. I’m old enough to recognize 99.9% of the people aren’t really paying attention to me so I can keep flailing away.

New Name: Begin the Begin

Its time to rename the newsletter and this one is a little on the nose, but I like it. And, for my Gen X pals, the name will be a clear link to one of my favorite R.E.M. songs. Its a call to action, an urgent argument to avoid apathy and the short-sightedness that comes with being overly proud. No one wants to miss an insurgency, right?

Lots of Stuff to Write About

Don’t call it a content strategy. I think my topics will evolve over time, but here’s what’s got me thinking these days:

• A creative practice - I’ve always believed a creative practice of some kind - pottery, painting, sewing, carpentry, writing, photography, dance, cooking - is key to leading a fulfilling life. Creativity is a way of seeing as much as its a way of making. Creative folks tend to be more interested in the world. I hope to write about how to build a creative practice when you’ve got other life obligations (work, parenting, etc.)

• Fiction - Humans love stories. Beyond entertainment, they help us understand the world around us and the humans how make it all so great (and frustrating). Specifically, I believe fiction/books help all of us stay sharp because it lets our busy minds focus. Fiction helps us practice and understand emotions in a complex world, and it helps sustain the ability to - literally - read and analyze in world where we don’t really have to think anymore (thanks AI).

• Writing - pretty self explanatory. How to get our ideas and emotions across in a way that resonates.

• AI - I’m still a business nerd, and AI will unfold in so many interesting and terrifying ways. I can’t NOT write about what it will do to us and our society

• Music / Travel / Food - I’ll still write about this stuff, too, because its just plain fun!

Stay With Me / Ideas?

If you’ve been reading for insights into brands, business, tech and the business world, stay with me. I think the writing here will help you stay engaged when the grind wears you down.

And, if you have any ideas - for topics, collaborations, projects - let’s talk!