Meet the Team: Michael Chan

Glasgow-born, London-based, and a few years into a career that's taken him from mapping software to banking, Michael now spends his days making Zevero's product feel effortless to use. In this instalment of Meet the Team, we caught up with our Frontend Developer about thinking like a user rather than a developer, and what keeps him busy once he logs off: think badminton courts, café hunting across London, and a lifelong love of Guns N' Roses.

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Tell us a bit about your background.

I'm originally from Scotland, near Glasgow. I moved to London 2 years ago. I studied Computer Game Technology but decided not to enter the gaming industry.

What's your previous work experience?

My work experience is quite varied due to consultancy work, from mapping software to banking. The sustainability industry is a new experience for me.

What inspired you to join Zevero?

I wanted to make a bigger impact at a smaller company.

What's your role at Zevero?

I work on the Frontend and I make everything look good, and feel nice to use.

What's one project or moment at Zevero that you're particularly proud of?

I'm proud of the work on our new emissions dashboard.

What's a skill, mindset, or habit that helps you succeed in your role?

I try to think of myself as a user rather than a developer.

What sustainability trend, technology, or policy shift are you keeping an eye on right now?

Data centers are a huge focus right now, and I'm really interested to see how different countries will handle them from a sustainability perspective. Some regions are placing strict limits on power usage or requiring data centers to run strictly on dedicated renewable energy, while others are rushing to expand energy grids just to keep up.

What's one misconception about sustainability you find yourself correcting often?

Sustainability doesn't have to be an expense; if done right, it can actually save you money.

What's something about you that people might not expect?

I'm quite sociable for a developer.

What's your go-to coffee/matcha order?

Oat Mocha if hot, iced latte or white chocolate matcha if cold.

If you weren't doing your current job, what would you be doing instead?

Either a teacher, because I like helping people, or a hair stylist, because I'm into fashion and style.

One song that always boosts your mood?

Guns N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine

What's one goal you'd like to achieve in the next 5 years?

I'd like to get to intermediate level at Badminton.

If you could swap roles with anyone at Zevero for a day, who would it be and why?

Sales - I actually help introduce a client before so I think I'd do pretty well!

Favorite quote or a philosophy you try to live by?

If you want something you've never had, you must be willing to do something you've never done.

Outside of work, what do you love spending time on?

Spending time on the badminton court, exploring London for new cafe spots or hanging out with friends.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Calm, Observant, Pessimistic.