Lightward is a direction, yes—and it’s also an energy. And rather than talk about that energy, we’d rather introduce you to the people who embody it, here—the people we get to work alongside on a daily basis.

Ken’s been on the Locksmith team here at Lightward almost since the very beginning. Fun fact: he was Lightward’s very first hire. His grounded, steady energy is both a gift and a force, and we’re excited for you to learn a little more about him here.

Preferred pronouns?

He/him

Where are you currently based?

Chicago

How long have you been working at Lightward?

6+ years

How would you describe the work you do here at Lightward? 

Supporting merchants and supporting us. This includes education in how our app works, and theme-level code fixes. I also help to identify what in the app needs fixing and/or updates, and how to prioritize them.

What was the impetus/curiosity for joining Lightward in the first place? 

At the time I was learning about web development, and trying to work my way into freelancing. Isaac was looking for someone to help support Locksmith, and a mutual friend brought me up. It was a part-time gig then.

What’s your favorite way to recharge and relax?

I get a lot out of solo travel. Walking, bicycling, and very long motorcycle trips are relaxing, even with their built-in hardships. More than anything, coming back to the breath is what centers me.

What’s an essential part of your rhythm that helps you connect to and show up with your most authentic self? 

I like to pause in the morning, after waking up. Without specific hours or a schedule it’s easy to dive into work right away. I make time for sitting, breathing, and then some movement.

The last piece of art that affected you? 

The book Blindsight by Peter Watts

How do you prefer to express yourself creatively? 

Writing, for myself. Acro-yoga and acrobatics with others.

Where/how do you tend to gather new ideas and put yourself in the way of expansion? 

My ideas seem to erupt when writing, and through conversation.

What supports your flow? 

Quiet, much of the time, but ambient music is helpful when I need a partial distraction. Sometimes, the only fix is to camp out at a busy cafe.

What’s a trait you appreciate about yourself? 

My desire to understand. Even when I fail to try to understand myself, others, or a situation, I like to think I usually come back to it later. I want to try to find whatever is closest to reality, even when it hurts. 

Favorite place you’ve ever traveled to, and why? 

The Great Basin of the Western USA. My mind likes to go back to that expansive high desert. Riding through that area, where I may be the only human in 500 square miles, is a welcome reminder of how small I am. 

What’s interesting to you right now? What are you exploring?

I’m working on an interactive art object, which involves displaying images of celestial objects. Some of those images will hopefully be a live view, directly from the sky. Others are public domain photographs from space or ground-based telescopes.

How would you describe your experience of working at Lightward so far?

A strong sense of autonomy. Confidence that we’ll prioritize our health and our evolving understanding of right-intent for what we put into the world.