I use this blog as both a way to announce events of interest and post my thoughts on issues of the day. If you would like to discuss anything I have posted do not hesitate to reach out.

Building a Tech Ecosystem

Oct 19, 2024 - Some quick thoughts on how to build the BC tech ecosystem.

Heterogeneous Computing

Aug 27, 2024 - A quick note that my former employer Zen Launchpad will be hosting a very interesting conference next month with world-leading researchers and industry speakers discussing the challenges and opportunities for data centres in the heterogenous computing era.

Systems Design 101

Apr 4, 2023 - In this post I will discuss some fundamental system design principles and how things like removing friction can manifest instability in large complex systems like the banking system. Specifically I'm going to look at the recent bank run on Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) but these concepts and approaches apply to any system which has suddenly become unstable because friction has been removed.

The AI based film industry

Mar 21, 2023 - A bit of a deep dive on the future of filmmaking in an AI world. Every point I make here applies equally to videogames and almost equally to software.

Aligning Incentives is Everything

Mar 7, 2023 - A deepish dive on the criticality of aligning incentives or in clickbait terms one simple trick to avoid partners and service providers you do not want to work with.

Getting Exceptional Outcomes

Feb 27, 2023 - I have recently been talking to a number of contract social media managers and have been shaking my head at how uncreative and formulaic their proposed approaches are. This prompted a post on exceptional outcomes requiring exceptional inputs.

Stakeholder Identification

Feb 20, 2023 - A quick post on some rules of thumb to identify who needs to be consulted when making a decision and more importantly who needs to be excluded.

Working with Volunteer Boards

Feb 16, 2023 - Given our very different careers it is pretty rare (completely unprecedented) that Pany and I can collaborate on something so when the chance came up I couldn't resist. This is a post on working with volunteer boards as an executive in a non-profit but the discussion is easily generalized to any leadership context.

Option Identification

Feb 13, 2023 - A series of tips and tricks I use to build out an options list before making a decision.

What I look for in Startups

Feb 9, 2023 - The great part about being in a big market is there are a ton of companies to talk to. This is the sixty second filter I use to decide which ones I should look at indepth.

Decide fast and break shit

Feb 6, 2023 - A deep dive on decision making speed and what it really means to move fast. Sometimes that is a good thing other times less so.

Physics Undergrad Lecture

Jan 27, 2023 - I am officially at that age where the alma mater starts calling and asking for more than money.

That time I built, grew, and sold an ecommerce company

Jan 19, 2023 - One of the stranger little projects I have undertaken in my career.

London Fintech Resources

Jan 12, 2023 - My work in progress list of Fintech and Product events and resources in London.

ProductCamp 2023

Jan 10, 2023 - I will be speaking at ProductCamp 2023 on the topic of Decision Making at least hopefully. The ProductCamp format requires that speakers get their ideas voted on so if you could drop me a vote I would appreciate it. I should note this will be onsite in Vancouver Canada so if you want to grab a coffee that week reach out.

The Case for Cash

Jan 9, 2023 - Contrary to what you might have expected I'll make the argument that maintaining access to cash is a good thing - at least for the foreseeable future.