I'm a curious, thirty-something who loves to create. I also enjoy reading, writing, and cooking. I live and play in Chicago, though my heart lies somewhere in Malibu.
Creating: As someone with a non-technical background, I enjoy using no-code tools to bring my ideas to life. I'm passionate about understanding friction. It is my strong belief that considerable progress is made when friction is removed.
A modern-day example of that is Shopify ($SHOP). Prior to Shopify, creating an online store, securing a merchant account, and processing payments were expensive, time-consuming, and cumbersome. Using software, they've helped shift power back to the entrepreneurs and creatives of the world. Hat tip, Tobi and team.
Currently, I'm pouring all of my resources into this type of thinking.
Reading: I've built quite the library over the years. Though my tastes have changed, I find solace in learning from other's experiences. Some of my favorite books include
Stillness Is the Key by Ryan Holiday,
Principles by Ray Dalio,
A Curious Mind by Brian Grazer, and
Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins. I used to aim for 2-3 books per month, until I came across
an article referencing 'The Lindy Effect.' Popularized by
Nassim Taleb, 'The Lindy Effect' measures time as the ultimate judge of success for any piece of work. Instead of reading as many books as possible, I now focus on the greatest books ever written in a particular category. My process is iterative, it's what works for me right now. Had I not aimed for volume of books in the past, I might not appreciate the simplistic and powerful nature of 'The Lindy Effect' today.
Writing: Clear writing has become a lost art. Personally, I use it as a stepping stone to clearer thinking. I generally do this through journaling, blog posts, and the occasional email newsletter.
Cooking: I'm no chef, but I do play one at home. Inspired by my Nana, my mother,
Chef Frank Prisinzano,
Chef Thomas Keller,
Chef Sam Zien and myriad other sources, I've learned foundational kitchen methods and gained the confidence to try just about anything. I think this goes back to my love for creating, as that is exactly what cooking is.
