I’ve always been guided by a core set of values that help me navigate life’s myriad challenges and opportunities. These values – curiosity, authenticity, and perseverance – have served as my moral compass and have deeply influenced my personal and professional journey, including the creation and growth of Bonsai.

Curiosity has been a defining characteristic of mine from an early age. It drives me to continually seek new knowledge and experiences, and to look at the world with a sense of wonder and possibility. This constant hunger for understanding was instrumental in my journey to create Bonsai. It led me to question existing norms and to explore innovative approaches to problem-solving. Whether I’m digging into AI research or exploring new ways to enhance our users’ experiences, curiosity fuels my relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation.

Authenticity is equally important to me. I firmly believe in being true to oneself and standing by one’s beliefs and values, even when they aren’t popular or easy. Authenticity, to me, means being honest, transparent, and genuine in all my interactions. This value is reflected in how we’ve built Bonsai – a platform committed to transparency and that encourages users to explore and express their authentic selves.

Perseverance, the third value, is about resilience and a never-give-up attitude. It’s about facing challenges head-on, learning from them, and moving forward. The road to creating Bonsai has been paved with challenges – from technical hurdles to market uncertainties. But with each challenge, we’ve learned, adapted, and emerged stronger. This relentless spirit is imbued in Bonsai’s DNA.

One instance where these values guided my decision was when Bonsai was in its initial stages. Despite uncertainties and naysayers, my curiosity pushed me to explore the untapped potential of AI in helping people learn and grow. My commitment to authenticity ensured we built a platform that is transparent and genuine in its goal to help users. And, of course, perseverance kept me going amidst challenges.

Over time, these values have evolved and deepened, often prompted by life experiences and learnings. While the essence remains, my understanding and application of these values have become more nuanced and mature.

Implementing these values consistently is not always easy, and I do face obstacles. It’s a continuous process of learning, adapting, and evolving. When conflicts arise, I try to navigate them with grace and wisdom, always guided by these three North Stars.

These values shape every facet of my life, including how I interact with others. Whether I’m engaging with our users, leading my team, or interacting with friends and family, I strive to be curious, authentic, and perseverant. This approach helps me build meaningful relationships and create a positive impact.

These values aren’t just personal beliefs; they are the guiding principles of Bonsai. As we continue our journey, we remain committed to fostering a culture of curiosity, authenticity, and perseverance in everything we do.