Heya I'm Daniela

I am an Austria-based software developer, engineer, digital transformation specialist, and sports enthusiast. A passionate agile leader with strong technical background and more than three decades of experience in Software Development.

PASSIONS

Electronics & Microcontroller Design

One of my hobbies is to keep the vintage Philips CD555, the first portable CD-Player Boombox in Europe, alive. Unfortunately it is far away from being reliable and often fails – which was probably one of the reasons why it quickly disappeared from the market. It’s also rare since most owners dumped it when it failed. Now I am not only repairing this device but also adding new features. People from all over Europe send me their CD555 to get it modified and/or fixed.

My special interests are based on digital solutions, from electronic microcontroller circuits to PCB design to the development of embedded software.

Read more at my dedicated website or have a look at my YouTube channel

Software Development

From 1995 to 2009 I owned a company developing software for the entertainment gastronomy. The most success software is called PLAYBOX®. A very unique entertainment system. Not only for playing music, but also for Karaoke, Videos, Games and Advertisings. The UserInterface based on DirectX was far ahead of its time.

If you have been around Austria, Germany, Switzerland and UK during this time you probably have seen or consumed one of the service. One highlight was the delivery of a Karaoke System for the biggest Karaoke Bar in London in the SOHO district.

As a Fullstack-Developer I can draw on the knowledge of several technologies like C#, C++, Delphi, Javascript, Java, Blazer, Docker, Kubernetes, MSSQL, SQLite, Oracle, threeJS, NodeJS, Rest, SOAP, SaaS and more.

Have a closer look at PLAYBOX®

Digital Transformation

While working for SMC I specialised myself in digital transformation concepts and the development of outstanding – state of the art – software solutions to customers. Building an international network against all odds and working together with colleagues across the world is such a wonderful and motivating thing. 

Have a look at the digital services I have developed and have been responsible for

Automation

Leaving a company after 28 years sounds ridiculous, right? Sometimes you need to challenge yourself, try something new and get out of your comfort zone. Another way to widen your horizon and to develop yourself. Who knows where the wind blows me next…

Currently I am working at Bühler Group, leading three teams in the field of automation for the downstream section of wafer lines. Changing the teams to an agile mindset, improving efficiency and workflows, reducing quality issues and ensure delivery times are part of my everyday challenge.

Speaker

From time to time you can find me at software congresses as a speaker about Big Data, Data Warehouse or general Software Development topics. It’s fun and I love to give the community something back.

Leadership Style

I am an agile leader following the nine principles of Agile Leadership in the fields communication, commitment and collaboration. Depending on the situation and corporate culture I am using different agile methods and adopt them.

My goal is to empower people to make them awesome. Full transparency, listening and involving employees into decision making, to give them a sense, defining a common way forward in work and growing is so important. I cannot emphasise this enough. Unfortunately, during my career I met so many managers that are standing for the opposite, I could write a book of witnessed toxic management. Well, maybe I will do this some day…

(image source: Wolfgang Hilpert)

EDUCATION

If you want personal grow – education is a perfect enabler. I always strive to widen my horizon, to learn different cultures and to get in contact with people. Whilst traveling is absolut great it is often not enough to learn about the culture and people of the country. I decided to live abroad for several years. Read more about my experience and studies abroad.

Stirling / Scotland

MBA, Master in Business Administration

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I had the time of my life in Stirling. My heart forever belongs to Scotland, the landscape, the people, the language. Would have not been the Brexit – no doubt – I would have moved there. I also badly miss the Scottish cuisine, for instance Haggis.

The MBA was the most challenging study and, although it has been a hard time, I never want to miss this time. Sad to see my Scottish friends so rarely.

Moscow / Russia

MSc, Master in Business Informatics

Bildschirmfoto 2022-11-01 um 13.31.23

Absolutely unbelievable nowadays, but I studied Big Data System in Moscow/Russia. Why? Well I grow up with the existence of the “Iron Curtain” and was curious about the people and culture. Throughout the year I spent there, I loved the peaceful people, the warm welcome and friendship. 

Unfortunately the study got not accredited in Austria, but anyway, another experience I do not want to miss in my life.

Vienna

MSc, Master in Engineering

After my Bachelor degree in Business Informatics I joined a dual degree study in Vienna and Moscow. No idea why we’ve got a Masters in Engineering since the topics were related to Business Informatics.

Vienna

Engineer in Electronics

Long time ago I learned electronics and haven’t I had a traffic accident I had also studied electronics. Already passed the admission exam and had a place but was unable to join. My way lead me later to software development. However, electronics is still one of my hobbies and I like to design microcontroller devices or digital circuits.

SPORTS

Sport is perfect for me to reduce stress. However, I need some motivation to get up and do something – a job that my husband thankfully perfected. In addition, sports are very important for me since I had a serious traffic accident, spent several weeks at the intensive care and some years to learn to walk again. Thus I need to train my leg and have to stay active.

Catamaran Sailing

A great sport I started in 2016 was Catamaran Sailing. I love the wind and to ride one hull on my Topcat K1.

More on my YouTube channel…

Mountain Biking

Single trails are my passion and dirt is my friend. Steep and technical challenging my preferred way. Jumping is not my world. The Cube Stereo 160 from 2018 is the tool of my choice.

Whitewater Kayaking

Cold, refreshing water in summer. I like a nice but not too hard whitewater kayak tour. Since 2021 I am using a Spade Black Jack which is excellent for my needs.

Roadbike

Since there are no single trails close to where I live, thus I started with road biking.

Skiing

Well, I should not conduct this sport due to my leg issues, but sometimes I just have to. As almost every Austrian I enjoy to be in the mountains, sun and snow.

Here’s a short fun video…

Sea-Kayaking

Scotland is not only the perfect spot for mountain biking but also for sea kayak tours.

CONTACTS

daniela.spieler(at)alien.at