A headshot studio photograph of Tariq Deir

Hey, I’m Tariq 👋

Over the last eighteen years, I’ve founded five companies, advised many others and built businesses to six and seven figures in annual revenue across private aviation, specialist services, e-commerce and software.

Along the way, I’ve collected a few wins, an impressive number of mistakes, and enough fuck-ups to know most things look much simpler in hindsight.

This is where I write about what I’m working on, what I’m learning and whatever else has grabbed my attention.

That usually means running businesses, figuring out why people take action online, building cool shit on the web and getting far too excited about generative AI.

Come hang out, have a read and have a laugh. Take what’s useful, disagree with me where you like, and maybe leave with an idea for something you want to build or try.

Want to read my writing from your inbox? No problem, sign up here👇

Latest

Aug 24
An image showing how work you put effort into can be shelved but the learning still compounds

Sometimes the decision is outside of your control.

Data tells you what's true, it doesn't tell you who decides. Those are two different jobs, and confusing them is how hearts get broken.
2 min read
Aug 20
Sometimes your best customers barely use your product

Sometimes your best customers barely use your product

Some of my best customers barely use the product. That sounds terrible until you realise they may be getting exactly what they paid for.
3 min read
Aug 08
A random series of lines converging into central hubs

I analysed 50,000 empty legs and realised we were solving the wrong problem

Empty Leg Finder V2 is live. People are paying for it, the product works, and I’m currently working out
9 min read
Jul 28
A man walking an unknown path as it's being built

Why did I start this site?

I have forgone coming up with a fancy hook to draw you in. The temptation was there, but sometimes you
3 min read
Sep 13
A man letting go of goals that were not his.

Letting go of desires

Originally published September 2025. Part of the Archived Essays collection. During my Sunday reflection, I revisited a quote from James
2 min read
Sep 10
A humana and a robot figuring out how to work together

When execution becomes cheap

Originally published September 2025. Part of the Archived Essays collection. “Holy shit.” Those were the first words out of my
4 min read