A Milestone Worth Celebrating: Thank You for Being My First 100+ Believers

A number that represents not just growth but belief, trust, and a shared journey.

Dear Readers,

On December 27, 2024, I hit publish on my first post with zero subscribers, unsure of what lay ahead. Would anyone care? Would this tiny seed of an idea grow into something meaningful? Today, just under two months later, Ravi’s Diary of Learnings has crossed 107 subscribers, and my heart is brimming with gratitude.

You are not just subscribers—you are believers. You are the ones who chose to join me on this journey when it was still taking shape. You remind me of the concept of “1,000 true fans,” but for me, it starts with you—my first 100.

In a world where attention is fleeting, and choices abound, you chose to join me here.

Thank you for your trust, time, and willingness to grow alongside me.

You are the foundation of this community, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of learners to walk this path with.

A Global Community

Together, we’ve built something special—a global community spanning 14 countries and 14 U.S. states. From India to the United States, Canada to Germany, curiosity has brought us together across borders.

More than 90% of the first 107 subscribers are strangers who found me through writing here on Substack

Your engagement, with a 39.86% open rate, tells me that these posts resonate with you—and that’s the most incredible validation I could ask for.

A Personal Thank You

This milestone is deeply personal because it represents more than just numbers—it represents connection, trust, and shared growth.

This newsletter was born during one of the most challenging periods of my life—when I was navigating uncertainty in my career while trying to stay true to my passion for learning and sharing.

Your support has made this a space where we learn together, grow together, and uplift each other. I am profoundly grateful for that.

What’s Next?

I’m committed to making Ravi’s Diary of Learnings a place where you can find clarity amidst complexity. To that end:

• I will revamp the 101, 201, and 301 sections to simplify them into the most impactful themes and questions (from my original pool of over 70+ questions I wanted to learn).

• I’ll continue to focus on AI Product Management, with 17+ posts already live, while adding monthly posts on Personal Growth and Heart-Centered Leadership—because growth isn’t just about skills; it’s about becoming better humans, too.

A Small Request

If you’ve found value here, could I ask for your help? Please share this newsletter with two friends you think would love it as much as you do.

In today’s “distribution tactics” world, I’m not building followers—I’m building a tribe of loyal learners who believe in shared growth.

Substack's pledge functionality is now live for those who feel inspired to go further.

If you’d like to support this journey financially or help us grow into something even bigger, your pledge would mean so much.

Why I Write

At the heart of this newsletter lies my greatest motivation: my son, Skandha. Every post is a letter to him—a way to document lessons on resilience, curiosity, and growth that he can one day look back on. If you’d like to dive deeper into this personal story, I invite you to read The Learning Letters.

Life Update

After months of navigating a tough job market, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve secured an exciting role within my parent company’s conglomerate in a new business division. Additionally, I’ve been selected for the Perplexity AI Business Fellow Program, which promises incredible learning opportunities that I can’t wait to share with you here!

Balancing professional life with being a toddler dad and growing this newsletter hasn’t been easy—but it’s been deeply rewarding because of readers like you.

Closing Thoughts

To my first 107 readers: thank you for believing in me when this idea was born out of hope and determination. You are proof that connection and learning can thrive even in uncertain times. Let’s continue growing together—one post, one insight at a time.

With gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead,
Ravi