From MySpace nostalgia to Duolingo obsession, this Q&A with Up’s Head of Growth, Sebastian Neylan, is full of dad-life humor, product geekery, and spicy takes. Discover what’s clogging his camera roll, which brands he rates right now, and the DM that changed his life. It’s a mix of fun, insights, and a little too much Sriracha.
1. What would your MySpace song be in 2025?
Marlon Williams - Me Uaua Kē.
2. Instagram or TikTok? Defend your answer.
Instagram. Because of the volume of parenting Reels I find myself sharing with other dad mates (usually about how tired we are) 🫠
3. What's in your camera roll way too much?
Screenshots of really tiny UI details in other apps that give me some inspo for Up. Duolingo features HEAVILY.
4. A tool, app, or sneaky little shortcut you swear by?
I would say the read later app Pocket but it recently shutdown after I used it for years and years! On the Instapaper train, now but it’s just not the same 😭
5. Most underrated social media skill?
Animation.
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Get Started for FREE6. If you could ban one trend forever, what would it be?
Toe socks. Don’t tell our CEO I said that 😬
7. Who are 3 brands/creators you’re vibing with right now?
For product: Duolingo, as mentioned above. A masterclass in engagement and healthy habit formation.
For expertise: Lenny Rachitsky. The growth guru behind Lenny’s newsletter. I gave each of my team a copy of his book when it came out.
For values: Patagonia. The encapsulation of a brand that stands for something and hence will last for generations.
8. Go-to comfort food after a chaotic day?
Dumplings and Siracha.
9. Best DM you’ve ever received (or sent)?
Solid question. The first reply I got — from my now partner of many years — on Tinder 😂
10. What’s your biggest ick on LinkedIn right now?
SaaS sales people promising they don’t want to sell you something.
And then…selling you something.
