SVP of R&D • Team Builder • Engineering Leader
If you're reading this, we're probably working together or thinking about it. This doc is here to give you a sense of what it's like to work with me - how I think, what I expect, and how I try to support the people around me.
I'm a builder by nature - of teams, systems, and the occasional handyman project around the house. I wrote my first lines of code on a Commodore 64 when I was 13 and never really stopped. Since then, I've led engineering orgs of all sizes, from scrappy startups to large-scale R&D groups, and I've always loved the mix of deep tech, strong culture, and real-world impact.
Think of me as the R&D team's coach. I'm here to:
I trust smart, passionate and creative people to do great things when the goals are clear.
It's not about working hard and being busy - it's about moving things forward in ways that create real value. We use OKRs and KPIs to stay aligned on what matters.
Thoughtful design, clean code, and scalable systems reflect pride in the craft.
When we understand the business and user value, it's easier to focus on MVPs that matter and avoid the overengineering, premature optimization and the "you aren't gonna need it" traps.
Agile values and engineering principles matter more than ticking boxes in a Scrum playbook. We aim for flexibility, learning, and fast feedback not rigid rituals.
Velocity matters, but we're running a marathon, not a sprint.
Languages, frameworks, databases, and paradigms should serve the problem, not the other way around.
Let's use metrics to guide decisions, not gut feelings alone.
Mistakes happen - that's how we learn. What matters is how we respond, reflect, and adapt.
I value engineers who can spot them, talk through them, and make thoughtful calls, even if imperfect.
Use them however they're most helpful from good advice on problem-solving to career growth to occasional venting. I'll come prepared, but what we talk about is totally up to you.
It creates the opportunity to learn and improve.
During one on one conversations I tend to process fast. If it ever feels like I'm not listening - it's probably not the case. Just tell me directly, I really appreciate it.
If something's really urgent or blocking, just give me a call or ping me directly. I'm always happy to help
It's critical to my own growth. If you think I could've handled something better or missed the mark, please tell me. I move fast and care deeply - about the work, about learning, and about helping the team grow. If something feels off, just say so. I genuinely want to get better. And when something does work well, I'd love to hear that too.
You should know what's expected, how it connects to company goals, and feel 80% confident you can reach it.
Share your opinions. Take risks. Make mistakes, and share what you learned.
Disagree with me. Challenge each other. The best ideas win when many are on the table.
Share early. Ask questions. Push for clarity.
And make space to have fun and enjoy the ride.
Mentorship, learning, and stretch goals are baked into how we work.
Don't save it for the "right time." Misunderstandings build up when people hold back. Just speak your mind when it comes up.
Information, documents, data, and meetings should be accessible by default unless there's a really good reason it shouldn't.
I'll explain the "why," not just hand down the "what."
You'll have the autonomy to lead, question, and challenge ideas (including mine).
I won't sugarcoat things, but I'll always aim to be fair and respectful.
Whether it's a tough call, a conflict, or a miss - I've got your back.
In code reviews, tough decisions, or just when you need support.
I'll make space for mentorship and feedback, and celebrate your wins.
Including the goals, the hard decisions, and the outcomes.
Understand what needs to happen, then think creatively about how to make it better, faster, or simpler.
Ask questions, challenge assumptions, seek context. Understanding why and what we are optimizing for, leads to better how.
I value smart, driven people who care deeply and think independently. If you see something that doesn't sit right - challenge the decisions. Healthy disagreement leads to better decisions.
Look for ways to grow, and help others do the same.
When you proactively share progress, blockers, or decisions, it builds trust and speeds things up for everyone.
I'll support you all the way, but I expect you to care about your own development and be proactive in steering it.
I'm a builder at heart - I've built teams, platforms, and even my own wooden bed. I love helping people navigate ambiguity, solve hard problems, and grow into leadership. I care deeply about mentoring, sharing what I've learned, and learning from others too. I also make a pretty epic Neapolitan pizza - always happy to invite the team for pizza, beer, and a good single malt whiskey night.