Gabi Malinchi, Senior Technical Lead, on being adaptable and responsive to shifting priorities and staying up to date with industry trends

Gabi sat down with us to discuss the importance of being adaptable to shifting priorities and how he started with tech. Grab a coffee and read all about how our Senior Technical Lead “rolls” and what he has to say about his time with us, what makes him tick, and what emerging tech he is most/least optimistic about.

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

Typically, I prioritize engaging in activities that allow me to bond with my family. In addition to this, I enjoy indulging in hobbies that are both relaxing and enjoyable, such as participating in sports, particularly football, or catching up on the latest movies or TV shows. I’m interested in the car industry, spending time researching and keeping up-to-date with the latest news and trends. But also, I kind of find satisfaction in engaging in hands-on chores around the house.

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

Looking back, I realized that I’ve always had a natural inclination toward the technical aspects of things, as I find the technical side of things to be more rational. When I think back even further, I realize that my love for technology dates back to my childhood, back when I didn’t have the luxury of owning a powerful PC for gaming, so instead, I spent my time tinkering with HTML and JS as early as the 7th grade. Through school, I continued to pursue my passion for technology and eventually found myself drawn toward software development.

Over time, I began to realize that programming was more than just a hobby for me, it was a passion. Today, I am proud to say that my passion for technology has led me to a fulfilling career in software development. I enjoy the challenges that come with building complex applications and I’m constantly striving to improve my skills. My love for technology continues to motivate me to push the boundaries of what’s possible and explore new and exciting developments in the field.

What does a typical workday look like for you?

My typical workday begins with grabbing a coffee and engaging in a casual “water cooler conversation” with colleagues around the office. Once I’ve had a chance to catch up, I prioritize tasks based on the most urgent needs of the day and plan out the rest of my schedule accordingly. My focus is on ensuring that all critical projects and assignments are completed within their respective timelines.

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

I’m optimistic about the advancement of Solid State Batteries, which I believe will have a transformative impact on the electric vehicle industry. With their superior energy density, these batteries offer longer ranges, faster charging times, and increased safety, making electric cars more practical and attractive for consumers, and a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

On the other hand, I have some reservations at this moment about the current state of emerging chatbots and AI technology like ChatGPT and its alternatives. While technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we communicate and access information, I believe that the world is still not mature enough to use it with caution. In some cases, these chatbots can propagate misinformation, causing harm to individuals and society at large. It is essential to develop these technologies with a high degree of ethics and accountability, to ensure that they are used responsibly.

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

In terms of staying up to date with tech-related information, I usually make a point of keeping tabs on official releases and regularly checking a few trusted news websites. However, I have found that the most valuable tech-related content that I have come across in recent times has been through reading articles on the Medium platform. The diversity of topics makes Medium an impressive source of information, and I have found many informative and thought-provoking articles on a range of topics. When it comes to TED Talks, one that has resonated with me, in particular, is Sir Ken Robinson’s “Do schools kill creativity?”.

Which is your favorite AscentCore value and why?

My favorite value at the company would have to be “Relationships.” I strongly believe that relationships are crucial for effective collaboration. When you can establish a connection with your colleagues, you’re able to work together harmoniously and achieve better results. It’s essential to be able to understand and empathize with the people you work with, which is why I place such importance on building strong relationships in the workplace.

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

The most important lesson I’ve learned during my time at AscentCore is being adaptable and responsive to shifting priorities. While this is a valuable lesson in any industry, it is particularly critical in the constantly evolving world of IT, where priorities can change in the blink of an eye due to emerging technologies or shifts in the market. It’s essential to remain flexible and to have the ability to pivot quickly and efficiently, to meet new demands or challenges. Basically, this lesson has taught me to stay proactive, keep myself informed on industry trends, and always be ready to adapt to new developments.

What’s next in your career journey? What skills are you looking forward to developing?

Flexibility has been a key element of my career journey so far, particularly in terms of adapting to different technologies and roles. This adaptability has served me well, allowing me to acquire a broad range of skills and knowledge in the tech industry. As I look forward, I’m considering pursuing a specialization in software architecture. This field offers exciting challenges and opportunities for innovation, as well as the chance to play a key role in shaping the development of complex software systems.

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