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Ruth Mills, Senior Software Engineer/DE&I Power Group Lead/Tech Lead
- Your technical superpower:
Being able to hyperfocus on stuff. - If your brain were an Operating System, what is its 'Unique Selling Point' (USP) for solving complex data problems?
Having a mental model of a complex system in my head, so as to be able to visualise interactions within the system, and anticipate issues before they happen.
- What technical ability or different way of thinking do you use that you once assumed everyone could do?
I think being able to spot stuff, or "laser in" on stuff, using a system-wide understanding and intuition, rather than having to work things through the long way. This can save a lot of time, e.g. when investigating bugs. - Which specific cultural practice at Naimuri most helps you achieve a focused 'flow state' or retain mental energy?
The 4-day working week option. - Specification of the practice:
Working 4 days per week (30 hours per week) means I have an extra day to recharge each weekend; this means I am more energised each week than I would be with a full working week of 37.5 hours, and often results in me working just as efficiently as if I were working for 5 days, if not more so.
- In previous roles, what was your biggest 'cognitive friction' point, and how has Naimuri solved that for you?
Lack of flexibility, and focus on strict hours, rather than value delivered. - Share a time when your unique perspective on a technical problem caught a critical flaw that others had missed:
Fairly early on in my career, when working on software for controlling a machine for sorting metro tickets, I realised that there was a performance issue with "chaining" items of hardware used for stacking tickets together, which would result in us being unable to meet a performance requirement for the customer. I was able to suggest that, instead, we have a separate serial link to each ticket stacker, so the control software could talk to each stacker directly. Although this required hardware changes, the result was that we were able to meet the performance requirement, and the solution for our customer was much faster than that created by another team for another customer, where they had to ship many more units in order to meet the throughput required. - Select the impact areas where diverse perspectives are most vital for high-fidelity engineering (Select all that apply):
- Identifying Security Vulnerabilities
- Preventing Logic Gaps/Edge Case Failure
- Avoiding Algorithmic Bias in Data Products
- Ensuring System Scalability and Robustness
- Accelerating Innovation/Novel Solutions
- What common myth about data scientists or developers does Naimuri's approach help to bust?
Naimuri's approach leads to a far more diverse workforce than the stereotype of the typical white male data scientist or developer. This diversity of people helps to drive a diversity of thought that leads to true innovation, and ideas and insights that we would otherwise not have. - What would you say to a neurodivergent student or junior 'techy', who is worried they won't 'fit' into a high-pressure tech environment?
At Naimuri, we focus on working smarter rather than harder, and are also very mindful of the need for wellbeing. Our collaborative approach also means that every team member is empowered and encouraged to suggest new ideas and innovate. This leads to an inspiring, engaging, and exciting environment to work in, where it is a real joy to learn and grow. - Why is Naimuri the best 'habitat' for a specialist who thinks differently?
People are encouraged to be themselves, and don't have to "mask" in work. No-one is penalised or ostracised for being different. People are given the autonomy to work in the way that is best for them, and are also given the support they need to grow in their career.
