The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source

Building Reflect at sea (Interview)

Aug 27, 2022

In this engaging discussion, Alex MacCaw, founder and CEO of Clearbit, shares his adventurous journey transitioning back to early-stage startups with his new note-taking app, Reflect. He recounts his thrilling Atlantic sailing trip aboard a catamaran, facing challenges and finding unique solutions for internet connectivity at sea. The conversation delves into optimizing productivity, the art of concise note-taking, and the joys of building software that enhances user experience, blending personal fulfillment with innovation.

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ANECDOTE

Sailing the Atlantic

Alex MacCaw bought a catamaran in South Africa and sailed it across the Atlantic.
The 30-day journey was powered primarily by wind, using the engine for only two days.

INSIGHT

Boat Life as a Spaceship

Life on a sailboat is like being in a spaceship; you're responsible for your own life support.
Fixing a broken water maker mid-ocean highlighted the need for practical skills in the world of atoms.

ANECDOTE

Atlantic Crossing Challenges

Accurate weather forecasts via satellite internet made the Atlantic crossing straightforward, despite occasional worries.
Sailing at night with no starlight or moon was a little freaky, increasing the risk of collisions.

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This week we’re talking with Alex MacCaw — he’s well known for his work as founder and CEO of Clearbit. In May of 2021, Alex shared a personal update with the world on his blog. After much reflection, he decided to step down as CEO of Clearbit to go back to his roots. In his words, “I love the early stages of company building. Hacking together code, setting up the Stripe account, getting the first customer. That’s my jam.”

We talk with Alex about this portion of his journey at Clearbit, the Catamaran he bought in South Africa and then sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, and the new thing he’s building called Reflect that let’s you keep track of your notes, books, and meetings.

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Featuring:

Alex MacCaw – Website, GitHub, X
Adam Stacoviak – Website, GitHub, LinkedIn, Mastodon, X
Jerod Santo – GitHub, LinkedIn, Mastodon, X

Show Notes:

Something missing or broken? PRs welcome!