Connecting the dots to build better software and stronger teams

Insights on software architecture, teamwork, and continuous learning.

Avindra Fernando, a software consultant based in Kansas City, sat down with the All Things Open team to share his passion for continuous learning, both personally and professionally. He opened with a story about learning to ice skate alongside his daughter, using the experience to highlight the mindset he brings to his career: “Always be learning,” is his motto. That curiosity fuels his drive to stay current in an ever-changing industry.

His path to software architecture began with a desire to see beyond isolated bug fixes or tasks and understand the full system. That big-picture thinking led him to explore how teams interact and why effective collaboration matters. Avindra now uses this perspective to help clients build better systems and foster stronger team dynamics.

Avindra also stressed the role of innovation and community. From early days writing HTML to today’s modern frameworks and server-side tools, he’s embraced constant change. He advised developers to attend events, learn from others, and take that knowledge back to their teams through internal meetups. Conferences are not just about tools, Avindra believe they’re about broadening your perspective.

Read more: 6 best practices in software architecture

Key takeaways

• Continuous learning matters: Avindra’s story about learning to skate with his daughter reflects a mindset that serves developers well. Stay curious, seek new skills, and don’t be afraid to start from scratch.
• See the big picture: Software architecture is more than fixing bugs. It’s about understanding how systems interact and how teams align. That perspective can elevate your engineering impact.
• Share what you learn: Whether it’s through internal meetups or mentoring, bringing knowledge back to your team amplifies the value of conference participation and builds a stronger engineering culture.

Conclusion

Avindra’s insights remind developers that growth doesn’t stop at technical skills. Staying sharp means staying open to things like new technologies, new ways of thinking, and new people. Whether you’re skating with your kid or presenting to a room of engineers, it all starts with curiosity and the willingness to learn.

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