🟣 Issue No. 33: Closing Out 2024

2024: A Year of Learning (and Unwinding)

Hey friends,

It’s here—the final day of 2024 and my last note to you for the year.

This year threw a lot at us, didn’t it? But through the challenges, I’ve discovered depths of self-awareness I didn’t know were there. And with that came one of the best crash courses in human behavior I’ve ever had an unexpected silver lining.

So, I want to wrap this year by sharing some hard-earned lessons that I believe matter, whether you’re building, scaling, or just surviving in this space. These aren’t platitudes, they’re practices that have reshaped how I work and live.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Equity is your leverage: protect it, but share it wisely.

If you’re building something of real significance, you can’t do it alone. Be obsessive not only about retaining equity but also about strategically sharing it with those who are real value drivers. This isn’t just about generosity - it’s about creating long-term alignment with the people who make your business better.

2. Your product or experience is your brand: nail it.

It’s easy to get distracted by marketing hacks or chasing the next shiny growth channel, but the truth is simple: nothing beats a great product or a memorable customer experience. When these are solid, they create a loyalty loop you can build a legacy on.

3. Be a person of value, inside and out.

Your personal brand matters—whether through content creation or meaningful in-person interactions. Show up publicly with authenticity, not just within your company. The more value you provide to others, the more you attract opportunities.

4. IRL is where the magic happens.

As much as we live online, nothing compares to the energy exchange that happens face-to-face. Whether it’s hybrid work, meetings, or events, being present accelerates relationships and opportunities in a way no Slack thread or email chain can.

5. TikTok Shop is not optional.

If you’re not taking TikTok Shop seriously yet, 2024 should be your wake-up call. It’s the most inspiring platform for turning users into creators. Their investment in creator tools and commerce integration is jaw-dropping. Dive in—it’s where commerce is heading.

6. Founders, put yourself out there.

You are one of your business’s greatest assets. Get visible—both on social platforms and in real life. Share your journey, your story, and your expertise. People buy into people, not just products.

7. Diversify your income streams.

If there’s one thing this year has reinforced, it’s the importance of resilience. Whether it’s new revenue streams within your business or personal investments, diversification is a game-changer for stability and growth.

As I look back on 2024, I’m grateful for the moments of connection we’ve shared—whether it’s through these letters, conversations in person, or the DMs exchanged at 1 a.m. We’re building something bigger than just businesses. We’re creating impact.

Here’s to a 2025 filled with growth, learning, and maybe even some fun along the way. Keep going, keep building, and I’ll see you on the other side.

With gratitude,
Kunle

A few things you should know…

On the Pod 🎧

The Most Downloaded Episodes of 2024

• $40M Revenue in Year 3: How Meta Ads, Strategic Branding, and Influencers Drive Hostage Tape's Success → Alex Neist

• 8-D Method" that has generated over $1 billion in eCommerce sales → Sabir Semerkant

• The Only 4 Page Types That Matter in Your Frontend Customer Journey → Chase Clymer

• Sourcing from China: Minimize COGs and Maximize Quality → JK Beaton

• Facebook Advertising in 2024 Using AI → Depesh Mandalia

• 2024 eCommerce Predictions, what to expect → Nirav Sheth

• Use this simple formula to continuously improve yourself and performance → Kunle Campbell

• $40M in 5 Years: The Profit-First Obvi Playbook for DTC and Retail Domination → Ronak Shah