At our recent Christmas Offsite the XCNT team looked in the rear-view mirror to reflect on all the little and big successes and learnings of 2019.
A lot has happened since XCNT opened its doors in January. The team has doubled in size, we have moved into our own office and we have launched our first ventures. While we are proud of our achievements we also know that there was a lot of room for personal improvement and further growth in 2020.
Meet the members of the XCNT family and read about their personal successes and learnings from 2019 as well as about their goals for 2020.
If you would like to join our team please have a look at our job postings and send us your application.
My top success
I successfully completed a pilot test and worked on the data evaluation of this test.
My major learning
Just because there's a spec written on a hardware component doesn't mean it's true. Depending on quality and trust in the manufacturer, you can't avoid detailed testing of the components.
My goal for 2020
In my spare time I'm also working on a budgeting software which I want to launch by the end of 2020 so that it can also be used by non-computer scientists.
My top success
To have my first job after your studies and to realize that I like doing what I do. So the course of studies was the right decision.
My major learning
Even if not everything works out the way you imagined not to put your head in the sand. As Winnie Pooh said: “It never hurts to keep looking for sunshine!”
My goal for 2020
Become more confident and better at what I do on the job. After growing very much on myself this year and further developing myself on a personal level, the focus next year will be on my job prospects.
My top success
Reconnect with my personal values of having a positive impact onto the people around me - by taking off with the 50ZERO project full-time.
My major learning
Trusting my strengths, focussing on making B2B connections and networking, while being a trustworthy colleague to work with at eye level.
My goal for 2020
Working towards making Europe carbon neutral - by pushing the boundaries and converting 50ZERO into a successful company.
My top success
Conducting interviews with people coming from all over the world. I especially liked preparing and conducting the coding challenge for new hires which tests the necessary software development skill.
My major learning
How far you can go with an awesome team
My goal for 2020
Keep improving and be aware of my weaknesses
My top success
I am working with a cool team on a solution that appears to have a product-zeitgeist-fit: AERIC. We are enthusiastic as we navigate through stormy times and aim for developing a product people actually need.
My major learnings
It’s rewarding and beneficial to break with existing opinions and perceptions (XCNT company value: Drive and embrace change). But it’s super hard to overcome the inner barrier to arrive at that point where you actually enjoy challenging yourself.
My goals for 2020
Continue meditation (goal: 365 meditations in a year)
My top success
XCNT has managed to be an appealing company for tech talent. By opening us to all talent in the whole world we manage to find the best people who are really excited about the unique technical challenges XCNT’s ventures present.
My major learning
Regardless of how much you love your work and your colleagues, it is important to take care of yourself. We are all part of a long running Marathon, not a short sprint.
My goal for 2020
Creating a well working, excited and professional tech team which provide optimal support for our ventures.
My top success
I launched the climate action startup 50ZERO that is helping individuals and companies to do their part to help solving the climate crisis
My major learnings
Don’t start too many projects at once - you have to be very conscious to not start too many initiatives by accident
My goal for 2020
Coming up with a strong contribution for climate neutral energy and helping realize a side project of mine: The second season of the tech-comedy series Technically Single
My top success
Gained new allies through targeted communication with key stakeholders. We managed to gain supporters in “difficult” territory by staying authentic and true to our mission.
My major learnings
Enjoy the ride, not the result. Every day is a chance to create a positive experience for our customers, my colleagues and myself. I just need to look up from my screen and look for ways to make today special through a simple moment of ‘wow’.
My goals for 2020
Build a rockin’ IOT backend - I’m super excited about our IOT backend as a service called DRIVR. I’m looking forward to building a team of rockstars, a rockin’ product and deliver it to our customers in 2020.
