… after you leave here today, you’re going to be asked, “What are you going to be?” As if you can truly be only one thing for the rest of your life.

I hope you reject that premise. I hope you find your dual life, that you harness the gravity of your aspiration because the gravity that pulls you also grounds you. I hope you never feel forced to trade your aspiration for a paycheck or your passion for a title. I hope you find the space to be both a rigorous thinker and a wild dreamer.

We solve the world’s most complex problems with a scientist’s precision. But we also need people who can see the world through an artist’s eyes and heart. #

Decelerating Time

Time is an unrelenting m’fer.

VibeCamp - Wiring Up A Personal Assistant (How To)

For those who came to my talk at VibeCamp, thanks! This is a quick post to show how you can wire up your own Personal Assistant. This will be basic for now. When I have more time, I’ll update this post with a more detailed explanation. Let’s get right to...

Innoculate the Mind

The media scripts the mind.

The Most Important Thing

A few years ago, I came across a quote while listening to an interview with Zita Cobb, a Canadian business leader turned social entrepreneur. She cited this quote from a former boss as part of sharing lessons in building the truly one-of-a-kind Fogo Island Inn.

Your Personal (AI) Nutritionist

Imagine having access to a personal nutritionist who can guide your diet based on your needs. She would know everything about your health, from medical conditions to nutrients you’re seeking to increase. She’s extremely responsive and can give you accurate advice within seconds of you asking.

Just Enough News

Over the last 30 years, we’ve gone from reading a printed newspaper once a day to instant updates about everything everywhere on our phones.

Someday I’ll Miss the Chaos

The toys litter the room, kids shout too loudly in the car, and the clothes pile up unfolded. But one day the rooms will be tidy, the car rides quiet, and everything will be in its “right” place.

Why This Website

I created my first website in the mid-90s. I started on Geocities and quickly learned HTML. Before long, I designed and hosted my own sites. I was thrilled to be able to share ideas simply by transferring text files to a server.

The Price of Notifications

Notifications began as a simple way to notify you about the important stuff you should know. The only problem is the “important stuff you should know” has been redefined to be as many things as possible. As app creators jockey for more ways to prop up metrics like weekly active...

Most Decisions Are Two-Way Doors

In Amazon’s recent letter to its shareholders, there’s a bit about decision making which is simple but brilliant:

The Apps In Your Pocket

There are two kinds of apps.

The Harvest Backstory

By 2002, the dot-com bust and the general economic downturn had wiped out most technology companies that had thrived just a few years prior. The internet consulting company I worked at was on its last legs before it too would be dismantled and sold. I would soon be laid off...