{ "version": "https://jsonfeed.org/version/1", "title": "Emilio Ríos", "feed_url": "/rss/feed.json", "description": "Personal blog of Emilio Ríos — software, leadership, travel.", "icon": "/favicon.ico", "author": { "name": "Emilio Ríos" }, "items": [ { "id": "/articles/the-path-to-mastery-through-action", "content_html": "

In the face of uncertainty, the mantra "First do it, then do it right, then do it better" offers a straightforward yet powerful approach to breaking through the paralysis analysis. This philosophy advocates for start doing as a precursor to refinement and eventual mastery. By dissecting this approach into its core phases we can uncover a robust strategy for personal and professional development that advocates for continual progress rather than absolute perfection at every stage.

\n

Start Now

\n\"Emilio\n

At the heart of beginning any project lies the principle of launching the most basic\nversion of your idea, otherwise known as the Minimum Viable Product (MVP). The MVP\nmindset is about overcoming the inertia that accompanies the pursuit of perfection.\nIt's about understanding that the "perfect moment" rarely arrives and that the\nkey to progress is to launch. Whether it's a rough draft of an article, a prototype\nof a product, or the initial design of a service, the act of releasing your work\ninto the world is what sets the stage for all future improvement. This stage is less\nabout achieving immediate success and more about taking the vital first step.

\n

Seek Feedback and Adapt

\n\"Emilio\n

Following the launch of your MVP, the next phase is to refine and tweak your work\nbased on real-world feedback. This stage is critical for bridging the gap between\nyour initial offering and the needs and expectations of your target audience. It\ninvolves a cycle of receiving feedback, identifying shortcomings, and making the\nnecessary adjustments. The goal here is not just to make your work "good enough"\nbut to align it more closely with your vision and the needs of those it seeks to\nserve. This iterative process of refinement is what transforms a basic MVP into a\npolished product, service, or idea.

\n

Strive for the Ideal

\n\"Emilio\n

The journey doesn't end with making something "right"; the pursuit of excellence\nis an ongoing process. Continuously striving to do it better means never settling\nfor the current state, regardless of its success. It involves a relentless drive\nto evolve, innovate, and elevate your work toward the ideal version you envision.\nThis phase is about maintaining the relevance and impact of your work by ensuring\nit adapts to changing needs, trends, and insights. The commitment to continuous improvement\nis what enables your work to not only endure but to thrive and stand out in a crowded\nlandscape.

\n

Start, Refine, Elevate, and Conquer Fear

\n

\"EmilioA common thread that\nweaves through each stage of this philosophy is the battle against the fear of\nfailure. More often than not, this fear is the most significant barrier to\ntaking the first step. Recognizing and confronting this fear is crucial to\nmoving forward. The understanding that failure is not a reflection of personal\nworth but a natural step in the process of innovation and growth can transform\nfear into a powerful motivator.

\n

The essence of this philosophy boils down to a simple yet profound call to action: Dive in, iterate, and elevate. It's a reminder not to let the fear of failure prevent you from taking that all-important initial step. By embracing the MVP mindset, refining based on feedback, and continuously striving for improvement, you set yourself on a path of relentless progress and mastery. So, take that first step, embrace the journey, and watch as your work evolves from a simple idea into something truly remarkable.

", "url": "/articles/the-path-to-mastery-through-action", "title": "The Path to Mastery Through Action", "summary": "Embracing the MVP mindset, refining through feedback, and continuously striving for excellence to conquer the fear of failure", "date_modified": "2024-03-01T00:00:00.000Z", "author": { "name": "Emilio Ríos" } }, { "id": "/articles/new-chapter-as-cto-driving-storimake-to-the-success", "content_html": "

A New Beginning in Technology

\n\"Emilio\n

Joining Storimake as the CTO, I faced the challenge of transforming a somewhat dysfunctional technical environment into one that encouraged collaboration and efficiency. The team members were individually talented, but were used to working individually, lacking direct collaboration. I took on the responsibility of improving communication among developers, urging them to break down departmental barriers (allowing them to think more about the product rather than just ticking off Jira tasks) and to work as a unified team.

\n

I introduced dynamics that encourage debate, successfully aligning the various parts of the technical team towards a common goal. This cultural shift was crucial from the start to translate business needs into technical solutions and to promote a stronger sense of purpose and camaraderie among the engineers.

\n

Building a Solid Team

\n

Our initial strategy required building a strong internal team, a key transition from relying on external talent. My focus was on building trust, demonstrating that Storimake was not just a workplace but an environment where every talent could thrive and where we all could have a real impact on the final product.

\n

It's common to find engineering teams where engineers are merely "code monkeys" who aren't allowed to contribute ideas or solutions. At Storimake, I ensured every engineer had the chance to offer ideas and solutions, which not only improved the quality of our product but also boosted team morale and, I hope, talent retention, although time will tell!

\n

Quality Over Quantity

\n

Addressing technical debt was a critical step to ensure the sustainability of our development in the medium to long term. I initiated a strategic refactoring process, working with the team and allowing engineers to spend time improving the existing code base, which has left us with a much more robust and scalable system.

\n

This methodical approach to managing technical debt not only optimized our operations but also strengthened our software architecture. While there is still much room for improvement, what we have now is far more solid and adaptable to change. Engineers are happier with the code they write, and the product team is pleased with the speed at which new features can be implemented. Establishing these standards from the beginning secures a solid foundation for Storimake's innovation and future growth.

\n

Launching and Evolving the Product

\n\"Emilio\n

We came from a purely B2C product, but the product team, along with the business,\ndiscovered a significant opportunity in the B2B market. We decided to tackle this\nwith a web application, and after months of hard work, we have just launched it,\nthus redefining our market value proposition.

\n

Furthermore, to the surprise of some, I took the initiative to develop a complete backoffice, giving the company unprecedented visibility and control over our operations. This backoffice has not only improved the efficiency of the operations team but also fostered a climate of trust and transparency.

\n

I know that everything can be done in Excel, and you can download a CSV table and see what happens, but having a backoffice that allows you to see the real-time status of the company is a significant advancement.

\n

The Future

\n

We are just getting started, but we have already achieved a lot. I am excited about the future of Storimake and the role the technical team will play in the success of the company. I am confident that with the team we've built and the culture we've fostered, we are in a strong position to reach our ambitious goals. I will surely write more on this topic in the future, but for now, let's keep working!

", "url": "/articles/new-chapter-as-cto-driving-storimake-to-the-success", "title": "New Chapter as CTO: Driving Storimake to the Success", "summary": "Setting the stage for success in technology and teamwork at Storimake", "date_modified": "2024-02-24T00:00:00.000Z", "author": { "name": "Emilio Ríos" } }, { "id": "/articles/from-agency-leadership-to-freelance-freedom", "content_html": "

The Leap

\n\"Emilio\n

After dreaming about it for a long time, I started my journey in the business world\nas a software engineer, confident in my technical ability but little prepared for\nthe world of business; sales, negotiations, team management, managing many parallel\nprojects, etc. I had to adapt a lot and soon found myself in the need to assume a\nmore commercial and marketing role, facing a challenge I never imagined. This change\nnot only took me out of my comfort zone but also tested my adaptability and learning\nability.

\n

As I immersed myself in the task of attracting projects for the company, I developed a new set of skills. I learned to communicate with potential clients, to know where I could find them, to understand their needs, and to present our solutions effectively. This process was an absolute revelation: an engineer must be versatile, must be able to contribute much more beyond code.

\n

Challenges and Revelations

\n

The transition was not easy. Many times I saw that my efforts were not entirely valued by those who quantified the value that was individually contributed based on the lines of code you produced and over time this lack of recognition generated tensions. This situation taught me a crucial lesson about the value of communication and respect within a team.

\n

Despite the obstacles, my conviction that business success requires a holistic vision did not change. I understood that each team member contributes value in a unique way and that the diversity of skills strengthens the company. This understanding deepened my appreciation for teamwork and effective collaboration.

\n

Growth and Learning

\n

This experience transformed me. I greatly expanded my skills beyond the purely technical, becoming a better leader and a better communicator. I learned to translate technical complexities into accessible language, facilitating the bridge between the development team and clients. This ability honestly became one of my greatest strengths, allowing me to lead projects with a more integrative perspective, perfectly understanding the needs of other departments beyond the development team.

\n

Personal growth was equally significant. The need to balance my responsibilities taught me to manage my time more effectively and to prioritize tasks with real impact. These management and leadership lessons have not only enriched my professional career but have also shaped my approach to challenges and opportunities.

\n

Transition to Freelance

\n

Over time, I decided it was time to seek new horizons and opted to go my own way. This decision marked the beginning of a stage of greater autonomy and creative freedom. Working on my own allowed me to directly apply the lessons learned, making strategic decisions and executing projects with a clear vision and without having to answer to anyone but myself.

\n

This new phase also opened doors to enriching collaborations with other professionals who share my approach and values, and with companies that highly value my way of doing things. Together, we have formed alliances based on mutual respect, excellence, trust, and innovation. After all, every project is an opportunity to grow, learn, and contribute.

\n

Looking Towards the Future

\n\"Emilio\n

Today, as a freelancer, I am more committed than ever to my professional and personal development. I am open to new opportunities that allow me to apply my technical and business experience in a meaningful way. My goal is to continue contributing to projects that not only challenge my skills but also have a positive impact on the industry and the people I work with.

\n

I look to the future with optimism and curiosity, ready to face the challenges that come and explore new frontiers. My journey so far has been a combination of learning, adaptation, and overcoming obstacles. I am excited about what is to come and eager to see how I can continue evolving and contributing to the world of engineering and technology.

", "url": "/articles/from-agency-leadership-to-freelance-freedom", "title": "From Agency Leadership to Freelance Freedom: Mapping My Transition", "summary": "Transforming challenges into opportunities with a unique blend of technical prowess and entrepreneur insights.", "date_modified": "2024-01-01T00:00:00.000Z", "author": { "name": "Emilio Ríos" } }, { "id": "/articles/how-to-be-ready-to-work-abroad", "content_html": "\"Emilio\n

Working remotely can present a few challenges. It's important to take the time to\nconsider what kind of working environment you'll need to be successful and to think\nof the best ways to stay organized and productive.

\n

You'll also need to think about the best way to stay connected with your team and how to stay motivated and focused when working abroad.

\n

Additionally, it's important to remember the importance of setting boundaries and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Even if you are well-prepared for the journey, there are still a few things to consider before you set off on your adventure.

\n

Ensure you have a reliable internet connection.

\n

Working in a remote location may require you to use a different type of connection than you are used to. Research the options available in your new area and determine the best one for your needs.

\n

Whenever I travel, I buy the best SIM Card I can find in that country. This makes sure I have internet access even if the WiFi at the place I'm working (like a cafe or coworking space) stops working.

\n

Don't assume that everyone will understand you just because you speak English.

\n

It is also important to be aware of cultural and language differences. Even if you are fluent in the language of your new home, you may still find yourself in a situation where you need to understand the local customs and language in order to navigate the area.

\n

I can only speak Spanish, Catalan, and English. My English will be helpful when I travel to Southeast Asia, but it's wrong to think that everyone will understand me in English. It's normal for people to only speak their own language.

\n

I've seen people get angry when locals don't understand them in English. Remember, it's you who doesn't speak their language, not the other way around.

\n

Don't screw up by assuming things, please check the laws.

\n

Make sure to look into the laws and rules of the country you are visiting. Every country has different laws and regulations, so it is important to know what you can and cannot do while you are there.

\n\"photo\n

Unfortunately, there are still countries where depending on who you are, you are\nnot totally free. I don't need to go into this, we all know what I'm talking about.

\n

Find Out the Length of Your Visa Stay

\n

It is important to know how long you can stay in the country with your visa. Depending on your nationality and the country you are visiting, the length of your stay may be limited.

\n\"Passport\n

Check with the local embassy or consulate to find out the exact length of your stay\nallowed on your visa. You may also need to apply for an extension if you plan to\nstay longer.

\n

Have a Backup Plan

\n

Always it’s good to have a backup plan. Make sure you have enough money saved up in case of an emergency.

\n

Don’t touch that money for any reason. Never.\nI, for example, take an extra step and always keep some money in a separate account, just in case. You never know what might happen.

\n

Purchase Travel Insurance

\n

Purchasing travel insurance is an important step to take when working remotely. This is not just advice; it is mandatory. It will help to protect you in case of any unexpected medical issues or other travel-related problems.

\n

Make sure to read the fine print of your insurance policy and understand what it covers. I always use https://www.iatiseguros.com, this is not a referral link; I recommend it because I had some issues in the past and they make me feel safe.

\n

Get to Know the Local Community.

\n

One of the best ways to make the most of your remote work experience is to get to know the local community. Ask around for places to work, such as cafes, coworking spaces, or libraries. Connect with people who share your interests and join in on community events.

\n

This will help you to make friends, feel more connected to the area, and find out about the best spots to work.

\n

Plan Your Schedule

\n

Planning your schedule is essential when working remotely. Make sure to set aside time for work and leisure activities. Having a plan in place will help you to stay organized and motivated. Additionally, make sure to plan for any breaks you may need during the day, such as meals, exercise, or just relaxing.

\n

This will help you to stay focused and productive during your working hours.\nHaving a schedule is a great way to help your colleagues adjust to the fact that you are abroad.

\n\"Emilio\n

It's easier for everyone to work with someone who has a predictable schedule. You\ncan let your colleagues know when you will be available for a call or to answer chats,\nmaking your communication with them more efficient. Plus, it gives your colleagues\na better understanding of your working hours, so they can plan accordingly.

\n

Having a schedule for when you will be available for communication can help everyone stay on the same page and make sure that everyone's needs are met.

\n

Research Accommodation Options

\n

Research accommodation options based on length of stay. Make sure it is comfortable, safe, and convenient. Read reviews and talk to locals. Consider cost of living, groceries, amenities, and transport.

\n

Account for any additional activities, like sightseeing or eating out, and any hidden costs, like deposits or taxes. Thorough research will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

\n

Pack Appropriately

\n

Don't forget to pack the essentials for your remote working experience. This includes items such as a laptop, charger, and any other tech items you need. Check the weather of your destination, and bring the right clothing and accessories.

\n\"Emilio\n

Aim to pack light, consider the climate, activities, and duration of your trip when packing, and try to leave some space for souvenirs and items you may pick up along the way. Choose items that can be easily layered, so you can adjust your clothing to the changing temperatures you may encounter.\nAnd, if possible, try to limit yourself to one carry-on bag, as this can make your travels much smoother and less stressful.

\n

Vaccines

\n

Get any necessary vaccinations before you travel. Research the country you are visiting and find out what vaccinations are required or recommended. Make sure to visit your doctor or a travel clinic at least four to six weeks before your departure date and explain to the doctor the type of trip you're planning. It's not the same to go to Indonesia to visit cities than to explore its jungles.

\n

Vaccinations may take some time to be effective, so it is important to plan ahead. Additionally, some countries may require proof of vaccination (yellow fever) in order to enter the country. Be sure to check the entry requirements for your destination and make the necessary arrangements.

\n

Conclusions

\n

Working abroad is an amazing and challenging experience. It offers freedom, but also comes with a great deal of responsibility.

\n

\"EmilioI have many great memories\nfrom doing it and I highly recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity.

\n

It can be challenging to be away from home and to adjust to new things, but this teaches you to be flexible and to keep an open mind.

\n

When you reach this state, good things often happens ✨.

", "url": "/articles/how-to-be-ready-to-work-abroad", "title": "How to be ready to work abroad", "summary": "Working remotely from the other side of the world can present challenges, but with preparation and consideration of the best ways to stay organized, connected, motivated, and balanced, it can be a successful and rewarding experience.", "date_modified": "2023-01-19T00:00:00.000Z", "author": { "name": "Emilio Ríos" } } ] }