Donald Frederick, PhD
Engineering leader and founder building systems where technology meets flourishing. From PropTech to AI, I modernize, stabilize, and scale mission-driven and profit-driven businesses.
Designing Systems Like Nature
As a neuroscientist turned engineering leader, I take cues from nature's most resilient systems. Brains, ecosystems, and organizations thrive when they are:
Modular
Parts specialized, but connected. Like neural networks, each component has clear responsibilities while maintaining seamless integration.
Adaptive
Capable of incremental change without collapse. Systems that evolve gracefully under pressure, maintaining core function while adapting to new demands.
Observable
Signals and feedback visible at every layer. Like biological systems, healthy technology provides clear indicators of state and performance.
I build technology the same way: organic, lean, and durable. Systems that grow naturally, adapt to change, and provide clear visibility into their operation.
Philosophy
Problems ⋂ Solutions
Separate fundamental vs. accidental complexity. Focus on what matters.
Ship of Theseus
"Rebuild the ship while at sea." Modernize without stopping the business.
Black Box → Transparency
"Engineering should never be a black box." Make systems observable to leadership.
Mission ∧ Profit
"Flourishing is the mission. Profit is the proof." Align purpose with performance.
Areas of Focus
Revenue Infrastructure & Billing
Solution: Multi-tenant Stripe/Salesforce platform with automation
Outcome: Revenue stabilized, €1M+ recovered, 100% API waste eliminated
Harvard Research & Consulting
Solution: Flourishing.app platform + executive consulting practice
Outcome: Harvard affiliation, mission-driven technology implementations
AI Tooling & Team Optimization
Solution: AI-powered tooling (amai.mx) + lean team methodologies
Outcome: Multiplied team productivity, reduced operational overhead
Venture Building & Innovation
Solution: Altman-funded biotech, IndieBio accelerator, nonprofit leadership
Outcome: Multiple successful ventures, proven founder-operator track record
About
PhD/MS University of Chicago • Harvard postdoc • Altman-funded founder
Former biotech founder (IndieBio), Blackstone nonprofit leader, and Harvard-affiliated researcher. Known for SOR discipline, AI leverage, and mentoring high-performing engineering teams.
I operate at the intersection of rigorous academic thinking and pragmatic business execution, building systems that serve both mission and profit.
Interested in executive leadership or advisory?
I take a limited number of executive and architecture mandates for mission-driven organizations.