A Quiet Retrospective on Growth and Direction
Dear Reader,
We’ve been quiet for almost a month, but there are good reasons for that. Some are practical, others simply honest excuses — all part of the process. In this first conversation of 2026, I’d like to look back on 2025 and share a few guiding directions for the year ahead.
In 2025, I opened several paths at once. That dispersion was visible at times, but it served an important purpose: it helped me understand more clearly what I do not want for my life. Not every open door needs to be walked through.
As I entered my thirties, I realized that the years dedicated to Data S2 were, above all, a powerful learning journey. Not every goal was reached as initially imagined, but the experience taught me discipline, resilience, and clarity. Sustaining products over many years with responsibility and focus offered lessons that go far beyond numbers.
In 2024, Data S2 went through a significant structural transition. By 2025, this evolution matured into what I called The Year of the Phoenix — a time to reassess identity, culture, and direction. Data S2 continues into 2026 as an independent research lab focused on data, particularly within the financial and banking sectors. Our aim is to create impact through accessible knowledge, with weekly articles and thoughtful analysis.
2025 was also a year of experimentation. One such experience was 3HG Discounts, a practical exploration of affiliate marketing. While the project reached significant visibility, it reinforced an important lesson: some models require specific scale, capital, and timing to become sustainable. It was a valuable learning experience.
The decision to pursue an exchange program in New Zealand led to the creation of Auckland Today. What began as a newsletter evolved into a personal knowledge base — a place to document research, preparation, and reflections on living abroad. It’s not a commercial project, but a space for learning and sharing.
Finally, this space. In 2025, I published my first books — one in Portuguese (Enquanto a banda tocar) and another in English (2025: The Year of the Phoenix). In 2026, I plan to continue writing, especially in English, with new projects already taking shape.
augsmachado.com remains a space for reflection, emotional safety, and quiet construction. Much of this writing happens in silence, but every reader who walks alongside this journey gives it meaning. In the coming year, I aim to publish two reflective articles per week, occasional poems, and possibly explore audio formats.
If you’ve read this far, thank you sincerely for your presence.
Happy New Year.
Warm regards,
Augusto Machado