Me in 5 minutes

On this page, I want to shortly introduce my humble self to let you quickly get to know me. I hope that it can be helpful to trigger interesting conversations and maybe it helps you to speed up understanding me better :)

Invitation to reach out

I have a standing invitation for you to contact me about anything that comes to your mind. I love to exchange with people who share interests and will try my best to answer questions or discuss ideas!

You can reach me at stobbe.adrian@gmail.com , but I am also happy to talk either in person (my location is updated under now) or on the phone.

My interests

Technical

Clean code and TDD
Kubernetes & Docker
Rust, Golang, C++, JavaScript, Python development
Linux
Vim

Non-technical

Writing & Blogging
self-organization (weekly reviews, journaling, GTD…)
note taking with Obsidian
Language learning: Chinese (B2), Spanish (C1), English (C1), …
Books that can be applied to everyday life (my book notes)
Yoga & Meditation
Ukulele
Salsa

Timeline

1999: born in Berlin
2013: first attempts to learn programming
2015: curiosity spike for physics (particle physics, relativity,quantum mechanics)
2016: starting to learn Chinese myself
2017: first time staying abroad in Mexico; discovering Salsa dancing
2019: exchange semester at Tsinghua university, Beijing
2020: deep dive into C++, web and HPC during intern at startup; get intrigued about self-improvement through SpeedupBuddy mentoring
2021: deep dive into Kubernetes & Cloud Computing; discovering my interest in blogging, yoga and meditation; teaching myself total immersion swimming technique; exchange semester in Barcelona
2022: learning Ukulele; first digital nomad month

About me

Me in pictures

I’m a minimalist

I believe that few is more and don’t attach to objects emotionally. I want to be able to move my belongings in one big suitcase. Much beyond what I need feels like a burden to me. I appreciate presents for their gesture and less for their value. I love the Chinese saying 礼轻情意重: small present, but big affection. So the best presents for me are most likely those that I can use up and are not expensive :)

I’m an introvert

I enjoy being with and getting to know new people, but after a while I need some time alone again to recharge. That’s why I am not into hanging out all day, but prefer occasional, intentional gatherings where I can be fully present. I choose talking one-on-one over groups.

Critique > compliments

I think that there is more to learn from constructive critique and don’t feel attacked by it. I don’t refer to shouting complaints during a quarrel (although they are still helpful right?), but rather to tactful words of concern to make us aware of our weaknesses. This type of critique is rare, because it requires courage, intimacy, and tactfulness. Moreover, they are never uttered out of courtesy (as opposed to compliments). Of course, compliments are nice to hear, but flatter me with critique please :)

Personalities are fluid

Just like water, I want to shape my personality according to the current circumstances and values, oblivious of the past. I don’t stick to past traits just because that’s how people know me. Yesterday I was shy, polite and cold. Now, I want to be frank, direct, affectionate and seek encounters with new people. Tomorrow, I will be different.