Talis Tiivoja, Embedded Software Developer
Introducing Talis, our Embedded Software Developer who keeps Hotelbuddy's mobile key system fully operational! With his optimistic and active persona, combined with his extensive background in the IoT realm, Talis adds not just technical expertise but also a vibrant and uplifting spirit that resonates throughout the team.
In order to get to know Talis better, we asked him some questions about his experiences, life hacks and passions:
What’s your role at Hotelbuddy?
I am an embedded software developer. My responsibility is to keep our smart lock system up and running.
What was your background before joining Hotelbuddy?
I started my developer career at a local pellet burner company Pelltech in 2015 where we developed software for our in-house developed pellet burners and boilers. In 2017 I was promoted to Software and Hardware Product owner and I was responsible for all the software and hardware developed. In 2019, I moved to a Development company Krakul, where I first worked as embedded software developer and later also as a team leader, where my task was to lead a development team that consisted of 2 hardware engineers and 4 software engineers, including me. In 2022, I joined Hotelbuddy as an embedded software engineer.
What is your expertise?
I have worked on many different IoT projects, so I feel that I’m most experienced in those solutions. Working with different communication protocols for getting data to the Cloud is what excites me. During my time as a team leader I really enjoyed working with people and motivating them, this is something I’d like to experience again someday. My main coding skills are in C/C++, but I also have some knowledge of scripting in Python and beginner experience in Java and Typescript.
What is the most exciting part of your job?
As an embedded engineer, the most exciting part of the job is seeing how electronics come to life and start to do the things you programmed it to do. Sometimes it’s quite cumbersome to get everything to work as needed, but in the end it all pays off.
I am inspired by other engineers in my field (colleagues, partners etc). Seeing how others have solved hard problems shows me how diversified the world of engineering is.
Which 3 words describe you the best?
Determined, diligent, sporty.
What’s your most-used productivity hack?
Setting small objectives in the morning that I am sure to complete, so that each day I have accomplished something.
What is one piece of advice about life you would give to people?
We tend to regret things we haven’t done, rather than the things we have done, so use every opportunity you have and never turn down an invitation to adventure.
When you were a kid, who did you want to become?
As we all do, I had different dreams at different stages of my childhood, but as I was a good arguer, at one point in my life I dreamed of becoming a lawyer.
If you were a vehicle, which one would you be?
Unicycle, always trying to balance.
What has been your favourite travel destination?
I really liked Croatia with it’s nice beaches, national parks and nature. The best memories I got from the “Zlatni Rat” beach with it’s unique shape and crystal clear water.
What’s your hidden talent/hobby?
My hobby is participating in the production of different LIVE events, streamed either to web platforms (YouTube, Media outlets, etc) or to TV. I have been a camera operator, technician, and director. I have mainly done different sporting events and conferences.
How do you keep fit? Do you work out or have some healthy lifestyle hacks?
I have been very sporty my whole life, and it has been a big part of my life. Currently, I keep myself fit by going to the gym and running. From time to time, I also find time to go biking, roller skiing, or playing volleyball at the beach. During the winter, I like to go skiing and snowboarding.
If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
"Arguing with me is futile!"