Meet the Team: Ivan Kovačić

Ivan Kovačić, Senior Software Engineer

Hi, Ivan!

The time has come for you to become a part of the Base58 Meet the Team saga. But don’t fret, the questions are a walk in the park. We're trying to keep it light around here.

To kick things off, let me ask you this: Who or what within Base58 inspires you?

I guess everybody has some good stuff in them that I can admire and learn from. 

Ok, ok. I see we’re starting with a pinch of diplomacy. Then how about this one: What is the most unusual aspect of working here?

I work with my wife… and am still married… (enough said)

Definitely a less diplomatic answer. :D Kudos to both of you - I assume it can be tricky at times. Btw, my next question is totally unrelated to your previous answer. Do you have any strategies for dealing with stress at work?

Breathe through it. It happens. And will again. 

Walks also help.

And what about the challenges? How do you typically deal with them?

Usually, head on. 

Ah, a good old confrontation. I like that kind of approach, it can be very efficient in someone's professional development journey. Tell us about yours.

I've been doing this a lot and for a while. And working with different people, technologies, and environments. I am currently working as a developer, QA, SDET (software development engineer at test) - automation QA, in short.

When it comes to Base58, what has been your most memorable moment?

We have a lot of them here. For example, a colleague falling through the ceiling, jumping from a cliff on team building, …

OK, I didn’t see that one coming (and neither did he, apparently). Need more details - guess who just jumped (pun intended) on the top of my Meet the Team list. :) Btw, I hope you didn’t share the same “head on” approach. 

So, besides “don’t fall through the ceiling”, is there any other advice you can give to someone who just started their career in software development?

Be nice. Play around. Be interested. Make mistakes. Learn. Repeat.

And,  in your opinion, what are the crucial things they should do to stay ahead of their game?

Read. Try. Brake. Fix… (all the time)

As a developer, you must also attend client calls. Not many like this aspect of the job. How has that been for you?

So far, so good.

A man of many words. :) 

All right, all right, all right… Enough about work. The moment has come to get up close and personal. 

What’s your secret talent that no one knows about?

I'm excellent at making gourmet sandwiches for my people.

What?! 1st time I’m hearing about this. And I like sandwiches. :/ Oh well…We’ll talk later. I currently have a blog to finish. 

If you had three wishes, what would they be?

• To have more wishes
• Stay healthy and fit
• To build my own house
• Run a marathon (Boston or Berlin)
• Buy small boat
• Build a huge Lego set in peace
• …

It’s obviously more than 3 but I’ll let it slide since you tricked me with the first one. 

And how about your bucket list - what are some things you want to try but you never did?

• Climb Mount Everest
• Play saxophone
• Jump from a plane (small one)
• Walk the Great Wall of China
• Walk amongst bamboo woods
• Learn a new language ( French or Italian)
• Have a permit for a boat

Let’s jump (this one wasn’t on purpose, I swear) back in time, to your childhood. Your favorite memory is?

When I look back, I realize I liked periods of boring time - playing video games until my eyes popped out, running in the streets while mom was coming out with sandwiches, …

Sandwiches again? C’mon, don’t rub it in. 

What’s the best trip you’ve ever been on and why?

I really like our business trips. Why? Because they are interesting. And also a trip to Egypt and Seattle - a lot of new things to see and do.

If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see?

Historical event?! Not quite sure. But would like to have met Tesla (the man). Hmmm… maybe Woodstock.

Yesss, Woodstock is an excellent choice. Not the ‘94., of course.  That one was a mess.

Anyway, we’ve successfully made it to the end. 

Thank you, Ivan, for sharing a bit about yourself with us! 

p.s. Less cheese, more veggies, and not too spicy 4 me.