Marshall Shen

Just-in-time optimization

In any startups we have too many things that need to get done. Whenever we take on a task, we do the best we can to accomplish that task, and we embed repeatable, best practices...

10 Aug 2020

The success of a startup depends on its people, culture, and product-market fit. As a startup grows, culture evolves. At an early stage of a startup, it’s vital to have a strong cultural foundation and...

29 Jul 2020

Zooming in and out

The mind is like a telescope. It can zoom in to an idea for details or zoom out and see a big picture. We unconsciously do these two actions all the time, and our quality...

12 Jul 2020

Manage tight timelines

Tight timelines are common in the technology industry. In a world where technology is everywhere, speed and quality are essential elements of a successful company. Delivering sophisticated products with speed and quality requires collaboration and...

11 Jun 2020

Yes, and..

Comedy improvisation (improv) is a popular art form in Chicago. During an improv show, actors take a random suggestion and develop a story on the spot. A master improviser has an extraordinary ability to listen...

30 May 2020

On pursuit

The idea of pursuit dominates the psyche of modern society. Countries pursue GDP, which should always increase. Companies pursue revenue and profit, which should ever grow. Driven individuals want to maximize their potentials, and we...

19 May 2020

Compound knowledge

Compound interest is the 8th wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it; he who doesn’t, pays it. Albert Einstein In finance, the essential concept is the power of compound interest. It states...

10 May 2020

Embrace cycles

Cycles are all around us. Only when we are aware of them and seek to understand them, can we thrive with them. Cycles are the foundation of nature: climate has four seasons; oceans raise tides...

03 May 2020

Commit a lot while young

Time is the ultimate limited resource. When we are young - graduated from school, don’t have kids, and early in our careers - we have an abundance of time. It’s crucial to treasure that abundance...

27 Apr 2020

A roadmap of learning

古之欲明德于天下者，先治其国；欲治其国者，先齐其家；欲齐其家者，先修其身；欲修其身者，先正其心. 大学 To prosper the world, one must guide a nation. To guide a nation, one must nurture a community. To nurture a community, one must improve herself. To improve herself, one must follow her...

20 Apr 2020