Taste takes time to develop - #11

This week, I’ve been working harder than ever.

From wrapping my first vibe-coding project to advising CEOs on go-to-market strategy, I’ve been pushing myself to achieve more in the same amount of time.

If, like me, you sometimes struggle with concentration, try this little hack: ask ChatGPT to take your to-do list and build a dopamine sandwich out of it. It’s a surprisingly effective way to keep momentum.

Motivation is back in full swing. After a brief health scare in my family and the joyless task of end-of-year accounts, my focus is firmly on learning, experimenting, and contributing.

I’m also making my content more personal. It’s tempting to run everything through AI just to “ship,” but I’m challenging myself to be more intentional and build real connections. If you’re doing the same, let’s talk on LinkedIn.

Let’s talk about taste - the theme of this week’s issue.

In product, strategy, and design, we often obsess over features, pricing, and speed to market, but overlook something far harder to replicate: taste.

Taste shows up in the tiny decisions that shape a brand’s identity - the way an interface feels, how copy reads, the choices you don’t make. It’s what gives products a distinctive personality that competitors can’t clone by simply matching features.

Later in this newsletter, I’ll talk about brand as a moat. But it starts here: brands with taste feel intentional, intentional brands become loved, and loved brands endure.

Inside this issue

• What to expect with the new GPT-5 model
• Introducing my new framework: The Build Loop
• Why your brand can be your moat - yes!
• Recommended events for August & September

Thank you for your attention this issue,

-Ross

Note: I've brought this newsletter back to Ghost - and apologies for no issue in July - I took some time out, and it was needed!

Let’s get into it 👇