Cultivating Sustainable Tech Solutions

"Passionate about code, sustainability, and probably over-watering my garden." That's my tagline, and it's more than just a quirky intro—it’s a glimpse into how I see the world. You might think coding and gardening are worlds apart, but I've found they have a surprising amount in common, especially when it comes to building sustainable tech solutions.

Like a garden, every tech project starts with a seed of an idea. Before you even write a line of code, you're planning, researching, and thinking about the conditions needed for that idea to thrive. Sustainable tech, in particular, requires careful consideration – what resources will it need? What impact will it have on the environment? Just as I wouldn't plant a thirsty flower in a drought-prone area, I wouldn't build a resource-heavy application without thinking about its footprint.

Cultivating growth in a garden takes time, patience, and a deep understanding of what each plant needs. Similarly, building a successful tech team and product requires nurturing, feedback, and constant attention. You can’t just throw seeds into the ground and expect a harvest – you have to tend to each plant, making sure it has the right environment to grow and flourish. In the same way, my leadership style is focused on creating a healthy environment where team members feel supported and can contribute to their fullest potential.

Think about a balanced garden ecosystem—everything works together in harmony: the soil, the insects, the plants, each playing a vital role. Sustainable tech projects should also aim to create balanced "ecosystems"—where ethical practices, resource management, and collaboration work together. For example, rather than creating a closed-off system, I believe in open-source solutions and creating tools that can be shared and improved upon within a larger community.

And yes, let’s talk about overwatering. It’s an honest confession – I’m prone to a bit of over-enthusiasm when it comes to nurturing my plants. But just like overwatering in the garden can be wasteful, so can excess resource use in tech projects. Are we using too much server power? Are we building features no one will ever use? These are questions I constantly ask myself, aiming for a lean, efficient, and sustainable approach.

Ultimately, building sustainable technology, much like cultivating a garden, yields long-term benefits. When I worked on the back-end of CargoClub, I saw firsthand how conscious development can lead to impactful, lasting results. Just as a healthy garden provides nourishment for the community, sustainable tech can provide solutions that benefit everyone while respecting the planet.

So, as I continue to code, lead, and maybe, just maybe, learn to water my garden a little less enthusiastically, I’m committed to bringing the same level of care and passion to the tech world.