In today’s email:

• How Mark Zuckerberg stopped being a robot

• Word of the week: Become more articulate

FROM ROBOT TO HUMAN

How Mark Zuckerberg Sopped Being a Robot

Mark Zuckerberg has undergone a remarkable transformation in the last two years. Once seen as a stiff, out-of-touch tech mogul mired in scandal, he’s now rebranded himself as a more relatable, human figure. He’s gone from the nerdy guy running the world’s largest social network to a ripped, jiu-jitsu-fighting, flag-waving dad with a personal story as compelling as his business ventures. This is the story of how Mark Zuckerberg managed to do a complete 180 on his public image, making us all see a side of him we never expected.

From Silicon Valley CEO to Modern Gladiator

For most of his career, Zuckerberg’s public persona was defined by his connection to Facebook (now Meta). He was the nerdy Harvard dropout who built a social media empire. But as Facebook became the center of numerous controversies—from privacy violations to accusations of enabling misinformation—Zuckerberg became more of a villain than a visionary. By 2020, his awkward appearances before Congress and robotic demeanor had only solidified his reputation as a detached billionaire.

Then, in 2021, the world started seeing a different side of Zuckerberg—one no one expected. The transformation began when he started posting videos of himself training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and MMA. Suddenly, the guy who was once seen as a tech geek was now throwing punches, kicking bags, and rolling on the mats with professional fighters. This wasn’t just a passing hobby. Zuckerberg competed in actual jiu-jitsu tournaments and even won gold and silver medals in May 2023 at a local competition in California. This shift wasn’t just physical—it was symbolic. He was now positioning himself as a warrior, both in business and life, adding a whole new layer to his public persona.

In an Instagram post showing off his jiu-jitsu skills, he wrote, “Training helps me stay grounded and keeps my energy up. Plus, it’s just fun.” Zuckerberg was no longer the out-of-touch tech CEO; he was a guy who, like millions of others, found balance and discipline through martial arts. It was a massive PR win. He showed that behind the screens and algorithms, he was a real person who could take a punch—and throw one too.

The “American Dad” Video That Shocked the Internet

In 2023, Zuckerberg continued his personal rebrand with a video that set social media on fire. On the Fourth of July, he posted a video of himself wakeboarding while holding an American flag. Set against a patriotic backdrop, it wasn’t just any post—it was a statement. Here was Mark Zuckerberg, billionaire and head of a global tech empire, proudly flying the flag of his country, embodying the all-American image of freedom, family, and adventure.

The video was both unexpected and iconic. Within hours, it had gone viral, spawning memes, praise, and even some good-natured jokes about the once-geeky Zuckerberg’s newfound jock persona. But the message was clear: Zuckerberg wasn’t just some detached tech bro living in Silicon Valley; he was now part of the cultural fabric, participating in the same activities and celebrations as millions of other Americans.

That Fourth of July video was more than just an Instagram post—it was Zuckerberg embracing a new role. He was positioning himself as a patriotic family man, someone who loved his country and enjoyed life outside the boardroom. It was a complete departure from the image of the hoodie-wearing, reclusive coder many had come to know.

The Body Transformation and “New Mark”

Zuckerberg didn’t just change his hobbies—he transformed his entire lifestyle. In addition to martial arts and wakeboarding, he made a public commitment to fitness. He started appearing more frequently in public looking leaner, more muscular, and more confident. His once awkward gait and slumped posture were replaced by a man clearly comfortable in his skin.

Part of his fitness journey, Zuckerberg said, was about discipline and mental clarity. He shared on social media that he was working out daily, even with his busy schedule running Meta. He also gave shoutouts to his kids, saying his training regimen was partly about being a stronger, better version of himself for them. His focus on family added a relatable element to his story, allowing people to see the softer, more grounded side of the man once viewed as a cold, data-obsessed CEO.

Changing the Narrative: Owning the Story

While Zuckerberg was bulking up physically, he was also slimming down the public controversies. In the wake of multiple scandals, including the 2018 Cambridge Analytica debacle and widespread criticism of Facebook’s role in spreading misinformation, Zuckerberg and Meta faced a huge backlash. However, as his personal transformation unfolded, so did his ability to shift the narrative surrounding his company.

He didn’t shy away from the criticism—he embraced it. Instead of deflecting blame, Zuckerberg began speaking more openly about Meta’s flaws and challenges. In interviews, he addressed issues like privacy, misinformation, and the impact of social media on society. He acknowledged past mistakes and, crucially, laid out a clear vision for the future with Meta’s focus on building the metaverse and pioneering artificial intelligence (AI).

But this wasn’t just corporate spin—it was a calculated move to present himself as a leader with vision. The personal rebrand added authenticity. As he began posting about his jiu-jitsu training and wakeboarding stunts, people were seeing a more approachable side of Zuckerberg, making them more willing to listen to his public apologies and long-term business strategies.

Numbers That Speak for Themselves

• Over 100 million users in 5 days: Zuckerberg’s launch of Threads, Meta’s answer to Twitter, became one of the fastest-growing apps in history, gaining over 100 million users in just five days. This massive win proved that Meta’s future wasn’t behind it and cemented Zuckerberg’s ability to pivot and stay relevant in the rapidly changing

  tech landscape.

• $780 billion valuation: Despite challenges, Meta’s market value rebounded to over $780 billion by late 2023, as Zuckerberg’s public reinvention coincided with Meta’s renewed focus on AI and efficiency.

• Gold and Silver Medals: His win in Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitions may not have come with millions in prize money, but the symbolic victory was priceless for his image. It showed that Zuckerberg wasn’t afraid to step into the ring—literally—and face challenges head-on.

  

The Mark Zuckerberg of Today

Mark Zuckerberg’s complete 180 in public perception is nothing short of remarkable. He’s gone from the hoodie-wearing, robotic CEO of Facebook to a wakeboarding, jiu-jitsu-fighting, all-American dad who’s more in touch with the public than ever. His physical transformation, along with his more can

did, relatable presence on social media, has made him a different kind of leader—one who is as comfortable discussing business strategy as he is about his latest MMA fight.

Zuckerberg’s reinvention is a testament to his ability to evolve, both personally and professionally. He’s proven that even one of the most scrutinized figures in the tech world can turn things around with the right mix of authenticity, humility, and, in Zuckerberg’s case, a few well-timed punches and patriotic flag-waving moments. While the road ahead for Meta might still have challenges, one thing is clear: the Mark Zuckerberg of today is a far cry from the one we knew two years ago—and that might just be his biggest win yet.

Hope you found this useful, see you soon 🫡