Some updates…

Startup-life

We’ve locked in our first GTM use case for our open-source AI alignment project—a hyper-personalized AI health coach, Bryan Johnson, powered by Epistemic Me. A use case I deeply care about. Not just because it’s technically challenging, but because it’s humanly relevant.

It’s so great to think about how to help others be healthier. I’ve been learning a ton. We revamped our website—check it out.

Work-life

I’m leading a transformation initiative across 1600+ engineers. Scaling alignment at that size is no small feat. Changing culture is hard—and we’re doing it pretty damn fast with an awesome team. It’s a fun challenge, and it’s making my leadership skills sharper. I’ve loved working with the teammates involved in this—we’ve brought together some A players for this which has been thoroughly enjoyable. I’ll write more about the intentional influence strategy I used in the future.

Family-life

My brother has been battling schizophrenia for the past seven years. I’ve quietly played the role of caregiver, protector, and financial safety net in my family. Recently, we discovered the Brain Energy model, which links mental disorders to metabolic disorders of the brain and mitochondrial dysfunction. My brother has been off meds for a few months after another diagnosis from a new therapist and psychiatrist (which has given me endless anxiety). The diagnosis said maybe he doesn’t have schizophrenia and just needs to take care of his insomnia. Life changing—of course I was skeptical.

It’s been very stressful but I can happily say 3 months later: he’s been focusing on sleep, movement, nutrition—and he’s doing better than I’ve seen in years.

Watching him choose his health, and his life, is one of the most sacred things I’ve ever witnessed. My anxiety has decreased drastically. Instead, I feel grateful. And hopeful. I love my brother so much, it makes me so happy to see him in a better trajectory.

Me-life

It’s been almost four months since I lost Nibbler. My best friend. My son. We did cuddle meditation together. He taught me more about being present, loving, and moving through grief than I ever could have learned alone. I miss him every day. But I’m okay. I can think of him and be happy, not sad.

All I can say is at least I’m thankful this happened after 8 years of therapy. And I still feel him—not beside me, but within me.

I’ve vowed to myself that I’ll be more disciplined than I ever have to get after my dreams, and eventually build a non-profit dedicated to Nibbler. Towards that end, I’m actually happier and healthier than I’ve ever been thanks to a ton of discipline in my schedule. I’ve been rigorous about diet, exercise, self-care time, work time, sleep time, etc.

Here’s a funny Studio Ghibli style art representation of us. I thought it was hilarious and cute. You should try this out if you haven’t already jumped on the bandwagon.

Here’s a prompt: Convert this photo into studio Ghibli styleThanks Nibs for the motivation. You’re always helping your dad! (: