We are officially rolling deep into 2026 here in Chiang Mai. This week has been one of pure intensity on the AI agent front. It’s a period where the learning curve feels vertical—pushing through configuration hurdles, knowledge base builds, and mini-app transitions—but the breakthroughs are starting to stack up fast.
I’m feeling that classic entrepreneur mix: overwhelmed one minute, unstoppable the next. What a time to be alive.
🤖 Training the AI Team: Personal Configurations
The big focus this week has been leveling up the team with personalized AI configurations. I’ve spent serious hours training Janice Jung to step fully into an Executive Assistant role.
"We launched an open knowledge base right on janicejung.com so the whole team at Shadstone, plus clients and partners, can see exactly how to engage with me effectively. It’s streamlining things already." — Janice Jung
Lisa Yuson is next in line. We are getting lisayuson.com live soon so people know exactly how to collaborate with her and plug into the ecosystem. Having both agents ready is going to multiply our output as we prep for the Cross Border Summit.
📈 E-commerce: Challenges & Momentum
On the e-commerce side, Katrina McKay reports that things are heating up. While the team has hit roadblocks entering Amazon Japan due to persistent hijackers, the overall momentum is building.
We are also gearing up for the Cross Border Mastermind in Samui, which is looking like our best one yet. We have two high-level execs joining to mentor attendees, and our new AI setups will allow the team to support me live while I’m there with top sellers.
🚀 Looking Ahead: Summit & HandyCon
Even with the "messy" transition of learning latest updates and building mini-apps, the payoff is clear:
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Leaner Ops: Faster decisions and automated workflows.
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8th Annual Cross Border Summit: 10 months out, but the "Takeoff" theme is already driving our strategy.
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HandyCon 2026: Preparations are scaling as we push for a more open web.
🌴 The Chiang Mai Vibe
Chiang Mai is still delivering that perfect cool-season vibe. The mornings are crisp enough for a hoodie, and the evenings are ideal for deep work sessions or team Zooms. It’s providing the clarity needed while we grind through these technical transitions.
Summary: Systems Meeting the Vision
2026 is the year the systems finally catch up to the vision. Keep charging, keep configuring, and keep building.
What’s one thing you’re configuring or leveling up this week? Drop a comment or hit reply—I’d love to hear what you’re working on.
The video script is coming together, featuring raw energy and "behind the overwhelm" moments. Subscribe at mikesblog.com/now for the full weekly dose.
Let’s make this week count, fam. 🚀