This year (2023), our Technical Lead, Project and Software Team Manager is celebrating an impressive 16 years at Medmont. Mike is instrumental in the development and success of our cutting-edge technology, including our medmont meridia™ Advanced Corneal Topographer.
To mark his momentous milestone, we asked Mike a series of questions to give you a glimpse into his journey with Medmont.
Read on to get to know him and learn about the incredible work he does for our company.
Hi Mike! Let’s start with an easy one. What do you do at Medmont?
I manage the Software Team.
How has your role evolved over time?
I initially began at Medmont as a Senior Software Engineer (I think) and worked as part of a 2-3 man team on the main Medmont Studio application. I was involved in all areas of the software but specialised in the E300 corneal topographer and creating contact lens designs in the software for our lens manufacturers.
When the Meridia project came up as the next evolution of the E300 device, I took on a Project Manager role along with leading the software team to bring the new product to market. The last few years have been spent looking to expand the features of our new device and to grow the software team into something that can support the current products and take on the new and exciting developments we have coming in the near future.
What keeps you here, year after year?
My work has a direct, relatable and tangible impact on the company and on real people. We are just the right size where the work I do matters. I can be involved in all stages of development and work both in and out of my comfort zone. Also, being a company of this size means I get to work with everyone here, and they are all great people.
What excites you about your job?
I’m a ‘doing’ person. I like to be constantly doing or solving something. Here I feel like there are constant challenges without being too overwhelming. Also, I find working as part of a team and achieving goals in that team very rewarding. Here you feel like you contribute, and those contributions are visible and valued by a lot of people.
What’s the most challenging thing about your role?
The most challenging part of my role now has been the transition from Engineer to Manager. As I am a ‘doing’ person by nature, it has been hard making the change from working directly on tasks to delegating them, but my team has been fantastic in working with me through this transition and getting me to a point where I feel this team can do anything.
Tell us about your favourite project to date.
Has to be the Meridia. This is the first major project I have led from the ground up. There were a lot of successes and a lot of failures, and I have learnt a lot from both.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Adventurous, curious and responsible.
Why is Medmont’s purpose ‘empowering healthy sight’ important to you?
When I first joined Medmont, the important part was probably more about working in the medical field in some capacity. Now the work we do around empowering sight is even more important and valued by me, with many of my friends and family, including my daughter, having troubles with sight that I have been able to assist with—indirectly of course.
What are your interests outside of work?
Basketball, woodworking, scuba diving, camping, hiking, 4 wheel driving, car restorations. Anything where I can use my hands.
And lastly, what’s an interesting fact about yourself?
Before Medmont, I hated coffee. Now I drink it all the time.