Datahouse Diaries: Mathieu Ridet

In this edition of Datahouse Diaries, we sit down with a recent addition to the Lisbon team whose journey spans continents: from the beaches of Ivory Coast to the city streets of Paris, and now the vibrant hills of Lisbon. Driven by a passion for continuous growth and a desire to experience the world through different lenses, Mathieu shares his insights on building a meaningful career in software engineering, the beauty of cultural contrasts, and why “keeping it simple” is sometimes the most powerful lesson of all.

From Ivory Coast to Lisbon: Discovering Joy in Everyday Life

Having lived in three remarkably different countries, he reflects on the cultural shifts that shaped him:

“The biggest differences between Ivory Coast, France, and Portugal are the lifestyles and people’s mindsets. Moving from Abidjan to Paris meant adapting not only to the chilly weather but also to the reserved nature of the people. But arriving in Lisbon was completely different. Here I discovered a warm, welcoming culture.”

His childhood weekends were spent at the beach near Abidjan, just an hour outside the city. That sense of connection to nature and family still influences his outlook today.

Why Datahouse? A Natural Fit for Growth and Challenge

After a strong start in his career in Paris, where he transitioned from apprentice to full-time developer, he felt ready for a new challenge:

“I wanted an international experience in a completely different environment. When Datahouse came along, it just made sense.”

What stood out from the beginning was the company culture:

“From my first chat with the general manager in Lisbon, I could feel the atmosphere. Everyone I met—whether from Lisbon or Zurich—was not only skilled and professional, but also down-to-earth and fun. That balance was exactly what I was looking for.”

The chance to work on real estate technology, shift away from insurance, and be part of a smaller structure within a larger international ecosystem added to the appeal. And the social aspect sealed the deal:

“Just two weeks after joining, I was playing padel with teammates from Lisbon and Zurich. Soon after, I ran my first-ever race, joined a company retreat to Sintra, and really felt part of something from the start.”

A Lesson Worth Sharing: Business First, Then Code

One of the most unexpected takeaways from his role at Datahouse wasn’t technical, it was strategic:

“As junior developers, we often associate complexity with quality. But here I learned quickly that business needs come first. The simplest solution is often the best one. ‘Keep it simple’ is something I now live by.”

A Surprising Passion and a Very Special Pup

While he’s into sports, what really surprises people is his plant-based lifestyle:

“Trying to go vegan is something that surprises others, especially as a man. It’s not always easy, but it acts like a natural filter for the people you connect with.”

Since moving to Lisbon, he’s also picked up a new passion: CrossFit. What started out of curiosity has quickly become part of his daily routine. He even competed in his first competition just recently.

And even though it’s not exactly a hobby, his dog plays a huge role in his life. What began as a shared decision with his girlfriend has turned into a deep bond.

“Most people don’t expect a guy to be so attached to a tiny dog, but he helped me through some of the hardest moments in my life. I spend a lot of time training him, we even did an obstacle race together in France. He’s part of my daily life.”

Dream Projects and Long-Term Goals

He doesn’t like to stay in one place—mentally or physically—for too long. Always eager to learn, he’s now developing a mobile app for users in Ivory Coast:

“It’s a side project that allows me to explore new programming languages, cloud, DevOps. It’s a great learning opportunity. In the future, I’d love to open a second business, something completely different and more concrete than IT.”

A Flexible Day That Drives Focus

One of his favorite parts of life at Datahouse is the balance and freedom:

“Work-life balance here is exceptional. Our daily structure gives us space to focus on what really matters: delivering quality and growing professionally.”

From daily standups to collaborative reviews, learning is baked into the routine:

“What I love is that I can choose the best setup for the task. Need to talk something through? I go to the office. Need to focus on a tricky algorithm? I stay home. Need a break? Coffee or a walk. It’s all about what helps you do your best work.”

When It’s Time to Unplug: Nature, Travel, and Family

His ideal vacation is a mix of catching up and exploring:

“I try to make up for not traveling much as a kid. Whether it’s visiting family in Ivory Coast, exploring new cities in Portugal, or dreaming about a trip to Brazil, I want to experience as much as I can.”

He also loves mountain trips in France with his girlfriend and their dog.

Lisbon Through His Eyes: A Perfect Weekend

Day 1:
Try local and international food near his neighborhood, then head to scenic spots like Príncipe Real, Santa Catarina, and Graça. End the day in Alfama or watching the sunset from a viewpoint.

Day 2:
Take a day trip to Cascais, a beautiful coastal town that’s always a favorite with visitors. For something more relaxed, head to Tapada das Necessidades, a quiet park where he often reads or relaxes after work.

Investing in Growth: Advice for New Joiners

His biggest advice? Take advantage of everything Datahouse offers:

“I was looking for a company that invested in its people, and Datahouse really delivers. We each get an annual training budget, and in just six months I’ve taken language classes, studied DevOps with KodeKloud, passed the CKAD certification, and now we’re going to JNation in Coimbra.”

To anyone thinking of joining, he’s clear:

“The team is skilled and supportive, the structure gives you freedom and focus, and the international culture offers the balance you need to grow. Whether you’re here for the tech, the people, or the opportunity to challenge yourself—it’s a great place to be.”

Final Thoughts

From the beaches of Ivory Coast to the parks of Lisbon, his journey is one of curiosity, courage, and continuous reinvention. Whether he’s shipping code, running races, or building side projects for his home country, his story reminds us that the best growth often happens when we step outside our comfort zones. All the while staying true to who we are.

Ready to join us? Explore our opportunities and become part of a team that values growth, culture, and community.