Describe yourself in one word

To kick things off, I'd like to get a quick snapshot of your self-perception. If you had to describe yourself in just one word, what would it be and why?

My One-Word Self-Description: Resilient

Let me explain why I chose "resilient".

Having worked at companies like Amazon and Google for the past 10 years, I've faced numerous challenges and rapidly changing environments. I'm currently based in Seattle, and the tech landscape here constantly demands adaptability.

• Navigating Complex Projects: At Amazon, I was part of a team that completely re-architected a critical payments processing system. There were countless setbacks – tight deadlines, unexpected technical hurdles, and evolving requirements. Resilience was essential for keeping the team focused, motivated, and pushing through to deliver a successful outcome.
• Embracing Change and Learning Quickly: Google is all about innovation and pushing boundaries. Being resilient meant embracing new technologies, rapidly learning new skills, and not being afraid to fail fast and iterate. I had to quickly become proficient in areas that were new to me to contribute effectively.
• Overcoming Setbacks: In both roles, there were times when projects encountered major obstacles, sometimes even leading to re-scoping or cancellation. Resilience in those situations meant learning from those experiences, bouncing back quickly, and applying those lessons to future projects.

For me, resilience isn't just about surviving challenges; it's about growing stronger and more capable as a result of them. It's a trait I value highly and strive to embody in all aspects of my work.