Wes Kao's Newsletter
Wes Kao's Newsletter

Wes Kao's Newsletter

by Wes Kao

Weekly Free / Paid

The art of rigorous thinking. Wes Kao provides weekly, high-intensity essays on marketing, management, and the high-performance mindset needed to win in tech.

About Wes Kao's Newsletter

Wes Kao's newsletter is the 'intellectual gym' for the ambitious professional. Her weekly essays are famous for their 'No-fluff' intensity—often challenging standard career tropes like 'follow your passion' or 'be yourself'. It's unique for its focus on 'Rigorous Thinking'—teaching you how to frame problems better, write sharper, and lead with more clarity. It is an essential read for anyone who wants to move from 'good' to 'great' in a competitive startup environment.

What Makes This Newsletter Unique

Unfiltered Truths. She tells you the hard realities of high-level operating that most career coaches are too afraid to mention.

Who Should Subscribe?

Operators, marketers, and leaders in high-growth companies who want to sharpen their mental models and communication.

Content Format

A sophisticated weekly email featuring one 'Deep-Dive Challenge' and a list of 'Actionable Frameworks'.

Recent Newsletter Issues

Feb 4, 2026

How to coach your team (without making them defensive)

When I give honest feedback, I don’t want people to argue with me. Here's a simple technique I use so my direct reports are more likely to listen with an open mind.

Jan 21, 2026

Avoid “ASAP” and other high-strung, non-specific words

Avoid vague phrases like “time-sensitive,” “urgent,” “ASAP,” and “priority.” They can increase stress levels for everyone unnecessarily.

Dec 17, 2025

My most popular posts of 2025

Become a sharper operator, communicate more clearly, improve how you manage up, and more.

Pricing & Subscription Options

Premium Newsletter

  • Weekly emails
  • Unsubscribe anytime

Free weekly email + Paid for workshop-style deep dives and community

View Pricing

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Our Take: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Exceptionally high quality of critical and strategic thought
  • Outstanding advice on high-level communication and persuasion
  • Refreshing, non-traditional take on career success

Cons

  • Can be perceived as 'intense' or demanding
  • Highly oriented towards the Silicon Valley startup culture

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it for engineers?

While it leans towards marketing and ops, any engineer who wants to improve their 'soft' skills (persuasion, managing up, strategy) will find it hugely beneficial.

How often is Wes Kao's Newsletter published?

Wes Kao's Newsletter is published weekly.

Who writes Wes Kao's Newsletter?

Wes Kao's Newsletter is written by Wes Kao. Wes Kao is the co-founder of Maven and formerly the co-founder of the AltMBA with Seth Godin.

About the Author: Wes Kao

W

Wes Kao

Wes Kao is the co-founder of Maven and formerly the co-founder of the AltMBA with Seth Godin. She is the world's leading expert on cohort-based courses and a prominent voice on high-performance career strategy.

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