Spotlight: Simone Marin

Location

‍Sydney, Australia

Your role at Kilterset

‍Head of Operations & Finance

Give us a high level overview of your professional background prior to Kilterset

I left high school early to study software development and in the early days worked as a developer and a technical writer, then drifted out and across a few industries before returning to tech.  For many years now, my specialty has been in improving business processes and communications.  It’s been a pleasure working with the same group of people now since 2018.

What inspired you to pursue a career in tech/software development?

Like many others, I started by just being "good at computers" as my parents put it! Software made sense to me, the logic involved, and I've always been interested in how things work behind the scenes. Now, I love the challenge of business planning for software development - finding the order and predictability in the chaos of doing something new for each customer.

What are some key lessons you've learned along your career journey and are there any mentors or role models who have influenced your path?

If I could distil down the most influential lessons, they would be perspective and effect.  Perspective, to always think through challenges from varied points of view. And then to consider the effect of your decision - what’s next?  What might change over time, because of and despite the outcome of my decision?  

As for role models, my North Star is CJ Cregg from The West Wing - she’s endlessly capable, and endearingly human.  I’ve also been lucky to work with and learn from many great co-workers over the years, who have given me many opportunities to grow.

In three words, how would you describe Kilterset to candidates or other people who inquire?

We are bright, authentic and adaptable.

Can you share a fun or interesting fact about yourself that others might not know?

I've been learning to draw for the past few months - my eldest son is applying for an arts-focused high school, so I’ve been practicing with him.

How do you maintain a work-life balance?

We are a global company, with team members across four countries.  I make the most of time zone differences, by committing to being at my desk and scheduling meetings during the morning where I have the best crossover with colleagues overseas.  This means my afternoons can be more flexible, and there’s some individual focus time at the end of each day.

What do you like most about working at Kilterset?

I’ve always admired that we're an engineering-first team. We connect the most knowledgeable, experienced people with our customers from day one, which shows respect for both the customer and our team.  This approach is part of our DNA, it's a very grounding principle to grow a company around.

If you could work remotely from anywhere in the world for a month, where would you choose and why?

I would choose Vancouver!  I work a lot with colleagues in our parent company, Uncommon Purpose, and being able to spend a month in their neighbourhood would be fantastic.  If I could holiday for a month anywhere in the world, it might be a different answer though!

And lastly, what activities do you enjoy outside of work?

You'll find me at the gym and out walking our 3 dogs every day, but I also love getting cosy at home and playing video games. My ideal weekend is getting really drawn into a game - either something new or exploring an old favourite.  I’ve been trying out some indie titles lately but find myself drawn back to classics like Terraria, where there’s a mix of logic, calculation and creativity.

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