In the latest installment of our Meet the Team series, we sat down with Juan Cortes, Web Developer at myprosperity.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I have been living in Australia for the past 10 years. Being originally from Colombia makes me a coffee lover, so naturally Melbourne is the perfect fit for my coffee and food cravings.
Professionally, I am a highly motivated and passionate Web Developer. For the last 15 years I have been working with multiple technologies across everything from desktop, mobile, even 3D programming and a bit of game development, until I decided to stick with web development.
I really enjoy working at myprosperity: the mature startup environment is both challenging and valuable. The dynamic atmosphere, working with talented people to solve problems in diverse contexts, and the ability to practice and learn about multiple technologies are all priceless.
When did you join myprosperity? Where were you before?
I joined myprosperity in September 2016. It has been an incredible journey to see how we grew into what we are now, and being part of a dynamic environment with so many interesting challenges always makes it feel like no time has passed.
Before myprosperity, I was working as a full-stack Web Developer for Global Corporate Challenge (now known as Virgin Corporate Challenge). They specialise in keeping workplaces active and healthy. So it seems like contributing to the wellbeing of other people is a common factor of the places I’ve been lucky to work with.
What would you say is the top trend to watch out for in the tech industry?
I feel connectivity is a massive advantage for those who pursue it. Our data is dispersed across a variety of platforms, tools, and agencies, yet it’s all being connected in increasingly innovative ways. Accessing all this data conveniently in a fast and reliable manner empowers us to make the right decision, and have more time and energy to focus on the important things, like family and friends.
What would you say is the most overrated trend?
Artificial Intelligence (AI). It can be a great tool to streamline heavy and complex IT tasks but lately I’ve noticed it’s being used for the sake of it in trivial things.
In my opinion it is a bit overrated. Many situations, especially those that involve human beings, are quite complex and can’t always be programmed or solved by a set of rules. Plus, because we’re so early on in the process, it’s easy to misjudge the complexity of implementing AI so people can end up sinking time and resources into things that could have been solved just as well through other means.
What’s a little known fact about Juan?
I’ve played the harp since I was 10 years old. It’s not something I share widely as I prefer to play for family and friends but I absolutely love it! When I first said I wanted to learn the harp, the director of the music academy tried to convince me to play something else, like guitar, violin, or piano. I ended up being the only harp student, but as a result, I was really popular with the local orchestras and music groups who were always in need of harpists!
People have often asked me throughout the years whether I chose the harp to impress women. They’ve obviously never tried moving a harp before – it’s not exactly the easiest instrument to do impromptu serenades with!
Quick Round:
- Biggest pet peeve? People watching their phones when you are talking to them.
- Favourite movie? ugh, hard one… I love movies. Most likely Amélie (The Fabulous Destiny of Amélie Poulain) – everything in that movie is perfect. Music, actors, details, everything!
- Favourite food? Chocolate, no doubt! I can’t imagine life without it; it would just seem less colourful.
Can you give us a sneak peek of some of the most exciting items on the myprosperity 2018 development roadmap?
From all the surprises we have prepared for 2018, one that I find particularly powerful is an additional focus on financial services for kids. Good financial management is something you learn over time, so encouraging new generations to get into good habits from a young age is key.