After launching the computer reservation system at school, I dove deeper into coding and stumbled upon the open-source world by 16. That’s where I found PunBB, a forum software with a really welcoming community. It felt great to be part of something bigger, where I could actually help others by solving their problems.

I started by answering questions on the forum, then moved on to creating mods and plugins. Contributing to PunBB was a big deal for me.
It was my first real taste of being part of a developer community. Raising pull requests and seeing my features added to the software was a huge thrill. It showed me that what I was learning could have a real impact, and it pushed me to keep going, keep learning, and keep contributing.
‍

Diving into work experience, I landed a spot working alongside Apple engineering to repair Macs. Coming from a Windows background, the Apple ecosystem was new territory for me, and frankly, it felt like a better fit. The catch was, I couldn’t afford a Mac of my own, so getting my hands on them daily was a treat.

I started with diagnosing computer issues, meticulously going through checklists, and worked my way up to performing actual repairs. Informing customers their beloved machine was ready and seeing their relief was genuinely rewarding. It was fun, engaging, and every day was a learning curve.

One day, I was troubleshooting an intermittent issue on an iMac, believed to be pressure-related near the disk drive. While peering inside with the LCD screen propped open at a precarious 45-degree angle, I accidentally nudged the screen. It grazed the power supply unit, and in a flash, the screen, PSU, and even the workbench were toast. A major "Oops" moment, to say the least.

‍
It’s a journey that started with a simple idea in a school computer lab and has now grown into a lifelong pursuit. Now, I blend my love for creating tech solutions with my entrepreneurial spirit, driven by the memories of those late nights troubleshooting code and deciphering the complexities of MySQL.

At Currys, where I worked part-time in the computing section, I not only learned about sales and customer service but also embraced the company's unique approach to customer interactions.

Currys advocated for giving items to customers with both hands, a practice rooted in the Japanese concept of "Omotenashi." This theory represents the spirit of selfless hospitality, emphasizing respect, care, and a desire to delight without expecting anything in return.

It taught me the importance of every customer interaction and how small gestures could significantly impact customer experience and satisfaction. This blend of sales, communication, and the practice of Omotenashi deeply influenced how I approach business and customer service today.

At Bournemouth University, my journey through the BSc (Hons) in Computing was a comprehensive exploration of the computing field. This course wasn't confined to a single niche within computing but covered a broad spectrum, from software engineering to data management and big data analytics. It was precisely the eclectic mix I was looking for, allowing me to grasp the vast landscape of computing without narrowing down too early.

In the first year, the curriculum laid a solid foundation with units like Computer Fundamentals, Mathematics for Computing, and Programming. These core subjects provided the groundwork necessary for understanding the complex world of computing, equipping me with the skills needed for more specialized study in the years to come.The second year built on this foundation, introducing me to Big Data Engineering and Analytics and Software Engineering. These units not only expanded my technical knowledge but also sharpened my problem-solving skills, preparing me for the challenges of the computing industry.

Opting for the full-time sandwich course, I undertook a 30-week placement that bridged the gap between academic concepts and real-world application. This hands-on experience was invaluable, offering a glimpse into the day-to-day operations and challenges faced by computing professionals.

In my final year, units like Human Computer Interaction and Systems Development, alongside an Individual Project, pushed me to apply everything I had learned. The project was a culmination of my studies, allowing me to undertake original research and develop a computing solution from concept to completion.

This program at Bournemouth University was more than just an academic pursuit; it was a journey that prepared me for a future in the ever-evolving field of computing. It wasn't just about gaining knowledge but about learning how to apply it, solve real problems, and continue learning and adapting in a field that never stands still.

Now with over 18 years of experience in software engineering, I've led numerous projects from concept to completion, significantly improving business operations and customer engagement for various clients. My work spans from developing comprehensive CRM systems to creating innovative SaaS platforms, showcasing my ability to tackle technical challenges and deliver solutions that drive growth and efficiency.

Having worked with a diverse range of businesses, I'm now seeking a new challenge where I can apply my full-stack development expertise, leadership skills, and passion for technological innovation.

I'm particularly interested in roles that allow me to contribute to significant digital transformations, leveraging my experience to deliver solutions that meet and exceed business objectives.

If your organisation is pushing the boundaries of technology and needs someone with a proven track record of successful project leadership and technical innovation, I'm eager to explore how we can work together to achieve goals.