Spotlight:
Roger

Explain your role at VidMob, and how it contributes to the Tripod?

I help the Tripod determine what to build next by devising short-term and long-term product strategies. Most of my day-to-day is helping to lay down the tracks for what features we’ll implement next, with a focus on using our engineers’ and designers’ time more effectively. However, I also determine the longer-term strategy, which aligns to the business goals we’ll look to overcome in the coming months or years.

What brought you to VidMob?

I wanted to learn how to become a software engineer, which is how I started out here. The opportunity for growth was immense, taking on a lot of responsibilities by working on what was (at the time) a very small team. 

What’s been your career journey so far?

I was an integrations consultant in my last company. I left to figure out what I wanted to do next. Software engineering is my new goal! So far at VidMob, I’m happy to say I’ve been able to explore what life as a software engineer looks like, while my consulting experience has informed and empowered me as a new Product Manager. 

What do you like most about your work?

Learning more about how product management, a relatively new field in the era of humans, helps to simplify complex problems. That and the folks here are really fun to work with! 

What’s the biggest work or life challenge you were able to overcome?

Realizing that what I spent my education on wasn’t necessarily what I had to force myself to do for the rest of my life, and carving that out on my own.

I was taught that my college degree is what I should aspire to be doing for the rest of my life. Once I got out of school, I changed my perspective. I realized that step had been the preparation for how to solve all sorts of problems — regardless of context.

Understanding that got me to really explore my options and try to find something I’m truly passionate about!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? Why? 

“The squeaky wheel gets the oil…” Or grease? I don’t really remember it exactly, but it’s a quote from James Kupernik (VidMob’s Chief Technology Officer)!

That quote is really just a memorable way of saying, if you’re experiencing a problem, you need to tell someone. Be it work-related (my code won’t compile!) or life-related. Reach out to others who can help, especially if you know they’re capable of solving your problem. Otherwise, how will they ever know that you need that oil?

That quote rings especially true when working with a team; it’s not entirely your responsibility to get something completed as it usually rests on the entire team, but it is your responsibility to let your team know if you need help. It may be uncomfortable at first, but once you realize your work is better when you share it with others, it can be really helpful!