I love my parents to death. But watching them argue is exhausting. All it takes is an innocent comment taken out of context for things to spiral into an argument. It's not that they don't love each other - they both seem to be trying really hard. Apparently, this happens when couples get stuck in "negative patterns". And the best way to fix them is to tackle fixing these patterns, together. So I built this tool that simulates a couple's argument - breaking it down into it's various components, showing where it all goes wrong, and let's you practice how to do it better. I got them to try it. And to my surprise... they started having fun. Laughing and teasing each other as they role-played as another couple. By doing this together, they could step outside of the "me vs. you" trap, and instead tackle things like a team. It also helped them reflect on their own relationship patterns - in a way that didn't feel like "work".

Building a company is hard. Building a relationship while doing it? Brutal. So @hulloitskai and I spent the last few months working with two founders in love. Sometimes they are thriving. Sometimes, they're grasping to hold on. What I’ve learned? The skills that make you a great founder don’t automatically make you a great partner. We optimize, but love isn’t an easy KPI to measure. We push through, but love can’t be brute-forced. We solve problems, but love isn’t a bug to fix. And yet—relationships can be built. Just like companies, they need systems. That’s why we’re launching HEARTWORK: a new experience where couples can have a date night that also helps with the "work." Because the truth is, you don’t have to choose between your ambition and your relationship. You just need better ways to do the work. Drop a ❤️ if you’ve ever felt this, and I’ll send you a link.

how well does hope do on twitter?

Something about Loblaw’s selling T&T brand Portuguese tarts feels very global-core

No story truly ever ends.

@internetvin That’s so cool

@internetvin I've been told i'm a good user

I did my undergrad in international development, and my masters in journalism. Turns out I'm real bad at choosing degrees

that's true - for anyone who's ever tried to submit an FOI request from the government (usually journalists), it's incredibly hard to get government on publicly available data. Though I don't think raw data always takes context into account. Kinda like when people complain about charities having too much overhead - leading to lower wages, crappier talent and in the end crappier outcomes.

If it turns out there's mass corruption in the agency that's meant to oversee international development work (aka charity work for the world's poorest) - then that's disgraceful behavior that should be stopped immediately. Though I think this is more about a shift in ideology around what we should be spending tax dollars on and/or what constitutes a justifiable charitable cause.

@_dcai @declangessel_ can't wait to see what's next

@sensefulronin @marshmarigold @imnormal____ @loopholekid @mishaglouberman @_benjaminparry @AbisolaOlaniyi @HiNaryan @dkazand @DanielTabakman @IvanVendrov Thanks for the shout out! sad I couldn't join office hours while i could :( what's next for ya"

Did I mention there’s a keyboard staircase? 🚶🏻🎹

I’m thinking of taking one of every type of tea I have and making MEGATEA

@MikeWigmore So basically my technique for all organization then

5 miles, one coffee, zero pressure. Join us at 8am, Starbucks near Dundas Sq., then let’s slip into the PATH for a mindful meander. #MindfulMiles RSVP:

In the late 2000’s, when I decided to do my undergraduate degree in International Development, I never in a million years thought that this sector would become center stage for any political activity. The budget seemed so small and the work seemed so non-trivial (like getting water and education to the world’s poorest) - I simply never imagined it would warrant any attention whatsoever. This morning, hearing about DOGE’s first moves being to dismantle USAID, just feels surreal. I’m not really here to get into the details over whether it’s an “evil” organization or to highlight the many unseen consequences that will happen when their programs are discontinued. I understand it now perfectly fits as the target of a DEI-elimination agenda. I’m just having a moment to reflect on how quickly the world continues to shift under my feet.

What’s happening?