A Faster Than Normal update

Hi Faster Than Normal Family,

Since launching this newsletter in 2022 as a hub for mental models, concepts, and frameworks, I've experienced a lot of change. I've evolved, and so has the world.

Almost two years ago, I ventured into starting a Twitter account, never anticipating it would blossom into a community of over 650,000 people and 70,000 FTN subscribers.

During the last two years, I’ve had an exciting chapter with an Australian startup named Zipline. It was my first genuine experience seeing the inside workings of a business. It required a significant shift in style from my previous world in investment banking, where you’re only ever superficially understanding the businesses with which you interact.

There was a lot of unlearning, and the transition was challenging but ultimately rewarding. Zipline took me from Perth, Western Australia, to Los Angeles, and then San Francisco, America.

In September 2023, I dedicated myself entirely to FTN for a period. I relocated back to Australia and settled in Sydney (note to future self: moving to three different cities in one year is tricky!). As of this week, I’ve decided to go full-time into content creation for the foreseeable future (at least 24 months!).

My initial goal for FTN was to unearth insights for "faster progress." The ‘means’ have been sharing practical self-improvement frameworks. As I’ve evolved from a naive 24-year-old to a (slightly) less naive 26-year-old, so has my view of the world. I’ve increasingly recognised the power of storytelling as a medium to embed vital lessons by linking them to the individuals and companies that exhibit them.

With this insight, I'm excited to announce a new direction for FTN's content:

• Wednesdays will focus on prolific individuals. These people have created or been central to a significant company, project, or movement.

• Saturdays will spotlight enduring companies. These unique, enduring, or globally recognised companies can teach us what it takes to create something meaningful.

I will aim to weave a narrative around the world's most remarkable people and companies, extracting actionable lessons for our work, business, or personal growth.

Given my passion for entrepreneurship, this will be the primary lens. However, anyone keen on self-improvement will still discover inspiration and practical tips.

I wanted to update you on these changes to ensure no surprises. I'm confident these stories will be both interesting and valuable, and I hope you'll continue this journey with me.

As you might have noticed, this month, we started with two prolific individuals (Anna Wintour & David Ogilvy) and two companies (Rolex & Starbucks).

April will be the first month of these profiles, and I’ll sunset the regular short-form emails on Wednesdays.

More exciting changes and improvements are being made, and I look forward to sharing them with you!

I’m grateful for your ongoing support in my writing; it means a lot.

Should you have any questions or feedback, please reply directly to this email! I’d love to hear from you.

Happy Easter, all the way from Palm Beach, Sydney, Australia!

Alex