Sipping Coffee, Sharing Wisdom

Since early 2023, I've been conducting CTO-Intern catchup sessions where I meet with new interns in batches over coffee to get to know them individually. During these sessions, I typically inquire about their backgrounds, motivations, and hobbies. Towards the end of the catchup, I allow them to ask me anything, with each person having the opportunity to pose one question. Thus far, I've noticed many recurring questions, which I'll summarize in this post for future reference. 😁


CTO-Intern Catchup - Malang, Nov 2023


1. What's the biggest lesson you've learned in your career so far?

The most significant lesson I've learned in my career is the importance of adaptability and growth mindset. The business landscape is constantly evolving, and being able to adapt to change quickly and effectively is crucial for success. Growth mindset has enabled me to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, view failures as learning experiences, and persist in the face of setbacks.


Source: Deepstash


2. How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively?

Prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively is essential, particularly in a fast-paced environment like ours. I rely on planning, delegation, and time management techniques to stay organized and focused. This includes setting clear goals and priorities, breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and utilizing tools like Google Calendar and Google Tasks to track progress and deadlines. Additionally, I prioritize tasks based on their impact and urgency, focusing on those that will have the greatest positive outcome for the company.


Read: Efficient Productivity Matrix


3. What qualities do you look for in potential future leaders?

When identifying potential future leaders, I seek a combination of strong interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and a growth mindset. Effective leaders not only inspire and motivate others but also possess the vision and strategic acumen to propel the company forward. They should demonstrate a willingness to continuously learn and grow, as well as the ability to navigate ambiguity and lead through uncertainty.


Source: LifeHack


4. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in their career?

My advice to someone starting their career would be to embrace every opportunity to learn and grow. Be proactive in seeking out new experiences, whether through challenging projects, mentorship relationships, or professional development opportunities. Don't fear taking risks and stepping out of your comfort zone, as these experiences often lead to the greatest personal and professional growth. And above all, stay curious and never stop learning.


5. As an intern, what opportunities do you see for contributing to Suitmedia's growth and success?

As an intern at Suitmedia, there are ample opportunities to contribute to our growth and success through a blend of fresh perspectives and reverse mentorship. By approaching tasks with a willingness to learn, interns can introduce innovative solutions. Moreover, we value the unique perspectives and skills interns bring to the table, encouraging them to share their insights and ideas, even with more seasoned colleagues. This fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous learning.


Source: Mindful Ambition


6. What inspired you to start Suitmedia, and how has the company's vision evolved over time?

The inspiration behind starting Suitmedia stemmed from a desire to blend creativity and technology to solve complex business challenges. Initially, our vision focused on delivering cutting-edge digital solutions to clients. Over time, we've broadened our vision to encompass a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility. Today, our vision centers around empowering businesses to thrive in a digital-first world while making a positive impact on society.



7. In such a rapidly evolving industry, how do you stay ahead of trends and ensure Suitmedia remains innovative and competitive?

In the fast-paced digital consulting industry, staying ahead of trends is essential for maintaining our competitive edge. We prioritize continuous learning to stay abreast of emerging technologies and market trends. Additionally, we foster a culture of innovation within our teams, encouraging experimentation and cross-functional collaboration. By remaining agile and adaptable, we can swiftly respond to changing market dynamics and deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients.


8. What are some of the key challenges Suitmedia faces in the current market, and how do you plan to address them?

Some key challenges Suitmedia faces in the current market include increasing competition, evolving client demands, and rapid technological advancements. To address these challenges, we're focusing on leveraging our strengths in creativity, innovation, and client-centricity. We're also investing in talent development to ensure our teams have the skills and expertise needed to deliver exceptional results. Additionally, we're exploring new market opportunities and partnerships to expand our reach and diversify our service offerings.



9. What do you believe sets Suitmedia apart from other digital agencies or software houses?

Our differentiation lies in our holistic approach to digital consulting, which is underpinned by our abundance of in-house talents and our commitment to sustainability. Unlike many other software houses and digital agencies, we boast a diverse team of experts in both creativity and technology. Our in-house talent pool enables us to maintain full control over project quality and ensures that we have the expertise needed to tackle even the most complex challenges. In addition to offering client-centric solutions, we prioritize sustainability in everything we do. We understand that corporate clients increasingly value sustainability initiatives, and we're proud to align with their values. By integrating sustainability into our solutions, we not only meet the needs of environmentally conscious clients but also contribute to positive social impact.


10. What methodologies and practices does Suitmedia employ to maintain high standards of software development quality and efficiency across its projects?

To maintain high standards of software development quality and efficiency, Suitmedia employs agile mindset across its projects. We embrace iterative and incremental development to deliver value to our clients more efficiently, fostering collaboration between cross-functional teams and stakeholders. By prioritizing continuous improvement and adaptability, we can respond effectively to changing requirements and market dynamics.


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