Product & Startup Builder

A Complete Psychological Analysis of Trump's Support

Added on by Chris Saad.

This is one of the most important and elucidating articles I’ve read in a long time. The biggest problem with Trump is not Trump, but his supporters.

It’s time we stop trying to understand the man (he’s just a symptom) and start understanding the people who give the man his power (they are the cause).

That being said, I think the biggest factor with these people is simply that they are intentionally (and catastrophically) misinformed by the conservative news bubble.

Science can help us make sense of the president's political invincibility.

Step To The Beat

Added on by Chris Saad.

About a year ago I decided I wanted more music in my life. Through a combination of Sonos, Beats, Google Play, Apple CarPlay and some intentionality I’m happy to report that I feel like I’ve more or less achieved my goal!

The Border Wall Argument

Added on by Chris Saad.

The border wall argument is a wonderful microcosm and symbol of the bigger problems in American society and politics. It’s fitting that it’s become the issue that the political class are risking the future of their careers and parties on.

As usual, the Republican Party is making up a giant lie designed to manufacture consent; Namely, that people are flooding the southern border on foot and we need a giant wall to stop it.

Actually, this is three lies.

1. That there’s a flood of people coming by land over the southern border

2. That illegal immigration is a pressing emergency and net negative to the country and .

3. A wall is the most effective way to stop them.

These lies are based on a number of simple, incorrect concepts:

1. Scarcity: More for you means less for me

2. Manifest destiny: America is for white people who can all become rich by pulling themselves up from their bootstraps

3. Faith/optics: Symbols are more important than solutions

4. Legacy thinking: Archaic forms of problem solving

5. Fear based politics: You can sell the American people anything if you just make them scared or angry enough (this one is true though)

These are many of the same, tired sponsoring thoughts that Republicans base all their policies and behaviors on. Issues like trickle down economics, supporting coal and gas, “family values” etc etc.

The only difference here, though, is that Trump and his enablers have no shame, no pretense and no empathy and the Democrats have finally grown some balls to say enough is enough.

What I can’t quite figure out, though, is where

the money is. Usually Republican policies involve a way for special interests to get richer/more powerful. I’m not sure what the upside is here. Anyone?

Originally posted on Facebook

Engaged to Aliya

Added on by Chris Saad.

I found Aliya on Bumble just after coming back to Australia from Silicon Valley - October 2017. I thought she was gorgeous. So not wanting to leave our connection to chance, I made the risky decision to do something I’d never done before; find her on Facebook and send her a *wave*. It was one of those things that could have been disastrous but, to my surprise and delight, she was curious about me and optimistic about getting to know someone new. I later learned that this curiosity and optimism was a typical of her beautiful personality.

So rather than be wary or skeptical, she enthusiastically wrote back “hello, how are you?”.

After a few days of small-talk, we committed to meeting up “one day soon”.

 It turned out we didn’t have to wait too long. She messaged me spontaneously after some errands in the city near my apartment. When I texted back suggesting we meet at a coffeehouse-style café chain called the Coffee Club, her reply was an immediate and emphatic “no way! I’m not meeting you at the Coffee Club.”

That was my first real impression of her. A snooty, stubborn and combative woman who was likely to be extremely frustrating to hang out with. I figured there was no way this could go very far.

Instead, what I’ve come to understand is that Aliya is actually a person of high integrity, tenacity with a clear, articulate voice that she shares with strangers and loved ones alike. She lights up any room she walks into and makes fast friends of the people who come into her life - however briefly.

Our first date was pretty typical. We both talked a million miles an hour about our strengths, weaknesses, frustrations and flirtations. I was immediately struck by how clever and entrepreneurial she was - defying the limitations of her circumstances at every turn.

Our second and third dates, however, were a little more unusual.

On our second date Aliya insisted that my dishes musn’t stay dirty in the sink, so she did them for me. Then she insisted on taking me shopping for new clothes because, apparently, my limited wardrobe was insufficient for a man of my age and a potential boyfriend.

On our third date, Aliya took me to shop for essentials for my apartment because, apparently, it was very bare and not homey.

While some people might find these observations and excursions to be odd or confronting (especially from someone you had just met!), I found them extremely endearing and amusing, and eventually came to understand them as an early glimpse into to the truth of our relationship: We make each other better people.

We help each other to see the other’s blind spots and proactively work together to grow and evolve as partners in crime. In only a relatively short time, we have organized and navigated parties, birthdays, staycations, apartment renovations, budgets, purchasing cars, religious/cultural differences, future plans for children and so much more with the kind of levity and spirit of cooperation that one could only dream of when thinking of their future partner. More than this, though, we’ve pushed each other to consider new perspectives and try new things far outside our respective comfort zones.

But really, when it’s all said and done, my favorite part of our time together is the quiet little moments, cuddled up, showing her my favorite TV shows - especially Star Trek.

I can’t wait to spend my life with this beautiful and thoughtful woman as husband and wife.

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One final note: I hope you enjoy the cheesy engagement video (that my amazing friend Jacob Beemer made for us) where you can get the obligatory glimpse of the ring and Aliya’s new, inexplicable and persistent head itch that seems to only be satisfied when scratched with her left hand. Send medical help!

Click the link below to watch

Originally posted on Facebook

Saying Goodbye to 2018

Added on by Chris Saad.

It’s been year of recalibration, rebalancing and reframing.

When I landed in Australia from Silicon Valley over a year ago, I was a very different man.

My brain was going a million miles an hour. My anticipation about what I wanted to do next was high. My expectations about who or what I was were hardened and immutable. I was alone.

Now, looking back, things have changed so much.

I’m spending more time in the moment - driving cars and enjoying sunshine. I’m much calmer about what comes next. My ideas about who and what I am - and what I want to be next - are much more malleable. I am no longer alone.

None of my individual character traits and focus areas, by themselves, has been radically changed. Each, in turn, has simply been softened and rebalanced a little. Collectively, though, I think this has made me a more well rounded and content human being.

Being in your home town is so different than being in a far away company town like San Francisco.

On a personal level: Where once I had no real/mandatory dependents (liberating but also isolating), I now have so many more family obligations (demanding but also gratifying) - Birthdays, Christmases, lunches. Where once I had nothing but work and attempting to decompress over the weekend with YouTube/Netflix, now I have time to relax, travel, think, and decide what I want to do next. I have time for more hobbies and more adventures.

On a professional level: Where once I would throw everything I had into one thing, now I have the luxury to do many things. I get to work on a wide range of companies and opportunities. I get to work from anywhere I want in the world. I get to help people avoid the mistakes I’ve made and fast forward to exciting futures! Nothing beats the feeling of seeing a founder’s eyes light up when you change the trajectory of their thinking and/or their company. (plug: I have some spots open for next year! Drop me a line)

I thought I’d experience a great deal of FOMO. In some ways I have - but not about being closer to the action. Rather it’s been about wanting to soak up more amazing experiences around the world. Beaches, driving roads, villas and views. There’s so much amazing life to live.

I’m so grateful for this year. I’m so grateful for the people who’ve been part of it and made it possible.

I know that next year is going to be even more exciting as I flex these new found muscles even more.

I also look forward to transitioning more from lone warrior to partner in crime.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Originally posted on Facebook

My Divorced Parents

Added on by Chris Saad.

Watching my father and mother (divorced for a decade) sitting alone on my deck talking like old friends makes me so proud of them. They have always been amazing role models to me and my brother - here showing how to continue to love and support each other despite the ups and downs of life. What’s more, this scene is not unusual in any way. They regularly hang out together along with my step dad, my brother and I for everyday events and special occasions.