Team Profiles: Adam Johnston

Get inspired by the talent and passion that drives Validation Cloud forward. Meet Adam Johnston, our skilled Senior DevOps Engineer based in Newcastle, UK. 

Q: What’s your role at Validation Cloud? Tell me about your background and experience prior to joining the team.

A: As a Senior DevOps Engineer at Validation Cloud, my primary role involves overseeing the infrastructure that supports our services. This includes automating deployments, ensuring high availability, optimizing performance, and maintaining the security of our systems. Overall, my experience has been characterized by a strong emphasis on automation, scalability, and reliability, which aligns well with the goals and needs of Validation Cloud. I’m passionate about leveraging technology to solve complex problems and am excited to bring my expertise to our innovative and dynamic teams.

Q: What motivated you to join the Validation Cloud team, and in what ways do you envision your role supporting the company's mission?

A: There's lack of performant and reliable infrastructure providers to support the transition into Web3. I was impressed by the Validation Cloud team’s vision and commitment to addressing this need. Recognizing that my background and skills aligned perfectly with their mission, I was confident that joining as a Senior DevOps Engineer would enable me to make a meaningful impact in driving this innovative shift forward.

Q: How did your interest in Web3 technology develop, and how do you believe Web3's potential impact can be leveraged by Validation Cloud to empower organizations to tap into its potential?

A: My interest in Web3 technology began as I observed the transformative potential of decentralized systems in redefining traditional models of governance, finance, and data security. The promise of enhanced transparency, reduced intermediaries, and increased user control fascinated me and inspired me to delve deeper into the field.

Web3’s potential impact is vast, offering innovative solutions that can revolutionize how organizations operate and interact with their stakeholders. By leveraging blockchain technology, smart contracts, and decentralized applications, organizations can achieve greater efficiency, trust, and resilience in their operations.

At Validation Cloud, we are uniquely positioned to harness the power of Web3 to empower organizations. Our cutting-edge infrastructure and robust support services provide the foundational elements necessary for businesses to transition smoothly into the decentralized era. By offering scalable, secure, and reliable infrastructure solutions, Validation Cloud enables organizations to tap into the full potential of Web3 technology, fostering innovation and driving sustainable growth in this new digital landscape.

Q: Which team values resonate with you the most, and why?

A: “Solutions orientation” is a pivotal team value for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it fosters a proactive mindset where challenges are seen as opportunities for growth and innovation rather than obstacles. This approach encourages team members to think creatively and collaboratively, driving continuous improvement and enhancing overall team performance.

Moreover, a solutions-oriented mindset promotes accountability and ownership. Team members are motivated to take initiative, contribute their unique perspectives, and work towards achieving common goals. This collective commitment to finding and implementing solutions not only strengthens team cohesion but also leads to more efficient and effective outcomes.

Q: What strategies will you implement to encourage effective collaboration with your team members in order to deliver high-performance and customizable products in staking, node operations, and data-as-a-service?

A: To foster effective collaboration and deliver high-performance, customizable products in staking, node operations, and data-as-a-service, I will implement the following strategies:

1. Open Communication: Hold regular team meetings and use collaboration tools like Slack for real-time communication and updates, ensuring everyone is aligned and informed.
2. Clear Objectives and Roles: Define clear project goals, milestones, and individual responsibilities to ensure alignment and understanding, minimizing overlaps and confusion.
3. Leverage Expertise: Form cross-functional teams and promote knowledge sharing to drive innovation and comprehensive problem-solving.
4. Collaborative Culture: Encourage team-building activities, inclusivity, and recognize contributions to build trust and camaraderie.
5. Advanced Tools and Technologies: Use automation, CI/CD, and integration tools to streamline workflows, and implement monitoring and analytics for real-time insights.

Q: What do you like to do outside of work? Any hobbies or interests outside of Web3?

A: Outside of work, I'm an active person who enjoys running regularly. I'm also a passionate fan of Newcastle United football club and like to follow their matches. In my free time, I also like to challenge myself with food challenges, exploring new culinary experiences.

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