About Mike
Hi, I'm Mike Sweatt — a husband, father, and engineer who's spent over 15 years figuring out how complex systems work, from the locomotives that move our goods to the electric vehicles in our driveways.
But here's why I really write: We're living through one of the most fascinating periods in human history. Technology is reshaping everything from how we move around cities to how we think about work itself. As someone who's spent more than a decade inside these changes—designing the systems that power our world—I have a front-row seat to what's coming next.
I believe in thinking systematically about life, not just engineering problems. Success isn't just about financial outcomes—it's about building a foundation across health, skills, relationships, and yes, finances too. This holistic approach guides how I tackle everything from system architecture at work to the topics I choose to explore here.
And I think we need to talk about it.
Why I Share
I believe that knowledge and experience come with responsibility. If you've been fortunate enough to learn something valuable—whether it's about engineering, career growth, or navigating life's challenges—you owe it to others to share what you've discovered.
This isn't about having all the answers. It's about contributing to the conversations that matter. Here's what drives me to share my journey:
Meaningful Discussion
Important discussions about AI, systems, and staying human in an automated world that will impact future generations.
Beyond the How
Moving past just 'how to solve' toward 'why we build' and 'what if we tried differently'
Thinking Process
Sharing not just conclusions, but the frameworks, questions, and mistakes that lead to understanding
My Approach
Whether I'm evaluating system architectures or deciding if this new AI tool is worth the hype, I use the same systematic framework I've developed over the years. I think of decision-making through four interconnected pillars—each one informing the others:
- •Health First - Physical and mental well-being drives everything else. Can I sustain this approach? Does it reduce or add stress?
- •Skills Development - What specialized and soft skills does this require or build? How does it expand my capabilities?
- •Network & Relationships - How does this affect my relationships and reputation? Can it help others or strengthen connections?
- •Financial Impact - What are the economic implications, both short and long-term? But this comes last, not first.
- •Sustained by Habits - All of this only works through consistent, daily practices that reinforce these priorities.
This framework keeps me grounded whether I'm architecting a locomotive control system or deciding what to write about next. You'll see this holistic thinking woven throughout my posts—because the best technical decisions consider the full system, not just the code.
What I Share
I've learned that the most valuable insights come from wrestling with the hardest questions. When you push yourself to understand complex, uncomfortable, or rapidly-changing topics, you unlock perspectives that wouldn't emerge from staying in comfortable territory.
These aren't just topics I write about—they're the challenges I'm actively grappling with to understand where we're headed. Each represents a piece of the larger puzzle of how humans and technology will co-evolve. You'll find thoughts on:
Engineering Mindset
How to approach complex problems with systematic thinking and creative solutions
AI Insights
Practical perspectives on AI tools and their real-world impact on how we work and live
Personal Growth
Career lessons, leadership experiences, and navigating the ever-changing tech landscape
Life Lessons
Balancing career ambitions with family life, and the wisdom gained along the journey
Where I Think We're Headed
I believe we're in the early stages of the biggest transformation since the Industrial Revolution. AI isn't just automating tasks—it's changing how we think about intelligence itself. Transportation isn't just going electric—it's becoming autonomous, connected, and fundamentally different. Work isn't just going remote—it's being redefined entirely.
But here's what I've learned from building complex systems: the future isn't predetermined. It's being shaped by thousands of decisions made by people like us, every day. The more we understand these forces, the better we can navigate them—and maybe even influence them.
My hope is that we can build this future thoughtfully—with the same systematic approach I try to bring to everything else. Success in this transformation won't just be measured by financial metrics or technological capabilities. It'll be measured by whether we maintain our health and relationships, whether we continue growing and learning, and whether we use our advantages to lift others up rather than leave them behind.
That's why I share my journey here. Because I believe the conversations we have today about technology, work, and responsibility will determine whether this transformation makes life better for everyone—or just a few.