It's New Year's Eve, and I've been taking stock of everything 2025 threw my way and what I want 2026 to look like. There were plenty of ups and downs, but what didn't work has forced me to rethink how I lead.

In this episode, I talk honestly about what's changing at AppSumo, what I've learned by getting closer to the work again, and why leadership right now looks very different than it did.

In this conversation you'll enjoy 3 BIG things:

• Setting goals that actually change your behavior

• Going easier on yourself when things don't work out

• Resetting direction when you've drifted

Enjoy these 3 things plus many nuggets along the way.

My book Million Dollar Weekend is for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start something without overthinking it. I break the process down into simple steps you can actually do in a weekend.

I also send emails with my unfiltered thoughts on business, money, and life. People seem to like them. You can sign up at noahkagan.com and join 350k+ readers getting the good stuff each month.

My book Million Dollar Weekend is for aspiring entrepreneurs who dream of starting their own business. I break down the process of starting into simple steps that you can do in just one weekend.

After a year of paternity leave, I'm back as CEO at AppSumo… and holy moly, it's been challenging.

In this episode, I share a behind-the-scenes of stepping back into my company, where we've gone wrong in my absence, and what I'm doing to fix it.

From running a "listening tour" across the company, to rethinking our deal standards, this is me working in real time to bring AppSumo back stronger than ever. It's been exhausting but humbling. If you've ever faced chaos in your own business, I think you'll get a lot out of this one.

In this conversation, you'll enjoy 3 BIG things:

• How getting clear on "who owns what" keeps teams from drowning
• Why true leadership beats management every time
• Why making a call (even if it's not the right one) is always better than sitting on the fence

Enjoy these 3 things plus many nuggets along the way.

I have also been sharing emails on my brutally honest advice on a variety of topics. People have been loving it. Sign up at noahkagan.com and join 350k other people who get juicy insights every month.

My book Million Dollar Weekend is for aspiring entrepreneurs who dream of starting their own business. I break down the process of starting into simple steps that you can do in just one weekend.

As summer wraps up and I pack for Austin, I've been reflecting on my time in Europe. One book I stumbled across in Portugal hit the mood perfectly and got me thinking about craftsmanship, curiosity, and what it really takes to build something you're proud of.

It's Always Summer on the Inside is the biography of Jack O'Neill, the surf pioneer who turned freezing San Francisco waves into a global wetsuit empire. His story is a sharp reminder that the best businesses are born from solving real problems and obsessing over quality.

I also did my first bookstore event and spoke at a local high school. Both reminded me that deep down most of us already know the answers to our big questions. The real challenge is showing up, putting in the reps, and creating work that lasts.

In this episode, you'll hear 3 BIG things:

• Why craftsmanship and quality always beat shortcuts
• How to stop waiting for permission and act on your intuition
• Why success hides in the boring, unglamorous repetitions

Enjoy these 3 things plus many nuggets along the way.

I have also been sharing emails on my brutally honest advice on a variety of topics. People have been loving it. Sign up at noahkagan.com and join 350k other people who get juicy insights every month.