New Roadie Arrivals 8/24

This August we got to welcome two new Roadies – meet Juha & Vibhore! 

JUHA SAARINEN

Principal Consultant, MarTech

Hi Juha, how did you get good at what you do?

I've always had a curious and creative approach to developing and testing ideas. The drive to try things out for myself and see if I can make them work has been a significant part of my learning process. I'm also deeply interested in business—how companies operate and grow. This combination eventually led me to build my own ecommerce business, which taught me a lot both about tech and business.

I studied software engineering and began my career as an IT consultant, developing custom solutions for clients. Later, I transitioned to a career as a digital marketing and analytics consultant, with a focus on technology-driven projects. After a long stretch in consulting, I wanted to experience the other side of the table and took on leadership roles in major Finnish ecommerce companies. 

Also, this year, I was honoured with the "Vuoden Datakuiskaaja" award from the Digital Commerce Finland community.

Why Columbia Road?

After nearly a decade with the same company, I was eager to expand my horizons and apply my experience to new and exciting challenges. Columbia Road aligns perfectly with my values and growth mindset. The large-scale projects, exceptionally talented colleagues, and diverse clients continually push me to grow and evolve every day – and I absolutely thrive on it!

What makes your heart beat a little faster?

I always get excited when I encounter a business opportunity that can be solved with data. I also love sharing my insights and learnings, and I've had the privilege of doing so through various public speaking engagements and keynote presentations. One such event I’m especially looking forward to is our upcoming Digital Commerce Forum this November!

On a personal note, I enjoy simple things like everyday family life with my wife and two daughters. Enjoying good, home-cooked food and watching TV shows together. In addition to that, I like playing guitar, bass, and drums, and when time allows, I enjoy recording my own music.

VIBHORE SHARMA

Consultant, Software Development

Hi Vibhore, how did you get good at what you do?

My journey into programming began back in secondary school when I was first introduced to QBasic. As a kid, I was an avid gamer, and my enthusiasm often pushed my computer to its limits – sometimes even to the point of breaking it. Instead of getting frustrated, I found satisfaction in troubleshooting and fixing those issues. Starting with uncertainty and ending with a solution gave me a sense of achievement.

This hands-on experience sparked a deeper interest in technology, leading me to study software engineering. During my studies, I started creating games using C# in Unity as a hobby, combining my love for gaming with programming. This not only allowed me to express my creativity but also honed my technical skills.

Professionally, my skills took a significant leap when I landed my first job as a software developer specializing in .NET. This role provided me with the opportunity to grow and refine my abilities, turning what was once a hobby into a fulfilling career.

Why Columbia Road?

I first discovered Columbia Road through a job posting on LinkedIn. The more I dove into the company's Culture Code, the more convinced I was that this was a perfect fit. Everything I learned about Columbia Road resonated with me deeply and already before applying I got a sense that it would be the kind of environment where I could thrive. 

What stood out to me was Columbia Road’s technology-agnostic approach, which fosters an open learning environment. This flexibility not only encourages personal growth but also presents a wealth of opportunities to explore new technologies and broaden my skill set, making it an ideal place to further my career.

What makes your heart beat a little faster?

Just like back when I was a kid, I'm still an active gamer and enjoy playing computer games. I also enjoy spending time with my friends so what I often do is combine them both – playing computer games together with my friends is one of my favorite pastime activities. Occasionally, we switch things up and watch a football game instead but quality time with friends is something that I truly value!