My Personal Creed
I believe in leaving my ego at the door. It’s not about being the smartest person in the room or proving I’m right, it’s about getting things done and making the people I work with feel like they can take on anything. Passion fuels everything I do, whether it’s tackling a side project or diving into a client’s big idea. I love what I do, and I think it shows.
I’m all for people speaking their minds, strong opinions are great as long as they’re flexible. It’s fine to hate an idea, but don’t die on that hill if the data proves otherwise. I thrive on adaptability because no two projects are the same, and change is always around the corner. Helping my team succeed, even if it means taking on the tasks no one else wants, is what keeps me going. At the end of the day, it’s about doing good work, being curious, and staying honest.
That’s what inspired me to create this creed. I wanted something deeply personal, something that truly reflects what I care about for better or worse. This isn’t a cover letter or a way to fit neatly into someone else’s expectations, it’s a declaration of the things I stand for. If it aligns with a company, great. If not, that’s fine too. What matters is that it’s honest and represents me.
Leaving My Ego at the Door
Ego has no place in meaningful collaboration. I’ve seen how unchecked egos can derail projects, people clinging to bad ideas just because they’re theirs, refusing to admit they might be wrong. That’s not how I work. For me, it’s about listening, learning, and trusting the people around me. If I’m wrong, I’ll own it. If someone else has a better idea, I’m the first to support it.
It’s always been about making the people I work with feel empowered, like they’re capable of doing their best work. I’ve learned that when you let go of the need to prove yourself, the whole team benefits. Ego stifles creativity and progress, while humility and collaboration push everything forward. At the end of the day, the goal isn’t to be the loudest or the most right, it’s to get to the best result, together.
Passion fuels everything
I’m lucky, I genuinely love what I do. Whether it’s diving into the nitty-gritty of a project or exploring a completely new side challenge, I find energy in the work itself. Passion isn’t just a buzzword for me; it’s what keeps me motivated to push boundaries, find solutions, and keep learning. In my free time I try to feed my passion in this industry by doing everything from planning WordCamps to pin testing government websites.
That said, I know not everyone wakes up every day thrilled about their job. And that’s okay. But I do believe everyone needs to find something they care about in their work, a spark. Maybe it’s the satisfaction of seeing a well-organized plan come together or the pride of crafting clean, efficient code. Passion doesn’t have to be loud or all-encompassing, but without it, everything just feels like going through the motions. For me, passion isn’t optional, it’s what keeps the work meaningful.
Strong Opinions Are Great as Long as They’re Flexible
I love working with people who have strong opinions, those who aren’t afraid to speak up and say, “I hate this approach, and here’s why.” It’s refreshing. It gets conversations going, surfaces ideas, and sometimes leads to better decisions. But here’s the thing: strong opinions can’t be cemented in place. If someone’s unwilling to change their stance in the face of data, logic, or new perspectives, then those opinions stop being helpful and start being obstacles.
For me, it’s about balance. Be bold, challenge ideas, and spark debates, but know when to step back and say, “Okay, I see your point.” Flexibility is where real collaboration happens. I’d rather work with someone who hates an idea but is willing to adapt than someone who stays quiet out of fear of being wrong. Strong opinions, when paired with an open mind, lead to the kind of discussions that move projects, and people, forward.
I Thrive on Adaptability
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that no two projects ever go exactly as planned. Deadlines shift, priorities change, and new challenges pop up out of nowhere. That’s why being adaptable isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. I don’t believe in being glued to one idea or sticking to “the way we’ve always done things.” Success comes from being flexible, staying open to change, and adjusting course when needed.
Adaptability isn’t about just rolling with the punches; it’s about anticipating them. I try to stay a step ahead, thinking about what might shift a week, a month, or even a year down the road. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. I’d rather bend with the wind than snap under the pressure of trying to force things to stay the same. Being adaptable keeps me grounded, no matter what’s thrown my way.
Taking on the Tasks No One Else Wants
Every team has those tasks, the ones no one volunteers for, the ones that feel like a grind or just plain annoying. I don’t shy away from those. In fact, I get a lot of satisfaction from stepping up and getting them done. It’s not about being a martyr; it’s about making sure the team can keep moving forward. If doing the work no one wants means my teammates get to breathe a little easier or head home on time, I’ll happily take it on.
There’s a kind of quiet pride that comes from knowing you’re the one keeping things running smoothly, even if it’s behind the scenes. I’ve found that when you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and handle the less glamorous stuff, it builds trust and shows the team that you’re all in. At the end of the day, it’s not about the spotlight, it’s about making sure the work gets done and the team can thrive.
Doing Good Work
I can’t stand having bad work in my portfolio. Spending weeks or months on something, only to know I’ll never show it off because I’m not proud of it? That’s a hard pill to swallow. It’s frustrating knowing a project could have been better and never seeing the best version of it come to life. That’s why doing good work is so important to me. It’s not just about checking a box, it’s about creating something I’m proud of, something I’d be excited to share with my peers. If my name is on it, it needs to reflect the care, effort, and thought I put into my work. Good work isn’t just a professional standard for me, it’s deeply personal.
Being Curious
Curiosity is what keeps me moving forward. I’m always looking for something new to learn, whether it’s exploring the latest trends in my industry or diving headfirst into a side project just to see where it takes me. It’s not just about picking up new skills, it’s about the thrill of figuring things out, solving puzzles, and pushing myself into uncharted territory. Over the years, my curiosity has led me to take on challenges I never expected and new found hobbies i’ve grown to love.
Staying Honest
Honesty is non-negotiable for me. Whether it’s being upfront about what’s possible, owning up to mistakes, or delivering tough feedback, I believe in keeping things real. In an industry where it’s all too easy to exaggerate capabilities or gloss over challenges, I’d rather be the one telling the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. Staying honest builds trust, not just with clients and colleagues but also with myself. If I can’t stand behind the promises I make or the work I deliver, then what’s the point? At the end of the day, honesty is about respect, respect for the people I work with, for the craft itself, and for the values I hold.