Not lost in translation

Ben Slama Mariam（Software Engineer）
A dedicated Full Stack Software Engineer based in Kairouan, Tunisia, with a Master's degree in Software Engineering. Proficient in Elixir, TypeScript, and JavaScript, alongside frameworks like Phoenix, React, VueJs, and Svelte, I've played a pivotal role as a founding member of startup projects like oVice in Japan. Spearheading key features, facilitating seamless migrations, and fostering collaborative environments, I contribute to projects relied upon by thousands worldwide. My commitment to excellence and passion for technology drive my impact in any team setting.

Moving from Tunisia to my dream country thanks to amptalk

--Please tell us how you started working in Japan for amptalk.

Having completed my master's degree in software engineering in Tunisia, I embarked on a journey with a Japanese company, assuming the role of one of the founding engineers of their platform. Interestingly, this opportunity arose through a serendipitous connection; my father, acquainted with the company's CTO, graciously forwarded my CV when I was in search of an internship. Following the conclusion of my internship, I chose to remain with the company. However, as time progressed, a shift in the organizational culture became apparent. Despite the company's distinguished roster of engineers recruited from industry giants like Google and Amazon, a puzzling trend of departures emerged. This departure from the once-celebrated "blameless" and flexible workplace prompted me to contemplate my own future within the organization. Driven by a profound affection for Japanese culture, I embarked on a quest to explore opportunities within Japanese companies offering relocation and stumbled upon amptalk.

My rapport with the company’s engineers, particularly Leon-san, strongly strengthened my interest in amptalk. Furthermore, the innovative product concept and the sophisticated amalgamation of AI, Zoom, and Salesforce tools intrigued me deeply. The complexity of this technological synergy presented an enticing challenge that I was eager to tackle head-on. Moreover, Amptalk's commendable commitment to a "blameless" and "issue-driven" culture resonated with me on a personal level, a sentiment corroborated by Shunji, one of my interviewers. The alignment between the company's ethos and my professional aspirations was encouraging upon taking the job at amptalk, especially considering Amptalk's search for a full-stack engineer, a role perfectly suited to my skill set and ambitions. With a strong belief in my ability to conceptualize and implement novel features, from initial documentation to final execution, I was confident in my potential to make meaningful contributions to the company. Thus, when the offer arrived, I eagerly accepted and made the transition to Japan last November, embarking on a new chapter filled with promise and opportunity.

All-rounder engineers scrumming for a better product

--That is truly serendipitous! So what are your responsibilities at amptalk?

As a full-stack engineer at amptalk, my role encompasses both front-end and back-end development, allowing me to engage with a diverse array of tasks and challenges. What sets amptalk apart is its unique approach to work dynamics. It is common to have rigid job specifications, but at amptalk, every team member is a jack-of-all-trades, fostering a culture of collaboration and adaptability. Beyond traditional coding responsibilities, I also delve into infrastructure management, site reliability engineering (SRE), and website administration. One notable achievement I take pride in is the seamless migration from an unreliable testing tool to a more robust alternative. This endeavor exemplifies my commitment to excellence and problem-solving prowess. Embracing the dynamic nature of my role, I find the multifaceted nature of my job both exhilarating and intellectually stimulating. While acknowledging the inevitable evolution of team structures as the company expands, I eagerly anticipate the prospect of larger projects and new opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Feeling at home while being away from it

--What makes amptalk unique in your opinion?

At amptalk, we embrace an ethos of an "issue-driven" and "blameless" culture, which fundamentally shapes our approach to problem-solving and collaboration. This philosophy prioritizes the collective goal of client satisfaction, ensuring that every decision is rooted in what truly matters. Unlike hierarchical structures where decisions rest solely with the CTO, at amptalk, every team member has a voice in determining the course of action for each issue or feature. This inclusive approach extends to our regular retrospectives, where all voices are heard, and ideas for new features and development challenges are openly discussed. In our blameless environment, mistakes are regarded as opportunities for growth rather than occasions for blame. Instead of pointing fingers, we engage in constructive dialogue that respects the feelings and contributions of all team members. By focusing on systemic improvements rather than individual shortcomings, we foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

Furthermore, I've been fortunate to experience firsthand the genuine care and consideration for diversity at our workplace. It's not just about policies and statements; it's about the little gestures of inclusivity that make all the difference. For example, our team encompasses individuals with diverse dietary preferences and cultural customs, from vegans to Muslims like myself. As a Muslim woman navigating life in Japan, integration can pose its challenges, but at Amptalk, I've felt embraced and supported. Small acts, like the company ensuring there's food I can eat at parties without me even having to ask, speak volumes about the inclusivity we strive for. While diversity may not directly impact the mechanics of our work, the sense of belonging and acceptance in our everyday interactions serves as a powerful motivator, fostering a positive and vibrant atmosphere where everyone can thrive.

Communication beyond texts (or codes)

--It is indeed a diverse team with care for each other! How would you strengthen such a work culture?

As an engineer, I place a high value on effective communication, recognizing its role in fostering collaboration and understanding within a team. At Amptalk, we prioritize transparency and cooperation, exemplified by our practice of sharing code on GitHub and engaging in thorough code reviews through pull requests. However, I strongly believe that true comprehension necessitates open dialogue and discussion. Drawing from past experiences, I've witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of poor communication in the workplace. In a previous role, the lack of communication from our CTO, who remained distant and inaccessible to most team members, impeded the team’s progress and stifled collaboration. This experience reaffirmed my belief in the importance of clear and open communication for cultivating a productive and supportive work environment where everyone's contributions are valued and understood.

Trust through communication

--Based on your experience and beliefs, what kind of people do you think would be a great fit to the company and why?

In my approach to collaboration, I prioritize working alongside individuals who possess a positive mindset and refrain from overanalyzing interactions. In an environment where people consistently second-guess one another is not conducive to productivity or camaraderie. I also value teammates who embody amptalk’s "blameless" ethos, where accountability is coupled with empathy and a focus on constructive problem-solving. A person who aligns strongly with this value would undoubtedly contribute positively to our team dynamic, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust.

We’re Hiring!

Today, we spoke with Mariam, our software engineer. How did you find it? If you’re even slightly interested in amptalk, please apply for a casual interview. We look forward to meeting you!

APPLY HERE:
Software: https://herp.careers/v1/amptalk/5EjSzqgVpdzl
Open Position: https://herp.careers/v1/amptalk/PVDmOTCQ8NNf