After 20+ years in the trenches, operating companies, building high-performance teams, and navigating the chaos of uncertain markets, I've learned that success isn't about having all the answers. It's about developing the right frameworks to find them.

What You'll Find Here

Operating delivers weekly deep-dives that bridge academic rigor with real-world execution. Each issue explores:

• Historical Case Studies: How legendary operators solved "impossible" problems

• Emerging Frameworks: New models for optimizing companies in volatile markets

• Tactical Playbooks: Battle-tested strategies you can implement immediately

Why Subscribe?

My journey from economics researcher (Harvard & University of Chicago) to company operator taught me something crucial: the best insights emerge at the intersection of theory and practice.

This newsletter exists for leaders who believe that intellectual curiosity and operational excellence aren't mutually exclusive—they're force multipliers.

Start Here

New to Operating? Check out these reader favorites:

• Structure Follows Strategy: From Railroads to Algorithms

• The Great Flattening

• Bad Bad Bad (Data) Good Better Best (Data)

Connect & Collaborate

I actively engage with readers who are building and optimizing companies. Have a specific operational challenge? Reply to any newsletter, I read and respond to every message.

For cross-promotion opportunities or to collaborate, reach out at john@6aep.com