Alex Dobrenko

My background is in product development (e.g. design, engineering, user research), but since we had such a strong product team already I decided to make my focus for this venture be storytelling. I challenged myself to figure out how to explain a novel product, build a brand, and generally get the word out to people we hoped to have as users and... See more

Give me six lines written by the most honorable of men, and I will find an excuse in them to hang him.

-— Cardinal Richelieu

We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.”

―

Kurt Vonnegut,

Mother Night

The point of these lines is clear. In the old days, craftsmen did not cut corners. They worked carefully, and they took care with every aspect of their work. Every part of the product was considered, and each was designed and made to be exactly as it should be. These craftsmen did not relax their thoughtful self-discipline even with respect to... See more

The sunflower was the symbol of the day. In my opening remarks, I reflected on its meaning: In the language of flowers, sunflowers represent loyalty and adoration; they turn their heads to face the sun. It is also the national flower of Ukraine, and with its yellow petals and dark center, it is reminiscent of an eclipse, symbolizing both the end... See more

As anyone who has suffered from anxiety can tell you, it can take a lot of energy to lie in bed. The calories spent clenching your jaw. Tensing your shoulders up into your ears. Trying not to explode.