I was promised the keys to an empire

My brain is still somewhere over the Pacific. I just returned from Bali, where I experienced breathtaking views and moments of unexpected enlightenment. The jet lag is a constant reminder that time zones are just another challenge.

My sleep schedule is all over the place…..4 a.m. wake-ups followed by near-midnight shutdowns.

But then, last night... Cage the Elephant. I've loved them since I was a kid. Something about their raw energy and unapologetic edge has always resonated with me. Seeing them live felt cathartic; that unleashed energy was like receiving permission to fully embrace the ambition, pressure, and fierce drive burning inside me. It's a weird feeling but an exciting one.

Maybe I was extremely exhausted and just wanted to sleep, but I felt what I felt.

So what about the promise

Every day, I carry the weight of promises. Both those are made for me, and I make them for myself and my teams. I tell my people that the future is bright, even when it demands hard, sometimes demotivating, devastating choices.

The promise of an empire doesn’t guarantee an effortless ride. It’s a call to embrace the pressure, challenges, and burden of high expectations. It’s about knowing every setback is just a prelude to something bigger, maybe a major breakthrough or new transformation.

For me, that promise fuels the engine behind Belkins, Folderly, and other companies.

Every venture I pursue. The relentless push transforms every failure into a stepping stone( I mean it) and every small victory into a testament to our spirit.

Wrong side

Growing up, I was told that success was reserved for those born with a silver spoon—a notion that being on the “wrong side of the train tracks” meant an uphill battle. As an outsider and an underdog, I learned early that the odds are stacked against you. But that very disadvantage has been the spark for my determination.

I didn’t follow someone else’s bullshit blueprint. Instead, I forged my own path, driven by passion, grit, and an unwavering “do or die” mentality.

Every challenge became an opportunity to redefine what’s possible, proving that origins don’t dictate destiny.

Cold kiss

The line “burned by the cold kiss of a vampire” captures those moments when well-intentioned visions get misinterpreted or when mass expectations feel like a biting frost.

Yet, each misstep and every misunderstanding have refined my resolve.

They remind me that while others may misread my intentions, the flame of passion and belief must remain unextinguished.

Balance

During chaos and relentless ambition, there’s a rare moment when day meets night a subtle equilibrium that reminds us of balance.

Think of it as an unspoken “equinox”: a fleeting hint that even in our most turbulent times, a hidden balance awaits those who dare to find it.

End thoughts

I’ll be honest: there are days when the weight of disappointment bears down like a storm. Yet, even in those moments, I remain driven because the vision in my hands is too precious to let slip away.

Every day is an opportunity to get closer to that elusive empire built through resilience, relentless effort, and a collective belief in tomorrow.

To my team, partners, and fellow entrepreneurs: this journey, with all its trials and triumphs, is ours to share.

Post Credit Scene:

Thanks for reading. As usual some stuff for you from me, enjoy.

• Music:The Cage the Elephant Playlist for you.

• TV Shows 

  • Slow Horses on Apple TV

  • Fallout on Amazon Prime

  • Severance on Apple TV

Have a fantastic rest of your week.

Vlad