Things you'll learn the hard way (but wish you didn't)
Layla Shaikley, Scott M. CurranThe lessons and frameworks a growth-stag founder built from failure, delivered regularly.
| Platform |  | Pricing | Freemium | Publishes | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issues | 220 | Founded | 3 years ago | Last Issue | 4 days ago |
| Active | |||||
Read this Newsletter
laylool.substack.comLatest Issues
The Business of Connection, with Mapu and Layla Shaikley
About a week ago, I chatted with — aka the OG Instead of Doomscrolling.
We chatted about how Mapu studied fashion business in Florence, got disillusioned with the fashion space, and built (via TikTok actually) a thriving Substack of ~600...
You can’t build confidence if you’re not a little scared
Confidence is a habit, not a trait
Hey team, this post is free — paid subs get resources below the paywall to implement the learnings. Enjoy and lmk what you think!
The Power of the Ick
A live on how to leverage your ick and make progress
You know that really uncomfortable, nauseating feeling when you want to do something? When you’re afraid of being seen? You can blame biology for it. And we all feel that way.
How to get a book deal (with or without a following) with Scott Curran
Have you ever wondered what it takes to write a book? When I first thought about it, I called my friend and mentor . Scott helps the most prominent people in the world do good (literally, his career has been dedicated to helping leaders and...
The most creative thing you can do is nothing
EVERYONE IS GETTING GOOD, NO ONE IS GETTING BETTER
My husband called me from the eleventh floor of a scene-y West Hollywood hotel this morning. He was with his Vietnamese tailor, a savvy businessman who flies into LA to make suits for s...
Key Facts
Audience Metrics
Subscribers, engagement, traffic and sponsorship for Things you'll learn the hard way.
| Subscribers | Engagement | 81 | Monthly Web Visits | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accepts Sponsors | Estimated Cost per Ad | ||||
SEO Reach
Where Things you'll learn the hard way ranks on Google, and how much search traffic it brings in.
| Ranked Keywords | 744 | Monthly Search Traffic | Top Keywords |
|---|
Chart Rankings
How this newsletter ranks in the official Substack charts.
| #59 |
Authors
The writers behind this newsletter.
[email protected] | Los Angeles | I talk about emotional regulation as a lever for performance, from the lens of an operator | SaaS founder | $72m raised | MIT + NASA alum
Author of Better Good, Simon Acumen (August 2026). Host Better Good Podcast. I help leaders and institutions do good better. Social impact lawyer, professor, and CEO of Beyond Advisers. Former GC of the Clinton Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I access the email archive for Things you'll learn the hard way?
You can find recent issues that have been published by Things you'll learn the hard way on Reletter by scrolling up to where it says Latest Issues. Tap on the link for any of the most recent emails or hit More Issues to see older ones.
How many subscribers does Things you'll learn the hard way have?
To see how many people subscribe to Things you'll learn the hard way, simply upgrade your Reletter account. We provide readership numbers and lots of other stats for this newsletter so you can decide if it's worth reaching out to.
How can I advertise in Things you'll learn the hard way?
Newsletter advertising can be extremely effective when it's done right. Before you pitch Things you'll learn the hard way as a potential sponsor or partner, make sure that you've done your research and checked its newsletter stats with Reletter.
Then, personalize one of our winning pitching templates and send it to the right person using the contact info provided.
How much does it cost to sponsor a publication like Things you'll learn the hard way?
Newsletter ad rates (or CPM) vary depending on many factors, including industry, number of subscribers, open rate, ad placement and more.
To find out how much an ad will cost, contact Things you'll learn the hard way using the contact information provided and ask for a copy of their media kit.
How can I find newsletters related to Things you'll learn the hard way?
Scroll up to where it says Related Newsletters to see other publications like Things you'll learn the hard way. You can also search our email newsletter directory to discover other newsletters that cover the topics you're interested in.
How do I contact Things you'll learn the hard way?
Reletter provides this newsletter's website URL above, where you will often find their contact information. We also provide links to associated social media accounts and pitching templates so you can reach out fast.