Staying when everything around you is changing

The IT market never stands still: technologies evolve, companies transform, and roles continuously shift. Over 20 years, you can live through multiple crises, dramatic business growth, rebranding, and a complete industry shift.

This conversation is an honest story about what it really means to grow alongside a company, why staying can sometimes be harder than leaving, and how long-term experience creates a completely different level of partnership with clients.

What made you stay with the company for so many years while the market was constantly changing?

"In fact, there were many reasons. As I recall, I joined a company that employed around twenty people, which over time expanded by almost twenty times. In the early days, when everyone knew each other, you know, you naturally formed new friendships. Later, a certain sense of attachment to the workplace developed. When the work started to feel boring over time, or there was a need for change, the company would find the right reasons for me to stay. As the market evolved, continuous changes were also taking place within the organization itself. Also, I have to mention, there was constant momentum in the work: new technologies, new projects, nearly everything was changing with time, so no time for boredom."

What were the most challenging moments during these 20 years?

"Perhaps the most challenging decision was determining what to do, or how to proceed, during the crisis when the number of team members suddenly decreased. At that time, my direct manager on the client side organized a business trip. During that trip, we discussed the situation. And, in turn, it became a trigger for similar trips in the future, not only for me but also for other members of the team. Human relations always make the difference, and often it was a decisive thing in my career."

How does having such long-term experience in the team influence the way you work?

"You know, I have been working with the same client for most of my time in the company, and this might be the longest collaboration our company has had with a single client. A deep understanding of the client's business, where it can evolve, what to expect, what should be changed, and what is better kept untouched - it all cannot be achieved in a short period of time. It all requires time and passion."

How many interviews have you attended during these 20 years?

"You might be surprised to hear this, but in fact, there were very few such occasions 🙂. When I initially joined the company, I was expected to work on different things. However, after some time, my responsibility was adjusted. By that point, I had already explored other opportunities but did not find anything more suitable. Since that time, I can recall only two cases, both of which were rather time-consuming. Nevertheless, the company managed to keep me."

What's the biggest change you've seen in the company over time?

"Of course, this is a company rebranding. It is a completely new company with a new vision, new passion, and new opportunities. A new chapter in the company's history."

What values do you think truly define this company? How would you describe the company culture to someone new?

"The company is client-oriented, which means you, as an employee, are closer to the client you work with than to the company itself. The company’s vision is to make employees fully integrated into the client’s team, which, of course, makes a lot of sense if we talk about long-term cooperation with the clients. From the other perspective, we are a Danish company with Danish clients, which is also reflected in the company culture, management, and internal life. All in all, the temperature in Netminds is always cozy and warm. The company offers plenty of events designed to suit everyone’s interests, including guest speakers and tech workshops, events for mental health, and even BBQs near the office during the warm season."

What was one of the biggest professional challenges you faced here?

"The challenge was learning that "do more" isn't always the same as "do better". I used to think success meant rolling out features as fast as possible. Over time, I realized it is not about quantity - it is about impacts. Sometimes less is more - especially when "more" just means more bugs, more meetings, and more headaches. Being smart about what you deliver counts way more than just doing a lot. And now this challenge gets a new breath, with all the AI capabilities, because some can do much more these days, but is it always better?"

If you could describe the company in three words, what would they be?

"Open-minded. Human-centric. Adaptable."

How has software engineering changed the most over the last two decades, from your perspective?

"There have actually been dramatic changes. The tools got better, faster, and louder - but expectations grew even faster. Twenty years ago, we worried about whether our code would even compile… but today, it's about scaling to thousands of users instantly, securing data, and keeping up with tools that update faster than a coffee machine makes coffee. And it is not just about software engineering anymore; it is more about responsibility and adaptability at the same time."

How do you see the software development industry evolving in the near future?

"I see the software development industry moving faster than ever, especially with AI and automation taking over routine tasks. Writing code will become easier, but understanding what to build and why will be a real skill. Developers who combine technical expertise with problem-solving, communication, and interest will stand out. Machines might write the code, but humans still decide the story. I think AI will handle all the routine work, but clear thinking will become even more valuable."

So the skillset of the software engineer is also changing now?

"At the start of my career, knowing the required programming language mattered most. Today, it's about communication, problem-solving, and knowing when not to write code 🙂. Experience taught me that the smartest solution is often the simplest one."

What mistake taught you the most during your career here?

"Git commit, git push - and leave the building! 🙂. But joking aside, even if the first point is partially true, then I would say the following: avoid overengineering, and don't touch things that work, especially if they're not in your domain."

What advice would you give to engineers starting their careers today?

"Huh... AI is moving forward at lightning speed... What advice would I give? Probably not to focus too heavily on any specific technology, but rather to master the fundamentals. Ask questions as soon as they arise, rather than waiting until you hit a wall. And spend more time on research and exploration, instead of focusing only on the final implementation."

If you were starting your career today, would you choose the same path, and why?

"That's a tricky one... I will try my best again. The tools are better, the possibilities are bigger, and the impact is real. I'd probably make mistakes again, but it would be different mistakes, and that part seems unavoidable. I really enjoy my job. I don't remember a day when I woke up thinking something like: Oh no, just another workday… I hope you also feel positive about your workdays too 🙂"

 Ihor Tokarchuk , Team Lead | 20 years at Netminds