A Year-End Letter
By Faisale Shefawe Published on 12/29/24
It has been a very successful year for me and my company. It’s been a year that brought clarity, innovations, and great strategies for the future. The biggest change in my life was taking my business’s social media engagements to a whole new level. To many’s surprise, it was also the year I decided to become the face of my company.
On February 19, 2024, I started posting videos of myself discussing business articles I shared on my website and various FSX Management social media accounts. I began writing and talking about the economy and other valuable business information. This was the greatest decision I’ve ever made. It enabled me and my company to gain recognition among numerous businesses in the area.
On Friday, April 5, I began sharing insights about great books I’ve read over the past five years on my social media accounts. As an avid reader, I make it a priority to finish three or four books each month. Some people doubted I had read all the books I discussed in front of thousands of followers. However, this initiative proved to be another excellent decision. My book review posts have shown me that people are eager to learn new things quickly and that many wish to read more but struggle to find the time.
The first time I did a book review on April 5, 2024.
My determination to grow my business didn’t stop there. On April 15, I announced to my family, friends, and followers that I was starting a podcast. I saw this as a way to reach more people and create a platform for individuals in various industries to introduce themselves.
The hardest part of podcasting is finding the right guest for an interview. The second hardest part is coordinating the time and date. I was fortunate to meet Betty Gojo, a prominent business owner in Washington, D.C., who decided to become my first podcast guest .
I released my first podcast episode on July 8, marking the beginning of something great for my business. The first episode received over 10,000 views on TikTok, bringing even more recognition to my business.
After launching FSX Podcast, several people encouraged me to start another podcast in Amharic. Initially, the idea seemed daunting. Although I speak the language fluently, I doubted my ability to discuss various topics comfortably in Amharic.
However, growth often requires stepping out of one’s comfort zone. On December 4, I announced that my company will launch a new podcast in Amharic starting January 7, 2025. This podcast will feature prominent Ethiopian business leaders from the U.S. and around the world, sharing their knowledge and experiences.
The year hasn’t been without challenges. For instance, as I dedicated more time to my business, I missed several gym days. Staying active and sharp through regular workouts has always been important to me, and I hope to find a better balance next year.
Looking ahead, I am excited about what’s to come. On January 1, 2025, I will launch my first investment fund, FSXR1, with plans to open several Ethiopian restaurants in the coming years. Additionally, I will start another fund to invest in profitable small technology companies.
Beyond business, I’ve decided to try something new in the new year. I’ve promised myself to buy a DJ mix and learn how to DJ. Exploring something new aligns with my belief in personal growth and my love for music.
Happy New Year!
Faisale Shefawe
12/29/24