Connector Spotlight: Alex Christodoulou
September 30, 2020
Q. Tell us a bit about the projects you’re working on.
I have been working on a discovery project to help de-risk second screen experiences for live events. We have been working with broadcasters of live entertainment and studying the network effect of influencers to create engaging experiences for users.
I am currently transitioning into a new role at Connected called Group Engagement Director. In this role I will help facilitate product and client impact on a portfolio of engagements, as well as drive overall strategy at Connected.
Q. What’s the most interesting challenge about the project?
It has been challenging to bridge gaps between the needs of fans, influencers, and networks. They all have unique jobs to be done, pains, and gains. On top of that, ideating experiences that resonate with all stakeholders is exciting and multifaceted.
My new role is an interesting evolution for me. I have always been on the delivery side of engagements, primarily in an engineering team lead capacity and this is quite the departure. I am hoping that bringing a practitioner perspective into the growth team will help us focus on the highest impact products. This role also allows me to gain skills in managing portfolios and understanding the overall business.
Q. Where did you work prior to Connected?
I have been with Connected since the very beginning. Prior to Connected I was at Pivotal, where I built relationships with Mike and Damian.
Q. What achievement are you most proud of in your career to date?
Early on in Connected’s history, we partnered with a company based in Shenzhen, China to help build companion apps for IoT hardware and help bring agile practices to their software team. I am very proud of the shift in culture I was able to oversee and the products that we were able to launch together. This experience also enabled me to travel, explore, and appreciate a different part of the world.
Q. Do you have a mantra you live by?
Zhuzh it up! Whether it’s a drizzle of olive oil to a meal, an accessory with a little pop, or a delightful animation in your app.
Q. What do you love to do outside of work?
I love to cook and explore new foods. Most of my trips revolve around discovering new cuisines and techniques.
Q. If you were stuck on a deserted island, what album, movie, and book would you take with you?
Album: Sound & Color by Alabama Shakes
Movie: Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkein
Book: Momofuku (long recipes with the time to perfect them, or just the ability to daydream about food as I read).
Q. Describe yourself in three words.
Kind, dedicated, imaginative.
Q. And finally, what’s your favourite product and why?
Recently, my favourite product has been my gravel bike. It is the perfect companion for adventure and fitness. Although it is super “analog,” I get digital stats with Strava and my Apple Watch and I even can ride and compete indoors with a smart trainer.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Join the Thoughtworks newsletter list to receive curated content that exemplifies our Product thinking approach.
Related Posts
Fri Jun 2
Thoughtworker Spotlight: Priscila Araújo
Priscila Araújo has worn many hats across multiple countries, and we’re lucky to have her at Thoughtworks Canada. With over 10 years of experience from Brazil to Canada, she has engineering, delivery and product experience, just to name a few. Currently, as a Lead Product Manager, she works collaboratively with Thoughtworkers to build great software, driving impact by helping clients scale and grow. Priscila also shares her thought leadership by speaking at conferences and providing mentorship at Thoughtworks. As a strong believer in taking risks and trusting the process, find out in her Thoughtworker Spotlight how visiting Toronto on a scholarship and doing a Thoughtworks internship ten years ago influenced her trajectory from software engineering into the realm of product. When she’s not helping clients scale and grow or sharing tasty Brazilian treats with the office (the bolo de rolo she brought back from her recent Brazil trip was devoured in minutes), you can find her playing basketball, taking her dog out to play in the sun, biking by the lake and doing stand up paddleboarding in Toronto. If the weather calls for the indoors, she is a passionate plant parent and a coffee aficionado. With all of these interests, can you guess what her favourite product is? Hint: It definitely works as a great pair with any of these hobbies! Find out more in this week’s Thoughtworker Spotlight.
Fri May 26
Thoughtworker Spotlight: Jagbir Lehl Singh
Some may know him as Canada’s Head of Delivery, but Jagbir Lehl Singh is also a writer (check out some of his articles!), a foodie and a runner. His team would add aspiring rapper to the many hats he wears – you’ll have to join the team to see why! As a builder of high performance teams, he is laser-focused on driving his teams to deliver impact to clients by achieving their business goals. When it comes to scaling agility in organizations and creating structures where teams thrive, Jagbir uses his 18+ years of experience to support the growth of Thoughtworkers, developing them into leaders through his mentorship. If he’s not exploring Toronto’s latest gems for unique cuisine and beverages, you can find him outdoors, taking long weekend walks with his family. As a continuous learner who enjoys staying on his toes, can you guess what his favourite product is? Hint: It has been a constant companion of his for the last five years.