TECHNICAL ENTREPRENEUR · ENGINEERING LEADER · WRITER

I build companies, teams and software. AI does the heavy lifting.

Twenty years shipping software millions of people use, including Gymshark's app through unicorn scale. I write What Actually Works, on getting more from AI across health, wealth, business and life.

WHAT ACTUALLY WORKS. FREE, WEEKLY.
Mark Darling seated, black and white studio portrait
ENGINEER · FOUNDER · OPERATOR

Two decades building the software real businesses run on.

I led the engineering that scaled a startup into a unicorn. I still lead and build every day, hands on the tools.

SHIPPED WITH
THE POINT

Most people use AI to vibe code a prototype or tidy up their inbox. Meanwhile it can plan your training, grow your money, run your business and buy back your time. The difference between a demo and a lever is engineering, and I've got twenty years of it. The point of the lever isn't more machine. It's more life: training, thinking, being there. I write for people who want that .

THE FOUR AREAS

AI isn't just for work. I point it at all four.

Same tool. Four very different results.

RECENT WRITING
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THE NEWSLETTER. FREE, EVERY WEEK.

What Actually Works.

One email a week on using AI across health, wealth, business and life. The name is the promise. If something didn't work, I say so.

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ABOUT ME

I test all of this on myself first.

I'm 46. I run a company and I've got a family. I use AI on my own health, money, work and time before I write a word about it. No theory and no coaching program. Just what works, tested on me first.

AI supports. It doesn't lead.

More about me
Mark Darling, black and white studio portrait
Mark Darling, 46
DERBYSHIRE, UK
WORK WITH ME

Got something serious? Tell me about it.

I'm not taking on projects, and I won't pitch you. But I'm always up for a good conversation. Here's where I'm useful.

Advisory

A few hours a month with founders and teams I rate. A sounding board, not a deck.

Speaking

Engineering leadership, scaling teams, building with AI. Conferences or your team, in person.

Partnerships

Building something in the same space? If it's interesting, let's talk.