molly's 2025 notes
December 2025
Some things I enjoyed this year:
Clarifying my edge. I got a lot weirder work-wise this year. My edge in investing has always been with what I call Moths at the idea-stage, which means I spend as much of my time as possible trying to understand the strangest people I know. Conversely, fundraising this past year meant a significant portion of my time was spent with normal people. I did not enjoy this nearly as much, but did learn a lot from it; I got better at telling my story, sales, and putting my foot down.
Coaching. The way I work with founders involves asking a lot of questions, connecting the dots, and reflecting them back at themselves. It’s honestly more like coaching than anything else. Through hundreds of conversations, I’ve developed a better sense for what questions to ask and at what time to ask them.
Being Tom’s wife. Marrying Tom was without a doubt one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The united force we create together is something I’m in awe of and feel like I’m still getting to know. What stood out about our wedding was the warmth and genuine love in the air. It was a macro version of what Tom and I share. So much of my growth over the past year personally and professionally has been with the help of my husband. I am beyond lucky to have Tom.
Weekly rituals: walking to Arizmendi for pastries, post-mass brunch with friends on Sundays to discuss our weeks, occasionally hosting people over for parties.
Calling people and actually showing up to events. I’m still skeptical of events but there were enough occasions that something good came of them that I’ll give credit where it’s due. I’ve been fully converted on calling people vs texting.
Morning pages. I can always tell that some probably-not-great emotions are brewing when I have nothing to say to the page in the morning.
Crafts. I got into cyanotype, jewelry, and a bit of leatherwork this year. This next year is going to be about pottery, more jewelry, and finally getting good at sewing.
Depop, Poshmark, and Facebook Marketplace (the thrifting trifecta). I sold most of my closet this year and replaced it with better quality, more practical things that I now wear everyday. I finally accepted that I will always love technical wear.
Apples. I have put in the 10k hours of eating them and am an expert in all the varieties. The secret is to know what they should feel like when you squeeze them.
Rhododendrons. And other flowers that grew naturally where I grew up. We’ve had a lot of bouquets in our home this year and it’s made me a very happy girl.
Blue Lights and Landman (TV shows). Cop show and a western. Both have excellent acting and loads of drama, which is why I keep watching.
Sentimental Value and One Battle After Another (movies). Recency bias but yes both were as good as the reviews say. Sentimental Value will make the girls cry and One Battle After Another is just a really good romp, boy-friendly to boot.
Dijon, Kuomo, Jamilah Berry, Leif Vollebekk (musicians). All made it on my Spotify wrapped, all really excellent in their own way. This is my song of the year.
Thank you to Tom McCarthy for everything. His annual note can be found here.
What's the best apple variety in the US? My current favourite is Jazz (which I initially found in the UK as there is a much better selection there than Ireland) but can't remember if that's common over there.
Didn’t know you were catholic! God bless