📝 Editor’s Note
I do not like the New England Patriots.
Yes, I’m a salty Panther’s fan so I say this very begrudgingly: I have a great deal of respect for the organization and the run they went on – in particular, Tom Brady.
When my dad recommended I read “The Dynasty,” I hesitated. Partly because I didn’t want to read about what I assumed was Patriot propaganda but also because it looked thick enough to be a doorstop. However, once I decided to read a few pages, I was hooked. The research and the writing by Jeff Benedict is very thorough yet easy to digest.
The two most impressive takeaways were Tom Brady’s ability to play at such a high level for so long as well as owner Bob Kraft’s ability to manage a complex relationship between Brady and coach Belichick. It felt like I was reading a masterclass in negotiation, leadership, and relationship management with a healthy dose of TMZ controversy mixed in every season.
I thought Jeff Benedict’s biography of Tiger Woods was the best sports biography I had ever read. Not anymore. He has one upped himself with this one and a 4.5 on Goodreads with almost 3K reviews speaks for itself!
Without further ado….
Why Rob?
We met each other the second week of work at Activision. He promptly informed me that I was a “normie” — too normal, lacking a certain weirdness that comes from fully embracing video games. While I took that as both a compliment and a diss, we quickly grew to respect one another for our different passions. His being video games and mine being live events and traditional sports. We share the same first name, but most of our similarities stop there. Rob Wynne is a former Navy guy who grew up in Indy, speaks fluent Mandarin, and prefers living in China to the US. I admire him, living out his dream by recently founding a gaming studio to create what I assume will be the next major action RPG bridging Western and Eastern audiences.
Follow Rob on Linkedin
Self-Description
Game industry fanatic, Chinese language & culture guru, lover of French bulldogs and spicy foods of all type. According to our meeting AI I speak at 160 words per minute - working on my active listening...
Rob’s Recommendations
Written in his own words…
Content
Wholesome YouTube channel of some Kiwis making fun of video game tropes. My favorite episode of Viva La Dirt is - The Death Knight doing Tutorial Quests. Highly entertaining even without gamer context.
Product
Real Essentials Mesh Long Sleeve Athletic Pullovers on Amazon
~$15 a pop, fit great, perfect for working out and nice enough to wear to a lunch.
Watch
I am starting Shogun for my work / personal. The Last Eagle Hunters of Mongolia is a neat little documentary that was partly the inspiration for my company's project.
Food and Drink
If you're into chili oil, Fly By Jing is a great and authentic Chinese chili oil brand you can order off Amazon.
Gift
I have a large extended family- for Christmas for my nieces and nephews I got a 16 doll mystery box of Finding Unicorn dolls - Chinese version of Funko Pop. The mystery box was a smash hit - all the nieces and nephews were trading the dolls and asking for more. This seems to be my new Christmas move.
Amazon
Celsius On-the-Go Powder Sticks are cheaper and better versions of the Celsius energy drinks.
Plug
I'm working on an Action Roleplaying Video Game. If you have interest in giving feedback and getting involved in the process, happy to chat and add you to our supporter network!
Want to get in touch with Rob? DM him on LinkedIn or send him at note at his work email, rob@risingtidestudios.net
P.S. from Rambull — a friend mentioned that he likes to print out a monthly calendar. He physically posts the current month and the next two months next to his desk. I’ve appreciated doing this as well as for one less reason to get on my phone and computer.