The Professional
I like working alongside people on the hard problems others shy away from. I like to take ownership of things, so those people have the freedom to take risks and bring their best. It's because of this that I took an unusual path to becoming a product manager. I started my professional life as a truck driver, but it ultimately could not satisfy my need for intellectual challenges, so I went back to school to make a move into social services. I thoroughly enjoyed my time helping people through that pursuit, but learned that I am far too goal and outcome oriented for that career. I've always had a curiosity for complex problems and fascination around what technology can do for the world, so I pivoted to go to work in tech, where I’ve spent the last 13 years, mostly at startups and small, lean companies. My focus there has been platform and integrations work, which I love because it's where the most complex problems usually sit for an organization. It can be messy and high stakes, with plenty of unknowns, but when it goes right, the impact can be huge. It also keeps me moving between the details and the big picture, which is what I thrive at, and lets me get people involved where they thrive as well. The best things happen when you can get the best people doing their best work in the best time and place for them to be.
The Outdoor Athlete
Most of my free time goes to rock climbing, skiing in the backcountry, and getting up mountains in some form or another. It's hard for me to capture in words all the reasons that I love these outdoor activities. The prime reasons are that it feeds my undying curiosity, brings me to some of the most beautiful places on earth, and allows me to meet wonderful people that I interact with in ways that bring depth and joy. Every day is different out there and every day asks something different from you. The days I remember best always have memories about the amazing people I was with.