Meet the Writer: Contributor Nikola Balić, A Growth Strategist with a Penchant for Innovation

Hello there! I'm Nikola Balić, but most folks just call me Niko.

I'm a growth strategist by profession but a tech enthusiast and innovator at heart. There's always this burning curiosity within me to explore the intersection of technology and business, especially when it comes to startups and digital transformation. When I'm not strategizing growth for Daytona, you'll probably find me diving deep into research for my Ph.D. in computer science or maybe just tinkering with the latest tech gadget that caught my eye - much to the chagrin of my loved ones!

Interesting! What was your latest Hackernoon Top story about?

My latest Hackernoon Top story delved into the fascinating realm of cognitive load in startup engineers. In an environment where resources are scarce, and priorities shift with the speed of light, the cognitive load on these engineers can be overwhelming. I discussed the importance of minimizing this load to maximize productivity, innovation, and job satisfaction. The article addressed key areas, such as the impact of cognitive load on engineering teams and deciphering code, and offered strategies to reduce this load.

Do you usually write on similar topics? If not, what do you usually write about?

While cognitive load in startup engineers was the focus of my latest article, my writing doesn't revolve around one single topic. I find joy in exploring a wide array of subjects, from digital transformation and developer velocity to startup growth and strategy. My articles are often the result of my insatiable curiosity, a reflection of whatever rabbit hole I've dived into lately. It's all about sharing insights and ideas, engaging in meaningful discussions, and hopefully sparking a few "aha!" moments along the way.

Great! What is your usual writing routine like (if you have one?)

My writing routine is as eccentric as my curiosity. There's no fixed schedule or template that I follow. Instead, I write when the inspiration strikes or when I stumble upon a topic that excites me. It's often during the quiet hours of the night or early mornings, when the world is still, that I find myself in a flow state, typing away at my keyboard. The process is organic, raw, and incredibly fulfilling. I'm constantly churning out rough drafts and then letting them collect dust until I'm ready to edit the hell out of them.

Being a writer in tech can be a challenge. It’s not often our main role, but an addition to another one. What is the biggest challenge you have when it comes to writing?

Writing in tech indeed comes with its unique set of challenges. For me, the biggest one is striking a balance - between making content accessible for a broader audience while still maintaining technical depth, between time spent researching and writing, and between my role at Daytona and my passion for writing. It's a delicate dance, and it sometimes feels like I'm walking on a tightrope. But the thrill and the joy of sharing knowledge and sparking discussions make it all worth it.

What is the next thing you hope to achieve in your career?

The next thing I hope to achieve in my career is to impact developer productivity through my work at Daytona. I aim to boost developer velocity and create standardized development environments, making the development process smoother and more efficient. Furthermore, I aspire to continue my research in digital transformation, gaining deeper insights that can benefit the tech industry as a whole.

Wow, that’s admirable. Now, something more casual: What is your guilty pleasure of choice?

As for guilty pleasures, I must confess my obsession with metrics. Whether I'm cycling or just out for a stroll, I'm always fixated on the statistics on my Garmin watch. I find it fascinating to dissect and analyze these numbers, constantly trying to understand their underlying patterns and meanings. It's an odd fascination, I admit, but one I wouldn't trade for the world.

Do you have a non-tech-related hobby? If yes, what is it?

Yes, I do have a non-tech-related hobby - I love disassembling and reassembling stuff! It's a strange pastime, I know, but it's the perfect outlet for my inner tinkerer. It's more than just a hobby, though. It's a form of meditation, a way for me to disconnect from the digital world and connect with the tangible, mechanical world. Plus, there's something incredibly satisfying about seeing all the parts come together to form a functioning whole.

What can the HackerNoon community expect to read from you next?

The Hacker Noon community can expect a variety of intriguing topics from me in the future. I plan to delve deeper into the intricacies of developer velocity, explore the challenges and solutions in digital transformation, and share insights from my journey in the dev world. Fasten your seat belts. It's going to be an exciting ride!

What’s your opinion on HackerNoon as a platform for writers?

Hacker Noon is a fantastic platform for writers, especially tech industry writers. It provides an incredibly supportive environment, offering writers the exposure and recognition they deserve. The platform's commitment to tech literacy and fostering a thriving community of tech enthusiasts make it a go-to source for tech-related content. It's been instrumental in my development as a writer and thought leader.

Thanks for taking the time to join our “Meet the Writer” series. It was a pleasure. Do you have any closing words?

Being part of the "Meet the Writer" series was a pleasure. If there's one thing I'd like the readers to take away from this, it's never to curb your curiosity. Keep exploring, keep learning, and keep sharing your knowledge with the world. And remember, it's okay to fall down a rabbit hole every now and then - you never know what you might discover!