Liisi, our smart and courageous full-stack developer at Singleton

Liisi has had quite a turn in life - from genetic engineering to software development. She is a role model for all the people wishing to change something, to start doing something completely different.

“I guess I just got to know myself better and decided that helping people and making a change is not only possible in the medical field but in other subjects and jobs as well. And I must say that I was right. I'm still waiting for that big “let's do some good” project but I have already seen how excellent and smart IT solutions can help people in various ways.”

Liisi has studied genetic engineering and written her Ph.D. about Human Papillomavirus replication. She then started with computer science at the University of Tartu. Liisi joined Singleton in September 2017 and has come a long way since.

Liisi always brings a smile to the office. Even on the most stressful days.

What are your primary responsibilities at Singleton and what does your day-to-day look like?

I am a full-stack developer and team lead at Singleton at the moment. Currently, I am a part of five very different projects - some I get to lead, and in others, I am a part of the team.

The biggest part of my day goes into actual software development but during recent times I have had the opportunity to communicate directly with the clients as well. Day-to-day life at Singleton is quite fast-paced and intensive at the moment but I am enjoying every minute of it.

What’s been the most memorable experience during your tenure so far at the company?

I guess you always remember the most intensive moments the best. There have been a lot of stressful moments but I wouldn't put a negative spin on that. It's quite the opposite. If you are forced out of your comfort zone then there is a real possibility for growth and learning.

These moments are difficult when you are currently dealing with them. But looking back now these are the moments that also bring a smile to my face and a feeling of being proud that I made it through and came out with a great experience. I am not afraid of challenges.

What advice do you have for prospective SG candidates?

The advice that could actually be useful changes every year because the company changes and evolves. For example, when I joined in 2017 there were not very many team members and therefore I had to invent solutions and answers on my own a lot.

Now we have a lot more people who are great mentors and teachers as well so I would recommend the newcomers not to be afraid to ask for help or advice. This doesn't mean that someone will always be holding your hand. You have to be quite independent at Singleton but the others always have your back. You'll see that when you join.

It is also important to be honest with your clients as well as with the people you work with. I value this greatly myself and I know that honesty and transparency have been the core values of Singleton as well during building the company culture and taking it forward.

What is on your wishlist for the next 5 years with Singleton?

I am very happy at the moment because I have reached the mark I set for myself 3 years ago. I wanted more responsibility and I have gotten it. I wanted there to be more women at Singleton and the number just keeps growing etc. So - I'm happy!

It might not be possible to become a senior-level developer during the next 5 years but I will surely work towards it.

Also, it would be great if a project came along that would be aimed at making an actual positive change for a lot of people. Maybe something connected to the field of medicine or something like that. So that I could make a change and do some good while doing my job as well.

As Liisi has grown a lot during her time at Singleton she is always up to helping younger colleagues with their tasks and questions.

How do you spend your time outside of the office?

I have a wide variety of hobbies but currently, most of my free time goes into windsurfing and kitesurfing. I want to become really good at it and enjoy doing both of these a lot.

Oh and then there is resistance training. I can't say that I enjoy it but it is very effective. Hard-core terrible training sessions but at least they are short.

I also like to solve logic puzzles and play board games with my friends. And to cook and try out different things.

Travelling also used to be a hobby of mine. I went abroad at least thrice a year but this has been on hold now due to the pandemic. Hopefully, things will get better soon so I can once again go and discover new things.

How do you define success in life?

For me success is happiness. If you feel that you are happy then you have succeeded. It doesn't really matter what or who makes you happy because what better feeling is there than happiness.

What is the next life milestone you want to achieve?

I would like to start a family sometime soon but it is a big decision so I'm not quite there yet. Maybe I will try to reach my other milestone first which is to become excellent in kitesurfing by mastering some tricks like jumping.

When are you the happiest?

I guess I am happiest when it is my vacation time. When I get to discover new things and places with my partner.

Not that I don't enjoy working but sometimes a change of scenery and pace is much needed. It allows you to use another part of your brain somehow.

What is the best vacation you’ve been to?

Probably the best one has been going to Croatia for two weeks with our VW camping van.

We drove around a lot, saw many beautiful places, and experienced something exciting every minute of every day.

Liisi loves to try new things and isn't easily intimidated by challenges.

If given a chance, who would you like to be for a day?

I would like to be a man for one day. I'm not sure yet if it should be a certain person or not but it should be a man who has power. I feel that men do have more power and it would be interesting to see if I would feel more powerful in a body of a man.

If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Porridge. Not that it is my favourite but it is neutral enough that I could go on eating it for a long period of time.

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

Well, who wouldn't want to witness the Big Bang?! To see how it all started.

This was Liisi with her ambitious and courageous way of looking at life and work. Get to know more of the great people at Singleton!

We are inspired by her! If you would like to ask Liisi about his job at Singleton or meet any of the other team members, please contact us and we will be happy to help.