Meet the Team - Giuseppe "GG" Gangi
Allow us to introduce you to our first colleague working from our new office in Barcelona, in this English blog article: Giuseppe “GG” Gangi!
Part of Team Engineering, Giuseppe joined Rinkel in February 2022. Since then, we have seen countless additions to the emoji selection in our internal communications program in Slack. Besides improving our beloved Webphone, Giuseppe also enjoys taking up the beauty of Barcelona during one of his frequent runs, making us all jealous with the incredible views and lovely weather.
Let’s get to know him a bit more!
What’s the first thing people think of when they hear your name?
“Let’s laugh!”
Or well, I hope that’s what they think. A sense of humor is not part of me, it’s everything I am! I always try to observe people, and find ways to make them happier. In return, this also makes me happier and increases my relationship with them. So it’s a win-win situation, really.
In our internal chat program, Slack, you can add your own emojis. Well, I am the emoji & meme guy, and I am proud of it.
Do you have a nickname in the office?
I haven’t been here that long, but so far my nicknames are Giu (a short version of my name), and “GG”, which is also just a play on my initials.
Of course, GG also stands for “Good Game”.
What is it exactly that you do at Rinkel?
I am a Full Stack Developer. That means I work on both sides of development: back-end and front-end. You have the back-end, which entails the database, as well as the logic and infrastructure behind a working application. The front-end is all about the look and feel. The way you see it on your screen, the buttons you can click and all possible interactions with the web page.
In my day-to-day tasks I focus mostly on the Rinkel Webphone. Making sure it works smoothly, that there are no bugs, and developing new features that you in turn benefit from!
What problem or frustration of customers are you most eager to solve?
Not necessarily a frustration or problem, but more like a goal to work towards: I would like that with each new version, the Webphone experiences feels and looks more like your smartphone, or works even better than your smartphone.
That makes using Rinkel a lot smoother, and enjoyable. I am happy, because I know we are on the right path to make this possible.
What do you like most about working at Rinkel?
Absolutely the work environment. You really see the passion of all colleagues across all different teams. It’s incredible.
While I only started in February 2022, it feels like I have been working here for 2 years already. Every interaction is enjoyable, and we share many good laughs.
What do you like most about Team Engineering?
Team Engineering (Team Development & Team Network) have a lot of experience, but they are all hungry for knowledge as well. We have the same energy, and even when we are in a rush, or a deadline approaches, we try to handle the situation responsibly and with good humor.
I know it’s still early to say this, but I am 100% sure that this is one of the best teams I have worked with so far.
Do you have a ‘lifehack’ on how to stay focused?
Yes, it’s a combination of elements, actually.
For one, I avoid multitasking. It just doesn’t really work when you want to focus. Secondly, I can’t think without my noise canceling headphones. Perfect for blocking out external noises, and getting into the focus zone.
Focus music tip: Star Wars Lo-Fi music. (Yes, I’m a big Star Wars fan.)
Who inspires you?
I don’t think there is one person in particular, but I am really inspired by people who refuse to give up, like my team. I like it when someone overcomes adversity, and manages to reach their goals.
It shows that even when you take small steps, in the long run you can change your life, and reach goals you never thought you could reach.
I love to share time with people who have the “Let’s do it!”-energy, because it challenges me to set bigger goals, and look for ways in which I can become a better person.
What is your favorite quote?
“Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard.”
I believe in hard work as a tool to improve your living conditions. You might not see results right away, but be patient, and you will see.
And even if you don’t win, at least you will learn.
It’s not exactly a saying, but I love to see our codebase improve in every sprint, so I am happy when a new feature or fix is ready to deploy (be implemented). We celebrate that with the Deploy Parrot!
If you could be someone else for one day, who would it be and why?
For sure Usain Bolt.
I like running, I like his attitude, and I like how he worked to become a legend. I would love to have his legs for one day, just to run, so I know what to do better when I come back into my own body.
What’s your favorite holiday destination?
I would say the Como Lake (Lago di Como) is my favorite place in the world (until now). I like the quiet of the lake, the Italian food, and the incredibly nice locals.
What’s your favorite drink?
“Papelón con limón” (Panela with lemon)
It’s a Venezuelan drink. Pretty much lemonade with unrefined cane sugar. Great for warm days, which is pretty much always the case in Venezuela.
I don’t make my own papelón con limón at home, but I always order it if it’s on the menu when I am at a Venezuelan restaurant, here in Barcelona!
What do you like to do in your free time?
Since 2020, I have focused a lot on my health, both mental and physical. I started working out, and eating healthy most of the time. In the last 18 months I have lost over 20 kilograms, which I am incredibly proud of!
I like to run pretty much every other day, especially along the beach, and take a picture every time I am on a run. My goal for this year is to run 1022 kilometers. Right now, I am already at 300 kilometers, so I’m confident I can make it!
Do you want to share anything else?
I was born in Venezuela, but my mother’s family is from Colombia, and my father’s family is from Italy. I lived in Germany for five years, and recently moved to Barcelona. So, I am a mix of cultures and languages!
Giu’s archetype
Yes, just like all of our other colleagues, we’ve also asked Giuseppe to take the archetype quiz.
Turns out he’s mostly creative, with athlete and intellectual also in the mix. That makes him similar to Pharell Williams, Lebron James, and Emma Watson.
Want to know more about our Slack aviary, or get more focus music recommendations? Check our vacancies!
