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Donald Frederick, PhD

Problems ⋂ Solutions

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.

€60M+/yr revenue stabilized90% infra cost cutClean Architecture at scale

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.

About

PhD/MS University of ChicagoHarvard 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.

Full Background

Interested in executive leadership or advisory?

I take a limited number of executive and architecture mandates for mission-driven organizations.