For this week’s Journey of a TTT’er series, we’re introducing TTT’s Lead Web Developer, Gokul. His name is one that is easily confused with a certain Super Saiyan, and he’s got the Development skills to match. Not only is he’s incredibly skilled at what he does, the man is one of the most gentle souls I’ve ever met. Not one for cheesy references or jokes, this introduction is sure to make him cringe, but sorry Gokul we’re cruel that way. So without further ado, let’s find out what’s cool about Gokul :).
Quick intro:
Position: Lead Web Developer
Favourite Programming Language: Javascript
Fun Fact / secret superpower: I’m really good at FIFA.
Last Movie Watched: Black Panther
Favourite Food: An Indian dish called chicken briyani
Tell us about yourself. What’s your story/background?
“I came to Vancouver from Chennai in 2015 to obtain a Masters degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering at UBC, after working for two and a half years in India at Wipro Technologies. I shifted my focus onto computer engineering in the second year of my program after taking an undergrad course in UBC about modern web development. The course inspired me to pursue a career in web development by instilling all the fundamentals in the domain.”
How did you end up at TTT? First Impressions?
“I met Chris and Dave at Wali’s (my grad school buddy) graduation party. That’s when I met most of the TTT team, and I really liked the cordial relationship that existed amongst them. Wali always had great things to say about the company, and the prospect of working with a buddy is always interesting. I attended TTT’s Open House a few weeks later and was really intrigued by the types of projects they were working on. That cemented my interest and desire to work for TTT”
What are some interesting things about yourself?
“I’m a huge fan of soccer, cricket and video games. Some of favourite video games are The Last of Us, The Uncharted Series, and The Witcher 3.
I really love dogs, especially golden retrievers. My family has always grown up with dogs – I really miss my dog, Benedict who is back in India with my family. We adopted him as a pup and he’s 4 years old now.
I also love to travel. One of my favourite places is Bali. The resort where I stayed was on the edge of a mountain facing the ocean, and it offered a spectacular view. My next travel destination is England, as I’m really into football and would love to see a Premier League Match live.”
What’s your most memorable moment working at TTT?
“Some of my favourite memories are doing the grouse grind with the team, the summer BBQs on the patio, the farewell party for the Co-ops at Red Robin and the summer scavenger hunt.”
What is your secret super power? (something you’re very good at, that not everyone knows)
“I hardly ever get offended”.
What do you enjoy working on the most?
“I really love creating complex user interfaces, while working with a team and solving challenges that are not trivial in nature.”
What do you like to do in your free time?
“I work out in the gym, play FIFA with my childhood buddies online and love spending time with my family. I usually have mandatory skype sessions over the weekend with them, and family matters are always fun.
“I also enjoy exploring different cuisines. Asian food is one of my favourites, with ramen and pho topping the list. And I really like Mexican food too.”
Who do you look up to? (Who is your hero?) Why?
“I look up to my dad with very high regard, for endless reasons. The most important one being the kind of distance he has pushed himself to in order to enable me to realize my personal and professional aspirations.”