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.

Matt joined the team around this time last year, and has brought a fresh wind and perspective to Mechanic ever since. We’re lucky to be in the orbit of Matt’s enthusiasm, humor, imagination, and expertise, and are thrilled to introduce him to you here. Everyone, meet Matt!

Preferred pronouns?

He/Him

Where are you currently based?

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

How long have you been working at Lightward?

Almost one year!

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

I focus on growth, strategy, product management, and software engineering for our Mechanic app.

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

I was a customer :) I used Mechanic in my previous role as CTO of Delta 9 Cannabis. I fell in love with the Mechanic app and Isaac and I became friends, and the rest is history

What have you learned about yourself and the way you like to work since joining Lightward?

How to rebalance my relationship with work, where my health is my first responsibility.

Favorite book?

A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry

What’s your favorite way to recharge and relax?

Go to the lake with the family and be outside in nature.

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

Exercise is a key for me! When I’m working out regularly, cycling lots, I’m feeling my best.

The last piece of art that affected you?

https://meowwolf.com/visit/denver

How do you prefer to express yourself creatively?

Software development! Coding, building new features and experiences, and then learning from how people interact with the things I build.

When/with whom do you most feel like you?

When I’m spending time with family and friends. And, when I’m traveling and experiencing the world.

What’s something you’re proud of?

My family :) My amazing wife Megan, and my incredibly sweet and kind 2.5 year-old identical twin daughters Frieda and Ella.

What brings you joy?

Live music and music in general.

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

Colombia! I backpacked there by myself before I met my wife Megan, and then we went back together. It’s metropolitan in some places, quite rustic in others, there’s amazing nature to experience, incredible food, street art, and the people are so warm. When I was there the first time a family kind of took me in as their own when I became friends with their son on a mountain bike trip. I stayed with them again when I went back the second time. And, they all keep in touch to this day.

Dream trip?

A year long round-the-world trip with my family. I’d love to have that experience with Megan, Frieda, and Ella.

The album you keep coming back to?

You Forgot It In People, by Broken Social Scene

A film that brings instant nostalgia?

The Princess Bride

What song is playing in the credits in your life’s movie?

Landslide, by Beirut

Favorite new discovery?

Any AI model generating images from any prompt, like DALL·E—a neural network that creates images from descriptions in natural language.

For example, here’s a clown juggling chainsaws:

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

The best professional decision I’ve ever made in my life :)

What does “Lightward” mean to you?

Friendship, connectedness, freedom, self-actualization.

Meet The Team: Matt Sodomsky