Nolan Frausto — CTO, writer, and builder.
Trying to figure out how to pursue a better life without confusing ambition with worth, or progress with purpose. Thoughts on technology, work, people, whimsy, and life.
AI is an incredibly powerful tool, but it also makes it easy not to think while producing something that looks very much like thinking. The result is faster output, worse handoffs, and an organizational process that slowly spirals into slop.
Boring tech does not imply boring products or ancient languages. Boring simply means minimal surprises.
On bad code, unnecessary contempt, and the difference between criticizing a system and contributing to its improvement.
I'm Nolan. I'm a CTO, software engineer, writer, husband, and dad living in the Bay Area.
I've spent most of my career building software, products, and engineering teams. I'm interested in technology and AI, but probably more interested in the people building them, the organizations that form around them, and all the strange ways things go right and wrong.
Outside of work, I write, travel, read sci-fi and fantasy, occasionally play piano, play too many games, and spend a lot of time thinking about ambition, family, creativity, and what makes a life feel meaningful.
This site is where I put some of those thoughts.
There isn't really a theme beyond things I find interesting, things I can't leave alone, and things I want to remember.
Newsletter
Occasional essays on technology, work, people, and life. No spam, unsubscribe whenever.