My Why
Ever since I was a kid, I loved taking things apart. Screwdriver in hand, I would take anything and everything apart… just to peek inside. I have always had a curiosity to understand how the objects in my world work. My interest was particularly piqued if something were broken. I have always had a strong desire to restore things and bring them back into working order… as good as, or better than before.
Today, I’m still taking broken things apart: a frothless espresso machine, a broken lamp, a shattered iPhone screen, a faulty furnace. Sometimes, though, what I’m taking apart is more ethereal: a poorly performing mobile application, a petulant purchase flow, or some other daunting design objective. Though the tools are different, the curiosity to learn, the desire to understand, and the drive to solve/fix/restore are all the same.
He/Him/His
I’m a biracial, CIS male who’s a son, brother, husband, dad and friend. And as I grow older, greyer, and more bald… a mentor to some.
As for many, my family of origin and my upbringing have greatly shaped me (personality, likes, dislikes, etc.) and my Why (my driving passions):
- I was born in the USA to parents from two parts of the world (Iran and Chile). I grew up in Southern California (dude). I spoke three languages at home. I am the eldest of three. Language matters.
- My dad was an electronic engineer and an inventor. I learned to use a volt meter and soldering iron at an early age. Tools were my toys. I’m never far from a screwdriver.
- My mom was a loyal, tireless, caregiver. I became a servant leader.
I’ve spent a good amount of time in self-reflection over the years to better understand myself… why I do what I do, why I react the way I do. Here’s what I’ve learned so far…
Being a designer, thinker, and tinkerer allows me to apply my childhood passions to my work. It’s who I’ve always been. It is my why.
I’ve modeled my portfolio around Simon Sinek’s “Golden Circle,” so if you’re unfamiliar with it, start there. It’ll be worth your time. Then come back to find out how I design, what I’ve designed, and how I lead and mentor.
Personality
- Myers-Briggs: INTJ
- Insights: Blue, Green, Yellow, Red
- Enneagram: Type 5 – investigator, thinker.
- Love Languages: Acts of Service, Words of Affirmation, Touch, Time, Gifts
Leadership
I have a transparent, coaching-leadership style and am an enthusiastic advocate of “servant leadership.” Simon Sinek, Brenee Brown, etc. Resonates with me deeply. Love it. My “Leadership Letter” document details the leadership commitment to my team as well as setting team engagement expectations.
Miscellanea
- I’m a big Beatles fan (i.e. can tell you all about Paul being dead)
- I read lots of Sci-Fi as a kid (read Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, Harry Harrison, Roger Zelazny)
- I love Wes Anderson (e.g. Isle of Dogs, Moonrise Kingdom, Grand Budapest Hotel, Life Aquatic, The Royal Tenenbaums, Rushmore, etc.)
- I speak four languages (e.g. English, German, Spanish, and Farsi)
- I am quite proficient at trading on eBay (e.g. 1,000+ positive feedback)
- I enjoy music in minor keys (e.g. The Smiths, Elliott Smith, Sufjan Stevens, Starflyer 59, etc.)
- I really dislike salmon (or any fishy-tasting fish)
- I wear hats and caps of all sorts