John Kim is a writer and consultant based in Austin, Texas. His work and writing focus on cities, culture, and how people navigate periods of transition—both personally and professionally.

After spending many years living and working in Chicago, John relocated to Austin during a time of change and reflection. The move offered a reset: new routines, new surroundings, and a renewed interest in how place influences perspective. Austin is now home, where he is building community, planning a life with his partner, and preparing for their wedding in September.

As a consultant, John works with organizations and teams on research, strategy, and problem-solving related to public-interest projects and civic life. His approach is collaborative and grounded, shaped by years of experience working across complex systems and stakeholder environments. Rather than focusing on titles, John is most interested in clarity—helping people and organizations make sense of challenges and move forward thoughtfully.

John’s writing explores cities, change, and the quieter moments that accompany major life shifts. He is drawn to stories about movement—between places, careers, and identities—and the lessons that surface along the way. His work blends personal reflection with observations about community, public life, and the shared experience of figuring things out in real time.

Outside of consulting and writing, John enjoys exploring Austin’s food scene, attending local events, spending time outdoors, and staying connected to friends and family near and far. He believes cities are best understood not only through systems and structures, but through the people who inhabit them and the stories they tell.

This site is a space for John to share writing, ideas, and reflections as he continues building a life in Austin—one chapter at a time.