Vlad Ilies, Technical Lead, on that ‘can do’ attitude, a little bit of humor, and willingness to learn are the main ingredients in the recipe that’ll help your career develop

Vlad has gained valuable insights throughout his career that emphasize the importance of having a capable and dedicated team. He firmly believes that the right team can significantly impact the success of any project, regardless of its complexity. Fortunately, he has had the opportunity to work with individuals who are not afraid to confront difficult challenges and who possess a creative approach to problem-solving. He acknowledges the significance of continuous learning and believes that staying informed and educated on emerging technologies is highly rewarding. As someone who is passionate about his work, Vlad strives to learn about new and interesting technologies.

Aside from being a tech lead, Vlad is also a cat owner and a bike rider. He attributes a significant portion of his success to having a team that shares his positive and proactive mindset. Of course, he values individuals who exhibit a ‘can-do’ attitude and are enthusiastic about tackling demanding challenges head-on and this outlook not only invigorates him but also serves as an inspiration to the entire team.

Tell us a bit about yourself. How does Vlad usually spend his personal time?

I enjoy hiking as it provides a great physical workout and helps me relax my mind. Reading is another one of my favorite pastimes as it not only brings me pleasure but also helps me stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the tech world.

When the weather is nice, I love going on long motorcycle rides and exploring new places. It’s a great way to get some fresh air and clear my head. When the weather isn’t so nice, I like to spend time with my cats who always manage to put a smile on my face.

I find that having a variety of hobbies helps me stay balanced and focused. It’s important to take time for yourself and do things that make you happy.

What led you on your career path, to ultimately becoming a Technical Lead?

I always knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the technology industry. Early on in my career, I gained experience working on various technical projects, including software development and system architecture and I could never say no to any new opportunities even if I was unsure of the possibility of success.

I think most of all, diving in head first, no matter the fear is key, taking risks and embracing new challenges is often uncomfortable and can be intimidating, but it’s also essential for growth and progress.

What does a typical workday look like for you?

Every day is unique, but as a software engineer, I typically spend a lot of time in meetings, conducting code reviews, and collaborating with team members to solve complex technical problems. I find it especially rewarding to help others overcome their obstacles, as well as learn from them in turn.

In addition to my work, I enjoy staying connected with my colleagues through humor and light-hearted banter. At the end of the day, I find that a healthy dose of humor can go a long way toward building strong relationships and making work more enjoyable.

What is your favorite tech?

I don’t necessarily have a favorite technology, as I believe that the tech world is constantly evolving and there is always something new to learn. I find the process of learning about and exploring new technologies to be rewarding and stimulating. Whether it’s playing with a new programming language or experimenting with a new tool, it is always satisfying to find a new way to fix a problem that seemingly has no solution.

What emerging tech are you most optimistic about? Least? And why?

AI is currently one of the most popular technologies and it’s easy to fall into the trap of pessimism by focusing solely on its potential negative consequences and drawbacks. However, as with any new technology that changes our world, there is always a possibility of balance.

It’s important to be optimistic about the future and see AI as a tool that can help us achieve great things. AI has already shown great promise in fields such as healthcare, finance, and education with amazing results in each sector it has been implemented.

Of course, there are also potential negative consequences of AI that we need to be aware of and work to mitigate. By focusing on the positive aspects of AI and working to address its potential drawbacks, we can create a future where AI is used for good and benefits everyone.

What’s the best piece of tech-related media you’ve read/watched/listened to?

I find it incredibly valuable to watch tech talks given by industry leaders, particularly those who have experience building complex systems and dealing with challenging technical problems. Hearing about their experiences, the lessons they’ve learned, and the strategies they’ve employed to overcome obstacles is incredibly informative.

It’s a great way to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in the industry and to gain insights that can be applied to my own work. Overall, I believe that continuing to learn from the experiences of others is a critical part of professional development and growth.

Which is your favorite AscentCore value and why?

Of all the company values, Results is the one that resonates with me the most. I believe that at the end of the day, what matters most is getting things done and achieving tangible outcomes. When we focus on results, we are able to measure our progress and see the impact of our efforts. At the end of the day, results are what matters.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your time here at AscentCore?

I’ve learned that having the right team around you can make all the difference in achieving success, no matter how difficult the task may seem. It is refreshing to work with people that, when faced with a challenge, don’t back down and instead rise to the occasion and work together to find creative solutions. Working with people who have a ‘can-do’ attitude and a willingness to tackle tough challenges head-on is not only refreshing but also inspiring.

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