Get to know Paul Ardeleanu - Principal Architect (Developer Relations) at Vonage!

Paul is a dear friend of ours and special part of DevTalks Romania. This year, not only is he hosting a very interesting speech on the Main Stage on June 4th, but he's also moderating our Future of Engineering Stage on June 5th. He kindly gave us an interview, showcasing his experience and personality, so keep reading to get to know him before the largest conference in CEE.

1. Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

My name is Paul and I’m a Principal Architect at Vonage, a business at this part of Erickson group. Originally from Romania, living in London.

2. In your view, what do you think is the biggest change that shaped the tech industry of today?

Without a shadow of a doubt AI. It is transforming everything around us and it will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

3. If you had to sum up the industry in one sentence, what would you say?

I can sum it up in one word! Exciting! It’s an incredible time to be alive and part of our industry and my only regret is that I’m not 20 years younger.

4. What is something you’re looking forward to at DevTalks 2025?

I’m looking forward to re-connecting with old friends, and make new ones. I have so many great memories made over the years! The DevTalks community and team are amazing!

5. If you could invent any piece of technology that doesn't currently exist, what would it be and why?

Time travel - as a DevRel practitioner, time is always at a premium and wasting it travelling and dealing with jet lag is not fun.

6. If you had to predict one major technological breakthrough that will revolutionize the world in the next decade, what would it be?

I believe that to be VR/AR. Yes, it had couple of false starts and too ambitious goals but, we’ll eventually master the physics to make it useful whilst comfortable and affordable.

7. If you could time-travel to any point in history with a piece of modern technology, where would you go and what would you bring?

I would travel back to my highschool days and take an iPhone with me - even without the services that make it a productivity powerhouse, it would cause a riot.

8. If you could switch lives with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?

I would switch lives with a terminally ill person - you don’t get to really understand life until you’re on the brink of the end. I’m pretty sure the lessons learnt would make me a better human.

9. Do you have a favorite memory or talk from a past DevTalks event?

Oh, there are so many great memories: the photo booths (still have the photos), the speakers get-togethers, the late night conversations, over drinks, on tech and everything, moderating various stages over the years, the panel discussions…

10. What message do you have for our Romanian IT community?

Make the most of today! You are in best position ever, as a community, to take advantage of the opportunities that a free society brings and the ease of collaboration with international peers. Get honing those entrepreneurial skills - Romania needs a third unicorn!

Paul is waiting for you on June 4th-5th at DevTalks, to share ideas and enjoy the conference. See you there!