dt.Derek Taing Let’s talk

AI, SYSTEMS & GROWTH

Think bigger.
Figure it out.

I’m Derek. I build companies and systems with AI, and I believe we’re capable of more than we give ourselves credit for. I’m sharing the work, the wrong turns, and what I learn along the way.

Come along for the build Take a look at what I’m building
WHERE I’M BUILDINGFPS LOUNGEFounderCETE AIChief AI OfficerBuilt with a long view.

A LESSON I GREW UP WITH

A belief worth
passing on.

The belief behind the build

“If it doesn’t defy physics,
it’s not impossible.”

— My dad, Dr. Brian Jay Bard

At 15, I spent a morning deep-sea fishing with my dad, catching nothing and getting frustrated. He kept reminding me what was possible. I stayed with it, and by the end of the day, I’d caught more fish than I could have imagined that morning.

His kindness has stayed with me just as much as his belief in what’s possible. I want to bring both into what I build: go after what seems out of reach, and be good to people along the way.

01 / THE PERSON

Derek and his wife together by the ocean
I went to New York for a business trip. Then I met her and canceled my flight home. When I know, I’m all in.

When I see a possibility,
I tend to go all in.

The Navy and network engineering at the NSA taught me to think in systems. Creating content and streaming taught me to understand people and the internet. With FPS Lounge, I brought those worlds together to help more gamers build a future doing what they love.

Competition taught me to trust myself under pressure. Building a business tested that belief in a different way. I’ve had to start over, keep going while people close to me doubted me, and learn things I didn’t know I needed. Each chapter made me more adaptable—and gave me something worth passing on.
I trust myself to find a way. — Derek

500K+
Combined followers
across social platforms
$1.2M+
Raised to build
FPS Lounge
Always learning.
Navy veteran.
Creator. Founder. Builder.

THE REST OF LIFE MMA, Pilates, chasing a great meal, and making time for the people I love. There’s a whole life to enjoy along the way.

02 / THE WORK

Putting that belief
to work.

The businesses I’m committing to,
and the problems I’m working through.

GAMING / COMMUNITY / GROWTH01
FPS
LOUNGE
FPS Lounge mascot
Built around the people who play.

FPS Lounge

FOUNDER

I built an audience doing something I loved. Then I went all in on helping other gamers do the same. FPS Lounge brings together coaching, live classes, and community to help players get better and go further.

Explore FPS Lounge
Inside the build

FOCUS / DISTRIBUTION & SYSTEMS

Helping gamers turn skill into opportunity.

The idea behind FPS Lounge is personal: help more gamers make something of the time, talent, and energy they put into playing. I raised over $1.2M to build toward that vision.

Today, the work includes growing coaches’ brands and social presence, connecting players with useful training, and building systems that can keep moving without me in every conversation.

I’m documenting the systems, distribution decisions, and lessons from taking that vision further.

Follow FPS Lounge on Instagram ↗
AI / STRATEGY / OPERATIONS02
CETE
Turning possibility into practice.

CETE AI

CHIEF AI OFFICER

As Chief AI Officer at CETE AI, I’m bringing a long-term view to how we build with AI. Much of the work is still behind the scenes. I’ll share the lessons as I can.

Inside the role

FOCUS / AI & BUSINESS

Seeing the possibilities. Working out the steps.

I tend to see where something could go before I know every step to get there. At CETE AI, I get to bring that instinct to the practical work of building companies and systems with AI.

There’s more to this chapter. I’ll share it when the work is ready.

ALSO BUILDING
Brownie Helps

Helping businesses with AI, automation, growth, and distribution.

Email me

IDEAS TO TAKE INTO YOUR OWN WORK

What I learn,
you can build on.

The tools, decisions, and lessons
I keep coming back to.

01

AI you can
put to work.

How I choose what to automate, test new tools, and connect AI to a problem that needs solving. The useful part is seeing the decisions behind the setup.

AI workflows · Experiments · Implementation
02

More room
to build.

The processes and automations that reduce repetitive work and free up time for the decisions that need you. More space to think, build, and live.

Operations · Automation · Better processes
03

An audience
that cares.

What creating content and building FPS Lounge have taught me about earning attention, building trust, and helping the right people find your work.

Distribution · Content · Creator growth

03 / THE NOTES

Learning out loud.

A decision, an experiment, or a lesson.
Something to take into your own work.

Drafts and sample notes for this preview. Published writing coming later.

04 / A GOOD CONVERSATION

What are you
working on?

If you’re building something and could use another set of eyes on the big picture, tell me where you are and what’s getting in the way. I work with people on AI, systems, and growth when there’s a good fit.

  • AI & systems
  • Growth & distribution
  • Consulting & advisory
Start a conversation derek@fpslounge.com

Sample editorial draft for this mockup

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