Behind every software solution is a team of people working every day to make it better. At Cordeo, Mark plays an important role in that process. As Lead Developer, he focuses not only on the technical side of our software, but also on the way the development team collaborates, innovates and continues to learn.
For Mark, good software starts with curiosity, a strong focus on quality and the belief that software is never truly finished.
For Mark, one of the biggest advantages of working at Cordeo is the freedom to explore new ideas: “Sometimes you think: this could be better. It’s great to have the freedom to explore an idea and see where it leads.”
At Cordeo, developers have the opportunity to experiment with new technologies. We call this Cordeo Labs. It might involve exploring a trend, developing something new for users, or even creating something that is useful for the developers themselves. The scope is intentionally broad, as long as there is a clear benefit to Cordeo as a company.
Mark also follows developments in AI with interest. To him, AI is not an end in itself, but a tool that can make processes smarter and more user-friendly when applied in the right way.
“You’re constantly looking at new possibilities. But the question is always: does it actually add value for the user?” This practical mindset is characteristic of Mark’s approach to development.
Technology is constantly evolving in software development. Even so, Mark is careful not to get caught up in every new trend. He follows a range of technical newsletters, keeps up with developments in software development, engineering and leadership, and enjoys experimenting with new tools. It helps him stay sharp in a fast-moving industry.
“Sometimes new knowledge confirms that you’re already making the right choices. And sometimes it gives you that one insight that makes you approach something differently. Or perhaps realise that you should take a radically different approach altogether.”
For Mark, development is therefore not about building as many new features as possible, but about creating sustainable solutions that continue to deliver value in the long term.
Software is rarely developed in isolation. While every team has its own area of expertise, Mark believes the best solutions emerge when colleagues combine their knowledge and work together.
“With larger projects or complex customer questions, it is natural to work more closely together. That’s when you really see the value of uniting different perspectives.”
Collaboration extends beyond the development team. Working with colleagues from other disciplines helps ensure that the software reflects real-world needs and addresses what users actually require.
Within the development team itself, unity, openness and quality form the foundation.
“We help each other, we’re honest with each other and we all want the same thing: to build software we're proud of.”
According to Mark, that may be the team’s greatest strength. It is not just their technical expertise, but the way colleagues work together and continue to challenge one another to make things a little better every day.
Before joining Cordeo and focusing fully on software development, Mark spent many years in a support role, working closely with customers. That experience still influences his work today. Having dealt directly with users’ questions and challenges, he now brings that perspective to software development, helping ensure that solutions are not only technically sound, but also practical to use.
“You learn to look at things differently. Not just at the technology, but above all at what someone actually needs. Translating what someone wants into a technical solution can still be quite a challenge.”
That combination of technical expertise and user insight helps Mark make informed decisions.
Mark’s interests extend well beyond software development. He has a broad interest in technology, science and physics and enjoys exploring subjects that challenge him to think differently.
Mark likes to approach problems from different angles, and that is also reflected in his role as Lead Developer. When colleagues run into a problem, he does not always give them the answer straight away. He would rather help them discover the solution for themselves.
“I like helping people figure things out for themselves. In the end, that works better than simply telling them what to do.”
Mark believes this approach not only helps people become better developers, but it also leads to more sustainable solutions. Understanding why something works is ultimately more valuable than simply knowing how to do it.
If Mark could give his younger self one piece of advice, he would not have to think about it for long: “Dare to fail.”
To him, software development is one continuous process of trying, learning and improving. And in many ways, the same applies to your career and life in general.
“You shouldn’t be afraid of making mistakes. That’s how you learn, make better choices and continue to grow.”
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