Russell Palmer, Product Manager

Russell Palmer, Product Manager at Viv Labs

What motivates you in your career?
I like using and building new technology, and working with really smart people.

How does your job affect people’s lives?
I build software that people use every day to accomplish their life goals.

Describe what you do at work.
I try to understand users of software products, have empathy for their lives and what they are trying to accomplish. I use this understanding to invent features which can help them and solve their problems. I work with engineers to build software, and with designers who help improve the look and experience of the software. Sometimes I work with people who help test and research the usage of the software. I use math and science to build some features, including the Machine Learning and AI components which help robots to observe, learn and grow their skills.

Describe your career path to this career.
I took lots of math courses, and computer science and engineering courses.

What activities do you like to do outside of work?
I like soccer, snowboarding, reading and traveling.

What advice or encouragement would you give others seeking a similar career?
Do your own homework, practice math by doing it over and over, believe in yourself and never stop learning.

I was born/grew up in: Oakville, Ontario, Canada
I now live in: San Jose, California, USA

This article originally appeared on Explorecuriocity.org/canada2067 and can be found here.