The journey of Steph Ango and Obsidian CEO

Steph Ango, widely known as kepano, has one of the most interesting paths in the productivity software world. From being a passionate user of Obsidian to eventually becoming its CEO, his story highlights how deep engagement with a tool and its community can lead to leadership opportunities. Today, Obsidian stands as a powerful note-taking app in the “second brain” space, offering an alternative to mainstream productivity platforms while staying true to its core philosophy.

Obsidian CEO on building community over AI

Unlike many productivity tools racing to integrate AI into their systems, Steph Ango emphasizes the importance of community. Under his leadership, Obsidian has grown into a knowledge platform shaped by its users rather than dictated by technology trends. Its Markdown-based system and local file storage reflect a user-first approach, giving people complete control over their data. This philosophy has built trust and loyalty among its community, making Obsidian unique in a competitive landscape.

Why Obsidian CEO’s approach stands out

Steph Ango’s leadership reflects a different vision for productivity software. Obsidian does not prioritize user metrics or aggressive growth strategies—in fact, the CEO admits he doesn’t track how many people use the app. Instead, the focus remains on giving individuals tools to manage their knowledge effectively, with premium features like cross-device sync, publishing, and version history offered at a fair subscription model. This old-school yet refreshing approach resonates with users who value independence and ownership.

Lessons from the Obsidian CEO for creators and founders

The rise of Steph Ango from superfan to CEO underscores the value of authenticity in leadership. His story proves that great products are often built not by chasing trends, but by deeply understanding user needs and nurturing a supportive community. For entrepreneurs and creators, the Obsidian journey serves as a reminder that long-term trust and meaningful engagement can be more powerful than short-term hype.