Hein van der Merwe
Consultant - Development & Data
Quick-fire questions with Hein
What's a technology that gives you the most joy to use?
AI, I love how it enhances ideation, first drafts and increases productivity. I also love to use it for note-taking so I can focus fully on the people and conversation, not frantically scribbling notes and interrupting focus.
If you could share a meal with anyone in history. Who would it be and why?
Albert Einstein, not only was he a visionary genius, he also appears to have had a fantastic sense of humour!
What's an industry you would love to learn more about?
I'm continually updating my knowledge of SaaS and other "weightless exports". Our main exports have traditionally been primary industries, focusing on our agricultural expertise. We are reaching the limits of just how much we can export, and I think the digital economy is the real lever for growing the NZ economy. It plays into our strengths in innovation, makes use of our excellent IT infastructure and is not limited by our geographic location!
It’s a sunny day, you have no plans for the next 12 hours... Where do you go and what
do you do?
On a sunny day, I'd take my three kids to one of the local parks to ride bikes and enjoy the fresh air. Some are close to beaches which are great for walks, while others have native forests to explore
What do you think is the most important skill for interviewing?
The ability to communicate clearly, succinctly and with empathy, both spoken and written. Employers have been raising the importance of good communication skills, whether collaborating with team members or clients, or documenting work and projects. Their perception of your ability in this arena can determine whether or not they take a chance on you, even if you're not a 100% fit for the role on paper.