Good morning, friends!

On Wednesday, I published a Q&A with CAVA co-founder Ted Xenohristos. He shared his insights on constant iteration, building a brand people love, and knowing when to step aside to let an expert take the reins.

But one small thing he said has been on my mind since our conversation. When I asked how he handles setbacks with less emotional volatility these days, he said:

“It’s that immigrant mentality—watching my mom leave at 6 a.m. to get to a place that opens at 8, right? Seeing that, how can I whine about going to my restaurant that I own, you know? There’s no room to whine. You have no right to whine.”

It made me reflect on my own family and perspective. My parents never complain—ever. And yet, I’ve noticed myself giving in to overwhelm lately, and my first instinct is … to complain. It’s a bad habit, one that leaves a lingering aftertaste of regret. Because every time I grumble about something trivial, I look around and realize just how fortunate I am—the family I have, the city I live in, the work I do, the life I lead.

When I step back and consider how much our quality of life has improved in just one generation, it’s staggering. As Xenohristos points out, perspective is the antidote to whining. Yes, he was sleeping at the restaurant—but it was his restaurant. He was working for himself. The struggles weren’t roadblocks; they were just hurdles to clear—nothing like the challenges his parents or grandparents faced.

Just a little perspective on this lovely Sunday morning.

You can check out my full interview with CAVA co-founder Ted Xenohristos here:

How CAVA’s Founders Built a $15-Billion Fast-Casual Empire Polina Pompliano · Feb 19 Read full story

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HOW I BUILT THE PROFILE: Brad Wolverton, author of Newsletter Examples, wrote a thoughtful and comprehensive deep-dive on how I built my newsletter, The Profile. He went all the way back to the early days. Check it out here.

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PROFILES.

— The Murdoch heirs fighting over the media empire [**HIGHLY RECOMMEND**. — The man who invented Saturday Night Live
— The former White House intern who found her voice
— The budget-friendly retailer making you look rich
— The ‘unbiased truth’ media company

PEOPLE TO KNOW.

The Murdoch heirs fighting over the media empire: Rupert Murdoch’s final act as media kingmaker has ignited a Shakespearean family battle over the future of his empire. In a secretive maneuver dubbed ‘Project Family Harmony,’ Murdoch attempted to rewrite his family trust, consolidating power under his conservative heir, Lachlan, and stripping his other children of influence. The move sparked a bitter legal showdown, exposing deep-seated rivalries, backroom deals, and high-stakes succession drama that could redefine the future of Fox News and News Corp. With Murdoch’s plan struck down in court, the fate of his empire—and its political impact—now hangs in the balance. (The New York Times Magazine; alternate link)

“You are completely disenfranchising me and my siblings. You’ve blown a hole in the family.”

The man who invented Saturday Night Live: For 50 years, Saturday Night Live has been a chaotic, high-pressure machine fueled by late-night writing marathons, last-minute decisions, and the singular vision of its creator, Lorne Michaels. Known for his enigmatic leadership, Michaels has shaped generations of comedy stars while carefully balancing artistic freedom with network demands. His philosophy—comedy as precision, exhaustion as a creative tool, and reinvention as survival—has kept SNL both an institution and a proving ground for Hollywood’s biggest names. ****(The New Yorker; alternate link)

“Lorne just stands back and lets them cannibalize each other.”

The former White House intern who found her voice: In 1998, Monica Lewinsky was thrust into the spotlight at age 24. She was the White House intern who had a relationship with then-President Bill Clinton and got swept up into one of the biggest scandals of the century, her privacy and dignity obliterated by the press and the public. She went silent for many, many years following her public shaming. Today, Lewinsky is launching a podcast called Reclaiming With Monica Lewinsky, in which she’ll sit down with guests to talk about something that shaped who they are — and how they’ve come to think of it on their own terms. (Rolling Stone)

“There were many times that I just wanted to disappear, whether that was being silent or disappear disappear. But I always kept trying.”

COMPANIES TO WATCH.

The budget-friendly retailer making you look rich: Quince has quietly become a retail powerhouse, offering luxury-inspired products at budget-friendly prices without flashy branding, brick-and-mortar stores, or traditional retail markups. By mastering the art of “dupes,” the company undercuts premium brands like Jenni Kayne and Everlane, all while leveraging a loophole that allows them to avoid import duties. But behind the minimalist aesthetic and bargain cashmere, Quince operates with a relentless growth-at-all-costs mindset — pushing manufacturers to the brink, sidestepping sustainability concerns, and skating close to legal battles. In an era where logos are out and looking effortlessly wealthy is in, Quince is redefining what it means to be a brand—by being one that doesn’t feel like one at all. (New York Magazine; alternate link)

“It’s like if Amazon and Pottery Barn and J.Crew had a baby.”

The ‘unbiased truth’ media company: Dr. Phil has swapped daytime talk for prime-time punditry, launching Merit TV as a self-styled champion of “unbiased truth,” but his media empire is already on shaky ground. With dismal ratings, financial troubles, and accusations of right-wing bias, the network has struggled to carve out a niche in the crowded conservative media landscape. Now 74, McGraw insists he’s in it for the long haul, but whether he remains a media mogul or takes a page from Dr. Oz’s political playbook remains to be seen. (Bloomberg; alternate link)

“It’s time that we push back against cancel culture.”

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