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Meet the team

Alex Cutts

Senior Associate

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Senior Associate

Alex Cutts

What do you most like about your role at AES?

Knowing that the work we do is going to make a real positive impact on people’s lives, and it’s our job to make them realize it.

Surprise us with something we don’t know about you.

I played the clarinet to grade 4, mainly because I was too small to hold a saxophone.

What do you do for fun?

I enjoy seeing friends, playing and watching football, running, going to the gym, and hiking.

What's the best thing you ever spent your money on?

Going to friends’ weddings.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I wanted to be a forensic crime scene investigator.

Alex Newington-Bridges

Director

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Director

Alex Newington-Bridges

What do you most like about your role at AES?

The amazing privilege of making a difference in people’s lives.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I hadn’t a clue, but helping others was always a priority!

What's the best thing you ever spent your money on?

Amazing holidays, making memories, and creating great life experiences!

Alois Abiad

Associate

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Associate

Alois Abiad

What do you most like about your role at AES?

The fulfilment of assisting clients in resolving their challenges, alongside fostering a collaborative team environment drives us towards collective achievements.

What do you do for fun?

I enjoy hanging out with friends, sipping cold drinks, and singing karaoke into the night.

What's the best thing you ever spent your money on?

I've managed to invest in my own house and lot back in the Philippines, which has truly been a rewarding use of my finances.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A lounge singer - to perform in front of an audience and bring them joy through my voice.

What's your favourite book?

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. 

Ariel Gallano

Associate

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Associate

Ariel Gallano

Describe your perfect day.

Leaving every surface sparkling and seeing smiles from satisfied colleagues.

What do you most like about your job?

Doing repairs, including electrical, carpentry and setting up computers.

What do you do for fun?

I get my thrills from hitting the road on two wheels!

What's the best thing you ever spent your money on?

Sending my daughter to her school and mother’s assistance.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A mechanical engineer.

Arsalan Aziz

Associate Director

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Associate Director

Arsalan Aziz

Describe your perfect day.

Rise with the sun, do at least one thing to improve/reward myself and one thing for someone to make their day!

What do you most like about your role at AES?

Meeting people from different industries and walks of life and helping them solve problems.

Surprise us with something we don’t know about you.

I like reptiles and used to have snakes (constrictors), iguanas, and dwarf caymans as pets!

What do you do for fun?

Explore new music, practise/learn golf, watch horror/thriller/mystery movies and spend time with close friends.

What's the best thing you ever spent your money on?

I'd have to say that I like travelling to new places. 

Ben Roberts

Senior Associate

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Senior Associate

Ben Roberts

Describe your perfect day.

I'd wake up in a hotel during a few days away with my wife. I'd read, exercise, swim, and find a new place to eat in the evening. If we're still in the Emirates, I'd find a historical monument or museum to explore.

What do you most like about your role at AES?

I enjoy speaking to new people every day about what we do and learning what they want to achieve.

Surprise us with something we don’t know about you.

I play the piano and guitar.

What do you do for fun?

I enjoy reading, exercising, and playing music. Plus, watching football on TV.

What's your favourite book?

Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe.

Brandon Anege

Senior Associate

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Senior Associate

Brandon Anege

What do you most like about your role at AES?

I love the technological workspace and enjoy the dynamics of business processes, which demand creative thinking to solve issues and optimise workflows. It's never a boring day.

What do you do for fun?

I enjoy watching Sci-Fi movies or tech content on YouTube and attending music gigs with friends and family.

What's the best thing you ever spent your money on?

The best purchase I've made is a Yamaha THR II 3-in-1 Guitar Amp. 

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

In secondary school, I wanted to be a doctor. In high school, I aspired to be an engineer.

What's your favourite book?

Power of Your Mind by Chris Oyakhilome.

Ciara Nolan

Senior Associate

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Senior Associate

Ciara Nolan

Describe your perfect day.

Relaxing on an island beach with crystal clear water.

What do you most like about your role at AES?

Helping people improve their health to make each day a little bit better.

Surprise us with something we don’t know about you.

I'm allergic to Kiwis and have an irrational fear of whales. 

What's the best thing you ever spent your money on?

Every plane ticket that I've ever bought.

What's your favourite book?

This is a hard one, but I think it has to be Unnatural Causes by Dr Richard Shepherd.

Caroline Castro

Senior Associate

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Senior Associate

Caroline Castro

What do you most like about your role at AES?

I love the opportunity to learn new things, help others and face challenges dealing with providers and trustees.

Surprise us with something we don’t know about you.

I love collecting scented candles to help reduce my stress.

What do you do for fun?

Playing darts and listening to music.

What's the best thing you ever spent your money on?

I bought my dream house and opened an Index account as my investment/savings.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A nurse.

Charles Smith

Associate Director

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Associate Director

Charles Smith

What do you most like about your role at AES?

I find great fulfilment in meeting potential clients and helping them achieve their financial goals, driving our business growth.

Surprise us with something we don’t know about you.

I'm a triplet!

What do you do for fun?

I lift heavy weights to stay active and energised.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A football journalist.

What's your favourite book?

Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins.

Craig Norrey

Director

Chartered team member
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Director

Craig Norrey

Describe your perfect day.

Up early, a huge CrossFit session, followed by a pool day with my wife and daughter and then a cinema trip in the evening.

What do you most like about your role at AES?

I’m a problem solver and love sitting down with the data and the client’s “problem” and working out how we can fix that.

Surprise us with something we don’t know about you.

I’m a level 2 CSIA-qualified ski instructor.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Zoo keeper.

What's your favourite book?

The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday.

Damien Walsh

Managing Director

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Managing Director

Damien Walsh

What do you most like about your role at AES?

The chance to work with and help people from all walks of life.

Surprise us with something we don’t know about you

I’m a twin.

What’s the best thing you’ve ever spent your money on?

My health insurance (I once faced a 400,000-euro bill).

What’s your favourite book?

The Kennedys by Thomas Maier.

Danica Santos

Senior Associate

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Senior Associate

Danica Santos

Describe your perfect day.

Being able to lighten up somebody's day or make people smile.

What do you most like about your role at AES?

Solving clients' complex issues and making a difference in people's lives. 

Surprise us with something we don’t know about you.

I've recently started learning how to play golf. 

What do you do for fun? 

Sharing laughter with the people I care about.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A lawyer.

Daniel Marriott

Director

Chartered team member
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Director

Daniel Marriott

Describe your perfect day.

My perfect day nowadays would involve being surrounded by family, hosting a BBQ, enjoying good food and drink, probably with Wales playing rugby on TV in the background... hopefully winning.

What do you most like about your role at AES?

I like that my role touches every element of our business. It challenges me to continually learn new things as we evolve.

What do you do for fun?

If I get time, I enjoy video games or golf. Otherwise, I love going to feed the ducks or doing puzzles with my daughter.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I originally wanted to be an architect, although my dad tried to convince me to follow in his footsteps and join the Navy.

What's your favourite book?

Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson, because it helps you understand the best communication styles to use in any situation. 

David Labouchere, OBE

Non-Executive Director

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Non-Executive Director

David Labouchere, OBE

Emmy Tolosa

Senior Associate

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Senior Associate

Emmy Tolosa

What do you most like about your role at AES?

What's not to love about making everyone's life easier? Fixing an issue and seeing the happiness on someone's face.

What do you do for fun?

I enjoy pranking my kids and husband. It always brings a lot of laughter and joy into our home.

What's the best thing you ever spent your money on?

Food, life experiences, and helping the family back home - which I believe are worth every penny.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A commercial pilot. 

What's your favourite book?

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Francesc Miralles and Hector Garcia.

Frances Matining

Associate

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Associate

Frances Matining

Describe your perfect day.

A perfect day for me is spending quality time with my friends and family!

What do you most like about your role at AES?

Being able to help people achieve their financial goals.

What do you do for fun?

Watch movies and Netflix series and go out with friends.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A theatre performer.

What's your favourite book?

The Early Bird Catches The Worm But The Second Mouse Gets The Cheese by Francis Kong.

Georgina Osborne-Stuart

Associate Director

Chartered team member
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Associate Director

Georgina Osborne-Stuart

Describe your perfect day.

Likely spent at the pool or the beach (some form of outdoor activity) with my family, friends, and good food.

What do you most like about your role at AES?

The people and the variety – no two clients are the same and so no two conversations are the same. Financial planning is like putting together the jigsaw pieces in someone’s life.

What do you do for fun?

Baking, reading, eating out at nice restaurants.

What's the best thing you ever spent your money on?

My wedding – it’s a cliché but it really was the best day of my life!

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A barrister or a TV news presenter.

Helen Dale

AES Partner

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AES Partner

Helen Dale

Jack Bruton

Associate

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Associate

Jack Bruton

What do you most like about your role at AES?

My colleagues and helping clients with insurance solutions.

Surprise us with something we don’t know about you.

I like to travel and have been to 22 countries so far. I've set myself a goal of visiting countries for every letter of the alphabet.

What do you do for fun?

Apart from travelling, I’m very sporty and will participate in any sport. My main interests are hurling (an Irish game), football, and golf.

What's the best thing you ever spent your money on?

Any of the football manager games down through the years.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Batman.

Jannel Sochaco

Associate

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Associate

Jannel Sochaco

What do you most like about your role at AES?

I get a sense of fulfilment whenever I'm able to help or assist clients with their queries, providing high-quality customer service and receiving their appreciation.

Surprise us with something we don’t know about you.

I sing!

What do you do for fun?

I enjoy walking in the park and exploring new places for food and coffee.

What's the best thing you ever spent your money on?

Aside from good food, I'd say a life insurance policy is the best investment I've made.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? 

A doctor.

Jason Lavell

AES Partner

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AES Partner

Jason Lavell

Jennifer Galang

Senior Associate

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Senior Associate

Jennifer Galang

Describe your perfect day.

Definitely a day with lots of laughter! 

What do you most like about your role at AES?

Every single day, I get to encounter something new, which helps me grow in many directions.

What do you do for fun?

I enjoy listening to good music and podcasts.

What's the best thing you ever spent your money on?

A land for my future home.

What's your favourite book?

The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan. 

Jessica Cook

AES Partner

Chartered team member
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AES Partner

Jessica Cook

Joanne Navalta

Associate

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Associate

Joanne Navalta

Describe your perfect day. 

A perfect day at work would be productive, collaborative, and filled with achievements and positive interactions.

What do you most like about your role at AES?

I enjoy ensuring efficiency, organisation, and a supportive environment for everyone.

What do you do for fun?

Enjoying a movie marathon or diving into a new series!

What's the best thing you ever spent your money on?

Travelling. Exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and creating unforgettable memories. 

What's your favourite book?

The Beautiful No by Sheri Salata.

Joem Hidimoglu

AES Partner

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AES Partner

Joem Hidimoglu

Kayanush Pastakia

Senior Associate

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Senior Associate

Kayanush Pastakia

Describe your perfect day.

My perfect day starts the previous evening with a well-thought-out plan of what I’d like the following day to look like. I rise early, make a call to connect with family back home, and then dive into a productive day at work. In the evening, I enjoy exercising and winding down with a relaxing sauna.

Surprise us with something we don’t know about you.

Until shortly after graduation, I was an avid PC gamer and even participated in a few national-level tournaments.

What's the best thing you ever spent your money on?

Celebrating my dad’s 80th birthday by taking him to a live performance of Hans Zimmer was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Seeing the joy on his face was priceless.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A commercial pilot.

What's your favourite book?

Atomic Habits by James Clear.

Kelwin Soans

Associate

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Associate

Kelwin Soans

Describe your perfect day.

Wake up in a different country, enjoy a hearty breakfast, embark on a new adventure, discover something new, and end the day with a chilled one with family and friends!

What do you most like about your role at AES?

Leverage my knowledge and skills to positively impact our clients’ lives.

What's the best thing you ever spent your money on?

A solo trip to Armenia.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A scientist. 

What's your favourite book?

Millionaire Teacher by Andrew Hallam.

Khaya Pybus

Associate

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Associate

Khaya Pybus

What do you most like about your role at AES?

Being a part of a vision for a better future.

What do you do for fun?

I love learning about human behaviour and psychology.

What's the best thing you ever spent your money on?

A one-way ticket to Dubai.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

An entrepreneur.

What's your favourite book?

Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl.

Krupa Suvarna

Associate

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Associate

Krupa Suvarna

What do you most like about your role at AES?

The culture at AES is supportive and encourages continuous growth, which keeps me motivated and engaged.

Surprise us with something we don’t know about you.

Before pursuing a career in finance, I trained in contemporary dance for several years and performed in numerous local productions and competitions.

What's the best thing you ever spent your money on?

Attending live concerts of my favourite singers.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Air hostess.

What's your favourite book?

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

Laura Cotter

Senior Associate

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Senior Associate

Laura Cotter

Liam Thomas

Associate

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Associate

Liam Thomas

Describe your perfect day.

My perfect day at the office starts with a clear calendar and diving into a substantial data-driven project. I'm passionate about delving deep into complex data sets to uncover meaningful insights.

What do you most like about your role at AES?

The incredible camaraderie among my colleagues. they're not just friendly but always ready to lend a helping hand whenever needed.

What do you do for fun?

I love watching old Formula 1 races, reliving the excitement of past competitions.

What's the best thing you ever spent your money on?

Definitely my gaming computer.

What's your favourite book?

What You See is What You Get by Alan Sugar.

Neeraj Pandey

Senior Associate

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Senior Associate

Neeraj Pandey

What do you most like about your role at AES?

I appreciate simplifying the complexities of personal finances and investing. Educating clients on prioritising what truly matters - family, friends, and time - is deeply rewarding.

Surprise us with something we don’t know about you.

I'm a history enthusiast and a fan of comic book movies, particularly the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe).

What do you do for fun?

I enjoy exploring new activities with friends - whether visiting theme parks, playing football, or hosting card games and meals.

What's the best thing you ever spent your money on?

Investing in travel experiences and thoughtful gifts for family and loved ones has been truly worthwhile.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A physicist - fascinated by topics like the theory of relativity and dark matter.

Neil Hernandez

Senior Associate

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Senior Associate

Neil Hernandez

Describe your perfect day.

My perfect day begins with an early wake-up, prayer, and reflection. I complete all personal and work tasks during the day and wind down the evening with a relaxing activity, ending the day with gratitude.

What do you most like about your role at AES?

I love being able to engage with clients and support them in real-time.

What do you do for fun?

Spending a day out with my family and participating in sports activities.

What's the best thing you ever spent your money on?

I was able to buy a small farm.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I wanted to be in the military.

Pippa Miller

CEO (AES Middle East Insurance Broker LLC)

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CEO (AES Middle East Insurance Broker LLC)

Pippa Miller

What do you most like about your role at AES?

The varied nature and the opportunity to constantly improve client outcomes.

Surprise us with something we don’t know about you.

I was a regional finalist in Sainsbury's Young Chef of Britain.

What’s the best thing you’ve ever spent your money on?

My flat in London.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A doctor.

What’s your favourite book?

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

Rebecca Steele

Director

Chartered team member
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Director

Rebecca Steele

What do you most like about your role at AES?

Feeling like you're part of something bigger and being in a supportive environment that allows me to continuously test and adjust.

Surprise us with something we don’t know about you.

I can complete a Rubik’s cube in under 2 minutes.

What's the best thing you ever spent your money on?

Opening an investment account for my son from an early age.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A ballet dancer.

What's your favourite book?

Unweaving the Rainbow by Richard Dawkins.

Reedha Fathima

Associate

Chartered team member
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Associate

Reedha Fathima

Describe your perfect day.

My perfect day would be accomplishing everything on my work agenda, followed by a refreshing swim. I love having a detailed conversation with my mum about my day and ending it with a good night's sleep! 

What do you most like about your role at AES?

I enjoy how my role as an accountant aligns with my qualifications, allowing me to apply what I've learned.

What do you do for fun?

I paint, visit cafes, read books, and indulge in Netflix shows.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I dreamed of being an artist, doctor, or astronaut.

What's your favourite book?

Thousand Splendid Suns by Khalid Hosseini.

Ross Naylor

AES Partner

Chartered team member
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AES Partner

Ross Naylor

Sam Instone

CEO (AES UK)

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CEO (AES UK)

Sam Instone

What do you most like about your role at AES?

Positively changing the lives of those we serve.

Surprise us with something we don’t know about you.

My great-grandfather made the first-ever telephone call from the ground to an inflight aircraft.

What’s the best thing you’ve ever spent your money on?

My trip to Everest base camp.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A marine.

What’s your favourite book?

Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl.

Samuel Hurst

Senior Associate

Chartered team member
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Senior Associate

Samuel Hurst

What do you most like about your role at AES?

Speaking with our clients, hearing about their objectives, and understanding their life goals, before helping to put a financial plan in place to give them the best possible chance of achieving them.

What do you do for fun?

Whenever I have free time, it usually involves golf with friends. I’m an avid golfer so Dubai, with its year-round sunshine and pristine golf courses, is the perfect place to be.

What's the best thing you ever spent your money on?

A recent trip travelling all over Thailand with friends.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

An airline pilot.

What's your favourite book?

Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson.

Sarah Norton

Director

Chartered team member
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Director

Sarah Norton

Describe your perfect day.

Any day exploring a new country is ideal for me. Starting with a sunrise hike or ending with sundowners overlooking the ocean would make it even better.

What do you like most about your role at AES?

I thrive on solving complex problems and sharing knowledge with my team.

Surprise us with something we don’t know about you.

Back in university, I qualified as a spinning instructor to earn some extra bucks.

What's the best thing you ever spent your money on?

Taking a career break to travel around Southeast Asia and South America was truly enriching.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I dreamt of becoming a vet. 

Shannon Andrade

Senior Associate

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Senior Associate

Shannon Andrade

Describe your perfect day.

Starting with morning coffee and a phone call with a loved one, followed by a productive day at work without overtime, an evening gym session, and dinner with family or friends.

Surprise us with something we don’t know about you.

I'm a dedicated movie buff, having watched over 700 films, and meticulously keeping track of each one on a personal list.

What's the best thing you ever spent your money on?

Noise-cancelling headphones. Amazing on flights and the metro.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A footballer.

What's your favourite book?

Atomic Habits by James Clear. 

Stephanie Batausa

Associate

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Associate

Stephanie Batausa

Describe your perfect day.

My perfect day starts with waking up early to allow time for my routine and ends by saving someone’s day, either by solving a problem or offering my help.

What do you most like about your role at AES?

I love the unique challenges I face and the continuous learning I experience day by day.

What do you do for fun?

I enjoy visiting places I’ve never been to and looking for the perfect sunset spots.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A businesswoman.

What's your favourite book?

The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene.

Steven Pipikakis

AES Partner

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AES Partner

Steven Pipikakis

Vinayak Kozhikotte

Associate Director

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Associate Director

Vinayak Kozhikotte

Describe your perfect day.

My perfect day kicks off with a 12-14 hour fast to reset and refresh my body and mind. After breaking my fast, I dive into some writing and task planning, setting me up for a killer day ahead.

What do you most like about your role at AES?

I love how my job lets me flex my strategic thinking and brainpower, especially when it comes to tech. 

Surprise us with something we don’t know about you.

I'm a DIY enthusiast! I enjoy taking on projects like building furniture, home improvements, and exploring new crafts.

What's the best thing you ever spent your money on?

My first computer at age 12. That little machine sparked my tech obsession, opening a world of geeking out, creating cool stuff, and exploring the digital universe.

What's your favourite book?

My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi.

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