Meet The Seynators | Nicolas Adès, Engineer Manager

Nicolas, Seyna’s been lucky enough to have you as Engineer Manager for over 2 years. Could you start by introducing yourself in 3 words?   

Optimistic, Wholehearted, Concrete.

Optimistic, probably because of my engineering mindset: it's when things get tough that they get interesting. As a general rule, I feel like I’m pretty comfortable with the unexpected.

Wholeheartedly, because when I like something, I usually dive deep. When I organize a dinner party, I try to go all out and buy good products. If I like techno music, I'll cross Europe to check out a random DJ set in a gloomy venue, and so on. 

Finally, concrete, because I need to experiment and see things through to the end. It's hard for me to let go of a project until I've taken a real look into it.

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What's your fondest professional memory? With Seyna or not ...

Pitching to a board of investors, the MVP of our e-Sports start-up at the time, Nicecactus.

I'd just finished my studies, and it was a big first for me. To make matters worse, we were facing a panel of judges who maintained a solid poker face throughout the presentation. Not a clue was given. I left the room thinking I had sunk the project. 

But a few minutes later, our CEO came out of the boardroom to tell me that they wanted to invest €5m. We went from 8 to +60 employees.
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So, you're Engineering Manager, what does that mean? What do you do?

My role is to find the right compromise between product vision and technical realization. 

Product managers set the vision; what we would produce in the best of worlds. We take care of landing it. 

But that means making compromises and dealing with what we already have. So there's a strong pedagogical dimension, both on the Product side to explain the technical constraints, and on the engineering side to explain the product strategy. For me, the greatest reward is when the 2 teams get a grasp of all the issues and start suggesting actions.
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What do you like best about being an Engineering Manager at Seyna?

First of all, the ambition of the project. We're looking to create a technological infrastructure that will transform the daily lives of all insurance professionals. We're talking about an industry that represents 6% of the world's GDP. 

Then there's the variety of subjects we get to tackle along the way. UX, UI, cash flow management, compliance automation, data integration in every conceivable format, and so on. It’s highly stimulating, intellectually-speaking.

Otherwise, I'd mention the team culture. We all want to build an exceptional product. We're aiming for nothing less than a Netflix-style technical finish. But that doesn't happen overnight of course. We'll only get there if everyone is 200% committed. We all have a responsibility to get involved, suggest, challenge... it's a work environment that forces you to defend your convictions and grow.
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What do you think is the greatest challenge/project waiting for you at Seyna?

I'd like to get to the stage where we're only challenged based on one thing: the price. (Laughs)

But the road ahead is obviously full of pitfalls. There are two main ones, in my opinion.

The first is technological. The brokerage world is extremely fragmented. It also operates with a huge variety of technologies and information systems. We need to build a platform that can interface instantly with any player. 

Second, building the right product and features. What functionalities should we develop, given the wide array of brokerage businesses and products at hand? We need to find the common denominator between all insurance players. We've off to a good start, but we'll continue to refine our solutions to meet the needs of all the players in the marketplace.  
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What qualities do you look for in teammates? And which of Seyna's values are you most sensitive to?

I appreciate initiative, collaboration and strong commitment. 

In that sense, I’d probably say that my favorite value is “Be Bold and Act Fast.” I like teams where you don't need 12 validations before jumping in. Let's give it a try and we'll advise, if need be. There are thousands of possible improvements to be made every day. It's important that people get to grips with the issues and get started.

Then, the team spirit is obviously key. Helping out must be a given, nothing less. To achieve this, we try to eliminate all ego matters, hidden personal agendas, and so on.

As for commitment, it's important to work with people who are committed to the mission, the product, the project. If you no longer have the drive to uncover everything about the sector you’re in, it's time for you to take on your next challenge. And that's a good thing!
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What's your superpower? What are you told you can do better and faster than others?

I've been told in the past that I am good with the big picture. I usually quickly grasp the core of the matter. This helps me push an action plan that gets teams moving in the right direction. 

This also means that I’m less inclined to manage the specifics. Micro-managing wears me out extremely quickly. That's not how I function.
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What do you do outside work that helps you most professionally? (Routine, extra-curricular activities, charity work, etc.)

Nothing specific. And that's probably what feeds me the most! I like to dabble in everything and constantly try new things (cooking, sports, cultural outings, etc.). 

I love to travel without planning and see where the journey takes me. That’s how I recharge my batteries.
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Finally, what advice would you give to someone considering joining our team? What do you think makes our company a great place to work?

I'd say go for it if you're keen to learn. It's rare to work in an environment with such high technical standards AND a good atmosphere. Bear in mind, of course, that it can sometimes be a bit trying. Seyna is not a company where you can be a freerider. Here, you’ll get to work in full autonomy on key projects that will see the light of the day. If you want to get involved, there’s plenty of room to do so.