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Chris Gilbert
Senior Software Engineer at Hudl
Professional Background
Chris Gilbert is a seasoned infrastructure and software engineer with a wealth of experience in database and systems administration. His journey in technology began with a solid foundation in managing systems and databases, which laid the groundwork for his extensive career. Over the last six years, Chris has focused on developing microservices using C# while also delving into Python deployment tools and acquiring knowledge in Golang. Through a combination of hands-on experience and continuous learning, he has honed his skills in infrastructure engineering, with a recent transition into platform engineering.
In his current role as a Senior Engineer at Hudl, Chris is entrusted with managing the technical aspects of large-scale projects. One of his notable projects involves migrating over 50 databases from self-hosted MongoDB systems to AWS DocumentDB. This significant undertaking requires not only technical proficiency but also exceptional organizational skills, as Chris is responsible for writing automation processes and overseeing the recruitment of outside contractors to effectively scale the project.
Previously, Chris was actively involved in developing C# microservices on the AWS ECS platform. He played a key role in building a continuous deployment tool that effectively utilized AWS Lambda and DocumentDB in conjunction with Python, showcasing his versatile technical capabilities. His involvement in designing CI/CD workflows and establishing an end-to-end Docker development process resulted in increased productivity and efficiency among his development team, further reflecting his ability to leverage technology to enhance operational performance.
Chris is also adept at managing Nginx routing servers, employing custom tools to optimize configuration updates in line with their Netflix Eureka service discovery system. His experience in planning and executing large-scale database migrations has equipped him with strong project management skills, allowing him to navigate complex challenges efficiently. He is well-versed in scrum methodology, having applied it extensively within his teams, and thrives in collaborative environments that require cross-functional teamwork.
Education and Achievements
Chris Gilbert's educational background is marked by a strong emphasis on technology and computing. He holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree from The Open University, where he studied Computing with Psychological Studies and graduated with a 2:1 honors. His academic journey continued with a Certificate in Computing and Mathematics from the same institution. Additionally, he has expanded his technical knowledge through various training programs, including courses in Oracle Database Administration, PL/SQL Development, Java Development, UNIX Introduction, and JDeveloper at Learning Tree, Quanta, and Stayahead Training.
Throughout his career, Chris has amassed a wealth of practical experience through various roles in leading organizations. He served as the Lead Technical Architect and Project Manager at Servelec-Corelogic Ltd, where he utilized his expert knowledge to drive complex projects to successful completion. His journey also includes substantial contributions as an Infrastructure Engineer and Software Engineer at Hudl, where he continues to innovate and implement effective engineering solutions.
Key Skills and Experience
Chris's diverse skill set encompasses a variety of technologies and methodologies. His core expertise includes:
- Infrastructure Engineering
- Microservices Development in C#
- Database Migration Strategies
- AWS Cloud Services, including DocumentDB and ECS
- Python Development for Automation Tools
- CI/CD Workflow Design and Implementation
- Docker Development Processes
- Nginx Configuration Management
- Strong Understanding of Scrum Methodology
- Adaptability to New Technologies and Processes
Chris's dedication to continuous learning and his ability to quickly absorb new concepts set him apart as a leader in his field. He thrives on challenges, constantly seeking to enhance his knowledge and skills. Working in a highly distributed remote environment has equipped him with the necessary interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with diverse teams across different time zones and cultural backgrounds.
Interests and Community Engagement
Outside of his professional pursuits, Chris maintains a well-rounded personal life. He is a proud family man, spending quality time with his wife and two daughters. In his leisure time, Chris enjoys gaming and running, both of which provide avenues for relaxation and enjoyment. He also exhibits a keen interest in electric vehicles (EVs) and green technologies, reflecting his passion for sustainability and innovation in transportation. As an enthusiastic EV owner, Chris enjoys sharing his insights and experiences with others, helping them navigate the exciting yet challenging landscape of electric car ownership.
Additionally, Chris's experience as a former business owner has given him a comprehensive understanding of the operational aspects of running a business. He has undertaken web design and business support contracts, gaining valuable insights regarding cash flow, customer service, and bookkeeping practices. In a continuing capacity, he provides bookkeeping and property management services for a small residents association, showcasing his commitment to community engagement and support.
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Clay offers many advantages over other personal CRMs. Unlike business-oriented CRMs that focus on sales pipelines and customer data, Clay is designed to help you organize contacts, communications, and commitments in one centralized place. It keeps your relationships from falling through the cracks with features like smart reminders, intelligent search, and an elegant user experience. Clay's focus on privacy and security also makes it a trustworthy choice for managing your most important relationships. Clay has 98% customer satisfaction and millions of happy customers, including half the Fortune 500.
Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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Yes. Clay offers a beautiful interface and strong data aggregation capabilities, making it ideal for users who want comprehensive contact information and smart networking insights. Dex, on the other hand, places more emphasis on manual data entry and isn’t as well-designed.
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Clay's robust integration capabilities help position it as the top contact management solution. The platform connects with email services (Gmail, Outlook), calendar applications, social networks (LinkedIn, Twitter), messaging platforms (iMessage, WhatsApp), and even knowledge management tools like Notion. Clay has expanded its integrations catalog to include Zapier and Make.com support, allowing connections to thousands of other apps. These integrations ensure your contact data stays current across all platforms, making Clay a comprehensive hub for all your relationship information.
Clay's AI capabilities are at the forefront of personal CRM innovation. Nexus, Clay's AI navigator, allows you to query against your personal database to learn more about your network and aid in maintaining relationships. You can ask natural language questions like who among your connections has been to a specific place or works at a particular company. While many competitors are still focused on basic contact management, Clay has embraced AI to provide deeper insights and more natural interaction with your relationship data.
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