2025-05-06-family-update-letter

Subject: Life Update - From Late April to May 6th, this has been a wild ride!

Dear Mom, Dad, and Tony,

I hope this email finds you all doing well. I wanted to share some exciting updates about what I've been up to over the past month and a half.

After graduating at the top of my class in the AI boot camp, I had an incredible opportunity to work with billionaire Joe Lamont. We've developed a strong working relationship after several meetings, where I essentially proposed bringing a Davos-like initiative to America. I boldly told him, "I want to help you become a trillionaire, and in the process, I'll become a billionaire." He appreciated the directness and vision.

My first two weeks were spent getting to know everyone at Alpha High School, where Joe has been principal for 27 years. I wanted to understand their collective vision, identify challenges, and uncover opportunities. More importantly, I took time to learn what each person cared about individually.

For example, one teacher from Chicago dreams of returning there to start his ideal school. I've been helping him conceptualize this and take steps toward making it possible. I've been doing similar work with everyone on staff, helping them envision their potential and take concrete steps toward their goals.

Through a fortunate introduction by Fred Russell Ballard (an Austin socialite), I met Gregory Jones at a pickleball event. Though we didn't play that day, we spent about 90 minutes talking about life and our ambitions. This led to further conversations, and I brought him to Joe's high school to see the possibilities there.

While brainstorming ways to help elevate the Black community through AI and education, I suggested visiting Tulsa to meet one of my mentors. The trip was incredible and strengthened our connection. Around that time, I had a call with Zachary Levi (the actor who plays a superhero), who agreed to do an event with Gregory and me.

Within just one week, we organized a dinner for about 100 influential people who care about shaping the future. We called it "the first submarine." The attendees included successful individuals from various fields, and many said it was one of the best events they'd ever attended. Joe unexpectedly attended and spoke after me, having a great time.

Over the past two weeks, I've been in conversations with Joe about leveraging this momentum over the next year. We're looking at starting schools, experimenting with different structures for the Austin High School, and testing potential team members.

I'm in a beautiful position where I can combine my interests in technology, community building, events, strategy, and recruiting into one role. I'm meeting amazing people and receiving opportunities both within and outside Joe's network.

In fact, as I write this, I'm heading to Dallas to meet with some wealthy and intelligent individuals who align with our vision. I'm feeling good about stepping into leadership and finding a balance between patience and courage.

I'm also learning the importance of strategic patience while maintaining my natural tendency to spearhead initiatives. I've become more careful about promises and timelines, ensuring I can deliver on commitments.

I've even gone "stealth" by shutting down my LinkedIn and making my Instagram private. I'm finding I can be more effective working behind the scenes with powerful individuals than being public-facing.

The direction I see for myself is becoming a strategic advisor to multiple influential leaders and organizations - a kind of "ghost CEO" who provides valuable counsel while maintaining a low profile.

That's my update for now. I'd love to hear what's new with all of you!

Love, Gary