In this discussion, Brie Wolfson, an expert on writing-first culture with a rich background at Stripe and work with giants like Amazon, shares her insights on how effective writing fuels business success. She emphasizes that writing is a crucial thinking tool that enhances speed and intention in organizations. Brie delves into the editing process, revealing its importance in crafting compelling narratives. She also explores the balance between writing and action, and how a strong writing culture can transform a company’s growth trajectory.
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insights INSIGHT
Clarity in Writing
Unclear writing often reflects unclear thinking.
Writing can clarify thinking at an organizational level, making ideas accessible.
insights INSIGHT
Downsides of Writing Culture
Over-reliance on a writing culture can lead to overthinking and underdoing.
Sometimes, taking action and observing results is more effective than extensive contemplation.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Stripe Press Origins
Stripe Press originated when John Collison wanted to share a manuscript with Stripe users.
It became a successful experiment that boosted Stripe's talent brand.
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Angle of Repose is a novel by Wallace Stegner that weaves together the stories of two couples living a century apart. It explores themes of love, betrayal, and the quest for independence through the lens of a historian, Lyman Ward, who delves into his grandparents' lives in the American West. The novel won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1972 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest novels about the American West.
Notes on Camp
Notes on Camp
Susan Sontag
Susan Sontag's "Notes on Camp" is a seminal essay exploring the elusive concept of "camp" in art and culture. Sontag defines camp as a sensibility that embraces artifice, theatricality, and irony. She examines how camp can be both subversive and playful, challenging conventional notions of taste and aesthetics. The essay is structured as a series of numbered notes, reflecting the fluid and multifaceted nature of camp itself. Sontag's insightful observations on camp's cultural significance continue to resonate with readers and scholars, making "Notes on Camp" a classic of cultural criticism.
High Growth Handbook
Scaling Startups from 10 to 10,000 People
Elad Gil
High Growth Handbook is a comprehensive playbook for growing startups into global brands. Written by Elad Gil, who has extensive experience working with high-growth tech companies, the book provides crystal-clear guidance on navigating the complex challenges faced by leaders and operators in high-growth startups. It covers essential topics including the role of the CEO, managing a board, recruiting and overseeing an executive team, mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings, and late-stage funding. The book is informed by interviews with dynamic leaders in Silicon Valley, such as Reid Hoffman, Marc Andreessen, and Aaron Levie.
Bird by Bird
Some Instructions on Writing and Life
Anne Lamott
Susan Bennett
Bird by Bird is a comprehensive guide to writing that covers various aspects of the craft, from the initial stages of starting a project to the technical details of plot, character, and dialogue. Lamott emphasizes the importance of persistence, faith, and hard work in writing. She advocates for writing imperfect first drafts and warns against the pitfalls of perfectionism and self-criticism. The book also delves into the emotional and spiritual aspects of writing, encouraging writers to confront their deepest fears and desires. Lamott's approach is down-to-earth, humorous, and generously filled with personal experiences and practical advice.
Writing is thinking, which means it’s like lighter fluid for business growth.
Brie has played major roles at writing-rich companies like Stripe, and her expertise on writing-first culture is now used by giants like Amazon and Basecamp.
As she says: “Reality has a surprising amount of detail.” Writing illuminates all the interesting details worth pursuing. And as a result, companies who prioritize writing operate with impressive speed, intention, and rigor.
In this episode, Brie shares years of hard-won wisdom to expose how great writing sets companies apart. She explores the balance of writing vs. taking action; she breaks down the editing process better than a modern-day Maxwell Perkins; and she sheds light on the secret to great writing: your zone of obsession.
If you want to learn how to do the best writing of your life, and grow your company while you’re at it, this episode is for you.
How I Write 
