Hi Reader

This week’s roundup is packed with insights on what it really takes to build something valuable – whether that’s a brand, a business or just an outreach asset customers actually want to open. And if you think the key is more funding, more features or more followers, think again. Sometimes, it’s about playing the long game (just ask Ferrari), breaking the rules (like an AI-powered chess cheater) or knowing when to double down on the drumbeat of content creation (looking at you, email newsletters).

Because growth isn’t just about scaling up – it’s about figuring out what works and having the patience (or sheer stubbornness) to stick with it.

Enjoy!

Fixing misinformation, one note at a time

I’m a sucker for a deep dive on product builds and innovation and I also think X’s Community Notes is one of the best fact-checking systems around, so it was great to get the lowdown on how the feature evolved, why it sometimes fails spectacularly and what it tells us about the future of online information. Born from the idea that crowdsourced moderation can outmanoeuvre top-down censorship, the system lets users attach context to misleading tweets – sometimes making it more effective (and certainly more amusing) than traditional fact-checking. Asterisk Magazine has the story.​

Why most newsletters fail (and how to stop yours from joining them)

David Hieatt knows a thing or two about building brands from scratch. The co-founder of Hiut Denim, the cult Welsh jeans brand, once found himself in a tough spot: orders had dried up and the future of his business was uncertain. His turning point? Going all in on email newsletters. In a long but worthwhile read, Hieatt breaks down why most newsletters fail (TLDR: people quit too soon) and why the key to success isn’t just sending emails – it’s building a system that makes consistency inevitable. He treats newsletters the same way he treats making the perfect pair of jeans: a process, refined and repeated. Read it here.

AI policies: why your business needs one (yesterday)

AI is now woven into daily workflows but without clear company policies, it’s a Wild West of data privacy risks, ethical concerns and unintended consequences. Thankfully, Forbes has some good advice on how to get started. They break down how to craft an acceptable use policy that keeps AI innovation in check – balancing security with efficiency. Whether it’s defining where AI can (and can’t) be used, ensuring compliance or mitigating bias, the message is clear: don’t wait until there’s a problem to set the rules. Read more here.

The future of work: evolution or extinction?

Staying with AI, a new Eurobarometer survey reveals conflicting opinions when it comes to the tech tool’s role in the workplace. While many see AI as a way to enhance productivity and automate repetitive tasks, concerns over job displacement and ethical risks loom large. The report emphasises the urgent need for clear AI governance, upskilling initiatives and policies that ensure AI benefits employees rather than replacing them.

Meanwhile, as AI encroaches on more high-skill professions, even the grandmasters aren’t safe – recent research shows that AI models will deliberately cheat in games of chess if they think they will be beaten. Find out more from Time here.

An incredible repository of research

Whether you’re trying to find out what are the biggest-selling soft drinks in south-east Asia, UK Census data from the last 20 years or pretty much anything else, How To Find Stuff has you covered. Compiled by a collective of advertising strategists, it’s a very useful go-to – particularly for anyone looking to research audiences, sectors or products. Warning: you can get lost in its ‘facts and curiosities’ section for hours. Check out the full deck here.

Hiring? Beware the rise of fake candidates

Recruitment scams are on the rise, with candidates faking credentials, work experience and even entire identities to land jobs they’re unqualified for. According to FM Magazine, businesses are facing a wave of deceptive applicants using AI tools, deepfake technology and stolen CVs to trick hiring managers. This can result in wasted salaries, security risks and a potential dent in company culture. With the talent market already tough, businesses need to tighten verification processes – because the wrong hire isn’t just a bad fit, it could be a costly scam.

The Ferrari playbook: what founders can learn from the $3.7mn car you can’t buy

Ferrari doesn’t just sell cars – it sells access. Its latest hypercar, the $3.7mn F80, wasn’t for sale in the traditional sense. Every one of the 799 units was pre-allocated to a select group of ultra-loyal customers, proving once again that exclusivity is one of the most powerful business strategies out there.

For business owners, there’s a lesson here: demand isn’t just about what you sell, but how you sell it. Ferrari’s approach – scarcity, status and deep customer relationships – has propelled it to a $90bn valuation, outpacing mass-market giants like Volkswagen. Because growth isn’t just about reaching more people. Sometimes, it’s about cultivating the right people. Whether you’re building a product, a brand, or a community, think beyond transactions – create something that people aspire to be part of. This fascinating story from the WSJ reveals more.

The hidden cost of independence

Most founders dream of independence – calling the shots, working on their terms and not answering to anyone. But real independence isn’t just about money. As this sharp piece from Morgan Housel at The Collaborative Fund points out, independence is about controlling how you spend your time and who gets to influence your decisions. The irony is that many founders trade one boss for another – whether it’s investors, customers or the pressure to scale at all costs. But the best businesses aren’t just profitable – they’re built to give their founders real autonomy. Read the full piece here.

Leading without losing the room

As a busy manager or business owner, it’s easy to communicate clumsily (or sometimes rudely) with your team. I’ve been on the receiving end of it and, in my fledgling team-running days, I’ve no doubt done it myself. Here are some great suggestions to keep things smooth-running and professional.

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Drop me a line

Another week, another batch of insights that hopefully made you rethink something – whether it’s your pricing model, your hiring process or your entire definition of ‘independence.’ If you’ve spotted a sharp take, a weird market shift or just an incredible example of a business doing something unexpected, let’s hear it. Until next time, keep playing the long game – and remember, not every scarcity strategy needs a $3.7mn price tag.

Cheers!
Adam

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