Place of residence: Berlin, Germany

Position: Data & AI Specialist

Please describe a day in your life

I like to start my day with some sunlight. I live near a great park in Berlin, Friedrichshain, so I like to take a walk there, sit for 10 minutes, and meditate. Some days, I take my journal and write down 8-10 things that I am grateful for, as it helps me shift my focus to the positive and start my mornings on a good note. Every so often, I write Morning Pages when my mind feels especially cluttered.

After coming back, I like to have breakfast while checking my inbox and planning my day. The first half of my working hours are dedicated to team meetings, and the rest of the time, I focus on deep work developing my applications. As I am at my peak energy and efficiency in the afternoons, I will try to finish my most demanding work during these hours.

Typically, after work, I get ready and go to the gym. This is the time when I can really unwind and think about wellness only. It helps with de-stressing and has significantly improved my mental health. I typically focus on strength training 2-3 times a week, and for the remaining couple of days, I will either do yoga or go for a run. On the days I am not working out, I meet my friends and catch up with loved ones.

I like reserving the last hour before sleeping for myself and doing a slow evening. This usually includes reading and doing some light stretching before I fall asleep.

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

I’m someone who thrives when pursuing a variety of passions simultaneously. I am currently involved in a Data Migration project, where my main focus lies in Data Architecture and ETL Tools offered by IBM. My role involves designing the data flow, maintaining the data integrity throughout the migration process, and enhancing performance to achieve the project’s objectives.

Another initiative I am passionate about is supporting the GenAI training programs and hackathons within my enterprise. I find these events very innovative, enabling tech professionals to learn and use the newest AI tools and optimise their development process. I support the organisation of the events and use this opportunity to learn and grow my skills in this field.

A year ago, I rekindled my passion for writing by sharing my thoughts on LinkedIn. I focused on topics such as technology, cloud computing, and tips for breaking into the corporate world and tech industry. As I researched various subjects, I found myself eager to summarise key insights in one place. This led me to the idea of posting my findings, believing they could be beneficial to others. I am incredibly grateful for this decision; writing and sharing my experiences has been rewarding. It has motivated me to learn something new every day, allowed me to connect with inspiring individuals, and enabled me to witness the success of my peers.

In your opinion, who is the most influential person/company in the world of technology these days?

I am inclined to mention NVIDIA here and its role in the GenAI revolution. NVIDIA’s GPUs are crucial for training large-scale generative models like GPTs (Generative Pre-trained Transformers), DALL-E, and others. These GPUs are engineered to handle the extensive computational demands required for processing large datasets and training models with billions of parameters.

If you could pick one app/product/project existing now that you wish you were involved in, what would it be?

AI-Powered Personalised Learning Platforms.

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

Over the next decade, advances in data and AI will have a transformative impact on our lives. As a tech enthusiast, I see these changes shaping our daily routines, careers, and interactions with the world. I envision a future where AI personalises every aspect of life, from healthcare to everyday decisions, ultimately becoming our personal assistant.

AI governance will follow suit and become a huge part of every major enterprise, designing centralised frameworks for developing and regulating AI systems. These policies will ensure the ethical use of AI technologies while minimising its potential misuse.

What are the three characteristics you have that make you successful in tech?

I believe that someone who is eager to learn, works well in a team, and embraces problem-solving can thrive in this field.

Continuous learning: The tech world changes rapidly; hence, if you don’t catch up with the latest advancements and their impact, you will fall behind quite easily.

Collaboration: Being able to share ideas clearly and listen to others is a great way to advance in tech in terms of delivering results and learning.

Analytical thinking: Be able to break down complex problems into simpler ones.

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

The most challenging aspect of my career has been working on projects in a foreign language while I was still learning it. Despite my initial discomfort, I took the plunge, and I am grateful I did. It greatly enhanced my skills and broadened my professional experience. Now, I feel more confident and have added another language to my repertoire.

What is your greatest achievement up until today?

As a child, I dreamed of becoming an engineer who could make a tangible difference. In school, I learned about the concept of data science, which sparked my curiosity. I took an online course offered by IBM, where I was first introduced to the incredible impact data science can have. I became particularly passionate about using data science to support the medical community. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work on projects in life sciences and medical devices. I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to turn that childhood dream into reality.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

As a leader in my industry.

What is your next goal?

My next goal is to become more involved in the education space within Data and AI. Whether through teaching, creating educational content, or collaborating on initiatives that make data and AI more accessible, I’m passionate about empowering others to understand and harness these technologies.

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

Learning by doing is the best advice I have received, and I can only recommend it to somebody just getting started in the tech industry. Although studying theories, understanding concepts, and acquiring certifications are vital, learning actually occurs when you put your knowledge to use on actual projects. Engaging in practical experiences such as developing a tiny application or making contributions to open-source projects can enhance your comprehension and aid with memory retention.

If you could say something to your younger self, what would it be?

If I could say something to my younger self, it would be to focus on the small, actionable steps you can take today instead of fixating on the end goal. Success comes from consistently building tiny, iterative habits that may seem insignificant at first, but over time, they create lasting, compounding progress. The key is steady, intentional effort, not immediate results.

What do non-tech people around you (family, friends) think you do?

Non-tech people believe I “move data around,” which isn’t entirely wrong but overlooks the complex systems involved in making that happen.

What is the invention of the century in your eyes?

In my eyes, the invention of the century is undeniably Artificial Intelligence. I’ve closely followed its evolution since before the early AI craze, watching it transition from a fascinating concept to a transformative force reshaping our world. It has developed faster and at a much higher scale than other industries, and I believe it will have a net positive impact on humanity.

What can’t you do without? (app/product…)

In terms of application, it is Skyscanner. I’m always on the hunt for new and exciting travel destinations, and I find myself browsing them from time to time.

Product-wise, I now can’t live without an eye-safe monitor that I purchased several months ago, drastically reducing the strain on my eyes.

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

Robert Greene’s books are packed with wisdom, especially Mastery, which I highly recommend. It resonated deeply with me, offering insights that can be applied universally. It feels like a blueprint for discovering and pursuing one’s life purpose.

Where would you like to travel next?

Madeira, Portugal and Bali, Indonesia.

Do you have a person who influences or motivates you?

My father.

What did you dream of creating/inventing/doing as a child?

Since early childhood, I’ve always had vivid dreams, but unfortunately, I would forget most of them by the time I woke up. It was incredibly frustrating—I would recall glimpses of my dreams throughout the day but struggled to make any sense of them. I often wished for a way to view and analyse my dreams while awake.