I can’t help but feel like we’re experiencing a repetitive cycle of the same old narratives on the internet.
But I recently met Safi Aziz, a content entrepreneur who launched The Physicality not too long ago. His newsletter, a testament to the power of divergent thinking, slices through the monotony through deep, profound insights and a bold, contrarian stance. I immediately knew I had to have him on the show to talk about what he’s up to.
Safi has an impressive background in VC, followed by a stint in the crypto/web3 space. But a few months ago, he found himself back on the market, trying to figure out what to do next. He naturally leaned into one of the things he does best: writing.
And his newsletter is totally taking off. But not only because his writing is great… because he’s building the newsletter in a completely contrarian way.
Which got me thinking… should all contrarian thinkers start putting out content? If so, why? And how? Let’s get into it.
The Case for Contrarian Thought Leadership
The digital age has democratized the dissemination of information, but is creating a massive number of echo chambers. Safi, for one, stepped outside the echo, choosing to explore the less-trodden paths of legacy businesses and their modern counterparts. He taps into a rich vein of content that many overlook in their pursuit of the next shiny object in the tech sphere.
The Physicality is not your typical newsletter. Every issue is a [very] deep-dive on a business in the built world. His narrative is about the giants who move slowly but impact profoundly — businesses that have been standing long before the internet era and will stand long after the current tech darlings have faded.
The Lure of Contrarian Perspectives
A contrarian thinker's content cuts deeper, resonates longer, and engages more profoundly. It’s not just about being different; it's about being substantively different. Safi's work exemplifies this — a healthy mix of analysis, personal anecdotes, and thought-provoking questions that ignite a desire for a deeper understanding and appreciation for the complexities of enduring businesses.
Emulating Safi's Contrarian Approach
The contrarian path is more than just a strategy; it's a philosophy of engagement, depth, and intellectual bravery. Safi doesn't just write; he engages with every reader. Yes, EVERY one, turning subscribers into collaborators, participants in a shared journey of discovery. His content is a call to action to think differently, to value quality over quantity, and to build something enduring.
What Can We Learn From Safi?
Build a Focused Tribe
Don’t aim for the masses; cultivate a close-knit community that values your content. Safi doesn't chase subscriber counts; he builds relationships, ensuring each member of his audience feels valued and understood.
Engage Personally, Engage Honestly
Safi takes the time to reach out personally to each subscriber, crafting a community where feedback is not only heard but also acted upon. This level of personal engagement is rare, setting Safi apart in a world of automated responses.
Create Rich, In-Depth Content
Safi's writings are a deep dive into business strategies and insights, offering more than just a surface skim. Each piece is a masterclass in a particular facet of the business world, resonating with readers who seek to understand the minutiae that matter.
Embrace Risk in Predictions and Opinions
Safi doesn't hold back on his predictions or opinions, understanding that even incorrect predictions can lead to valuable discussions and insights. This openness to being wrong is a sign of intellectual maturity and a catalyst for growth.
Commit to Lifelong Learning and Adaptation
Safi’s pivot from the volatile world of crypto to the concrete realities of brick-and-mortar businesses underscores a commitment to adapt and learn. His journey reflects the contrarian's adaptability — the ability to switch gears when the road veers off the expected path.
Why Being Contrarian is More Than Just Being Different
Being contrarian for its own sake is not the goal; being contrarian because it leads to truth, understanding, and untapped opportunities is. Safi Aziz exemplifies this through The Physicality, showcasing why and how contrarian thought leaders can illuminate the path less followed with their thought leadership content.
Pouring It All Together: The Contrarian's Essence
Safi's The Physicality is a beacon for those who are tired of the same old stories. He offers a refreshing take on thought leadership — one that is not afraid to challenge, provoke, and delve into the complexities of business strategies. By embracing the contrarian spirit, Safi invites us to look beyond popularity and explore the substance that truly shapes the business world.
In essence, Safi Aziz's contrarian approach to thought leadership is a potent reminder that the most profound insights often lie just beyond the edge of conventional wisdom. His journey encourages aspiring thought leaders to seek their unique voice, offer deep, actionable insights, and engage with their audience on a level that transcends the transactional nature of most content. It’s a richer, more fulfilling path that promises not just followers, but true intellectual companionship on the road less traveled.
— Mike Klein
