Place of residence: Patras, Greece

Position: Web Developer

How many projects are you currently working on? Please describe them.

Currently, I’m working on three projects. Two of them are for the company I’ve been with for the past three years, and I also take on freelance projects. My company projects are in the telecommunications sector, where we focus on modernizing these companies and enhancing their web presence to improve customer satisfaction.

On the freelance side, I’ve been working on a project called Go4Pets a community for pet owners. This project has given me the freedom to choose the technologies and approaches I wanted. I’ve leveraged the latest tools to meet its goals and provide valuable services.

In your opinion, who is the most influential person or company in technology today, and if you could choose one app, product, or project to have been involved in, which would it be and why?

It’s hard to pick just one because technology is evolving at an incredible pace. What’s groundbreaking today might be outdated tomorrow. That’s the beauty of it.

That being said, I’m a big fan of Next.js, a React framework that has reshaped how we build modern web applications. Being part of the Vercel team that develops Next.js would be an incredible experience. The impact of their work on performance, scalability, and developer experience is truly impressive, and I’d love to contribute to something that pushes the boundaries of web development.

How do you see technology evolving in the next ten years?

AI is undoubtedly the future. It’s already transforming industries, and in the next ten years, its influence will be even more profound. Automation, machine learning, and AI-driven decision-making will reshape how we work and live.

Predicting specifics is nearly impossible because the pace of change is so fast. However, I believe AI, Web3, and quantum computing will be among the major forces driving the next wave of technological advancements.

What is the most challenging thing you had to deal with during your career?

My career in development actually started with a bit of a leap of faith. I switched to tech at 32 years old after years of working as a bartender while pursuing my dream of touring the world with my heavy metal band. Transitioning from that lifestyle to spending long hours coding in a room was a real struggle at first.

However, once I saw my potential and started enjoying the creative aspect of development, things changed. I was fortunate to have supportive colleagues who helped me grow. I shouldn’t forget to mention Papafam, a community started from a YouTube channel and Sonny, who is the mastermind behind it. (https://www.youtube.com/@SonnySangha) So, it wasn’t easy—and it still isn’t—but stepping out of my comfort zone is where the real magic happens.

What is your next goal?

I don’t have a long-term goal set in stone. I prefer to go with the flow and focus on short-term improvements—becoming better at what I do, meeting new people, and working on projects that challenge me both professionally and personally.

While I’m passionate about coding, I also recognize that my soft skills are one of my strengths. There’s room for that in the industry, so I might eventually pivot toward a role that combines technical expertise with interpersonal skills. We’ll see what the future holds!

If you could speak to your younger self, what advice would you give, and how does it relate to the dreams you had as a child about creating, inventing, or doing something special?

If I could talk to my younger self, I’d say: “Everything happens for a reason, and every experience—good or bad—shapes who you become.”

I never planned on becoming a web developer, but I have no regrets. Every choice, every struggle, and every unexpected turn in life led me here. Even the hardest moments have hidden lessons. So, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Which famous person would you like to have dinner with and why?

No one from the tech world, honestly. At heart, I’m still a rock ‘n’ roll guy, so if I could pick anyone, it would be someone from that scene. But let’s be real—it wouldn’t be a dinner. It would be a night out with beers, loud music, and great stories.

Where would you like to travel next?

Travelling has been a big part of my life for years—first with my band and later with my wife. For me, experiencing different cultures and meeting new people is one of the best things in life.

Instead of filling our house with expensive, unnecessary things, we prefer filling our minds with memories. Fortunately, my wife shares the same mindset, so we travel regularly. As for our next destination, we haven’t decided yet, but I’d love to revisit Bali and stay there longer this time.

What tips do you have for people wanting to start in the tech world?

Patience. If you don’t have it, you’ll struggle. Tech requires dedication, problem-solving, and resilience. It’s never too late to start if you’re passionate about it.

Also, your computer will become your best friend. These machines do exactly what you tell them to—so being detail-oriented will save you a lot of frustration in the long run.