MNTS #42
[Week 9 / Year 2024] Unpublished Ogilvy, Slootman, Snowflake, Brie Wolfson, Neuromancer, Steve Gunn
Mainly, Notes To Self - my weekly attempt to compress everything noteworthy I read, watched, listened to, and discovered during the past week
Reading
I picked up Unpublished David Ogilvy this past week and read most of it in one sitting. It’s a collection of memos, speeches and interviews compiled by Ogilvy’s partners at his firm as a gift for his 75th birthday. It was as punchy, eccentric and funny as expected. I absolutely loved it. I’ll process my highlights and publish book notes in the next couple weeks.
Snowflake CEO Frank Slootman stepping down - and Wall St Hates it by Ron Miller This news opens up a really compelling trade imo. One of my favorite events to trade is “bad news, great company” and this falls squarely into that category. Additionally, this is not the first time Slootman has turned over the CEO reins. If we look at ServiceNow the previous company he was running as a potential indicator of what’s to come he departed in 2017 when the stock price was under $100, NOW (ticker) is currently trading at $770 per share. I’m waiting to see this consilidate around $185 before I take a starter position, but will be watching this closely over the next few weeks.
Notes on Taste by Brie Wolfson - h/t to
for sending this my way. As I was reading this I was getting the feeling I recognized who the writer was before I got to the end. Sure enough it was Brie Wolfson. I’m a big fan of her writing and projects. Check out her personal site for more.One hypothesis is that creating forces taste upon its maker. Creators must master self-expression and craft if they’re going to make something truly compelling.
William Gibson’s ‘Neuromancer’ finally getting the TV series adaptation We’ve waited 40 years for by Rachel Ulatowski - always exciting to have something to look forward to. My favorite scifi book is being made into a series in 2026. You have two years to read it so you can be ahead of the hype cycle. Fingers crossed the adaptation does the book justice.
Listening
I may have shared this previously, but it’s worth revisiting. I’ve been throwing this on a ton lately. Pairs well with rain.
Random
I thought I had snagged one of these before they sold out, but sadly my order was cancelled. A new edition is apparently in the works so keep your eyes peeled.
The ultimate sourcebook of Made in USA apparel, Crafted With Pride is a compilation of thoughtfully produced, quality apparel made right in your neighborhood. In this first edition publication, discover over 750 companies from across the United States committed to domestic manufacturing.
Until next week!
Stay spirited, stay resilient.
AP