Seeing like an outsider, with Yatharth

Complex Systems with Patrick McKenzie (patio11)

In this episode, Yatharth (@askyatharth), a graduate student and software engineer, turns the tables to interview Patrick McKenzie (@patio11) about cultural codes, writing, and AI. Patrick shares how his early experiences fighting credit report errors and navigating cross-cultural business environments led to his distinctive approach to understanding and writing about institutional systems. The conversation spans from Patrick's methodical exploration of banking infrastructure to his predictions about LLMs, weaving in personal stories about dating, parenthood, and bridging American and Japanese cultures along the way.
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Full transcript available here: www.complexsystemspodcast.com/outside-view-yatharth/

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Sponsor: Check

Check is the leading payroll infrastructure provider and pioneer of embedded payroll. Check makes it easy for any SaaS platform to build a payroll business, and already powers 60+ popular platforms. Head to checkhq.com/complex and tell them patio11 sent you.

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Links:

• Yatharth’s writing https://itsyatharth.substack.com/
• Rules for Radicals by Saul Alinsky https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rules_for_Radicals
• Dave Kasten on Complex Systems https://open.spotify.com/episode/66SSmxK2Kpyef7WUxXxS6w?si=5EZYfZ7gThG8WV7hSs1aFQ
• Lars Doucet on Complex Systems https://open.spotify.com/episode/2XQjSGCfW6XIu1AFB4oZeR?si=n3C28PymT6m7pPqFb2NE8Q
• Bits about Money: https://www.bitsaboutmoney.com/

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Twitter:
@askyatharth
@patio11

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro
(01:30) Patrick's early interest in credit cards
(03:53) Navigating financial challenges
(05:10) Becoming a financial advisor
(10:35) Cultural and educational insights
(18:57) Sponsor: Check
(22:14) Personal stories and reflections
(25:48) Parenting and cultural integration
(33:26) Writing and storytelling journey
(37:35) Translating financial systems for a new audience
(39:08) The role of AI in writing and style transfer
(40:46) The concept of alpha in writing
(44:48) Legal advice and AI's role
(52:12) The impact of AI on bureaucratic systems
(01:04:22) Reflections on government software and policy
(01:13:49) Sabbatical insights and future interests
(01:18:52) Wrap

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