Once a month we'll shine our virtual spotlight on one of the CA PPM community's members. It's just a fun, easy way for us to get to know one another a little bit beyond our work-related interactions here on the site. This month, we're featuring Nika Hadzhikidi, Principal Support Engineer for Clarity PPM, CA Technologies.
Location: Plano, TX
Current Gig: Principal Support Engineer for Clarity PPM
One word that describes how you work: Efficiently
How do you use CA Communities and any suggestions for others? I am trying to ensure I always check for anything I can contribute to. I believe Communities is an excellent place for us to get together and know what we do: we get familiar with each other and this is really nice!
Mac or PC? PC! I can see why Mac could be preferred for image design purpose, for example, and I have worked on it. However I believe that for most work purposes PC is better.
Mobile Device? Windows Phone Lumia 1020. Windows 8.1 is the best interface out there, out beats Apple and Android by far IMO.
Apps/software/tools you can’t live without? In my daily work I heavily rely on Notepad++ and multiple plugins to it, also Aqua Data Studio for SQL queries. These are top 2!
Besides your phone and computer, what's your favorite gadget? My phone camera, I use it everywhere : then the pictures get uploaded to the cloud…
What’s your daily work space like? I don't like to keep a lot of papers or things on my desk. I try to keep it clean and in order, it helps me to have a clear mind. I also have a lot of small (and cute) souvenirs from different countries I've been to. I like to travel. Ah, and a Zen calendar with some zen thoughts to inspire me when needed.
How do you balance life/work? I always try to draw a line between work and life, never to bring any of it home, and ensure that any stress is left behind me. I also recommend this to anyone, since it's very important to have the rest you need and disconnect. If you work too much, you will get burned out and nobody will benefit from that! So be careful. Go out, have a walk or have a drink, enjoy this moment. Meditation also can really help you for general wellbeing.
Best advice you can give and you have received? Be mindful of what you really want. Listen to yourself and your inner voice, this will be the key to a happy and harmonious existence.
What everyday thing are you better at than anyone else? Getting up early and hitting the treadmill. I don't know anybody else who does this.