In work and elsewhere, stories precede culture. What each AP team member share and talk about frequently becomes imprinted on the organizational mind. The AP team stories form a substantial core of our team experience about the AP culture and environment.

We bring an inspiring story of Emek Taydas, a Senior Software Developer at Authority Partners, and an optimist as he defines himself. He lives in one of the most crowded and fascinating cities in the world. During the interview, among other things, he revealed what his superpowers are and talked about a common AP language, being a truth-speaker in AP, and a curious side of our team who is never afraid to lift the carpet to see what’s swept under it.

AP: Tell us a bit about yourself

ET: I’m Emek, in my early 30s, and waiting for my firstborn daughter to arrive soon. I’m living in one of the most crowded and fascinating cities, Istanbul. I choose to define myself as an “optimist.”

AP: What is the most exciting thing about Turkey?

ET: For the rest of the world, the cuisine and how much of a paradise south and west coasts are. As a native, Turkey never fails to astonish me on how blended the population is. These lands have witnessed many civilizations and keep something from each one of them.

AP: Earlier this year, Authority Partners opened its Technology Center in Istanbul. Can you say something about that?

ET: When I was in our Sarajevo center earlier, I couldn’t help myself imagine the same beehive in my home country. This center is the sign of alignment of Authority Partners’ appreciation of Turkish consultants and the strategic goals. There is no better feeling than being trusted and invested in. I am looking forward to seeing honey coming out of the walls of that Istanbul’s beehive too.

AP: What is your role at Authority Partners?

ET: Senior Software Developer by day, superhero by night. Not only I fight crime and injustice, but I also mentor young people into IT and engage with the community.

AP: Why did you decide to apply to work at Authority Partners?

ET: I joined AP in 2018, and I still remember the job ad on StackOverflow – it wasn’t about who I was, it wasn’t about where I was coming from, it was purely about what I am capable of doing and how motivated I am to reach set goals. It was one of those rare moments where I wasn’t feeling like “another CV.” Following my guts made me the first foreign remote of my era in Authority Partners.

AP: In your opinion, what five key attributes does the AP team have?

ET: Resilience, adaptability, empathy, curiosity, and dignity. As a bonus, fun! Just because all these traits are much more meaningful when you are having fun.

AP: How would you describe the AP work environment?

ET: I received one of the most touching feedback from a colleague I have never seen face-to-face yet and lives 9400 kilometers from where I live. Over 30 countries, we all come from different ethnicities and backgrounds, yet we all speak a common language of Authority Partners.

AP: Would you agree that Authority Partners’ culture inspires an attitude of continuous learning and innovation? Could you tell us a little more about that?

ET: Life in the 2020s requires us to run with bigger and bolder steps to catch the train of innovation. It is always a safe feeling to know AP’s point of view aligns with life’s truth to pursue “the new and the better.” Curious people work in AP who are never afraid to lift the carpet to see what’s swept under it.

AP: Do you think the AP provides enough opportunities for everyone? What opportunities do you value the most?

ET: I stand on a more liberal standpoint when it comes to opportunities: Among 100 people in a room, I would like to be able to hear that one person who might be speaking the truth, despite 99 others have different opinions – and yes, no matter what your age or title is, you can be that truth-speaker in Authority Partners.

AP: Would you recommend AP to your friends, and if so, what would be your pitch?

ET: Not only to friends, but I have been recommending AP in the communities I hang out with. I particularly enjoy talking about how much we value operation capability. We are more interested in your ability to provide value to the product than your beliefs or where you are coming from. Also, particularly for Turkish applicants, they see the Bosnian majority as brothers and sisters – which is unique between these two nations, and some seem to enjoy that too.

AP: Do you have any advice for those who are planning to join the AP community?

ET: Bear in mind that communication skills are as important as technical ones. In a multi-cultural company like AP, you can have a team of 4+ different time zones. In Authority Partners, we are greater than the sum of all of our parts.

AP: Thank you for sharing your story!