In this article, we want to introduce Bernhard Kau, our Tech Lead. When Bernhard joined our agency as a Full Stack Developer in October 2022, we asked him a few questions to get to know him a little better.
This is Bernhard Kau
Bernhard lives in Berlin, Germany.
How would you describe yourself?
I’m a WordPress nerd. I like to attend WordCamps, read about WordPress, blog about it, and I also record a podcast for WordPress beginners.
I always want to learn new things, but I also enjoy sharing my knowledge and teaching others.
How do you spend your spare time?
When I’m not writing my biweekly blog post, I enjoy watching some NFL games, going to a sauna or cooking with my partner.
What is important to you?
Spending quality time with friends and family.
Bernhard’s way to Syde
My way into my current career wasn’t the straightest one. I’ve tried other things before finding my passion in WordPress. I’m also a hopeless optimist. No challenge is impossible right from the start. Sometimes you have to think differently. If that at least shows that it’s not possible, then at least you have done your best.
After school, I did a three year apprenticeship to become a car electrician at Daimler in Mannheim. When I finished that at age 20, I instantly knew I didn’t want to do that for the rest of my life. So I went back to school and got my degree to be able to study. Somewhere in these two years I leaned into computer science, even though I’ve never “really” coded, other than some websites I’ve created in the late 90s.
At the end of my bachelor degree, I worked for a company where I first used WordPress. I wrote a plugin, published it, blogged about it and finally attended my first WordCamp in Berlin in 2010, where I met many Syders for the first time.
Long story short: it took me around 12 years and a global pandemic showed me that working for a remote company is something I’d really wanted to do. Thanks to having already gotten to know some of my colleagues from such a long time, it was an even easier decision to make. I really want to learn new things and get the chance to work on some more complex projects while advancing in my React coding skills.
Why was Syde interesting for you?
Syde’s biggest draws are the people and the challenging projects.
What do you especially like about your new job, or what are you looking forward to?
Learning new things from my colleagues while also sharing my experiences as a long time WordPress community member.
Questions to Syder Bernhard
We asked Bernhard a few personal questions to learn more about him:
What was the last book you read?
What was the best advice you ever got? Who gave it to you?
What do you like most about your city?
I’m currently reading “A Brief History of Time” by Stephen Hawking.
“Don’t try to be someone else, be yourself” – different people.
How different it can be in any “Kiez” (neighborhood). There is a place in Berlin just for your own personality.
What is your favorite smartphone app?
Podcast Addict … as I’m somehow a podcast addict.
What is the best meal you can cook on your own?
Cordon bleu with turkey breast, Serrano ham, Taleggio cheese and spaghetti with a garlic tomato sauce.
You get stuck in the elevator for many hours and there’s a song playing in a continuous loop, what song would that be?
Lieblingsmensch – Namika, because it is fun music and if you are going to listen to something over and over, at least have it be interesting.
By the way: The Syde Team is 100% remote
This enables us to bring together the best minds in the world in one team. You want to learn more about our way of working and the Syders? Take a look inside Syde!