Questions & Answers

Curious to know more?

Here are some of the most common questions I get about my background, leadership style, and what drives me in both tech and life. I believe in honesty, clarity, and building connections through shared values. Think of this as a personal introduction, shared through a few of the questions I’m most often asked.

About Me

Q: Tell me about yourself

I’m Yuliana – part techie, part strategist, part explorer. I’ve spent over a decade in the tech world, moving from hands-on engineering roles into leadership and consulting. I care deeply about creating smart, efficient solutions and helping people grow, whether it’s through tech, mentoring, or building systems that simply make sense. I also thrive in diverse, multicultural environments and am always chasing a balance between work, wellness, and wonder.

Q: Why did you move from engineering to leadership?

A: It was a natural shift. I started noticing that my biggest wins weren’t just about the code I wrote – they were about how I helped teams solve problems, align goals, and grow together. I loved the technical side, but I realized I had a bigger impact when I stepped back to look at the system as a whole – people, processes, and product. Leadership gave me a way to shape the how and the why behind what we build, not just the what.

Q: What motivates you in your work?

A: Solving meaningful problems and seeing the impact of what I do. I love bringing clarity to chaos – whether it’s untangling a messy system, streamlining a workflow, or helping a team grow into their full potential. I’m also driven by growth – both mine and the people I work with. When I see progress, alignment, and purpose in motion, that’s when I feel most energized.

Experience & Expertise

Q: What are your core competencies?

A: I’m strongest at the intersection of tech and people. I can take a messy system, a stuck project, or a struggling team and turn it around with structure, clear goals, and the right tools. I specialize in system design, team leadership, tech strategy, and AI-driven business optimization. I’m also skilled in bridging communication between devs and non-tech folks—translating chaos into clarity.

Q: What’s the most challenging project you’ve handled?

One that stands out was an e-commerce platform with three separate apps (main store, seller app, and customer app) that had to look and feel like one seamless product. I led the team through a major refactor and redesign while keeping everything live. It was intense—lots of moving parts, tech debt, and conflicting stakeholder priorities—but also extremely rewarding. We came out of it stronger, with a better product and a tighter team.

Q: Which industries have you worked in?

A: Mainly in EdTech, FinTech, and SaaS. I’ve worked on everything from learning platforms and digital business cards to e-commerce marketplaces and analytics dashboards. Lately, my focus has shifted toward AI/ML integration in business workflows—helping companies not just adopt technology, but use it smartly.

Leadership & Management

Q: What’s your leadership style?

A: Supportive but clear. I set the vision, create structure, and give people space to shine. I lead with empathy, transparency, and a strong bias for action. I believe in honest feedback, continuous learning, and celebrating progress, not just results. People tend to say I make them feel both safe and challenged, which is exactly the vibe I’m going for.

Q: How do you handle conflict in a team?

A: Open communication first, always. I try to understand where each side is coming from, what they really need, not just what they’re saying. Most conflicts come down to misalignment or unmet expectations. I stay calm, mediate with empathy, and refocus the team on shared goals. Clarity and trust go a long way.

Q: How do you ensure team productivity and engagement?

A: Structure + autonomy + purpose. I give teams clear goals and the freedom to get there their way. I also check in regularly, not just about tasks, but about how people are doing. Motivation isn’t just about KPIs, it’s about feeling seen, valued, and part of something meaningful. I make sure they feel that.

Tech & Innovation

Q: What’s your favorite recent tech trend?

A: Definitely the rise of practical AI tools. It’s no longer just about building fancy models – it’s about embedding AI into everyday workflows. Tools like GPT APIs or no-code ML platforms are making it possible for non-technical teams to tap into smart automation. I love seeing that shift from theory to real-world impact. It’s empowering and game-changing.

Q: How do you approach learning new technologies?

A: Like a puzzle. I break things down, find patterns, and build from there. I’m not the type who just copies tutorials, I go for understanding the “why” behind tools and how they fit into the bigger picture. I’m currently deepening my skills in machine learning and adding more hands-on projects to my GitHub to showcase that growth.

Q: What role do AI/ML tools play in your current work?

A: Right now, I’m focused on how businesses can actually use AI, not just as a buzzword, but as a tool to optimize decisions, automate the boring stuff, and scale smarter. I’m building a GitHub library with reusable models and working on blog content that demystifies AI for business owners and managers. My goal is to bridge the gap between technical potential and business value.

Working Style

Q: How do you structure your workday?

A: I’m big on focused blocks of work and minimizing context-switching. Mornings are usually for deep thinking – strategy, writing, or coding – while afternoons are for meetings or collaborative tasks. I use tools like Notion, Trello, or simple lists depending on the project, and I always leave some space for the unexpected.

Q: What are your favorite tools for productivity?

A: I’m a Notion loyalist for organizing thoughts and projects. For communication, I prefer Slack or asynchronous tools like Loom when possible, it saves time and keeps everyone aligned. Also, my calendar is sacred: if it’s not scheduled, it probably won’t happen.

Q: How do you stay productive working remotely?

A: Boundaries and rituals. I keep a slow but steady morning routine: coffee, light movement, and some learning time before diving into work. Having a clean, cozy workspace helps too. I’ve worked remotely for years, and I’ve found that structure and meaningful goals are key to staying focused.

Fun Facts

Q: What’s something unexpected about you?

A: I know songs from all over the world and often use music to express emotions I can’t always put into words. Also, I love smart homes and interior design. Give me a cozy, functional space with a touch of tech, and I’m in heaven.

Q: Coffee or tea?

A: Both! But if I had to choose, milky oolong tea in the morning, a hazelnut-syrup coffee if I need a kick, and black tea to balance out a good cake.

Personal Touch

Q: What inspires you outside of work?

A: Travel, water, and people who are passionate about what they do. I’m endlessly inspired by stories – whether it’s a good book, a new city, or someone sharing how they overcame a challenge. Also, music plays a big role in my life – it helps me feel, reset, and imagine new things.

Q: How do you stay balanced?

A: I aim for gentle mornings and strong movement. Swimming, stretching, or dance classes keep me grounded. I’m also big on digital detox moments – closing the laptop and just being present with the real world. And I always keep time for reflection, even if it’s just a few lines in a journal or a mental check-in.