It’s been a few months since I last published a newsletter. I feel like writing has lost its impact. Which is ironic because I’ve done more writing in the last several months than I have the last several years. Regardless, with everyone publishing AI generated thought leadership, I feel like the value of any writing has been degraded.
But, sitting on this late night flight back to Raleigh, I have come to realize a few points. One, I write as much for me as I do you; maybe even more. Writing is how I process feelings, thoughts, and thanks to the lingering effects of a TBI, how I remember. Second, because there is so much AI trash literally everywhere, some of you may be hungrier than ever for my sloppy, pure, and sometimes awkward thoughts.
If you fall in that second camp, this one is for you!
Midlife: What the Actual F?
Through the last two years I thought I had been experiencing a midlife crisis. I was struggling with career identity, self-identity... and all of that was cute, until midlife said “hold my beer.”
Seriously, how does nobody warn you about this?
I have spent the last six months questioning everything I’ve ever done, thought, believed; while simultaneously wanting to blow everything up for the sake of trying to give Ford a better life. And all of that is in parallel to working to earn more, work less, work out more, drink more water, stress less, build, take on a new hobby, pick up an old hobby, relocate, renovate our house, do yoga, buy a bulldozer, be a better husband to Jenelle (while also wondering if she still likes me), be more present, and sleep more.
It was shocking to learn that this is common for men in my age bracket.
I’m told that this is often the lowest point in a man’s life, and that the rebound is quick and profound. Honestly, I’m just glad I’ve moved away from buying a new car any time life feels a little out of control. Or, maybe it’s time to open a dealership?
If anyone has any tips, please hit the reply button up there ☝️.
What I’ve Been Working On
Since taking on the responsibility to lead Product & Alliances at TSG, I have had the freedom to learn a lot of cool things. The first product I launched with the firm is called TSG/ControlBurn: a service that builds a digital twin of an operational technology (OT) network and tests its security without touching production.
In short, the solution identifies the ways a hacker could use malware embedded in something like a connected refrigerator to get to the controls that run operations. Yes, it can happen; yes, it can happen easily. The Department of War treats this as a real threat to operational readiness.
TSG/ControlBurn maps those paths and helps close them before an adversary can use them.
If that wasn’t nerdy enough, I’ve recently started researching post-quantum cryptography. With the rise of quantum computing, much of the encryption that protects data today, both stored and moving across networks, will eventually be breakable. Adversaries are already recording encrypted traffic now so they can decrypt it later.
Don’t worry, people with access to expensive and finite rogue quantum compute won’t be coming after your “YourMom123!!” Instagram password. Instead, they will be focused on things like decoding encrypted military communications that are routed through satellite networks.
This is where post-quantum cryptography comes in: the art of encryption that even quantum can’t crack. The Department of War is already pushing to get there. Stay tuned: it may be nerdy, but the future depends on success in this space (no pun intended... ok, maybe a little.)
A Quick Family Update
Many of you told me to enjoy all of the moments with Ford because they would go fast, and WOW, you weren’t kidding. Since my last newsletter Ford has learned to swim, can ride his Strider solo, can count to 10, can do most of his ABCs, remembers obscure details from a year ago, is fearless, and has the absolute sweetest heart.
He also loves tractors, “machines”, and especially “mom mom”.
Being his dad is literally the best thing I’ve ever done.
Jenelle is still working an occasional shift at UNC, but is happily spending the majority of her time teaching Ford so many cool things and being an amazing mom.
As mentioned in the midlife crisis section, we’ve been toying with the idea of a move. Something between building a custom home in Southern Pines, and moving back home to Pennsylvania. Time will tell, but what we know for sure is that we desperately want Ford to know his family.
Who I’m Following: Ray Zingler
Ray Zingler (Zingler Strength & Speed) - Ray is focused on building strong, capable, confident kids, not on turning toddlers into travel-team recruits. His approach puts coordination, consistency, and free play ahead of early sports intensity, and it’s exactly the kind of foundation I want for Ford.
In Closing
This is certainly a season of change. Jenelle and I are taking a hard look at how we’re raising Ford, where we live, and what is most important in our marriage. Change is never easy, but always necessary. Some of us embrace change, others are cautious of it, but it’s something we all must endure.
The most important things to remember in any change context, professional or personal, are to anchor in a goal that can serve as your guiding light through the hard days; celebrate your short-term wins; don’t dwell on setbacks; and above all, don’t lose sight of the fact that your team are your people. You’re all working to the same goal, even if your style and approach may differ.
Be well, friends.
-AM
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