Aleksei Velizhanin, Full-Stack Software Developer

Aleksei is one of the senior developers at Hotelbuddy and is highly respected for his experience, precision, patience and solution-oriented mindset. Aleksei’s calm and friendly character makes him an agreeable team member and an interesting conversation partner who is always available for an in-depth discussion about coding bugs, but at the same time also enjoys art and nature-related topics. Still water runs deep!

In order to get to know Aleksei better, we asked him some questions about his experiences, life hacks and passions:

What’s your role at Hotelbuddy?

I am a full-stack software developer. I am currently working on different integrations with hotels, fixing bugs, and reviewing code.

What was your background before joining Hotelbuddy?

I’ve been working as a Java/C++ software engineer since 1999. It has been an interesting journey to see how times have changed. I have worked in different fields including human resources, telecom, finance and also start-ups.

What’s the most exciting part of your job?

The challenge of constantly improving user experience interacting with complex information systems, better application of the potential of cutting edge IT technologies.

Who inspires you?

My colleagues who are working diligently. In every company I have worked there have been people who inspire me. Usually, those people do not speak much, achievements speak for them.

Which 3 words describe you the best?

Perseverance, sense of reality, ability to dream

Recommend a good book/podcast you have read/listened to recently.

One of my favourite books is “Atlas shrugged” by Ayn Rand. I like books that give insights into human behaviour, psychology, and sociology.

What’s your most-used productivity hack?

“Do not play, just complete”! I don’t have specific hacks, I just like to get things done. Setting small goals to accomplish and tasks to check off from the to-do list every day motivates me.

What is one piece of advice about life you would give to people that has really helped you?

I have learned to be grateful and not to take things and people for granted. I admire kind people who have patience and empathy towards others.

When you were a kid, who did you want to become?

I wanted to become a scientist or a sailor, depending on my age and the books I was reading.

If you were a vehicle, which one would you be?

I would go on foot. Lao Zi, a Chinese philosopher, once said that a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.

What has been your favourite travel destination?

I recently visited the States and am still mesmerized by the red landscapes of the Valley of Fire in Nevada and the amazing views of Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah.

What’s your hidden talent/hobby?

Pencil drawing. It is challenging but helps to develop the skill of having different points of view. When I lived in the States I often visited art museums to see and discover more about different paintings and techniques artists used. Van Gogh’s “Rain” which he painted during his asylum in France has inspired me a lot.

How do you keep fit? Do you work out or have some healthy lifestyle hacks?

I ride a bicycle often, go running regularly, like hiking.

If you had a warning label, what would yours say?

“Long and intensive discussion alert!”