In Defense of Weirdos, An Introduction

”A weirdo is someone who follows their heart. I’m definitely weird, ain't nothing wrong with that.” - Kid Cudi

I have worn many hats throughout my career. I have coordinated advocacy programs, I have worked on the regulatory issues involved in human clinical trials, I’ve worked on the finances of cancer research, I have been a startup cofounder and, later, an investor. I was even a Hollywood assistant in my 20s (yes, it was as terrible as it sounds). What I’ve discovered is that I love people who do the unexpected. I am a weirdo. By that I mean, I’ve taken big swings in life and in my career and I love other people who do the same.

People who create things are crazy and I mean that in the most lovable way possible. Because no matter what it is; whether you’re building a company, writing a play, creating music, or designing a building, it is an insane thing to do to create something out of nothing. To take the ideas in your head and, through an outline or sketch or business plan, turn it into a real thing is bonkers. I’m not an artist (though I love art so much that being around it feels like breathing), but I was a startup cofounder and it was the hardest thing I ever did. It was magical, and exhilarating, and lonely, and fraught. I’m not a parent so I’ve actually never lost so much sleep over something I loved. It was a great idea, but I was a first time founder and I made some execution mistakes and we ran out of funding before we could get the proper traction to secure more. The business model I chose was particularly tough and required a level of patient investment that I didn’t have. I had the wrong investors for what I was building. And when I had to make the difficult decision to shutter the company I was heartbroken. No one ever starts a company with the thought: “Gee, I wonder what I’m going to do after this fails?” So I was emotionally and financially unprepared for what was next. And recently, after explaining all this to someone and going into even more detail of the trials and tribulations of the company and its demise, I was asked if I would start a company again. I immediately replied “Yes.” That’s what I mean when I say I’m a weirdo. I mean, who would do that? And what nutcase would do it again?

So I’m here in defense of weirdos like myself who create things. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a small business, a sculpture, an AI startup, or a play. Any and all manner of creations and their makers will be highlighted and supported in this space. I plan to talk to people who are building interesting things and write about it here. I’m also going to talk about lessons I’ve learned along my journey through startup and investment land that will inevitably lead to discussions about the future. And I’ll talk about art and other things that inspire me. So stay tuned… I think this is going to be interesting.