I’m hired as a Software Architect to build a solution with Microsoft products. Our team works by the scrum guide and is moving towards continuous deployment. We are learning and growing while delivering business value. This is hard work. Every sprint we complete means the retrospective is done in the pub.

I expect the best and I give the best. Here’s the beer. Here’s the entertainment. Now have fun. That’s an order!
Rasczak

Location: Sittard, NL
Current Gig: Technical Consultant, Valid
Word that best describes how you work: Teamwork
Current mobile device: iPhone se
Current computer: MacBook 15 inch

What apps/software/tools can’t you live without? Why?

Wunderlist: work tasks, chores, groceries, planning, every task is there.
Evernote: I’m a fan for years now. Not to happy about the recent update but time will improve this.
iSmoothrun: when I’m not working, I’m running, this app tracks just about every metric I can think of and shares it to all the platforms (runkeeper for one)
Parallels 11: Running Windows on my MacBook is a must. And of course visual studio, team foundation server, build, release manager, sql server management studio, remote desktop, powershell, and some other tools I need for work.

What’s your workspace setup like?

Work at the office is on a thin client with 21 inch screen and (wired) mouse and keyboard. The desk and chair comply with all regulations. We have a great coffee machine.

My home workspace has moved to the kitchen table with my Macbook 15 inch. No externals and enough battery for the whole day. Freedom!

What’s your best time-saving shortcut/life hack?

Timebox. Start on a task and spent the time you’ve got to get the best result. Get someone to look at it, get feedback. Then decide if the result is final or to spent some more time.

Besides your phone and computer, what gadget can’t you live without and why?

I’ve been running with my Magellan Echo for some time. It is a sports watch that hooks up to my phone by bluetooth to start / stop my runs, control the music and see the metrics right on my wrist. It is powered by a battery that lasts 6 months and is easy to replace.
My Apple TV2 (jailbroken) hooked up to my NAS for movies and series. Also hooked to my stereo for music streaming. Awesome device!

What everyday thing are you better at than everyone else? What’s your secret?

Learning new things. My current project lets me implement new things (joy) Also I try to learn the things I know to my team or anyone who listens.
I have a basic understanding of how things work and try to map new things on there. For the details I have a Pluralsight subscription and black belt google skills.

What do you listen to while you work?

My alarm clock plays classical music to wake me up in the morning. The car stereo plays about everything (grunge, rock, kids stories) driving to work. When I need some focus I play drum and bass on my headphones. My ringtone is still Run riot by Camo & Krooked.

What are you currently reading?

Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss. A Christmas gift. Best described as a book of “How I Work” posts full with tips and tricks of the titans (experts)

How do you recharge? What do you do when you want to forget about work?

Spending quality time with my wife and daughters. Phone on silent, no screens, no work. Mostly piggyback riding and thee parties
Also sports like running, fitness, climbing and snowboarding to keep me fit and healthy.

Fill in the blank: I’d love to see _________ answer these same questions.

Iris Classon, because she had to start from zero with her career shift and is now a Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional).

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

I believe this is a variant on a Hemingway quote.

Is there anything else you’d like to add that might be interesting to readers?

Learn Powershell. There is so much possible with Powershell. If you can learn one thing this year pick Powershell. 

Original idea from Lifehacker.com.