I’m starting a company 👀

A few exciting announcements…

First, I’m starting a company! I’m co-founding an edtech startup with Gagan Biyani and our goal is to make online courses more accessible & scalable. Gagan was co-founder of Udemy, so I’m thrilled about leveraging the best of what we’ve both learned about online education.

This builds on the work I’ve been doing for the past 5+ years. When Seth Godin and I launched the altMBA in 2015, it was a privilege to bring our online school to thousands of students in 500 cities and 45 countries. In the past few years as an independent consultant, I’ve helped build courses for incredible creators like Professor Galloway, David Perell, Tiago Forte, Morning Brew, and more. Seeing students’ eyes light up when they connect with their instructor, the community, and with each other--it’s magic.

I loved consulting and had no intention of starting a company. But in building multiple cohort-based courses, I saw patterns with what creators love doing and which parts feel frustrating. I’m well aware there are many worthy creators who don’t have the resources to hire white glove consultants like me. So I’m excited that our company will aim to democratize this nascent industry.

This was a big decision for me. And at the same time, I’m approaching it with more equanimity than Past Wes would have. I used to have a strict plan for what I wanted to do in my career and how perfect it would look. Now I proudly don't have a 5 or 10 year plan. I know the type of impact I want to make: doing work I’m good at that’s needed, with people I respect and who bring me joy. That's enough. 💜

Second, I’m changing my newsletter format. Instead of long-ish articles each week, I’ll be doing more casual thoughts about what’s on my mind and what I think could be helpful for you. I’ll still do longer form articles periodically, which will give the mental bandwidth to let ideas marinate until they’re ready to share with you. Newsletters will continue to arrive in your inbox once a week so we’ll stay connected.

Thanks for being here because it means the world to me to have you along for this adventure.

Wes

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