This month in our Meet a Zoomer series, I had the chance to sit down with Stellan, strategist and member of Zooma's management team. We discussed how his early curiosity and constant pursuit of knowledge evolved into a passion for technology—one that has shaped both his career and personal life.
Curiosity from the start
Stellan's fascination with understanding began as early as he can remember. As a child, he'd sit at the breakfast table, milk carton in hand, not just for the cartoons on the back but for the snippets of trivia and facts printed alongside them. Those small, colourful boxes were his first gateways to a world brimming with information, sparking a hunger for knowledge that would define his life.
Newspapers became his daily ritual, their pages offering glimpses into history, science, and culture. Books followed, each one a new adventure into uncharted territory. When the Internet arrived in his home, it was as if someone had handed him the keys to the universe's library. He dived in headfirst, downloading games, exploring forums, and soaking up information on every topic imaginable. The Internet wasn't just a tool; it was an extension of the same curiosity that had driven him to flip milk cartons as a kid.
When the Internet came around, it was like stepping into a bigger version of the same lane I'd always been in.
When the Internet came around, it was like stepping into a bigger version of the same lane I'd always been in,' Stellan reflects. For him, it wasn't about chasing trends or gadgets; it was about the thrill of discovery, of piecing together how things worked and why they mattered.
A practical, thoughtful approach to technology
Stellan's passion for knowledge has always been about depth, not just breadth. As he grew older, he carried that mindset into his relationship with technology. While he enjoys keeping up with the latest innovations, he refrains from embracing every new tool that catches his eye. Instead, he takes a practical approach, diving into technologies only when they've proven their worth in real-world applications. 'You don't always have to chase the latest trends,' he often says. 'The most impactful uses of technology often come when it's had time to mature.'
I tend to invest time in technologies once they have proven their value in a use case. You don't always have to chase the latest trends. Often, the most effective applications only occur once a technology has matured.
This philosophy guides him both personally and professionally. At Zooma, Stellan uses his curiosity to connect the dots across industries and disciplines. His background in law, for instance, might seem unrelated to technology. Still, it has taught him to navigate complex discussions precisely, an unexpected gift from his years of pursuing knowledge in all its forms.
Inspired by technology's potential
What excites Stellan most about technology is its power to change lives. Take medical advancements, for example. Recent advancements in vaccines for diseases such as brain and lung cancer are truly revolutionary and have the potential to impact humanity significantly. These innovations aren't just technical achievements; they're a testament to how curiosity-driven progress can transform society. To Stellan, his work is technology at its best—solving real problems and opening new possibilities.
Staying updated in a fast-moving world
Keeping up with the ever-evolving tech landscape can feel like drinking from a firehose, but Stellan has found his rhythm. He relies on a curated feed on X (formerly Twitter), following thought leaders and innovators who share insights that cut through the noise. Gone are the days of flipping through tech magazines; today, it's about finding voices that resonate and spark new ideas. His evenings are reserved for diving into these updates, a ritual that keeps him informed without overwhelming his life. It's a balance that lets him stay curious without losing focus.
Stay in your lane of interest. You don't need to panic about keeping up with everything. Pick what excites you and follow that. It should be engaging, not stressful.
For others passionate about technology, Stellan offers this advice: 'Stay in your lane of interest. You don't need to panic about keeping up with everything. Pick what excites you and follow that. It should be engaging, not stressful.'
Blending curiosity and strategy
At Zooma, Stellan's role as a strategist is a natural extension of his lifelong quest for knowledge. His curiosity enables him to identify patterns and opportunities that others might overlook, enabling him to make meaningful connections. To him, technology isn't just about tools; it's about understanding how they fit into the bigger picture.
Stellan's journey — from milk carton trivia to the forefront of technology — exemplifies a harmonious blend of curiosity, pragmatism, and professional insight driven by a simple truth: knowledge is a lifelong adventure. This thread weaves through every chapter of his life, from his childhood curiosity to his work at Zooma as a strategist. For Stellan, technology is more than a career; it's a way to continue exploring, learning, and asking 'why?' in a world that is always ready to answer.
Explore more #MeetAZoomer articles to gain insights into our team's stories and passions.
