About

Welcome to my blog on business and software, two topics close to my heart. Both topics are admittedly broad, but then so are my interests. I blog about these topics because I enjoy writing, learn while doing so and want to share my experiences.

Software

When it comes to software development I have had my hands on code, either directly or indirectly as a manager or supervisor, for over a decade both academically and in industry.

In terms of projects I’m currently working as a senior developer in the consulting industry in New Zealand and also spend time on MAYLOOM™ projects.

I have a fair interest in open source, at all levels of a program’s ecosystem, but I’m no zealot, after all, if all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail. It’s the open source tenet of open, collaborative development and in particular the potential consequential business benefits that excite me.

In terms of professional bodies that I have participated in, these include the Cape Town SPIN chapter (Software Process Improvement Network) and a member of the ACM.

Business

In business, as an entrepreneur, the first venture that I founded in early 2006 was RedButton, a specialist Wireless Internet Service Provider based in Cape Town, South Africa. Apart from raw hands on experience I had the privilege of working with a talented team and in the early days benefitting from extensive business coaching, thanks to CITI, in particular involving coaching by Andrea Böhmert, now CEO of Hasso Plattner Ventures, but also many others. RedButton continues as a successful business to this day.

Prior to RedButton I had invested my time in organizations that in retrospect all formed a part of the build-up phase of my entrepreneurial journey. Notable organizations included Cell-Life, HBD Venture Capital, S1 and The University of Cape Town. I had also invested seven years getting my BSc, BSc Honours and then MSc in Computer Science, the latter by dissertation which left me with plenty of time to dream about business.

Although in terms of trade I have a science and engineering background, which is somewhat R&D oriented, when it comes to business all aspects interest me. It’s also the challenges involved in starting, planning, building and growing a business that drive me. Recent focus areas of mine have been in operations, business process development and management.

I tend to spend a lot of time thinking about business, but naturally I rely on the thoughts of others as a catalyst. Small Giants by Bo Burlingham, The Origin of Brands by Al & Laura Ries and First, Break All The Rules by Marcus Buckingham & Curt Coffman are amongst my more inspirational reads.