Felix has an inspirational journey as a Software Engineer at Lyrebird, where he successfully balances his studies at Melbourne Unviersity and his job. In his role, he is responsible for turning customer ideas into real, tangible products, which requires him to build the best solution while managing multiple competing priorities.
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Can you briefly describe your role and what a successful day looks like for you?

My role as a Software Engineer involves building the best product for customers by translating their ideas into tangible products and balancing various priorities. It's a challenging and rewarding mix of technical problem-solving and strategic planning. A successful day for me is actually defined not by the outcome, but by initiating action and getting things moving.

What professional accomplishment at Lyrebird are you most proud of so far?

My proudest technical achievement at Lyrebird has been independently figuring out a solution for SSO (Single Sign-On) that the vendor themselves deemed impossible. Not only did I get it working, but I was even able to contribute to the vendor's open-source codebase. 

Which of Lyrebird's core values resonates most with you, and how do you see it lived out in your daily work?

I strongly identify with "high agency." I interpret that as taking the initiative to improve things rather than passively waiting for others to tell you what to do. I believe it's always easier to avoid responsibility, but the true pride and satisfaction comes from overcoming difficult challenges where you had to step up.

What’s the best piece of career advice you've ever received, and how do you apply it?

The most impactful career advice I received is that the most successful people are those who have the most failures. This perspective reframed failure for me. It emphasises that persistence and the ability to not give up are the key indicators of talent, not an absence of mistakes. I apply this by taking on tough problems and viewing setbacks as necessary steps toward a solution.

What’s your favorite way to recharge or unwind outside of work?

Spending time with my girlfriend. It’s incredibly important to step out of the "work Felix" role to prevent any work stress or challenges from affecting my loved ones. That separation and connection is key to recharging.

If you could switch roles with anyone else in the company for a day, who would it be and why?

I would choose Kai's role. It would give me an opportunity to gain empathy and a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and stresses associated with that position.

What is one fun or surprising thing about you that your colleagues might not know?

I can surf, skateboard, and snowboard.

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