Cultivating Relationships In Public

Good morning, and happy Tuesday!

Today’s post is a little different. It’s an open email to my friend Max at Joby Aviation.

I wanted to share this not just for the content itself, but to give a window into how I build relationships. That process doesn’t always fit neatly into a framework, and it can be difficult to articulate, but it’s a core part of how I move through the world and my work.

I hope this offers a glimpse into how I think, how I connect, and maybe even a bit of soul-nourishing entertainment.

Enjoy!

Good morning Max,

I hope you had a great holiday and are heading into 2026 with momentum.

I’ve been spending some time reflecting on your question about how I see the eVTOL // AAM industry evolving, and it’s hard not to feel optimistic. There’s a real sense of acceleration right now, especially as the current administration signals stronger support for advanced air mobility and next-generation transportation infrastructure.

What stands out most is the convergence taking place across the ecosystem: regulatory progress, institutional alignment, and rapidly maturing technology. The prospect of seeing a company like Joby earn FAA type certification feels like a true inflection point, not just for one company, but for the future of mobility itself. It’s the moment when “flying cars” move from concept to credible infrastructure. From “innovators” to “early adopters.”

I’ve also been thinking a lot about where early adoption could have the greatest impact, and the Rocky Mountain region stands out in a meaningful way. The combination of terrain, distance between population centers, and limited ground transportation makes it uniquely suited for air mobility solutions that can materially improve the quality of life.

What’s particularly compelling is that Southern Utah University has quietly built one of the strongest helicopter pilot training programs in the country. That existing talent base, combined with the region’s geography and airspace, creates a natural foundation for next-generation aircraft deployment. It’s easy to imagine the Mountain West emerging as both a proving ground and a talent pipeline for advanced air mobility.

I’d be curious to hear how Joby is thinking about regional rollout strategies, and whether areas like the Rockies factor into longer-term planning as certification and commercialization progress.

Also - does Joby intend to attend CES? If so, I’d love to connect!

Godspeed.