About Me
I am a Senior Software Engineer with 25+ years of experience, currently working at Indeed (acquired Syft in 2019). My primary focus is on backend engineering, system design, and data products. I am passionate about building robust, scalable solutions and mentoring others in the process.
I strongly value efficiency, clear communication, and logical reasoning. I am a Ukrainian autistic person (self-identified, currently waiting for formal diagnosis), which influences how I work and interact with others. My approach to work is deeply analytical, and I communicate in a direct, structured, and transparent manner, which can sometimes be misinterpreted in corporate environments. Understanding my work style can help facilitate smoother collaboration and prevent misunderstandings.
How I Work Best
- I do my best work when I have uninterrupted blocks of time to focus on complex engineering problems. Context switching reduces my efficiency.
- I prefer well-structured, logical discussions. If you are giving feedback, providing a clear rationale and examples helps me process and apply it more effectively.
- I prefer technical discussions based on data and logic rather than opinions. I appreciate when decisions are backed by reasoning and measurable outcomes.
- I take full ownership of my tasks and expect the same from my peers. Micromanagement is counterproductive for me.
Communication Preferences
- I absorb and process information best through written communication (e.g., detailed Slack messages, RFCs, or documentation). This helps me analyse and respond thoughtfully.
- I appreciate clear, constructive, and actionable feedback. If something is not working, tell me directly, and I will work to improve. However, feedback should not be vague or weaponised as a tool to undermine my work.
- Given my deep focus work style, I prefer asynchronous communication over real-time meetings where possible. However, if something is urgent, a direct message works.
How to Give Me Feedback
- Vague feedback is difficult for me to act on. Concrete examples and reasoning help me understand and improve.
- I appreciate understanding the impact of feedback and how it ties into business goals.
How I Approach Collaboration
- I will question assumptions and challenge ideas if I see gaps. This is not about being difficult but ensuring we build the best possible solution.
- If a decision is made, even if I disagree, I will commit fully to executing it. However, I expect a fair evaluation of my input before decisions are made.
- I love mentoring and sharing insights with colleagues. If you need help with backend design, data pipelines, or best practices, feel free to reach out.
How You Can Best Work With Me
- If you need my input, providing context in advance helps me give thoughtful and precise responses.
- I appreciate environments where technical decisions are debated openly and objectively, rather than being dictated by hierarchy.
- I prefer knowing the ‘why’ behind tasks and their impact. This helps me prioritise effectively.
- If I am tackling a complex problem, I prefer the freedom to explore solutions before frequent check-ins.
Final Thoughts
This document is a guide to help my colleagues understand my work style, improve collaboration, and reduce friction. I want to do my best work and contribute meaningfully to the team, but I also expect fair treatment and a level playing field. I am always open to adjusting and evolving how I work to create the best outcomes for the team and the business, as long as expectations remain reasonable and consistent.