About Me
Bridging deep technical expertise with practical innovation
I've spent 25+ years building foundational systems that scale, from early web pioneers to modern AI architectures. As an engineer, leader, and perpetual learner, I'm passionate about breaking down complex challenges into first principles and crafting solutions that stand the test of time.
Career Thread
My journey spans the evolution of modern software: from early Linux and Web technologies, through the dawn of cloud computing, to today's AI revolution. At each step, I've focused on identifying transformative technologies early and building systems that create lasting impact.
View my resume for a detailed look at my career and expertise:
Looking for Help?
My consulting firm, Tabletop Labs, delivers hands-on development and experienced technical leadership to organizations ready to evolve. Whether you need help building adaptable solutions that combine proven engineering with practical AI integration, or strategic guidance as you scale, we transform complex business challenges into measurable success.
Core Interests & Expertise
Technical Craftsperson
- Building scalable, maintainable systems
- Cloud-native architectures and distributed systems
- Data engineering and ML/AI implementation
- Early adoption of emerging technologies
- Striking the perfect balance between future-proof foundations and delivering immediate value
Hands-on Leader
- Growing diverse, multidisciplinary teams from ground up
- Leading by example with sleeves rolled up
- Building cultures of ownership where accountability meets autonomy
- Fostering open collaboration with a "disagree and commit" mindset, always anchored in customer obsession
Startup Builder & Advisor
- Leading startups from inception through successful exits
- Guiding founders through critical technical decisions and growth
- Providing strategic CTO guidance to early-stage companies
- Turning technical vision into market advantages (6+ M&A successes)
Thought Leadership
- Writing at Pseudorandom Bits about technology trends and engineering insights
- Exploring the intersection of traditional engineering and modern AI
- Breaking down complex technical concepts
- Sharing lessons learned from decades in the field
On the Personal Side
Family & Adventure
- Blessed with an incredible wife and three amazing kids (8-14) who keep life wonderfully unpredictable while bouncing from field to field, & court to court
- Mountain enthusiast in all seasons - carving powder on a snowboard or shredding single-track on two wheels
- Beach days and camping trips fuel our family's outdoor spirit
- Living for those perfect moments when nature, family, and adventure align
Maker & Creator
- From cloud to PIDs, I love spending time manipulating atoms - soldering circuits, programming microcontrollers, and bringing hardware ideas to life
- Sonic explorer traversing the spectrum, from soulful Strat bends to sampled beats and otherworldly FM synthesis
- 3D printing enthusiast turning digital dreams into physical reality, one layer and failed print at a time
- Avid sci-fi reader who loves imagining tomorrow's possibilities while building today's solutions
Writing and Thought Leadership
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Where to Find Me
Email | mike@mikestanley.org |
Calendar | |
Phone | (203) 998-5674 |
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Github | |
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