Steph Ango
Minimalism, Design, and Technology in Service of More Human Productivity
Steph Ango is one of the most influential voices at the intersection of technology, design, and productivity. As the current CEO of Obsidian—one of the world’s most powerful tools for note-taking and digital thinking—he has championed an alternative vision to traditional productivity platforms: one that prioritizes privacy, flexibility, and long-term thinking.
Before leading Obsidian, Steph was part of the Tungsten team and has spent years building tools that respect user autonomy. His approach has always been clear: to create software that empowers, not controls. Under his leadership, Obsidian has grown rapidly to become a global reference for researchers, writers, students, and professionals who want to build their own "second brain" without relying on closed ecosystems or rigid structures.
His influence goes beyond product development. Steph is also a deep thinker in modern design and productivity, regularly sharing insights on how to organize personal knowledge in a lasting, decentralized, and thoughtful way. In a world where most tools prioritize speed and the superficial appearance of productivity, he advocates for a more artisanal, slow, and reflective model.
In addition to his technical contributions, Ango has inspired thousands to rethink how they use technology. He has promoted concepts like Digital Gardening, Zettelkasten, and the value of linked knowledge, helping shape a more conscious and sustainable productivity culture.
Today, Steph Ango is a key figure in the evolution of software for thought, and a reference point for those who believe productivity isn’t just about doing more—but about thinking better, with greater clarity and purpose.