This month, we’re off to a running start! Introducing Kristo Leemets – Development Team Lead and our 15th Bondora Superstar. This blog series highlights Bondorians’ passion for what they do, why they love working at Bondora, and other cool things you didn’t know about them. If you can’t tell from the photo below, Kristo loves to run. And he’s pretty good at it. Read on to find out more about how he did in this race.
Bondora Superstars #15 — Kristo Leemets
👱 Bondorian since: 2019
🤝 Role: Development Team Lead
🎵 Team: Rhapsody
Kristo joined Bondora in July 2019 as a Developer for the Marketing Team. Since then, he has worked with two other teams on various projects, including investor products, Anti-Money Laundering, and the new mobile app. In February 2021, he assumed his current role as the Development Lead for Team Rhapsody.
Here’s how Kristo takes on a typical day:
Starting the day with a cup of coffee is a must for me. I’m a huge coffee lover. Once I’m caffeinated, I’ll review Asana to see if there are any updates on the tasks that my team is working on and contact the Product Owner, Aleksandra, to answer her questions. If there are no changes, I will carry on with my own tasks – developing new features, fixing old ones, or doing team lead duties.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
I think for most developers, myself included, the most rewarding part is that you can develop something new, and that new functionality will make customers’ lives easier, better, or more convenient. To me, writing code is an art form. I enjoy creating something and watching it come alive and appreciated by an audience.
What’s more difficult – the most challenging part of your job or getting your toddler to go to sleep?
Definitely the most challenging part of my job 😄
What’s your favorite Bondora value?
That’s a difficult question because I appreciate most of them. But if I need to choose, then I think I would pick “One team”. The reason for this is that when you are stuck or need help, it’s usually not just one person that offers to assist you, but multiple people sharing ideas, solutions, and possible fixes.
If you could study anything again, what would you choose?
I would love to learn how to play the drums or piano.
Kristo’s must-read book:
“Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy The Odds” by David Goggins
Okay, enough business. Let’s get personal!
Name your spirit animal
🐈 First, I love cats, but I can also relate to them. If needed, I can be very sweet, kind, and friendly, but if circumstances change then, the claws come out 🐾
What’s your favorite TV show?
I don’t think I have one, but I love comedies. Friends makes me laugh the most. I’ve watched all ten seasons three times.
Should pineapple be allowed on pizza?
The world is NOT flat. It’s a fact. Pineapple is NOT meant for pizza. This is an absolute truth.
What’s your favorite food?
Almost everything from Indian and Mexican cuisines. I love bold flavors and spices.
And what food do you refuse to eat?
Mushrooms. It’s the most random food ingredient ever. The texture is off, and it doesn’t have any taste. Why does this food even exist?
What’s something you want to do but scares you?
If I want to try something, then I will go and do it. I don’t have any fears, and I am always open to try new things.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
Currently, I try to spend as much time as possible with my little girl because I have been told that they grow up so fast. I also enjoy watching and playing sports. Over the last couple of years, I’ve put more effort into running and have tried to beat times and distances that seemed unachievable without any special training.
So, what’s the story behind this race photo?
This picture was taken just after I finished the Riga marathon, with a time that I didn’t believe I was able to run (3:11). This image captured all the pure feelings, emotions and relief I experienced at that moment.
And there you have it! Kristo is another example of how Bondorians are passionate about many things, including making Bondora the best online investment company in Europe. Join us again next month as we get to know our 16th Bondora Superstar ⭐️
The views and opinions expressed in this article are that of the individual and not Bondora’s official view.