About me

Hello everyone, and a very warm welcome to my little corner of the internet!

My name is John Mwakalinga, and I'm absolutely thrilled to be launching this blog. Currently, I have the privilege of serving as the CEO of Software Galaxy Ltd., a software company based right here in beautiful Tanzania. I wanted to create this space to share some ideas, insights, and maybe a few stories from my own path, hoping we can learn and grow together.

Finding the Spark: An Unexpected Detour into Software ✨

My journey into the world of software wasn't exactly straightforward! I actually started out studying Electrical and Electronics Engineering at St Joseph University, imagining a future filled with circuits and signals.

But then, something quite unexpected happened during an Object-Oriented Programming course in my second year. It wasn't just a subject; it felt like discovering a whole new way of thinking and building. That spark ignited a real obsession! Led by curiosity, I dove headfirst into the vast world of the internet, becoming largely self-taught in the art of programming. It was challenging, exciting, and utterly captivating.

My first steps were practical ones: taking on freelance projects to hone my skills, followed by landing my first hired role as a frontend software engineer.

The 'Roller Coaster' Ride: Learning Through Diverse Roles 🚀

A really significant step came in 2020 when I joined the talented team at DataVision International as a backend software engineer. From that point on, my career felt like an amazing roller coaster – in the best possible way!

I found myself wearing different hats, learning incredible amounts with each step. It was a whirlwind tour through:

  • Backend Development
  • System Administration
  • Network Configuration
  • Operations Management

Each role stretched me, taught me something new, and broadened my perspective immensely. Along this winding path, I also developed a particular passion and expertise in local and regional payment systems, a truly fascinating and vital field.

Building the Future: My Journey to Software Galaxy

And that brings us to today, and my current role leading Software Galaxy Ltd.

Honestly, the title 'CEO' still feels quite grand and new! For me, this role isn't an endpoint, but rather an exciting new beginning. It's my humble attempt to bring together all those diverse experiences, lessons learned (the hard way sometimes!), and a genuine passion for technology to help grow and build something meaningful, something bigger, right here with an amazing team.

Why This Blog? Let's Connect and Grow Together

So, why am I sharing all this? Simple! I believe in the power of sharing knowledge and experiences.

This blog is my way of sharing the insights I've gathered – the triumphs, the stumbles, the 'aha!' moments – from navigating the tech world, covering everything from specific engineering challenges to broader leadership learnings.

My hope is that this space can be a place for connection, discussion, and maybe even spark some inspiration for others on their own unique journeys.

Thanks so much for stopping by. I'm really looking forward to sharing more and hearing your thoughts and ideas too!

Cheers,

John Mwakalinga