Dear Reader,
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
This is the 2023 annual review issue where I review the past year and set the scene for what to expect in 2024. You can read previous ones: 2021, 2022.
2023. What a year it was. So many changes at a global, national, and personal level. Personally, it was exciting. In 2023 I did more learning, more travelling, took more risk, and tried new things (like climbing a very tall mountain in Africa).
Can’t believe this newsletter turns 3 on Feb 21st 😊 – save the date. I have something exciting planned. Time flies when you are having fun.
2023 Review
In 2023 I published 9 articles – mostly deep dives - that required a lot of research. I spent most of the time learning and doing, but I can’t wait to synthesize and share some of those insights in 2024.
The first and most popular article I wrote was a reflection on my experience as a Product Manager, QuantumBlack. I followed this up with an excellent book review on Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. A Book Review. I received a lot of positive feedback on this one, including drinks with a reader from Canada.
I kicked off my promised new business breakdown articles on Figma: From 0 to $20bn, and its sequel Figma: Why Multiplayer is Hard. Part 2. Both were challenging but exhilarating to write. I had to switch context from business, to technical, and product building whilst bringing clarity and storytelling.
I wrote another book review which was really a short manual for building products/experiences users want: When Coffee and Kale Compete. Become Great at Making Products People Will Buy. I also wrote about my experience at the global tech conference Web Summit 2022. A Conference Review, and on How to Facilitate Discussions when giving a presentation, on a panel or zoom call.
The most rewarding and challenging one for me was the first article of a new series on Grand Strategy, and how we can apply it in decision making for our career, business, and leading organisations. I can’t wait to explore this further in 2024.
Outside writing, I was able to read 100s of articles and over 20 new books on my interests. I can’t wait to share these with you.
I enjoyed speaking to different audiences such as a group of 46 MBA students from Durham University, UK on a career in Technology. I hope to do more speaking in 2024. If you know of any openings recommend me 😊.
2024 and Beyond
Choosing a Subtitle
For every year, I like to have a theme (captured in a subtitle) for me, and this newsletter.
In 2022 it was Racing Towards Excellence. Last year, it was Delivering Value.
I have been reflecting on what’s next, and I have got it. The theme and subtitle for 2024 is:
Go Further.
It was the tagline for Ford Motor Company where I once worked. I was lucky to be there at one of the critical moments of the company. The president and CEO Alan Mullaly had led a turnaround at the company and put it on the path towards growth.
In 2024, I am interested in how I can go further with these articles through higher quality, and application, across different mediums – to deliver greater value to you, my reader, and friend.
The What
Like last year, I will be exploring topics across Business, Technology/Product Building, Career Development, and Africa. I want to write:
Book Reviews – I review a book that I find interesting like Mindset.
Product Reviews – I review a tech product like Spotify
Business Teardowns – where I study a particular company for key lessons like Figma.
Lessons in Business – I try to learn one business lesson from a successful person like Oprah and Kanye West.
Series – where I study a complex topic from different angles like The Streaming Wars, Grand Strategy.
Africa – I write on a topic from the continent like Shaping Africa's future growth with Fred Swaniker or YouWin! — A Gift of Nigerian Genius.
I am excited to write across these topics (especially on Africa) which I find fascinating. I’ll be building on the Business Teardown articles, completing the outstanding series, and starting new ones 😊.
Throughout 2024, I’ll be immersing myself in Artificial Intelligence and Design, and can’t wait to share what I have learnt with you first.
How
I’ll retain the deep dive format, but would regularly share a new curated list of articles (on Business, Technology/Product Building, Career Development, and Africa) read the past week called – Daily Nero 😊.
Let’s Begin
I hope you would join me on this adventure as we have our best year yet. If you’re finding this newsletter valuable, consider sharing it and subscribing if you haven’t already. You can message me questions or feedback at notesbynero@gmail.com.
Thanks for reading and bye for now.
Nero
Go Further