The Polymath Playbook
Jul 5, 2020
An exploration of my learnings and experiences with the polymath lifestyle. In a world built for specialization, the polymath approach can help us build unique mental models to differentiate ourselves, and the opportunity to discover meaningful work.
Embracing Uncertainty
Jun 22, 2020
As I struggled to cope with this pandemic, I sought to restore stability in my life. But some things are just out of our control. I share some of the most impactful learnings I've had around how to deal with uncertainty by embracing it.
The Way The Wind Blows
Jun 14, 2020
A short story about birds, the magic of flight and a moment of awakening.
The Power of Feedback
May 25, 2020
Feedback has the power to inspire and energize us. But it can also lead us astray. We must handle feedback with care, and learn to look to our own instincts for guidance.
Why Bother?
May 17, 2020
I found myself in a crisis of questioning: I was writing more than ever, but wasn't sure exactly why. I share the story of how I tackled this difficult question, and the answers I found in the teachings of Elizabeth Gilbert.
The Resonance of Writing
Apr 24, 2020
What makes a book resonate?
Beyond the typical factors (genre, author, etc.), I believe a major factor that is often ignored is timing.
You need to be in a place in your life where you are ready to receive the message being presented by the author. If you’re not, it doesn’t matter how good the book is or how many weeks it’s been on the best seller list. The book won’t connect.
Lights in the Tunnel
Apr 12, 2020
I wanted to take a moment today to consider some of the positives of this crisis. My intention here is not to underplay its toll. I believe its severity is overwhelmingly evident to all of us, regardless of my words. I’m writing this to share a few flickers of light I have seen as I make my way through this long tunnel. I hope it make your journey a little less dark.
Return of the GIF
Apr 2, 2020
GIFs were invented as a solution to slow internet connections. As network speeds ramped up, they lost popularity among the masses. Yet, today, they are more popular than ever. Why did GIFs make a comeback?
Principles: 2020
Mar 29, 2020
I just left my full-time job, and will be spending the majority of my time on creative projects. In this post, I share the five key principles that motivated my decision, and why I'm doubling down on them.
Overcoming Negativity
Feb 9, 2020
When a negative thought penetrates our mind, it can linger for days, weeks or more. Why does negativity hold so much power? How can we overcome it?
Favorite Books of 2019
Dec 29, 2019
It’s that time of year again! I always enjoy the process of reflecting on the books I've read over the year. It's a great way to do a gut check on whether the time I’m spending reading books is yielding the right results (whether that comes in the form of learning or joy). This year, I decided to expand beyond my usual five and include a selection of both fiction and non-fiction reads.
Altering Your Reality
Dec 18, 2019
So many hours of our lives are wasted worrying about what other people think. Even with the power of meditation, I still got caught in these worry cycles. I finally found an answer in a book: The Courage To Be Disliked.
American Traffic Crisis: The Cost of Cars
Dec 4, 2019
What do guns and cars have in common? They're both privileges that are available to each and every American who can afford one. They’re also tools of murder. Every year, for the past three years, more than 40,000 Americans died in traffic fatalities.
The Mountain of Transition
Nov 12, 2019
I’ve worn a lot of different hats over the years — engineer, manager, teacher, founder, coach, and others in between. I’m often asked why I don’t just settle into a role and stick with it. It’s a good question. Switching roles can be overwhelming, challenging, and even depressing at times. Still, it is a practice I can’t recommend highly enough.
Tokyo
Sep 26, 2019
As I write this, I’m on a plane flying over the Pacific Ocean, contemplating the trip I just had. I’ve always wanted to visit Japan (Tokyo in particular), and it finally came to fruition this past week. The last time I wrote about my travels was after spending several months teaching in South Africa. While this was a much shorter trip (one week, to be precise), I feel just compelled to share my thoughts after this one.
Favorite Books of 2018
Jan 21, 2019
Finally had some time to sit down and reflect on some of my favorite books of 2018. It was a great year for me in terms of personal exploration, as I was able to take a bunch of time off from work. This gave me a chance to explore many different areas (meditation, sketching & illustration, cooking, diet to name a few), and often I would read books to guide my path.
Staying Technically Sharp
Jun 13, 2018
Your past as an individual contributor helps you tremendously as an engineering leader. It's crucial to understand why, so that you can do what's necessary to maintain your technical edge. Ultimately, your technical skills are a critical part of your engineering leadership effectiveness.
Effective 1-on-1s
May 20, 2018
You're in yet another boring 1-on-1 meeting. It seems like all you do is go over random updates, or just chat about life. You could be using this time to do 'real work' instead! Thankfully, it doesn't have to be this way.
Hiring for Diversity & Inclusion
May 14, 2018
There are many reasons why building diverse teams within inclusive environments is beneficial. Others have written about them at length, and the cases are compelling. If you aren't already familiar with the data and rationale, please take the time to do some research on it. Without strong intrinsic motivation from your leadership, change is unlikely.
The Cost of American Credit
Mar 21, 2018
It’s important for people to truly understand the consequences of the Equifax hack, and to take whatever actions they can to protect themselves. This is no joke: it is quite likely a significant number of people’s entire livelihoods will be destroyed as a result of this breach.
Favorite Books of 2017
Jan 3, 2018
Roundup of the most impactful books I read this year featuring autobiographies, fiction and history books.