who are you?
I’m Gunnar, molded by Nunspeet’s natural beauty, and now thriving in Amsterdam after studying in Twente. As an infrastructure/DevOps engineer, I blend innovation with technical prowess. My journey balances the calm of my hometown with the vigor of city life. Guided by curiosity, I bridge precision and creativity in the ever-changing tech landscape. I’m a seeker of knowledge and a dreamer of possibilities, shaped by experiences past and eager for the chapters ahead.
What would you like people to know about you?
I’d like people to recognize that I embody an easy-going attitude, often referred to as ‘nuchter’ in Dutch. This outlook allows me to navigate life’s complexities with a sense of calm and pragmatism. Helping others is something I find truly fulfilling – whether it’s offering a hand, sharing insights, or collaborating to overcome challenges. Problem-solving is woven into my nature, and I approach it with enthusiasm. From technical intricacies to everyday hiccups, I enjoy unraveling puzzles and finding effective solutions. In essence, I’m someone who values a balanced perspective, cherishes helping others, and relishes the process of turning obstacles into opportunities.
do you have a life motto? what is it?
While I don’t have a specific life motto, I embrace life with an optimistic outlook. I believe in approaching challenges and opportunities with a positive mindset, focusing on the potential for success rather than dwelling on potential obstacles. Trying new things is a key aspect of how I live – I’m more inclined to take action and explore than to overanalyze the potential pitfalls. This adventurous spirit has led me to valuable experiences and learning.
Furthermore, helping others and problem-solving are integral to how I engage with the world. Offering assistance and sharing my problem-solving skills brings me a sense of fulfillment and strengthens the connections I have with those around me. It’s my way of contributing to the betterment of both individuals and the community. In essence, while I might not have a motto engraved in stone, my approach to life is one of optimism, exploration, helpfulness, and an eagerness to tackle challenges head-on.
do you have interesting hobbies?
Absolutely, I have a passion for engaging in outdoor adventures. One of my favorite hobbies is hiking – there’s something incredibly invigorating about strapping on a backpack, packing my tent and sleeping gear, and embarking on trails that span about a week. The thrill of immersing myself in nature, relying on the essentials, and conquering challenging terrains truly rejuvenates me.
So far, my journeys have taken me across captivating landscapes. I’ve explored hiking trails in the picturesque terrains of Scotland, where the rugged beauty of the Highlands and the serenity of the glens have left an indelible mark on me. I’ve also ventured to Mallorca, where the mix of coastal trails and mountainous paths provided a diverse range of experiences.
Currently, I’m excitedly compiling a bucket list of even more trails to conquer. There’s an allure in discovering new routes, encountering unique flora and fauna, and connecting with fellow hikers along the way. Hiking is not just a hobby for me; it’s a way to discover the world, challenge myself, and find solace in the great outdoors. The sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a week-long hike is truly unparalleled and keeps me fueled to explore more trails in the future.
Any bloopers in the past you would like to share?
I’m an avid hiker with a taste for adventure. Imagine my luck – I planned a week-long hike in Scotland right in the midst of a nationwide train strike across the UK. No trains? No problem! I opted for a bus journey from Scotland to London instead, embracing the scenic route.
My bus escapade within Scotland took an unexpected turn due to road closures on the notorious Scottish road network. I missed the legendary night bus to London, but hey, who needs smooth journeys anyway?
I ended up spending five amusing hours in a 24/7 McDonald’s in Edinburgh, soaking up the city’s nocturnal vibes. As dawn broke, I finally hopped on one of the elusive trains braving the strike, and guess where it was headed? London, of course.
Through it all, my love for hiking and my sense of humor remained unshaken. It turned out to be an adventure of unexpected twists, an unplanned road trip across Scotland, and a rendezvous with a fast-food haven.
But that’s the beauty of adventure – the unexpected becomes a cherished part of the story. And as I look back on my unconventional Scottish expedition, I can’t help but smile at the memorable journey that unfolded.
What is the most “nerdy thing” about you?
I find immense pleasure in unraveling a diverse array of puzzles, as it taps into my innate curiosity and analytical mindset. Engaging in this intellectual pursuit has become a monthly ritual for me, where I eagerly participate in puzzle events that challenge my problem-solving skills. As the year draws to a close, my excitement mounts for upcoming challenges like the Advent of Code and the AIVD Christmas puzzle. These events not only provide a stimulating mental workout but also offer a sense of camaraderie among fellow puzzle enthusiasts. The prospect of delving into intricate enigmas and collaborating with others in the pursuit of solutions is a prospect that fills me with anticipation and a dash of competitive spirit.
With what it problem should the person who read this, contact you immediately, as you cannot wait to solve it?
Count me in for tackling any infrastructure-related challenge that comes my way. I thrive on the opportunity to dive into complex problems and find innovative solutions. Challenges are like puzzles to me – no matter the technology involved, if I’m not familiar with it, I’m eager to roll up my sleeves and learn the ins and outs.
Legacy systems? They don’t intimidate me one bit. In fact, I see them as hidden treasures waiting to be modernized. If you’ve got outdated infrastructure that’s in need of a contemporary upgrade, consider me your go-to person. I relish the chance to unravel the intricacies of older setups, ensuring a seamless migration to bring them up to date.
My passion lies in engineering robust systems, whether they’re cutting-edge or time-tested. With each project, I’m driven by the thrill of discovery and the satisfaction of making systems run smoother and more efficiently. So, if you’re facing a challenge that involves infrastructure, technology, or the art of modernizing the old, you can count on me to be all in.
Tell us any (weird) fun fact about you?
Random facts tend to stick in my memory, even if I can’t recall where I learned them. While usually not very useful, there was an exception that brought me unexpected gain. Participating in the quiz show ‘Weet ik veel?’ showcased the value of this unusual ability. As questions fired at me, I drew upon my mental vault of odd facts, surprising even myself with the answers. This unforeseen advantage turned a collection of trivial knowledge into a few thousand euros. It’s a reminder that life’s surprises can turn even the quirkiest traits into unexpected wins.
why do you (want to) work for techspire?
Techspire truly aligns with my career growth ambitions, acting as a catalyst for my professional journey. It’s not just a workplace; it’s a platform that fuels my learning, improvement, and excellence within the tech realm. The diversity of experiences Techspire offers is captivating – every project serves as a new adventure, exposing me to different environments and challenges that refine not only my technical skills but also my adaptability and problem-solving abilities.
Engaging with a diverse array of talented individuals is immensely valuable. Collaborating with people from varied backgrounds enriches my learning journey and broadens my horizons through cross-functional interactions. Techspire’s commitment to continuous learning through training programs and innovative tools bolsters my growth in a reciprocal manner, as I contribute while absorbing cutting-edge knowledge.
In a world that demands constant relevance, Techspire empowers me to evolve seamlessly. With each assignment, I embrace the opportunity to learn, adapt, and contribute, knowing that my journey of growth is embraced and encouraged within this innovative environment.
