Tell us a little about your career journey.
I’ve always wanted to work on something that does good, and I’m inspired by the impact that technology can have.
After graduation, I was fortunate to work at a digital agency, which exposed me to different technologies and work environments, with projects ranging from R&D prototypes to large legacy systems.
Once I had developed my skills, I wanted to invest in something more long-term. I was drawn to Sendwave’s product, which directly serves a core need in people’s lives.
What do you think differentiates Sendwave as a product?
I think our mission differentiates us. There are many ways to transfer money abroad, so what sets us apart is making sending more affordable and accessible to everyone. For this reason, we’re only focusing on markets where we can make the most difference in achieving this goal.
What do you think are the most valuable non-tech skills for working closely with other teams?
Communication (especially async), organisation and a willingness to understand and accommodate people who are different from yourself.
How do you make sure you’re keeping up to date with the latest coding languages and features?
I learn a whole lot from my team. Being in a managerial role can sometimes make me feel like I should have all the answers when the opposite is true. I try to remain “embarrassingly honest” (one of our values here at Sendwave), e.g. by not being afraid to say “I don’t know”.
I also try to proactively address knowledge gaps and take learning opportunities whenever they arise.
What do you think tech companies should be doing to ensure they attract and welcome diverse candidates?
Treat it as a business goal like any other that requires commitment and investment from the whole business, not just single individuals. Companies should try to understand the roots of the problem (e.g. by listening to employees, understanding its history, or going deeper into the reasons for a non-diverse pipeline). Like any ambitious goal, expect it to take time and money but know it’s worth the investment.
Finally, existing employees should be utilised but not burdened; allies and majority groups are the ones with the most power to make a difference.
What is your career highlight, to date?
I started at Sendwave in a maker role, but as the first Android Engineer to join the team, I was already performing duties such as setting standards for the android codebase and hiring. I wouldn’t have had te confidence to step up to the EM role if not for the encouragement and support from my line manager and our CTO.
I’m very grateful that my individual skillsets were recognised, and the transition, although challenging at times, has let me continue to grow and develop my career. We’ve now grown to eight Android Engineers who span four different continents. Being able to work alongside such a talented and diverse team is the best part of my job.
