A view from the top: Modsen CTO recapping the 2024 results and setting sights on 2025

Do you hear the bells jingling, snow squeaking, and Christmas trees rustling under the weight of sparkly baubles? Then you know it’s that time of the year when we at Modsen traditionally interview C-level executives to tell you all about our company’s yearly results, goals, and resolutions for the 365 days ahead. Today we are yielding the interview chair to our CTO, Eugene Kalugin - the guardian of security and the powerhouse of technological advancement at Modsen. Enjoy the read!

— Hi, Eugene! Another year has flown by and here we are again, recapping 2024. But before I dive into my long list of questions I’ve been dying to ask you, how’s life at Modsen during these hustling pre-holiday days?

— Hi, Darina, nice talking to you again this year. Well, the spirits are definitely bustling at the office, but we operate as usual, no hustle. Those who work well during the year, don’t have any reasons to fuss at the end of it. Still, there’s always work to do because we aim to grow better every day, and working hard on a daily basis is the only way.

— I didn’t even expect to hear any other answer. Well, let’s get to why we are here today. How was 2024 for Modsen? Are you satisfied with the year overall and has our team managed to fulfil the plans you had set last December?

— No surprises here. 2024 went by as planned and as we are wrapping up its outcomes, I can tell you that 99% of our plans have been realized.

— I’m sure you know that I’m not letting you go without extra details.

— Ha-ha, of course, you’re not. But since you pronounced me the guardian of security, I can’t be too explicit with details. So, I only have hints for you.

— I’ll take that.

— Well, this year went by under the code name “quality”. We’ve significantly expanded our expertise across virtually all software development directions, from web technologies to AI and ML. We welcomed new highly skilled engineers and added quite a few outstanding projects to our portfolio. Our team has also worked on further improvement of workflows and communication in every service we offer – because there’s no limit to perfection. We’ve done a lot this year and whatever sparse with self-praise I might be, I am proud of the team.

— You do sound proud. And I can’t even imagine what to expect when I ask you about your plans for 2025. So, I won’t because you’re a tough nut to crack on this matter. Instead, let me ask you about the tech trends on the horizon for 2025. Industries, technologies, customer requests. Any of your insights are highly welcome.

— For starters, cybersecurity. We may call it a trend but in fact, it is a constant. Another one is AI for business processes automation and security management – these applications of AI show great transformational value and will be on the rise in the years to come. Cloud computing and Edge computing are definitely something I personally will be observing in 2025. What stays the same here is client expectations. Efficient, secure, and resilient software solutions – the ones we build for our partners year after year.

— While we’re on the subject of trends, let’s touch upon the current and upcoming tendencies in the field of cybersecurity. What challenges are we expecting to face in 2025 and how we are getting ready to do that?

— Unfortunately, the world will keep watching the growing number of phishing attacks, intrusions into cyber-physical systems, and infrastructure breaches. The trends that were uncovered in 2024 and are here to stay in 2025 include the exploitation of AI and ML systems and attacks on home networks and devices of employees who work remotely. As for the measures we at Modsen take to gear up to fend off those cybersecurity challenges, I can say that we strengthen our security systems, build resilient multi-level protections, integrate AI for early attack detection, and, of course, regularly conduct employee training in cybersecurity.

— Some things come and go, and others are here to stay. About staying. Do Modsen partnership guarantees stay the same or do they undergo some changes too?

— Ask me that in 5 years and my answer will remain unchanged: cost-effective solutions, timeline, and budget compliance, data and software security, transparent communication, proactive approach to solution development, and self-sufficiency in troubleshooting – these are the pillars on which our company stands on and they are unwavering.

— Let’s pivot a bit away from your role as the guardian of security and the powerhouse of technological advancement at the company and focus on another facet of yours – you are a role model for a huge team of engineers working under your guidance. Could you tell us about your approach to team leading? How do you ensure its innovation and motivation?

— The recipe is fairly simple: open communication, an atmosphere of trust, where everyone knows he’s valued and heard. Cross teams, continuous learning, encouragement of experiments and prototyping. At last, we set ambitious but achievable goals that stimulate our team members to grow and develop professionally. That’s the approach my colleagues across departments and I stick to.

— How do you feel about rapid-fire questions to wrap up our talk?

— Always ready.

— Key qualities for an IT engineer.

— Critical thinking, ability to self-learn, attention to detail, responsibility, diligence, professional curiosity, ability to operate under uncertainty, and teamwork.

— Your main achievement this year.

— The incorporation of innovative technologies and processes helped us achieve stable active company growth and significantly strengthen our expertise level.

— Your key insight of 2024.

— “The future belongs to those who are ready to invest in it today.” – Tim Cook, CEO of Apple.

— With what thought do you usually start your workday?

— Today I’ll create opportunities where others see only obstacles.

— What do you expect from 2025?

— Even more technological breakthroughs.

— Thank you, Eugene, it was a pleasure talking to you as always. Wishing you and your team a truly great year, full of new achievements and ambitious projects! See you in 365 days.

— Thanks for having me and happy holidays to you!