Trolling the Troughs of Productivity with Alexander Brogan, Mastermind behind Faster Than Normal
Alexander Brogan, the brains behind Faster Than Normal, delves deep into the exhilarating intersection of entrepreneurship, technology, and personal growth that defines his journey. This dynamic individual started young, joining the Investment Banking Division at Goldman Sachs at the tender age of 20. After two years of working with impressive intellects, he found himself drawn to the allure of entrepreneurship.
Fast forward to 2021, Alexander bid adieu to Goldman Sachs and ventured into a Growth Marketing Agency called Ammo Marketing to develop a skill set valuable in the startup world. By May 2022, he joined a Series A B2B startup called Zipline, holding several roles before he finally focused full-time on his projects in August 2023.
Simultaneously, in early 2022, he began building an audience (for the second time after a prior failure) with the intent of transitioning into entrepreneurship. This effort evolved into a personal media business centered around his newsletter, "Faster Than Normal."
In May 2023, Alexander, along with his cousin and a close friend, started "The Intelligence Age," an AI Newsletter later sold to The Neuron in February 2024. Post-sale, he dedicated himself fully to his projects, including Faster Than Normal and early-stage incubations/ideas. He is now gearing up for The AirTree Explorers program, with plans to focus full-time on a business by the end of the year.
Let's delve into a typical day for Alexander. His day usually begins at 5 am with a refreshing 30-minute walk, followed by work between 6-7 am. He tries to accomplish as much undistracted work as possible during these hours, as they are his most productive. He breaks for lunch around 2 pm and reserves the afternoon for meetings, emails, and admin.
Alexander values work that energizes him and believes in working hard and challenging himself on projects that stimulate his motivation. For him, maintaining work-life balance means ensuring he is taking care of his health and relationships while prioritizing productive work. He also makes time for activities that provide a mental break, such as playing poker and cooking once a week.
Change is crucial for growth, and Alexander has recently incorporated Rize.io into his routine. This tool assists in managing screen time and break periods, helping him maintain a healthy work-life balance.
For those seeking resources to aid their own journey, Alexander recommends the book "No Prescriptions" by Kapil Gupta. According to him, this book encourages individuals to let go of preconceived notions of balance and instead focus on activities that bring the most joy and energy.
Lastly, Alexander emphasizes the importance of beliefs in shaping our future outcomes. He advises reflecting on the people and content sources that positively impact our lives and questioning whether our current perspective is the one we want to dictate our future. For more insights on this topic, check out a recent edition of the Faster Than Normal Newsletter.
- Alexander Brogan, having explored various aspects of finance, entrepreneurship, and technology throughout his career, emphasizes the importance of personal growth in balancing work and life.
- In line with his belief in growth and change, Alexander utilizes tools like Rize.io to manage his screen time and break periods, promoting a healthier balance between work and personal life.
- For those embarking on their own journey, Alexander suggests reading "No Prescriptions" by Kapil Gupta, a book that encourages focusing on activities that bring the most joy and energy rather than adhering to traditional notions of balance.
- Alexander Brogan, through his personal media business 'Faster Than Normal', offers insights on the intersection of business, careers, education, and personal growth, contributing to the growth and development of his audience.
