Alika’s first cry filled the delivery room, and suddenly the only “uptime” that mattered was hers—tiny lungs, perfect heartbeat.
That night, while the hospital hummed and she slept on my chest, I realised every system I build will outlive release notes and sprint boards; it will become part of the backdrop of her life.
The shift in my gut, not just my head
- Time horizons exploded: I think in decades now, because she will live with the consequences of today’s choices.
- Ruthless prioritisation: I used to chase every shiny idea; now I ask, is this feature worth missing bedtime giggles? If not, it waits.
- Work decisions got a heart check: A 2 AM deploy now means missing a 2 AM feeding—so it had better be worth it.
- Planet matters more: When I spin up servers, I picture her chasing butterflies under the same sky those data‑centres warm.
Little promises I’ve made
- Choose purpose‑driven projects—healthcare access, digital inclusion, tools that make everyday life kinder.
- Mentor generously—because the engineers I guide today will shape the tech landscape Alika steps into.
- Keep evenings sacred—to hear her giggles, read The Very Hungry Caterpillar for the hundredth time, and still make breakfast runs with bleary eyes.
Why it matters
Success used to be 99.99 % uptime.
Now it’s knowing that the things I craft add a sliver of goodness to the world she’ll grow tall in.
Alika made the future feel close enough to touch—so I’m building like she’s watching, because one day she will be.