Getting back to work

Last summer I took a career break. Focusing on myself and loved ones restored my sense of optimism and serenity. Now I'm ready to get back to work. I'm looking to join a company making things that matter for people who value them.

Over 25 years I’ve done everything from CSS to DNS. I've been a founder, an exec, led teams at Google and Shopify, and grown startups. I’ve been fortunate to build products that touched millions of lives.

See my LinkedIn profile to read more about what I’ve accomplished.

For my first decade, I worked in network ops and streaming at AOL and as an early SRE at Google. My work even included early internet radio (👋 Nullsoft crew!), the first live streamed Super Bowl commercials, and helping launch Google Analytics and Street View. Supporting the world's busiest websites honed my tech chops and ability to build at scale.While deeply technical and exciting, I found myself wanting more impact closer to customers.

I left Google and started an agency, helping companies focus on growth instead of tech. I guided product strategy, built Rails apps, optimized Shopify storefronts, and learned sales and marketing. I loved the mix of tech, design, and business, learning what matters most: adding value to people’s lives.

In 2018, I joined Daniel Burka to co-found Simple.org, an open source app to prevent heart disease. Our app is used by thousands of nurses every day, supporting over 5 million patients in India, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Sri Lanka. It even won Best in Show at the Interaction Design awards. It’s the work I’m most proud of.

Most recently I served as VP of Engineering at Binti, a startup improving child welfare, and led the Shipping team at Shopify. As a senior lead and exec, I helped our teams understand each other's needs, learn from customers, and make pragmatic decisions that met business goals.

So what am I looking for? I’m looking for outcomes. 

I want to help teams with strategy, planning, and technical expertise. I want to help engineers become their best selves and learn from them as well. I want to ship code that’s simple, flexible, and delivers timely value.

At some companies, that role may be VP or Director. At others, those outcomes may require a Principal or Senior Staff engineer. I'm also open to product management roles, or as an advisor to VC portfolio companies.

I want to find a place where I can make an impact.

We're a good fit if you're looking for someone who can make decisions quickly, get in the details when needed, and trust to hit the milestones that matter for your customers. You're not afraid to iterate quickly, and you're open to new ideas.

You're trustworthy and build trust in others. You'll advocate for my team, give us focus, show appreciation for good work and guidance when we fall short. You're a partner who will help me grow and challenge me with support. Read more about what I value

I'm an extrovert who values cultivating relationships, building what's important, and changing as we learn. I'm looking to join a company with a positive outlook, solid foundations, and appreciation for its workers. Learn more about working with me

I have two amazing kids and every day I learn about the huge overlap between parenting and management. There's something to be said for letting your kids (and team) make mistakes and being there to lift them back up.

I’m passionate about music and food. I play piano, drums, and I’ve been a DJ since I was in high school. I love traveling the world and meeting its people and cuisine. I love to exercise and read, and I'll happily geek out about basketball or sneakers.

Thanks for reading! I really look forward to finding ways to work together. If you're interested, please email me and connect on LinkedIn. I also appreciate anyone who shares this for reach.

Shout out to Faye Cheadle, Kelly Vaughn, Taylor Poindexter, Phillip Manwaring, Rose Wiegley, Corri Smith, Hunter Walk, Kelsey Hightower, and everyone else I lean on to be a better person every day. ❤️