Sharing Big Ideas in 2025

I'm looking for, and sharing, things I find inspirational or could inspire.

Friends, I’ve launched into 2025 in a contemplative mood.

What have I learned over the years? What have I achieved? Anything?

Sounds like a mid-life crisis.

Nonetheless, these are thoughts that have been rattling around, and I feel like I need a creative outlet to share some of these thoughts, so I’ve repurposed this newsletter into something new this year: Open Road Diaries.

I’ve mentioned this a few times, but the social media platforms have become strange, and don’t seem to like deviations from themes.

So I’m sticking with what I do over on places like YouTube for now, but might experiment later.

The beauty of having this newsletter space, however, is it is a place I can share absolutely anything.

I want to start by sharing two of my favourite things this year:

1) Reading biographies of successful people

A book that I believe has changed my life and perspective on my own career and business journey is Shoe Dogg, by Phill Knight - the founder of Nike.

We all look at a company like Nike and think, hey just another soulless corporation that was always successful.

Reading the book though, you learn about struggle - how it took 20 years from Phil selling shoes from the back of his car, almost going bankrupt several times, but through grit, determination, working with the right people and other things, the business eventually succeeded.

I teared up reading it.

It’s the total embodiment of the American Dream.

I’m now reading Ride of a Lifetime, by Bob Iger, the CEO of Disney. It’s not as detailed in the story and conversational character details, but I am enjoying it.

*When I say reading, I’m actually listening to them on Audible. Do you have any recommendations based on the above?

2) Film photography

This is a hobby I never ever thought I’d turn to, but from the moment I picked up a 60-year-old mechanical film camera, I was in love.

There’s something about it I find almost… meditative. I actually don’t know what it is, but you have to work hard in every single step of the process, which I’m finding a much more rewarding experience than simply snapping away on my iPhone.

Here’s a shot I took of my other half in glorious Palm Springs in November:

I’m secretly sharing some of my film photography shots on this new Instagram account.

Anyway, that’s it for now.

Thanks for always being along for the ride. I appreciate you.

Shaun

P.S. - a new vlog from America will be appearing on my YouTube channel this afternoon. I know it’s Superbowl Sunday, but something to watch before :)