About Me
I’m Jonathan McKay. I’ve been keeping a journal since 1999, and this site is a curated selection of entries that might interest the curious.
What You’ll Find Here
Essays and reflections on:
- Technology & Work: Stories from Facebook, OpenAI, GitHub/Microsoft, and other tech companies
- International Experience: Living and working in China, Saudi Arabia, and serving in the U.S. Foreign Service
- Language Learning: The journey of learning Mandarin Chinese
- Parenting: Raising three kids (Theo, Ren, and Aurora)
- Adventure: Motorcycle trips, travel, and the occasional wreck
- Philosophy: Stoicism, mindfulness, and making sense of life
Background
I’ve worked at the intersection of technology, policy, and international affairs. My career has taken me from the U.S. State Department to Silicon Valley and back again. I speak Mandarin, enjoy long motorcycle rides, and practice Zenstoic philosophy.
About This Site
These entries are drawn from over 4,300 journal entries spanning 1999-present. They’re presented largely as written, with minimal editing. The goal is simple: tell my story, if only to myself, but also let the curious get to know me.
If you’d like to reach out, you can find me on LinkedIn or GitHub.