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 across technology, policy, and international affairs. I led growth for ChatGPT at OpenAI, founded the team that combats information operations on Facebook, and served in Iraq for the U.S. State Department. I speak Mandarin, and rusty Arabic. I founded and run a real estate company focused on affordable housing in Washington and Montana. I like motorcycle rides and Starcraft, 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.