PROJECTS

My Journey at Mobility: Insights and Reflections a LinkedIn Blog

As part of an exciting experiment, I’ve decided to create LinkedIn posts every 14 days. These posts will serve two purposes:

Sharing Insights: I’ll provide valuable insights related to my job at Mobility. Whether it’s a new project, a lesson learned, or a trend in the industry, I’ll share knowledge that can benefit others.
Reflective Diary: Alongside the professional content, I’ll maintain a reflective diary. This will capture my thoughts, challenges, and personal growth during this journey.

There is always a better way - just ask Read on LinkedIn.

This week, I learned something fascinating from our data wizard, Rudi.

In simplified terms, I needed to compare datasets from various sources. Since the volume wasn’t massive, setting up a clean database and using SQL seemed like overkill. So, I resorted to the familiar Excel VLOOKUP/HLOOKUP/XLOOKUP routines until my CPU was practically glowing :-)

Before diving into the task, I grabbed a quick coffee and engaged in small talk at the coffee machine. Somehow, the conversation shifted to VLOOKUP/HLOOKUP/XLOOKUP. Rudi confidently declared that he could solve the problem in just 15 minutes without writing a single Excel formula. Intrigued, I watched as he effortlessly performed a join using Power Query. It was eye-opening!

Here are my key takeaways: - Asking questions costs almost nothing: Spending 10 minutes seeking help saved me an hour (or 1.5 days for a monthly recurring task). - Power Query is outstanding: Check out Power Query—it’s a game-changer. Even seasoned Excel users continue to learn and evolve futher. - Our team rocks: We have talented, motivated, and fun-loving folks at Mobility Cooperative.

PS: An elementary example Screenshot as Challenge, can you do it too ?

Mastering Difficult Conversations with Nonviolent Communication Read on LinkedIn

Ever noticed how anticipating a difficult conversation often makes it even harder? It’s like a self-fulfilling prophecy. At Mobility, I’ve learned to reframe these moments. Instead of viewing them as tough or challenging, I see them as important opportunities for growth and connection. Here’s how I use Marshall Rosenberg's Nonviolent Communication (NVC) model to transform my approach:

Observe Without Judgment: I start by describing situations factually, avoiding interpretations. This keeps the discussion grounded and non-defensive. Instead of saying, "You’re always late," I say, "I've noticed you arrived after our scheduled start time three times this week."

Express Feelings: Sharing my feelings without blaming helps build understanding and connection. For example, "I feel concerned about meeting our deadlines when we start late."

Identify Needs: Clearly articulating my needs helps everyone understand the root of the issue. For instance, "I need punctuality to ensure we utilize our meeting time effectively."

Make Requests: I wrap up with clear, actionable requests to foster collaboration. For example, "Can we agree on a strategy to ensure we start on time?"

At Mobility, I know it’s not always perfect. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, things don't go as planned. But every attempt is a step towards learning and improving. Trying is the first step towards growth and mastery.

How do you handle difficult conversations at your workplace? Share your strategies below and feel free to share this post with others who might find it helpful!

Cyber Security: It's Everyone's Job Read on LinkedIn

Did you know that in 2023, global cybercrime costs are expected to hit a jaw-dropping $8 trillion? (Source: Cybersecurity Ventures). It's clear that cyber threats are on the rise, affecting businesses and individuals alike. At Mobility, we're all about staying ahead of the game and keeping our clients and team secure.

For Everyone:

Use Strong Passwords: Make sure your passwords are complex, unique, and updated regularly. A password manager can be a lifesaver here!
Watch Out for Phishing Scams: Always double-check the sender before clicking on links or downloading attachments. When in doubt, contact the sender directly.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you notice anything unusual or suspicious, report it to your IT department immediately using the established channels. Quick reporting can prevent potential breaches.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding an extra layer of security makes it much harder for unauthorized users to access your accounts. This is especially important for all your accounts, including cloud applications.

For Sysadmins:

Network Segmentation: Split your network into segments to limit the impact of potential breaches and boost security monitoring.
Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular audits and vulnerability assessments to find and fix security weaknesses.
Deploy Endpoint Protection: Ensure all devices connected to the network have up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware protection.
User Training and Awareness: Keep the team informed with regular training sessions on the latest security threats and best practices.

At Mobility, our awesome team works tirelessly to stay on top of cyber threats and put these best practices into action. Together, we create a secure digital environment for our clients and colleagues.

Remember, cyber security is a team effort. It's not just about what IT can do or what users should do, but about how we can work together. Through good, honest, appreciative, and even humorous communication, we can achieve a secure and resilient digital workspace. And it's better to have one fix in place than ten planned. So, instead of sticking to a rigid three-year plan, let's stay agile and responsive to new threats.

And hey, sharing this post or bringing up cyber security in your next coffee break can make a big difference in raising awareness and keeping everyone safer.

Stay safe and vigilant!

Grüenspan a small but fine carneval brass ensmble

Not perfect, not at the highest level in the world, but with great enthusiasm and a constant desire to improve, I play the sousaphone in the small ensemble Grüenspan. The love for good music with talented people is a continuous motivation to get better. It’s magical how during a rehearsal, after just 10 minutes, everything else fades away, and a flow sets in. So much so that all distractions vanish, leaving you energized after the practice. As for our name, we discovered it during a rehearsal in a Guuggi, specifically while playing the trombone. Everyone felt a strong connection to it, and from then on, we called ourselves Grüenspan.

Future IT Infrastructure: Cloud-Driven Education

The Future IT Infrastructure project stands at the nexus of cloud computing and an innovative information technology module at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts.Through practical exercises, students evaluate cloud service providers and simulate operations for a fictional mid-sized company. Spanning eight sessions, topics range from Active Directory and Azure VPN to Big Data, web server scaling, and cost analysis. This groundbreaking project not only imparts in-depth knowledge of cloud computing but also equips students to assess risks and apply insights to their own projects. It's a pivotal learning experience, empowering future professionals to explore the diverse possibilities of cloud computing.

Exploring the World of Additive Manufacturing

Delving into the realm of additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing involves the intricate process of creating three-dimensional objects from electronic data sources through successive layering of materials under computer-controlled precision.

Collaborating with a group of like-minded friends, we embarked on an exciting journey in the realm of 3D printing. Our initial endeavor involved the assembly of an Ultimaker, a pivotal step that has propelled us into the intriguing world of additive manufacturing. Presently, our focus lies on further refining and advancing this Ultimaker, exploring enhancements and developments that push the boundaries of its capabilities.

This hands-on exploration of 3D printing technology not only serves as a learning experience but also fuels our passion for innovation. It's an ongoing project that drives our curiosity and commitment to unlocking the potential of additive manufacturing in diverse applications and industries.