We sit down with Priya, founder of the decentralized tech community Fractal. Priya shares her journey from isolation and career uncertainty to building an interconnected network that feels like living on a college campus. Discover how Fractal has grown from hosting dinners in New York to expanding internationally, providing spaces for activities, classes, and co-living. Priya also discusses her upbringing in Palo Alto, the impact of having a social hub at home, and the pivotal moments that shaped her life, including her transition to software engineering. Learn actionable insights on building your community from zero, finding fulfilling work, and creating supportive networks. Whether you're feeling isolated or looking to enhance your social capital, this episode offers invaluable advice on creating a life rich in connections and happiness.
00:00 Introduction to Priya and Fractal
01:54 The Growth of Fractal Communities
05:16 Personal Reflections and Early Influences
08:00 Challenges and Growth in Early Adulthood
11:51 Discovering Software Engineering
13:54 Building Community and Finding Purpose
19:00 Starting a Subculture: Fractal U
19:44 Fractal's Campus Accelerator Program
19:58 Coding Bootcamp and Career Transformation
20:27 How to Start Hosting
21:54 Overcoming Perfectionism in Hosting
23:01 The Importance of Friendship Hours
24:39 Navigating Rock Bottoms and Seeking Help
26:33 The Value of Social Capital
30:16 The Concept of Senius and Historical Examples
34:14 Personal Reflections and Chris' Rock Bottom
35:05 A Note on Parenting