Datahouse Diaries: José’s Journey Across Cultures, Code and Craft

 
In this Datahouse Diaries, José talks about his path in tech, his transition into leadership, and what keeps him motivated in an ever-changing environment.

On a personal note, your family is of a distinctive and uniquely overseas Portuguese background. Care to tell us a little about your origin story?

“My cultural heritage touches 3 continents and 4 countries, even though I was born and raised in Portugal. Some bonds exist here and there, making me a citizen of the world, but firmly planted in my country for more reasons than one.”

Being the most experienced developer in the office, can you tell us a little about what you’ve seen in the ever-changing tech environment—things that seemed granted years ago and have changed—and how you’ve experienced these changes?

“I take to heart a saying that still holds true today, that although computers have indeed evolved over time, there are still the same bolts and screws securing them in place. And factually I can attest it by looking at my box of spare parts. 

It is true that technologies change, programming languages die while others appear to replace them, processes get either simplified or more complicated, but the underlying concepts are still there, if you are willing to look deep enough.  And like a crab in the hot pot, the water heats up slowly but increasingly as the years pass, and we adapt. That has always been the rule of the game in the IT world. Nevertheless, where we retain our greatest value is in the capture of the experiences gained, both technical, organizational, and personal.” 

Since joining Datahouse for the Wuest Dimensions project what have been your roles and what do you see as biggest accomplishments? 

“I entered Datahouse as an Engineer and currently hold the position of both Line Manager and Senior Expert. My greatest accomplishments have been the kickstart of the two projects, both from a procedural and technical standpoint for two satellite projects of Wüest Dimensions, being this last one the one where my imprint has gone deeper, in my role as Tech Lead.” 

Looking ahead, what do you see as exciting progress yet to be attained at the ambitious Wüest Dimensions project? 

“I go with the flow. Much is still happening and looking at it with curiosity and interest.” 

You were swiftly promoted to Line Manager not long after joining Datahouse. What do you feel are key characteristics for ambitious software developers aspiring for team leadership roles? 

“It is easy to type some lines to make an application, but it is by understanding the context in which it is being developed that true value appears. Only with that knowledge can we provide the greatest contributions to what is being done now and for the future.  The line ‘expect the unexpected’ is also something that comes to mind quite often. It is always easy to assume all works as intended but not consider where it can fail and how to prevent it from happening or minimizing the adverse consequences when it does.  

There is no such thing as a perfect application, but we should always strive to make it as good as possible.” 

You’ve got a unique past time in refurbishing a villa in Central Portugal, quite far from Lisbon. Tell us more about this hobby of yours. What are you doing there? 

“Well, not as unique as one would expect, based on the number of people doing exactly that on countless YouTube videos, with which I sometimes entertain myself watching.  

Besides all the regular activities associated with having a house in the countryside, with maintaining, planting and harvesting, I also do home improvements, fixing damages, assembling new equipment, redoing wirings and whatever is needed. Like one of my neighbors says, if there is the will to do something, there is always something to do there. Currently I’m assembling the irrigation system for the garden, now at the final stages of the process, which involved house plumbing, electrical, internet routing & firewalling, digging and now laying the pipelines for the water to reach all the plants.” 

What’s your idea of a break in Portugal for colleagues coming from abroad?

“Portugal is a place of many riches, many not recognized by their true value, but I would point out two of them: 

• Penedo Furado – River beach, trekking, sightseeing, all in one go, for both the adventure and leisure. 

• Praia da Quinta do Lago – In the Algarve, near Faro, but more than the beach, the walk towards there, via Ludo. “ 

Since you live in Lisbon’s Baixa (downtown), what would be your top 5 restaurants you’d take a colleague to? 

“Unfortunately, the downtown area is quite gentrified nowadays, with the offer becoming increasingly the same, but there are some that still retain some of the original appeal. Some of my recommendations: 

• Cervejaria Trindade 

• Confeitaria Nacional (not really a restaurant but serves some light meals) 

• Casa do Alentejo 

• Marisqueira Uma 

• La Villa 

One unexpected takeaway from your first year? 

“That capabilities beyond IT related could be of value. I was curiously surprised by accounting background could fit my project needs, even if just a tiny bit.” 

Any final words? 

“Datahouse is a nice place to be and grow, with a friendly and cooperative environment, always evolving and where all work together.”