Secret lives of Xinjas:
gadgetxinja & alienxinja
We think it’s important to really get to know our xinja work comrades; unpack what they’re really into – as you never know where that hobby might come in handy when you’re designing and building a bank.
In this series, we bring you the secret lives of Xinjas; an exploration of what rocks their world.
We have a bumper edition this time around with the nerdy duo: alienxinja & gadgetxinja!
“I’ve spent a small fortune on travelling and will never regret it.” – Paul
What is your Xinja name and what do you do at Xinja?
Hana: My Xinja name is Alien Xinja 👽,and I’m an Intern working in the marketing department working graphic design magic then I’m rotating with other teams!
Paul: Gadget Xinja and I work in the project management team.
What are you most proud of working at Xinja?
Paul: I’m proud and feel privileged to be part of the Xinja journey helping to build a better bank for everyone from scratch, free from legacy and able to be truly agile and innovative.
Hana: The fact that the team is made up of such amazing people. Everyone’s so kind and so involved.
We hire Xinjas with a voracious learning mindset. What is the latest thing you’ve read, heard or seen that blew your mind?
Hana:
“Even as I’m giving you all advice, I’m still trying to figure this out myself.” – Demetrius Harmon
Paul:
“If you are the only rich person in a village of paupers, the paupers will kill you” – Jack Ma, Bank 4.0 by Brett King
What future technology or trend excites you the most?
Hana: Self-lacing Nikes and self-fitting clothes from Back to the Future 2.
Paul: Artificial Intelligence and machine learning. From fully autonomous cars and the rise of voice assistants and much more.
How would you describe your relationship with money?
Hana: Trying. I try my best to save but its just so easy to spend sometimes.
Paul: Cautious and sensible.
Confession time – what do you waste money on?
Hana: Food and video games. Really into Nintendo at the moment.
Paul: Usually on techie gadgets like virtual reality headsets or voice assistants. Then I try to justify them as being something good for the kids to use.
Halo time – what’s the best thing you’ve spent money on?
Hana: The money that I’ve spent on my dog, Ripley, I don’t regret any of that.
Paul: I’ve spent a small fortune on travelling and will never regret it.
If you weren’t at Xinja, what would you be doing?
Hana: Playing video games at home telling myself to get a job. Joking! I’d probably be working somewhere doing customer service.
Paul: Most likely working at one of the big 4 banks wondering what it would be like at a fintech.
“The money that I’ve spent on my dog, Ripley, I don’t regret any of that.” – Hana
What is your weekend hobby
Hana: Hanging out with Ripley, playing video games or playing some music.
Paul: With two young kids weekends for me are all about spending quality time with the family, then also trying to catch up on any good movies whenever I can.
If you were to get a tattoo, what would it say or what would the image be?
Hana: I have my dog’s face on my thigh I’m hoping to get another tattoo soon. Probably something dedicated to my mum or something to do with the Alien movie series.
Paul: The image of a chicken (pollito) and a duck (patito) because the Spanish versions are my kid’s nicknames due to my wife’s Mexican heritage.
Check out other members of the xinja team here.