Much like a pod of whales or a pack of wolves, did you know that a group of gorillas is called a band? In this blog series, we’re going to introduce you to members of our band – engineers, technical recruiters, PMs, designers, and more who make up the most important asset in Gorilla Logic…our talent! Are you Gorilla material? Join the band today!
Yoav Chanto
Yoav is an Agile Product Manager, certified Product Owner®, and Scrum Master® at Gorilla Logic. With over 14 years of experience in the IT industry and working for numerous Fortune 500 companies, Yoav knows how to lead our teams in building great products. In his spare time, you will find Yoav traveling, working out at the gym, at the pool, the beach or a nice club or bar. Yoav believes in always being kind and seeing the beauty in everyone around him.
Where’s your hometown? – Heredia, Costa Rica
What’s your spirit animal? – I am definitely a dog person because I am loyal and fun to be around. But, I would say I am a chameleon because I adapt easily to different environments. I believe one needs to use different kinds of communication styles in order to convey a message and get things done.
Favorite place you’ve traveled to? – This one is tough, each place is so unique. I am a big fan of beaches. I must have been a shark in another life because I love water very much and have swum for over 20 years now. But, if I had to pick from all the places I’ve been to, I would say Hawaii, specifically Lanikai Beach. I can’t even describe it, it’s such a surreal place. The moment you see the beach, you can’t even believe what you see! It’s stunning. I also loved the Gran Canary Islands on the African coast. They’re so unique. There are huge dunes that remind you how close you’re from Morocco, but, at the same time, you have a city and all the people speaking Spanish. It was such a crazy experience because I felt as if I was at home because of the language, but also in an exotic place surrounded by huge mountains of sand.
How many years have you worked in your field? – I began at a very young age. I created my own website for fun 18 years ago.
Best advice you have received personally or professionally? – Personally: Always do good no matter what. It’s difficult being good to people who have disappointed you, but, you must. You will become wiser and grow a thicker skin. Professionally: Be friendly with your colleagues, but never forget there’s a thin line between friendship and professionalism.
If you could perform on stage with one famous musician/group, who would it be and why? – This one is tough. It would have to be Pink Floyd, Kurt Cobain or Amy Winehouse. Why? They’re all geniuses.
What made you want to work at Gorilla Logic? – I honestly landed on their bright yellow website and said to myself “this place has got to be cool”. I did my own research later and said “oh God this is it!” I have to be a Gorilla.
Who are the biggest cheerleaders in your life? – My family. They’re all like a fan club!
What was one of the most rewarding leadership positions you have had? – All. I have loved all my jobs. Absolutely each and every one of them required some sort of leadership.
Best advice when heading into an interview? – Less is more and be concise. If they ask for B, answer B. People usually don’t want to listen to the whole alphabet even though you might even know how to spell it in different languages.
What motivated you to pursue working in your current field? – Passion for technology and how it can improve our lives, technology is the present and is our future, and growing as a kid I told myself that I was going to be part of that future.
Check out Yoav’s previous blog post on why our clients love our Tico’s and Tica’s here.
To read more about Yoav and to stay in touch see his LinkedIn.
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