Welcome to Snafu, a newsletter about authentic influence in a chaotic world. For the past decade, Responsive Conference has explored what happens when the world changes faster than our organizations can adapt. In 2026, that conversation isn't theoretical. If you're enjoying Snafu, it would mean the world to me if you would share it! Was it sent to you? Subscribe here. Howdy folks - For the past decade, Responsive Conference has explored what happens when the world changes faster than our...
10 days ago • 3 min read
Welcome to Snafu, a newsletter about authentic influence in a chaotic world. A client included my crew in their lunch order last week — a small gesture that stuck with me. Today, I'm thinking about the power of surprise and delight, and why the personal touch is more important than ever. Plus, my recent podcast episode with Eric Ries. If you're enjoying Snafu, it would mean the world to me if you would share it! Was it sent to you? Subscribe here. Surprise and Delight I missed last weekend's...
17 days ago • 3 min read
Welcome to Snafu, a newsletter about authentic influence in a chaotic world. I recently sat down with Bloomberg journalist Ellen Huet about her book Empire of Orgasm: Sex, Power, and the Downfall of a Wellness Cult, which chronicles the rise and fall of OneTaste — a San Francisco company that promised healing, empowerment, and enlightenment through orgasm, and became a case study in how belonging can used to manipulate and control. If you're enjoying Snafu, it would mean the world to me if...
about 1 month ago • 9 min read
Welcome to Snafu, a newsletter about authentic influence in a chaotic world. This week, instead of a new article, I’m highlighting a few recent podcast episodes. Each one explores a different angle on influence, relationships, and the way we work. If you're enjoying Snafu, it would mean the world to me if you would share it! Was it sent to you? Subscribe here. Building Community that Drives Business with Joshua Zerkel Joshua Zerkel is a community strategist, former Evernote ambassador turned...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Welcome to Snafu, a newsletter about authentic influence in a chaotic world. The first Snafu Conference worked. We gathered a hundred founders and executives for a day about influence, persuasion, and self-promotion. But the bigger lesson was about product-market fit. In trying to reach a new audience, I learned about the taboo of sales and the challenge of positioning a topic people may need, but don’t want to claim. If you're enjoying Snafu, it would mean the world to me if you would share...
about 2 months ago • 5 min read
Welcome to Snafu, a newsletter about authentic influence in a chaotic world. 100 founders, entrepreneurs, and executives gathered at the Oakland Museum of California to explore influence, selling, and AI. Here are a few highlights from the day. If you're enjoying Snafu, it would mean the world to me if you would share it! Was it sent to you? Subscribe here. In early March, 100 founders, entrepreneurs, and executives gathered at the Oakland Museum of California for a day exploring Influence in...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Welcome to Snafu, a newsletter about authentic influence in a chaotic world. Growing as an entrepreneur often means facing hard moments for the first time—and realizing you’ll be okay. If you're enjoying Snafu, it would mean the world to me if you would share it! Was it sent to you? Subscribe here. Growing as an Entrepreneur Every so often I sit down with a fellow entrepreneur – somebody a bit ahead or behind me in their business journey. I don’t mean financially ahead or behind. Where...
about 2 months ago • 6 min read
Welcome to Snafu, a newsletter about authentic influence in a chaotic world. What do we actually mean when we say we’re afraid of feeling manipulative? Today's essay explores how respecting boundaries, avoiding force, and clarifying your intentions lets you ask for what you want without feeling sleazy. If you're enjoying Snafu, it would mean the world to me if you would share it! Was it sent to you? Subscribe here. If You’re Afraid of Feeling Manipulative How do very successful people ask...
2 months ago • 5 min read
Welcome to Snafu, a newsletter about authentic influence in a chaotic world. And welcome to the 4 new readers who've joined the newsletter in the last week! During a particularly busy season and in a era of rapid change, I’ve been thinking about what kinds of work actually matter. Today's essay is about attention, physical books, and why returning to source material may be one of the most important disciplines for the future. If you're enjoying Snafu, it would mean the world to me if you...
2 months ago • 5 min read