Taking the week off
Back next week... and a product launch on Monday?
When I started writing ABCs for Growth in June, I had no subscribers and no idea where this journey would take me.
Fast forward six months, and I’m deeply grateful for this incredible community. Some of you are even paying subscribers—a fact that humbles me beyond words.
Your support means everything to me.
Thank you so much.
Today, I’m excited to share an update and a new direction.
Introducing Epistemic Me
“If we don’t understand ourselves… how can AI understand us?”
This question has been the guiding force behind my new venture, Epistemic Me, an open-source SDK designed to model human belief systems.
I’m all about personal growth, and personal growth is all about perception and beliefs.
AI is becoming more integrated into our lives, yet it often lacks the nuance to truly serve us based on our individualized experiences and beliefs.
To bridge this gap, I believe a new infrastructure will be needed: a personalization layer, a programmatic representation of you, your belief system, your why—all of what makes you who you are.
One of my dreams is to be able to model the belief systems of those with severe mental health challenges—like my brother with schizophrenia, which I’ve talked about before.
I would love to be able to model out his belief systems, and give that data in a structured way to a doctor to help him optimize his health outcomes.
Building Epistemic Me is the most ambitious project I’ve ever taken on, and I want to document the journey in real-time.
I believe the world needs to solve this problem to navigate an AGI Superintelligence future.
UPDATE: Two Newsletters for Two Purposes
Over the past few months, I’ve been wondering how I might balance ABCs for Growth between personal growth explorations and leadership/product/business/entrepreneurship insights.
I’ve realized that each of these paths in my bigger life journey, are respective journeys of their own which need clarity and focus.
This is why I’m splitting my efforts into two dedicated newsletters:
ABCs for Growth – This will remain focused on my personal explorations of applied emotional intelligence, leadership frameworks, and personal development. I share practical tools I pick up from my own lived experiences. You’ll continue to receive it every Thursday at 8:30 AM PST.
ABCs for Building The Future – This new newsletter will document my entrepreneurship journey as I build Epistemic Me in the open. Much of the newsletter will be the nitty gritty with our “build in the open” approach. I figured there’s no better way for people to learn product and business with me than in real-time. It’s where I’ll share the highs, lows, and lessons of bootstrapping a new venture and the journey of trying to change the world for the better. The first email lands this Monday at 8:30 AM PST.
Depending on your interests as a reader, you can unsubscribe / subscribe to either journey with me.
I want to give you that choice.
All I can guarantee is:
I'll continue to put in my best effort to grow myself, and share my learnings with my writing.
I’ll keep it real with simple examples and stories from my life, or stories I read and learn about.
You’ll get useful, curated learnings and insights from me every week—completely 100% free.
What’s Coming on Monday
In the inaugural edition of ABCs for Building The Future, I’ll dive into:
My Why – Why I’m building Epistemic Me and what I hope to achieve.
What Epistemic Me Is – A vision for creating tools that bring AI closer to human understanding.
Podcast Launch – I’m launching the ABCs for Building The Future podcast which goes hand in hand with the newsletter. Stay tuned for details!
This direction may evolve over time, but for now, it feels like the right path. I’m honored to have you along for the ride.
Reflecting and Looking Ahead
Starting ABCs for Growth in June was a leap of faith. To go from zero subscribers to a supportive community in a few short months is something I’ll never take for granted.
2025 will be my biggest growth year yet, and I’m committed to sharing everything I learn with you.
Together, we’re building a community of growth-oriented leaders, entrepreneurs, founders, and people who strive to be better—for ourselves, our teams, and the future we’re collectively creating.
People doing big things with big stories to tell.
Thank you for believing in me and this journey.
I can’t wait to grow together.
Warmly,
Robert
P.S. Don’t forget—ABCs for Building The Future lands in your inbox this Monday at 8:30 AM PST.
I’m pausing your typical dose of ABCs this week to spend the holidays with my family and get some space to reflect and recharge. It’s been a tough season with Nibbler’s passing, and I want to take the time to be present, reorganize my life, and step into the new year with intention.
As much as I love showing up every week, I know that honoring this time for myself will help me bring even better insights and stories to you in the future.
In the Meantime
If you’re looking for something to read or reflect on during the break, here are a few of my favorite pieces from ABCs for Growth:
The Story of Nibbler: If you missed last week’s post, it’s a deeply personal piece about love, loss, and grief. It’s the start of my Better Person Training series, and one of the most heartfelt things I’ve ever written.
How I Conquer Imposter Syndrome: Whether you’re stepping into a new role or just questioning if you’re “good enough,” this piece breaks down the steps I’ve taken to quiet that inner critic and own my achievements.
The Truth About Perfectionism: Perfectionism often disguises itself as ambition, but it’s more often a roadblock than a catalyst. Here’s what I’ve learned about letting go of “perfect” to embrace progress.
The Secret to Success and Happiness: Spoiler: It’s not about climbing the highest mountain or working the longest hours. This one’s for anyone searching for fulfillment in both life and work.
Gratitude Is Bullshit Armor: Gratitude is powerful, but not when it’s used to suppress or bypass hard emotions. This piece dives into how real gratitude can coexist with struggle and why it’s essential to feel the hard stuff, too.
Looking Ahead
I’ll be back next week with a fresh ABCs for Growth, ready to dive into more personal growth explorations, leadership frameworks, and emotional intelligence tools.
Thank you for your support, your kindness, and your patience as I take a little time for myself. Here’s to a season filled with love, presence, and reflection for all of us.
See you next week,
Robert
P.S. If you’re celebrating this season, hug your loved ones a little tighter for me. ❤️
P.S. Want reminders on growth, empathy, and leadership? Follow me on LinkedIn, Threads, and Twitter.