Native PapersBelieve in Something
In the last two essays in this series, we established that agency is the critical resource of our age, and that networks—not just tools—shape how we exercise that agency.
Hi, I’m Jihad.
I’m in the business of writing. I think great writing can shape societal narratives and that most founders should be thinking more about how to write better and more often.
I’ve spent the last 5+ years in media-adjacent roles: co-founding a creator growth agency (acq.), working on digital commmunity infrastructure, funding online public goods, and building an onchain media company.
Today, I’m building Native, an independent consulting studio for frontier founders. We aim to be long-term sparring partners, often starting with co-writing a few great pillar essays, laying the groundwork for work across product and GTM.
2025 writing
I grew up in Ohio. I graduated from Northwestern University. I’m currently based in Chicago. This site is a home for all of my writing, rambling, collections, and interests.
Weekly
Three new essays this week. Calling them the Native Papers, foundational texts for Native’s brand.
Bookshelf
Latest posts
Essays, notes, letters, and ramblings.
Native to Our Built Environments
“What is fundamental to a convivial society is not the total absence of manipulative institutions and addictive goods and services, but the balance between those tools which create the specific demands they are specialized to satisfy and those complementary, enabling tools which foster self-realization.
The Age of Agency
The most dangerous idea in the world is that action alone breeds good outcomes.
Markets and Morality
A few decades ago, you might be able to convince yourself to be a PMF merchant, selling whatever goods and services to the highest bidder.
Every Day is a Revolution
All the cool kids are revolutionaries.
Statusmaxing vs. Curiositymaxing
Imagine a line representing the spectrum of ambition.
On leading with my full self
I tend to compartmentalize different aspects of my life and personality.