Shut the F*ck Up

If the title gives you a jolt, let it linger a moment. That jolt is a glimpse into the reality of our current business and societal discourse. In this post-Covid era, where it seems everyone is at odds, indifference has become disturbingly routine. The true irony isn't in the word "f*ck". Instead, it's the cocoon of indifference we've wrapped ourselves in, sequestered within our tight-knit communities. We live in a world where defense reigns supreme and survival is paramount. And if you're not on board with that? Well, shut the fuck up.

Yet, amidst this turmoil, I'm driven by empathy. Each time I utter the phrase "shut the f*ck up," it's not out of sheer frustration but a deep-rooted sense of moral ache. My heart goes out to my peers, particularly in the small-cap public markets. We are piloting through a tumultuous landscape, faced not just with bureaucracy but a relentless onslaught of challenges and a cacophony that constantly threatens our resolve. Every entrepreneur, every leader is pouring more than money into their ventures — it's a cocktail of soul, sweat, anxiety, and countless sleepless nights. This isn't just about defending our enterprises but safeguarding the very tenets of trust and collaboration.

Amid this storm, where is the leadership we yearn for? Every societal leader grapples with this evolving terrain. Steering through these uncharted waters demands more than mere skill — it's a test of our very resilience and determination. Many of us are stretched thin, propelled by pure grit, ensuring our teams, our ambitions, and our dreams don’t fracture.

I advocate for unity over division. I strive to work alongside my business community, irrespective of our differences. Recognizing that each of us brings a unique perspective to the table, our best shot is to seek common ground in these challenging times. If we momentarily step back from our immediate trials, we might see that what divides us is less of a chasm and more of a crack, one we have the means to mend. This journey isn't solely about profit; it's about carving a world that treasures empathy over enmity.

As I write this, the weight of my company's challenges bears heavily on me. I empathize with my peers and their stakeholders too. Glancing at my stock watchlist, I'm met with a sea of red. The setbacks at Creatd and for a majority of publicly traded stocks aren't solely due to altered company fundamentals. Rather, they arise from a malaise corrupting age-old systems, which has lined the pockets of a few at the expense of the American capital markets — the very engines of innovation for centuries.

A handful of powerful entities have rigged the game, leveraging data beyond the grasp of 99% of us. Their actions have systematically short-sold the small-cap market, obliterating significant wealth of the middle and upper classes and wreaking havoc on our capital markets. Business, finance, geopolitics, race relations, and countless other facets of life currently traverse a shadowy phase for our society.

Let's not become prisoners of our echo chambers, hurling "shut the fuck up" at every reflection of our own moral complexities. Let's aspire for a future where respect triumphs over resentment, where collective welfare is prioritized over individual gain, and where bonds are forged rather than bridges burned. If we can absorb lessons from our past and navigate our present, we stand a chance at a tomorrow filled with unity and mutual respect. Because settling for anything less is not an option I can accept. I refuse to shut the fuck up.