This week marked my 41st orbit around the sun and my what a 366 days it was (leap year gang). I must say I’m humbled to bare witness to the life-affirming changes the world is undergoing.
Professional highlights from the past 12 months include working with Planned Parenthood, Foot Locker, Oikos, and YouTube Music; partnering with hundreds of amazing artists, creators, and gamers; launching Beats & Bytes Live on LinkedIn; and bringing this newsletter and those conversations to video. I can’t tell you how much I miss taping our series, CRWN, with Elliott Wilson.
Of course, the last 100 days have been about everything but personal achievements. Navigating Covid-19 and re-learning how to be an ally have been a welcome respite from the individualistic, productivity wars of yesteryear. That vibe feels bygone now. Dedication to others is on the rise, which delivers tenfold in terms of personal uplift and perspective.
When I moved in with my girlfriend, for instance, I didn’t realize how lucky I would be to spend so many pandemic nights in WIlliamsburg with her instead of on the road. We’re all mourning the festivals, SXSW, Cannes, MIDEM, Brilliant Minds and everything else on the disappearing docket — but we’ve learned to fully appreciate what we have…and to pause.
Last but not least, I want to welcome my brother & business partner Alex’s new son, Dutch Lyon Kirshbaum, to the world. I’m sure he’ll keep me grounded when my girlfriend gets tired of trying…
