2024: A Year of Growth, Challenges, and Opportunities

As I look back on 2024, it feels like a year that tested me in ways I never expected. It was a year of challenges, losses, and growth—both personally and professionally. While it wasn’t easy, it has left me with valuable lessons and a renewed sense of purpose.

Professional Challenges and Resilience

At the start of the year, my long-term contract at ZOLEO came to an unexpected end due to arbitration. It was disheartening to see a product I had worked on for over two years get shelved, especially after the effort my team and I put into building a robust design system. The experience, however, underscored the importance of resilient systems and the need for continuous stakeholder alignment.

The following months were marked by extensive job applications—over 200 in total. The process was tough: I was ghosted by more than 125 companies, received automatic rejections from 50, and waited over three months for generic rejection letters from others. Despite these setbacks, I stayed committed to improving my craft and showcasing my unique strengths.

Investing in Growth

Amid the challenges, I sought opportunities to grow and deepen my expertise:

• Design Systems Bootcamp: I completed a bootcamp with Molly Hellmuth on Maven, where I honed my knowledge of scalable, tokenized design systems.

• Tokens Studio: While working on projects with Samantha Gordashko, I focused on dimension tokens and number tokens, gaining a deeper understanding of their role in creating scalable systems.

• Writing and Sharing Knowledge: I wrote blog articles about design systems, naming conventions, and token ideation. These posts helped me clarify my thoughts and share my passion for efficient, inclusive design systems.

• Portfolio Refinement: I spent countless hours refining my portfolio. While it has undergone more iterations than I’d like to admit, it’s a testament to my commitment to presenting my best work.

Personal Milestones and Challenges

On a personal note, 2024 brought some incredible news: after three years of trying, my wife and I are expecting our first child! This miracle came after she began a new treatment for insulin resistance, complementing her journey as a type 1 diabetic of over 30 years. This moment has brought us immense joy and hope for the future.

However, the year also brought loss. Just last week, my father passed away after a 20-year battle with various cancers. While our relationship had grown distant over the years, his passing has left me reflecting deeply on the importance of time, connection, and pursuing what truly matters.

Looking Ahead

As I step into 2025, I’m filled with a mix of gratitude and determination. My experiences this year have strengthened my resolve to continue creating and contributing to impactful work. I’m passionate about design systems, scalable solutions, and tokenized workflows, and I’m eager to bring this expertise to a team that values innovation and collaboration.

If you’re looking for someone who thrives on building efficient, inclusive systems and is committed to growth and resilience, I’d love to connect. Here’s to a new year of opportunities, challenges, and meaningful work—together.