Know Your Arekibian : Matteo

Next in our “Know Your Arekibian” series is Matteo, Head of Managed Cloud Hosting Solutions & DevOps in Arekibo who has a passion for gaming, kickboxing and beer!

What was your journey to Arekibo?

I’ll try to keep it short, but it won’t be easy! I was gifted a C64 when I was 5 and my enthusiasm for computers started there and then I suppose. Years later (2000) I chose the software developer career path in my native Italy and in 2006 I decided to seek fortune in Ireland.

I was really lucky to respond to a job posting from Arekibo for a developer with DBA experience, which I did fit. After an interesting interview in a Starbucks’ café (that was a first for me) I was offered the job on the spot (and I couldn’t believe it!).

The rest is history I suppose: 13 years (and counting) working on hundreds of projects, collaborating with a lot of interesting people (both colleagues and clients), different roles over the years, and a new office.

One thing most people don’t know about you?

Nerd alert! In 1998 I became regional champion at the Magic: The Gathering masterclass finals after a year worth of tournaments with hundreds of players and starting as underdog.

Unfortunately the organisers didn’t prepare a plaque for that edition so I don’t have a trophy on display, but I still have great memories of the achievement and of those years in general. I’m still in touch with many of the players I’ve met in my years playing MTG, few of them are good friends to this day.

Project you’re most proud of?

I would say Arekibo as a whole: I’m proud what we achieved so far and I’m happy that I was able to contribute.

Otherwise, If I need to pick one, I’d definitely go for the “daa hosting lift and shift” to the cloud. It was a huge project with many risks, but the result was great for both daa and ourselves, and it marked the beginning of a new chapter for Arekibo.

3 things you have learned during your time in Arekibo?

1.  Preparation: an ex. Arekibian used to say “fail to prepare, prepare to fail”. Words to live by.
2. Communication: lack of proper communication leads to disasters. This also includes the ability to say “no” when required.
3. Take your time: there’s no point in rushing things, it’s only going to hinder your ability to deliver a good product. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
4. Nobody knows everything: and if you don’t know something, it’s ok to admit to it and to investigate rather than making stuff up and wasting everybody’s time.
5. That I can’t stop counting at three

One thing you can’t work without?

Two screens, MS Teams, and my trusty desktop computer (I find working on laptops really slows me down).

Favourite thing about your job?

For good or bad, it’s never boring.

Apple or Android? Why?

Android. Although I was an iPhone user for few years, it’s no secret that I’ve never been a huge fan of Apple’s products.

Personal motto

“Damned if you do, damned if you don’t” is my mantra for IT.
This will likely be the title of my autobiography lol.

One skill you’ve gained since joining Arekibo?

A good few, but probably the one that stands out the most is public speaking at crowded meetings or workshops. 

Find out more about Luke and Darren too.