The Power of Passion and Taking Risks: Lessons from Gitanjali Rao and Substack Pro

The Power of Passion and Taking Risks: Lessons from Gitanjali Rao and Substack Pro

In a rapidly changing world, it can be challenging to find our place and make a difference. However, two recent stories shed light on the importance of following our passions, taking risks, and embracing new models for success. Gitanjali Rao, TIME's 2020 Kid of the Year, and Substack Pro, a program designed to support writers, both demonstrate the power of individual voices and the impact they can have on society.

Gitanjali Rao, a young scientist and inventor, encourages us to find what we're passionate about and not to try solving everything at once. She believes that every solution is a part of the bigger picture of what we need to do. Rao's message is clear - go for it, don't doubt yourself, and don't worry about what others think. Whether our efforts are big or small, we can all make a change.

Meanwhile, Substack Pro, a program developed by the creators of Substack, aims to revolutionize the world of journalism. With the internet changing the scope of possibilities for journalism, traditional business models have been broken. Substack Pro was born out of a desire to support writers and provide them with financial security. The program ensures that writers get paid for a year of work, regardless of how their publication performs.

The Substack model is unique in that it takes on most of the risk for writers. In return for financial security, a Pro writer agrees to let Substack keep 85% of the subscription revenue in the first year. However, after that year, the writer keeps 90% of the subscription revenue. This approach shows that Substack's success is directly tied to the success of its writers. It's a business decision that prioritizes the long-term relationship between Substack and its writers.

Unlike traditional publications, Substack doesn't commission or edit stories. They don't hire or manage writers either. Instead, writers have complete ownership of their publications. Substack's only requirement is a commitment to a minimum publishing frequency. This approach allows for a diverse array of voices and perspectives, contributing to healthy discourse.

The Substack Pro program evaluates writers based on their audience size, social media engagement, and respect from readers and peers. It also considers the market opportunity of the subjects they cover and how well those subjects are covered elsewhere. By supporting writers who may not be universally loved, Substack promotes the importance of a free press and the value of diverse opinions.

Now, let's connect these two stories and draw actionable advice from them:

1. Find your passion and focus on making a difference: Gitanjali Rao's message reminds us that we all have the power to make a change. Identify what you're passionate about and don't be afraid to pursue it. Whether it's tackling a global issue or making an impact on a smaller scale, your efforts matter.

2. Embrace new models and take calculated risks: Substack Pro's innovative approach to supporting writers highlights the need to adapt to changing times. In an era where traditional business models are failing, exploring new avenues and taking calculated risks can lead to success. Be open to unconventional ideas and models that align with your goals.

3. Support diverse voices and perspectives: Substack's commitment to hosting a broad array of voices reminds us of the importance of diverse opinions in healthy discourse. When supporting writers and publications, consider the value of different perspectives, even if they may be controversial. A free press thrives on the exchange of ideas, and supporting those who challenge the status quo can lead to meaningful change.

In conclusion, the stories of Gitanjali Rao and Substack Pro teach us valuable lessons about the power of passion, taking risks, and embracing new models for success. By finding our passions, focusing on making a difference, and being open to new ideas, we can all contribute to positive change in our society.