Joshua Banda | Upswing Pioneer
After completing his degree in Computer Science, Joshua worked at Bosch in the supply chain analytics and demand planning division. Joshua also worked as a freelance full-stack developer for five years.
1. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO WORK WITH UPSWING?
I was initially approached by Upswing to work as a tech lead. After I was introduced to the core team, I knew straight away that Upswing was the perfect company for me. The team had the right attitude and personality, everyone was ready to commit. The key aspect that led me to join was passion. In my opinion, passion is the vital ingredient that can make any company succeed. At Upswing, everyone shared a common passion, because they all had a common dream and goal.
2. WHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT UPSWING?
The work culture at Upswing has drawn me to the company.Upswing is the kind of company that focuses on science and ensures to design and produce the best possible product.Furthermore, Upswing is not only supportive and friendly but, also creates an environment in which self-growth is encouraged.
3. WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR SOCIETY?
I envision a society where science-based products, like Upswing, can become the norm. I am a firm believer in the infinite possibilities that those kinds of products can bring to our society. Upswing can help us improve our lives and manage our time better. I hope one day, everyone can gain a better understanding of how much science and science-based products can help our everyday lives.
4. WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
My greatest inspiration comes from the thought of a better future. I think the concept of “future” is quite exciting. When we look back at the past, we realize that what we consider “ordinary” right now was an impossible dream at a certain point. Thus, imagine what the future has in reserve for us, all we need to do is to unlock our potential as humans.
“This is why working at Upswing excites me, we embrace change and strive to bring it to the world through science-based products.”
5. BIGGEST AHA MOMENT?
Probably when I realized that victory and failure are concepts that are constructed in our minds. You might fail or struggle through tough times, but you can control the way you look at the situation, you choose how you want to see the world. You can decide whether you want to pursue your targets or not, whether you want to see the situation in a positive light. The decision is yours.
6. WHAT ROLE DOES FAILURE PLAY IN BEING SUCCESSFUL?
A loss is not a loss if you take it as a motivation to improve yourself.
7. HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS?
I see success as a feeling of satisfaction that you achieve when you are happy with yourself. It’s all about setting out to make positive changes in your life and make incremental steps to reach your goals.
8. HOW DO YOU FACE HARDSHIPS?
It doesn’t matter how hard I get hit or how many times I get knocked down by life. What matters is that you get back up. Just like one of my favourite quotes says: “Bleed, patch yourself up and keep moving.”
9. WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR PEOPLE PURSUING THEIR DREAMS?
Do your best and try to add a little finesse to your work. Start with a plan, figure out what you want to do and start working towards your goal. But remember, you have to do your best to ensure that you create something that you can proudly put your name on.
10. WHAT DOES HEALTH MEAN TO YOU?
To me, health means taking care of my body and mind so I can perform at my peak. Regular bike rides, meditation, good sleep and viewing the sunrise in the morning are my secret to keeping healthy.
11. HOW DO YOU REACH YOUR FULL POTENTIAL EVERY DAY?
I adhere to my life philosophy. Don’t stop nor give up until you reach the peak of the mountain. Currently, I am halfway there. I keep reminding myself to be better than my yesterday’s self, thus I work harder to meet the standards that I set for myself.
12. IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR PAST SELF?
Keep moving forward. The answers to all life questions are out there, you just have to live and experience them.