About Me: The Journey of a Strategic Generalist
You'll often hear me describe myself as a "Strategic Generalist." For me, this is more than a title; it's a core approach to how I tackle challenges. It's a way of problem-solving shaped by a lifetime of connecting diverse experiences. These range from practical lessons on my grandparents' farm to the intense focus required in motocross, and navigating the crazy world of technology. Being a Strategic Generalist means examining problems from multiple angles. I'm driven by a genuine curiosity to understand the complete picture and a passion for finding solutions that make a real difference.
Foundational Experiences: Farm, Motocross, and Early Tech
My earliest "engineering" experiences weren't in a traditional lab. They were on my grandparents farm, working with my hands. I spent many days with my grandpa tearing things apart, figuring out why they broke, and, crucially, learning how to fix them. This instilled a deep sense of practicality that remains with me today. Motocross was another core character building hobby. The concept of "seat time"—relentless practice—drilled in discipline, resilience, and the thrill of pushing boundaries. These formative years, defined by learning through doing and adapting to challenges, still form the bedrock of my approach to technology today.
As it does, life presented its share of challenges, including a battle with cancer during my teens. This experience underscored the importance of every moment and solidified my commitment to continuous learning and growth. It certainly shaped my path, making it somewhat less conventional.
Navigating a Non-Traditional Path in Tech
My journey into the technology field wasn't a direct route from a computer science degree. During my academic years, particularly in formal CS classes, I sometimes felt like I was approaching things from a different perspective. However, my inherent passion for technology—sparked by hours upon hours of childhood experiments on an old Toshiba laptop and a fascination with building software —never faded.
I discovered that my true strength lies in applying technology. I thrive on getting hands-dirty, quickly mastering new tools and frameworks, and using them to solve tangible problems. Whether it was building marketing experiences or chasing performance metrics in a Vue.js product, I found my rhythm in the practical application of skills and witnessing the real-world impact of well-crafted code.
Strategic Generalism in Action: From Full-Stack to AI Leadership
This "figure it out" approach has naturally led me to roles where I can contribute across a broad spectrum. I've spent considerable time in everything from front-end development with React and Vue.js to architecting complex backend systems and streamlining CI/CD pipelines.
Currently, as an AI Engineer at Xylem, I'm applying this Strategic Generalist mindset to the AI frontier. This role involves designing solutions on Azure, spearheading innovative proof-of-concepts like multi-modal LLM-based email extraction, and fostering a community around AI learning within the company. It's incredibly rewarding to see how a diverse background can effectively contribute to shaping how an organization embraces emerging technologies like AI.
Core Motivation: Making a Positive Impact
Ultimately, what drives me is a desire to help people achieve more, often with less friction. I believe in technology's power to simplify complexity and unlock potential. Whether I'm mentoring an intern, leading an AI Community of Practice, or designing a user-friendly interface, my goal is consistent: to make a positive impact. I'm always learning, always exploring, and always seeking the next challenge where a multifaceted, strategic approach can make a meaningful difference.