> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.howardgray.net/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Adventures #35: Is this the new normal? - URL: https://www.howardgray.net/3880649_dispatch-nov-2019/ - Published: 2019-11-07T11:45:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-06T10:05:17.000Z - Author: Howard Gray - Tags: #substack, Adventures ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/d8/1a/d81abdb4-b001-4d5e-9a22-7d2a3d72df17/content/images/public/images/8e89fda6-da24-4568-9af0-5efa291ffb12_800x400.jpeg) Careers are no longer linear paths...so we're building a **[new way to navigate them](https://www.itsfondo.com/?ref=howardgray%5Fnewsletter%5Fnov19)**. Hi That first winter still feels like yesterday, yet somehow it's now the start of year 3 for me in NYC. I was told the first 12 months in a place like this is a fun yet disorienting blur; in year 2 there’s a semblance of finding rhythm, people, and place; then suddenly in the third year there’s the first genuine recognition of: ‘*Ohhh. We *live* here.*’ There's a moment where it’s just... normal. The new normal. Yes, New York is one of a kind, but these days almost every definition we have of 'normal' is being tested. And especially because we tell ourselves so many stories to post-rationalise our choices, it’s worth us taking the time to properly acknowledge the new normal, what's changed, and what may be coming next. Speaking of which, this month's dispatch includes a few things help you get to what's next. Thanks for reading, and always I'd love to hear what's got your attention right now. Howard **[www.howardgray.net](https://www.howardgray.net/)** | **[@howardgray](http://www.twitter.com/howardgray?ref=howardgray.net)** #### // CAREER FUEL ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/d8/1a/d81abdb4-b001-4d5e-9a22-7d2a3d72df17/content/images/public/images/98bdae46-ef1f-407a-a33b-65c3dff26b2c_400x328.jpeg) **[Say hello to Fondo](https://www.itsfondo.com/?ref=howardgray%5Fnewsletter%5Fnov19)** This has been in development for a while: a new way of career pathfinding, wherever you're at. We've just released our public beta, and I'd love to get your feedback. **[\> Get started](https://www.itsfondo.com/?ref=howardgray%5Fnewsletter%5Fnov19)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/d8/1a/d81abdb4-b001-4d5e-9a22-7d2a3d72df17/content/images/public/images/6d438b76-a7a5-475a-9bbb-45b7b5e4cbfe_400x400.png) **[The Tension: Talent agents, chaos, and Thai restaurants](https://www.anchor.fm/the-tension?ref=howardgray.net)** Here are 4 more episodes of my bitesize podcast: short, sharp, and actionable riffs on the tension in the work we do, and how we can get where we want to go. This month: the value of bonus content, managing the chaos, and why no cares about your project. **[\> Check it out](https://www.anchor.fm/the-tension?ref=howardgray.net)** **[\> Also: Why the future of learning is in the middle](https://howardgray.net/2019/10/16/why-the-future-of-learning-is-in-the-middle/?ref=howardgray.net)** Hello - me again. In case you didn't know, I’m a **[certified professional coach](https://www.howardgray.net/coaching)**. Recently I’ve been working with executives at companies like LinkedIn and Stella McCartney, as well as entrepreneurs building companies in music, media, and tech. I've helped them win new clients, become compelling public speakers, expand their teams, and transition careers. Want to get unblocked, access new ways of thinking, or be more productive? Hit reply and we can have a chat. #### // INNOVATION ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/d8/1a/d81abdb4-b001-4d5e-9a22-7d2a3d72df17/content/images/public/images/8f43e0bd-9494-4604-980f-824a0c9177b9_420x370.jpeg) **[Inside Copenhagen's race to be the first carbon-neutral city](https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/oct/11/inside-copenhagens-race-to-be-the-first-carbon-neutral-city?ref=howardgray.net)** The Danes certainly know how to do things great. The thing is, so much of this feels like common sense (which, of course, is rarely common). And if only every city embraced the idea of '*hedonistic sustainability*'... **[\> Read more](https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/oct/11/inside-copenhagens-race-to-be-the-first-carbon-neutral-city?ref=howardgray.net)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/d8/1a/d81abdb4-b001-4d5e-9a22-7d2a3d72df17/content/images/public/images/d4c32441-656c-48f2-8f44-7c43ff6b8950_600x384.jpeg) **[Manhattan on the move](https://manpopex.us/?ref=howardgray.net)** I do love a good data visualisation. Here’s Manhattan block-by-block, hour-by-hour. Unsurprisingly, my little pocket of the East Village peaks at 9pm on a Friday. **[\> Visualise it](https://manpopex.us/?ref=howardgray.net)** \> Also: my good pals Tom & Brian have started a studio called Little Futures; why think 10 years ahead when there's already plenty to explore? **[Check it out >](https://littlefutures.club/?ref=howardgray.net)** #### // CULTURE ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/d8/1a/d81abdb4-b001-4d5e-9a22-7d2a3d72df17/content/images/public/images/809ea705-e549-4a17-98ef-060c1ad93023_643x392.jpeg) **[The secret of Sriracha](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=%5FW02CtHuyE8&ref=howardgray.net)** How David Tran built Huy Fong Foods into a hot sauce empire...without spending a cent on advertising. **[\> Watch](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=%5FW02CtHuyE8&ref=howardgray.net)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/d8/1a/d81abdb4-b001-4d5e-9a22-7d2a3d72df17/content/images/public/images/c5e07ae7-7838-4d5c-9cd4-ca87d93e5e79_720x405.jpeg) **[America’s tipping system makes no sense](https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/10/american-tipping-system-makes-no-sense/600865/?ref=howardgray.net)** Derek Thompson is one of my favourite writers. Here’s his take on why one aspect of American culture is a cover for inequality. **[\> Read more](https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/10/american-tipping-system-makes-no-sense/600865/?ref=howardgray.net)** #### // JUKEBOX ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/d8/1a/d81abdb4-b001-4d5e-9a22-7d2a3d72df17/content/images/public/images/bf7581c1-9047-49c8-9a2a-db7ec363bef0_700x700.jpeg) ### **[Steve Hauschildt](https://open.spotify.com/artist/2L00vHmYcwC9OlsEv6M5UO?si=VV1fCjflROC6OQ-Ojnjy9A&ref=howardgray.net)** He's been around for a while, but a recent discovery for me: Steve Hauschildt creates trippy, airy, new-wave influenced music on labels including NYC/Ann Arbor label Ghostly (which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year). *(note: lots of electronica has appeared here of late; I need more punk rock in my life)* **[\> Listen](https://open.spotify.com/artist/2L00vHmYcwC9OlsEv6M5UO?si=VV1fCjflROC6OQ-Ojnjy9A&ref=howardgray.net)** #### // FOOTNOTES Other things I've been up to this month: \- Hitting the road with workshops in Boston, North Carolina, Missouri, New Jersey & NYC \- Moving apartment. Then not. Then *definitely* moving. Then maybe... not. Then... oh, but it's got high ceilings! extending the current lease for another year. Standard. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/d8/1a/d81abdb4-b001-4d5e-9a22-7d2a3d72df17/content/images/public/images/8e8e3605-80c1-4f15-a735-9f8247a59382_300x300.png) This is an email digest from me - **[Howard](https://www.howardgray.net/)**. I'm an educator, coach and project builder based in NYC. This monthly dispatch collates a few of the things I've found interesting across education, entrepreneurship, and entertainment.