Essentialist Colleen Baltutis doesn’t believe in heroes but she does believe in trying to make the world a better place. Read on to learn about this talented consultant’s life, including how variety drives her passion for work, and in her many interesting hobbies.
What makes you excited to start work each day?
Solving tough problems and implementing elegant solutions. That, and a nice cup of coffee.
What’s your biggest motivation in life?
Making the world a better place for the next generations in any way I can.
What is the most important accomplishment of your career?
So much of my work involves small and mid-size wins that it’s hard to point to one thing that really stands out. At a previous job, my dev team successfully developed and launched a product that won a Bronze Stevie Award for New Business Products, but that’s not the sort of thing that really sticks out for me. No, I think it’s when a client or coworker looks at my work and says “Colleen, what would we do without you?”
What do you do when you are not working?
When I’m not working, I’m usually engaged in one of my hobbies – costume making, cycling, board games – or watching a soccer game or roller derby bout with my fiancée. I also volunteer with a sci-fi convention (which is where I met my fiancée), a Scout troop, and with the local transgender community.
What was your inspiration to enter the technology field?
Funny story, but when I was younger, I wanted to be an architect. When I showed my sketches to my art teacher, he told me (accurately!) that art wasn’t where my real talent was and that I should pursue a career in technology. The rest is history.
Who is your biggest hero?
I don’t really like the idea of “heroes.” Everyone is human, everyone has their flaws. I prefer to hold up specific traits and virtues to emulate, rather than individuals.
What’s the best part about being a Senior Technical Engineer?
I love the variety of work that I get to do. Being an SDET means jumping between software development, quality assurance, and a bit of business analysis, so I’m not doing the same thing day after day.
How would you describe Trissential in five words or less?
Quality, Confidence, Teamwork, Expertise, Fun
What would you be doing if you hadn’t gone into technology consulting?
In fairness, if I hadn’t been a consultant, I’d likely be a direct-hire developer somewhere. My brother and I do occasionally talk about starting a brewery, though.
