Hello. I'm Joe. ๐
Passionate Explorer
After 8 years in product management, I left my stable job to study Technology Innovation Management (TIM) at Carleton University in Canada, eager for growth and new experiences. ๐จ๐ฆ
Experienced PM
In my last job, I enhanced the efficiency of Restaurant POS System service teams and designed tools for commercial restaurant hardware. My career began designing smartphone systems at my dream company. ๐ฝ๏ธ๐ฑ๐ป
Curious Technologist
I bridge the physical and digital worlds, applying tech like ChatGPT practically. My daily use of AI and creation of custom GPTs demonstrate my dedication to solving real-world problems through technology. ๐
Beyond work, I enjoy computer games ๐ฎ, anime ๐บ, reading ๐, podcasts ๐ง, cycling ๐ดโโ๏ธ, and travelling ๐.
Thanks for visiting! I hope you enjoy exploring my blog. ๐
Why did I create this page?
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1
๐ Beyond interviews
A single-page resume or an extensive interview isn't enough to truly know a person. This page offers a structured introduction to me and my perspective. However, I believe true understanding comes from working or living together.
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๐ค AI Interaction
Sharing my thoughts, ideas, and past experiences helps AI assistants understand me better.
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๐ Inspired by Paul Graham
Paul Graham's essay inspired me. He recommends a generic launch for the same purposes. Get your product out there, see who seems to like it most, and then reach out to those users.
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๐ฃ๏ธ English Practice
I use this page for English speaking practice, aiming to fluently present its the content. Since I'm not strong in interviews, this serves as preparation.
My Recent Articles
Read the full articles by clicking on the cards below.
200 Days in Canada
Today marks exactly 200 days since I arrived in Canada. Time really flies!
Read more
2024: A Bold Year of Explore
2024 was a bold decision year for meโmore joy, confidence, reflection, and optimism than ever before!
Read more
Two Years with ChatGPT: A Personal Reflection
Time fliesโanother year has passed since ChatGPT's release. Happy birthday, ChatGPT! ๐
Read more
Work: A Personal Reflection
Work is a vast topic that raises many questions: Should I work? What is the meaning of work?
Read more
Honeymoon in Canada โ My first month in Ottawa
I want to capture my reflections, feelings, memories, and experiences from my first month in Ottawa.
Read more
First Impressions of Ottawa: Exceeding Expectations
I arrived in Ottawa a week ago, and in short, it has exceeded my expectations.
Read moreMy Tech Stack
๐ฅ๏ธ Hardware
Windows PC
For gaming and relaxation at home. (But I left it at my hometown after I move to Canada๐ญ)
MacBook Pro (M3 Max with 36GB RAM)
Purchased in August during my trip to Akihabara, Japan, where prices are cheaper.
iPhone 13 Pro
My primary device. I plan to upgrade to iPhone 16 Pro this Black Friday.
Nothing Phone (1)
My backup device.
Yes. I am an individual who uses Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android simultaneously. ๐ค
๐ป Software
Social Media & Communication
Audio & Video
Note-Taking
Productivity
Browser
File Management
โค๏ธ Favourites
Anime
Computer Games
Podcasts
Books
My Use of AI
๐ก Since December 3, 2022, I've been using ChatGPT almost daily to explore and adopt this groundbreaking technology.
โจ My use of AI is driven by personal scenarios and individual needs, which I believe is the most important principle. Additionally, I adhere to three other principles from Ethan Mollick's book, Co-Intelligence:
- Be the human in the loop. ๐งโ๐ป
- Treat AI like a person. ๐ฃ๏ธ
- Assume it's the worst AI you'll ever use. ๐ค
As of October 2024, I have launched 21 of my own GPTs, with 2 reaching over 25K+ conversations, 2 reaching over 10K+ conversations.
Personal Assistant
I've transformed guidance documents and FAQs into GPTs via our company's internal platform, making it easy for colleagues to consult my assistant first with relevant questions.
Translation
In international projects, we use a dedicated translation assistant with human proofreading to address multilingual translation issues.
Copy Optimization
This GPT helps me optimize convoluted Chinese copy to make it smoother.
Tech Advisor
This GPT provides basic answers to all tech-related questions.
Table Transformer
With the help of this GPT, I can use SQL to fetch data after clearly describing my requirements. It also helps me handle unfamiliar Excel functions.
Performance Review Assistant
Help colleagues optimize their performance review drafts to save time on text processing. Achieved #1 on our internal GPTs platform in one weekend!
My Traits
My MBTI type is INFJ. ๐ฟ๐ While I get easily nervous and struggle with mental composure in formal situations, I balance this with persistence and a passion for my interests. ๐
Of course, I can experience burnout too, leading me to sometimes want to do nothing but stay at home playing games or watching series. After all, I'm only human!
Passionate
Passion is my greatest trait. Before engaging in any activity, I try to ensure I am fully convinced and then dive in with enthusiasm. The examples below illustrate how passion has guided me on this journey.
Persistence
Passion must be paired with persistence to achieve long-term goals. My persistence enabled me to join my dream company right after graduation and successfully execute my "Five-Year Plan."
Curious
I'm deeply interested in new customer technology. My explorative spirit is evident in my articles and my upcoming life in North America. I am always eager to learn, grow, and embrace new experiences.
Pragmatic and Humble
I believe in a pragmatic approach, focusing on facts and clear communication. As a jack-of-all-trades, I gain deeper understanding through hands-on experience, ensuring I stay grounded and realistic.
Professional Experience
I worked to improve the efficiency of the Restaurant Point of Sale & Management System service teams. During this period, I gained a deep understanding of product management principles, practiced a customer-centric approach, and deepened my knowledge of digitalization.
Key Achievements:
- Provided a stable and user-friendly commercial operating system for over 1 million Android cash registers.
- Built a remote device health status system with the IoT cloud platform team, significantly improving service team efficiency.
- Designed a full-featured Android cash register and peripheral devices detection tool, allowing remote resolution of previously on-site issues, saving significant service costs.
- Applied for three patents during the process of developing service tools.
Major Projects:
Custom POS Station Operating System
Led the development of a custom Android-based operating system for restaurant POS stations, shifting from research-focused to professional product management. Implemented clear product direction, software customization, and process standardization.
Meituan Restaurant SaaS Hardware
IT Service Tool System for Restaurant SaaS
Developed specialized IT service tools to enhance service quality and reduce costs. Created innovative solutions like the printer IP configuration tool that saved approximately $200,000 annually by reducing on-site visits.
My first job was at Smartisan Technology, which greatly influenced my professional career and was my dream company during my university years. I became interested in product management because of this company.
Smartisan T1
Key Achievements:
- Contributed to 5 smartphones and OS versions during R&D iteration and presentation.
- Delivered 3 major software iterations of HandShaker, achieving an average rating of 4.67 on the Mac App Store.
- Responsible for product planning and design of system settings, file management, and system UI modules.
Personal Growth:
- Boosted my self-confidence and showed me that I could achieve my dream with persistence.
- Gained deep respect for hardware products and understanding that product alone is not enough.
- Developed valuable connections with talented colleagues and gained insights into entrepreneurship.
Read more about my memories with this company: ๐ฑ The 10th Anniversary of the Smartisan T1 Release
My Timeline
๐ก The seemingly unrelated points in life will eventually be connected as a line sometime in the future. All the dots will connect.
1994
Born.
2012
College entrance exam scores were not expected, chose to leave Sichuan for university due to family reasons; attended the university recommended by a World of Warcraft friend I met in Shanghai, became class president; started using a Xiaomi smartphone.
2013
Discovered Smartisan OS and the profession of product manager. Used my PPT skills to demonstrate Smartisan OS features, establishing contact with the company.
2015
Secured an internship at Smartisan Technology, my dream company, and moved to Beijing.
2018
Left Smartisan Technology, had my first formal interview, joined Meituan and started working on B2B products. Visited Taiwan, experiencing a different Chinese-speaking world.
2019
Visited Singapore, reinforcing my determination to learn English. Developed a "Five-Year Plan" to prepare for immigration by age 30.
2022
First IELTS attempt scored 6.5. Applied to schools in Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, and Canada. Got a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa. ChatGPT was released at the end of the year.
2023
Received several school offers but had to delay a year due to dental implant. Went to New Zealand, confirmed English proficiency for everyday communication, applied for a Canadian study permit. Created several GPTs during the AI boom.
2024
Got the dental implant and Canadian study permit on the same day. Resigned in mid-July, moved to Canada in late August.
"That where we come from is who we are, but we choose every day who we become. My family's not perfect, but they made me who I am and gave me chances that they never had. My future, whatever it is, is our shared legacy." โ Hillbilly Elegy
๐ Move to Canada
๐จ๐ฆ Why Canada?
- I want to gain new experiences.
- I am optimistic about technological advancements.
- My current circumstances allow it.
It's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Everywhere has its downsides, and it's hard to get everything you want. Only after experiencing things for yourself can you make a choice. Life isn't interesting if you can see the end from the beginning.
My Goals in Canada
- Improve my English to handle work and daily life.
- Being economically established, as I am in Beijing.
- Make something wonderful.
๐ That's me in a nutshell! I'm excited to connect with others in Canada who share my passion for learning, personal growth, and diverse experiences. Again, thanks for stopping by, and I hope something here resonates with you!