Bogdan, the person
I’m Bogdan. Computers have been part of my life since childhood, alongside the people who helped me learn, trusted me with a first project or welcomed me into a community. This is a little of that story.
A cable through the trees
In sixth grade, a friend and I ran network cable through the trees to join our neighbourhood’s chat and file-sharing hub. I had an old computer and plenty to figure out. I also explored electronics and radio telecommunications at the Children’s Palace.
My first client
At 14, a neighbour recommended me to a construction company for my first website. I had no idea what to charge, and settled on $100. I was so nervous about receiving that first payment that I wondered how to check the banknote discreetly. More websites, Windows installations and computer repairs followed.
Learning how to learn
At 16, a summer placement at a neighbour’s web-design company taught me to sketch a database on paper before building the online shop. I had gone there to learn. I asked a colleague for code examples instead of answers, so I could work out the solution myself.
That is also how I try to help colleagues: give them enough context to find their own way, with support when they need it.
A favour for a friend
In 2010, a friend called because he could browse websites but could not play online. I spent two days working out a VPN solution. Other friends asked for access too. That favour became the beginning of RoTunneling.
Finding my voice
Toastmasters Club BucharestI was shy, so I challenged myself by giving technical talks at events including Softbinator and DefCamp.
Communication has become part of how I help people: listen, ask questions, make an explanation clearer, and leave space for the other person to work things out. My formal training is in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, at Practitioner, Master and Trainer level. I’m also a member of Toastmasters Club Bucharest.
Finding a common language
One experience took me outside the usual engineering conversation: helping a lawyer make sense of a case involving internet activity. My part was to analyse the technical facts and explain them in language a legal professional could use. It was another setting in which understanding each other mattered as much as knowing the technology.
Giving something back
Caritas BucharestPeople have given me opportunities to learn, and I’ve also had chances to contribute. While at school, I volunteered with Caritas Bucharest, helping with IT needs and outreach ideas. Later, I helped build and maintain a secure server for the Softbinator community. Over the years, I have also helped junior colleagues with debugging and unfamiliar technical problems. Helping someone move past a difficult question is a thread running through those different experiences.
Dancing and cooking
Dancing and cooking have their own place in my life. I enjoy Latin dancing, especially salsa and bachata, and I enjoy time in the kitchen. Beef steak and seafood are among my favourites. These interests are part of the person you meet alongside the architecture and code.
If you’d like to connect, send me a message. Tell me what you’re curious about, what you enjoy making, or the story behind something you care about. I’d be glad to hear it.