I love building things that create value in the world.

Hey there! I'm on an exhilarating journey of transformation in the world of web development. With over two decades of corporate experience under my belt, I'm now channeling my passion for problem-solving and data-driven decision making into creating cutting-edge web solutions. Buckle up, because this ride is about to get interesting!

Let's start with my foundation. I've got an engineering degree that taught me how to break down complex problems, a master's in computer science that deepened my understanding of computational thinking, and an MBA that sharpened my business acumen. This trifecta has been my secret sauce in tackling multifaceted challenges throughout my career.

Since 2017, I've been knee-deep in the world of direct marketing for a major South African retail bank. It's been a thrilling adventure in using data to drive revenue and optimize marketing ROI. Think of it as being a data detective with a flair for boosting the bottom line. I've spent countless hours diving into customer data, crafting targeted campaigns, and measuring their impact down to the last cent. It's a world where the right message to the right person at the right time can make all the difference, and I've loved every minute of it.

But my journey with technology and problem-solving started long before that. Back in 2008, I dipped my toes into the world of web development by creating a PHP system for visualizing the core IP network of Vodacom South Africa. This wasn't just a pretty interface – it was a tool that could quickly identify faults, making it a game-changer for network operations. It was my first taste of how powerful web technologies could be in solving real-world problems, and it left me hungry for more.

Fast forward to late 2023, and I decided it was time to level up my web dev game big time. We're talking hundreds of hours glued to Udemy courses, wrestling with web fundamentals, and diving headfirst into the deep end of modern frameworks. It's been intense, challenging, and absolutely thrilling. I've been exploring the wild and fast-changing landscape of JavaScript frameworks, marveling at how quickly things evolve in this field.

My weapon of choice? Next.js. I've been rebuilding some of my previous projects with this powerhouse, and let me tell you, it's been quite the ride. The way it handles server-side rendering and static site generation is nothing short of magic. And because I believe in doing things right (or as I like to say, "building websites like a grown-up"), I'm tackling everything in TypeScript. Is it confusing sometimes, having to define every little thing? You bet. There have been moments when I've stared at my screen, wondering if I've bitten off more than I can chew. But then, when everything clicks into place, and I see the benefits of type safety and improved tooling – it's incredibly rewarding.

Right now, I'm pouring my heart and soul into my first proper web system: consults.plus. It's a telemedicine application that's going to revolutionize how patients connect with doctors online, 24/7. This project is where all my skills converge – my understanding of complex systems from my engineering background, my data analysis skills honed in marketing, and now, my budding expertise in modern web development. I'm handling everything from designing the database schema to crafting a responsive, accessible front-end. It's challenging, it's exciting, and it's pushing my skills to the limit – exactly how I like it.

What sets me apart in this new world of web development? It's my unique blend of business acumen, data-driven marketing experience, and now, a burning passion for modern web technologies. I speak 'corporate', 'data', and 'code' fluently. Need someone who can create a slick Next.js application, optimize it for performance, explain its business impact to the C-suite, and then use it to drive customer engagement? I'm your person. My background in data analysis means I'm always thinking about how to measure and improve the performance of web applications, not just in terms of load times, but in terms of user engagement and business metrics.

When it comes to creating value, I'm like a master chef in the kitchen of digital solutions – I know just the right ingredients to whip up websites that not only look great and perform well, but also align perfectly with business goals and user needs. I'm not just building websites; I'm crafting digital experiences that solve real problems and drive tangible results. So, whether you need a website that harnesses the latest in front-end technology, a robust back-end that can crunch complex data, or a full-stack solution that does it all, I'm your go-to dev. I'm equally comfortable discussing API design patterns as I am talking about customer acquisition costs. This holistic understanding of both the technical and business sides of web development allows me to create solutions that are not just technically sound, but strategically aligned with business objectives.

My learning journey is far from over. In fact, it's just beginning. I'm constantly exploring new technologies and methodologies. Currently, I'm fascinated by the potential of serverless architectures and how they can be integrated with Next.js applications. I'm also keeping a close eye on the developments in Web3 and blockchain technologies, pondering how they might reshape the web as we know it.

When I'm not battling with TypeScript definitions or optimizing React components, you might find me mentoring aspiring developers, sharing the lessons I've learned in my transition. Or perhaps I'll be tinkering with a Raspberry Pi, exploring the intersection of web technologies and IoT. Because in this fast-paced world of web development, the learning never stops – and that's exactly how I like it.

That's me, Shei, in a nutshell – a seasoned professional with a solid corporate background, a knack for data-driven marketing, and now, a passionate modern web developer on a mission to create impactful digital solutions. I bring to the table not just technical skills, but a wealth of experience in navigating corporate environments, driving business value, and translating between technical and non-technical stakeholders.

I'm excited about the future of web development and my place in it. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn, and I'm here for all of it. I'm ready to bring my diverse skills, fresh perspective, and unwavering enthusiasm to your next web project. Let's build something amazing, cutting-edge, and truly valuable together!