Maximilian Monkman - Senior Technical Manager, Brave and Heart
Did you always envisage a career in the world of technology?
From a young age I had access to a computer, and enjoyed tinkering with it, so I do think I was always destined to work in technology. It was really the business aspect of the industry that I was surprised to enjoy so much.
What tips would you give to someone looking to work in the industry?
There seems to be a societal assumption that entering the technology industry is any easy way to make a lot of money, and in 2025 this is not necessarily true. I would suggest that before considering tech, try out a coding course such as code academy to find out if you enjoy it first.
Tell us about the project you’re currently working on.
My team and I are currently working on an interesting data visualisation and comprehension project for port building in Africa. Not only is the technical aspect interesting as we have a client who needs to be able to understand complex data with just a fleeting look, but the opportunity to work with people of such differing backgrounds has allowed me growth in my approach to creating solutions that aren’t purely Anglocentric.
Tell us about your team.
I’m part of the Digital Development Group here at Brave and Heart; we are an industry trend bucking diverse group of people with a 50/50 male to female split, and I believe it is this diversity that has driven our many successes.
What are your long-term plans for the business?
Our current long-term plan is to utilise AI technologies within our new cross department teams, so we can help not just our multinational sized clients but SMEs and startups to keep up with the incredible pace of change that AI has driven within workplaces that can afford the currently high barrier to entry.
Whats your favourite piece of technology?
Currently I love my foldable phone, not only does it improve the size of my memes when I endlessly scroll, but it allows my daughters to draw on a reasonably sized screen when we have some downtime. My dad also helped design the technologies that allow the screens to fold, so it provides an interesting conversation topic should I need one!
Do you have any heroes or mentors?
Not in the traditional sense. I’ve never really looked up to the typical tech icons-most of them are better at branding and business than truly advancing the field. That said, I’ve learned a lot from peers and collaborators along the way- people who quietly build great things without the spotlight. I find inspiration in those who stay curious, humble, and focused on craft rather than clout. So while I don’t have a single “hero,” I do admire the everyday builders who are actually moving things forward.
When not working how do you like to relax?
With a nine month old in the house work is currently where I do my relaxing! When I can wrangle the TV remote away from the kids I have recently been enjoying Severance and The White Lotus. I don’t think I would sever myself as I reckon my innie would try and take me down…
Whats your fondest career memory?
I ran a hackathon (the only time in the calendar when techies sit in the same room as one another and actually talk to each other) with Microsoft for Coca Cola to build an accessibility tool that allowed for people with ADHD, dyslexia, blindness, and hearing loss to more easily interact with the internet.
The team I put together was made up of people from over 10 countries, multiple types of careers, and crucially, of differing ability levels. Because of the diversity of opinion and visions we were able to build in two days a tool that Coca-Cola employees from around the world still use and benefit from to this day.
If I had to nail down a specific moment, it would be when my teammate Mohammed’s eyes lit up, and a grin appeared on his face as he used an early version of the tool and found he could finally read the hackathon instructions himself.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve received?
“Fail fast” is a saying born in FAANG companies and it has really helped me in my career. Being unafraid to get something wrong and instantly try a different approach allows me to be bold and experimental, without getting stuck in analysis paralysis.
It encourages momentum over perfection and helps me learn at a much faster rate. Some of my best breakthroughs have come right after a misstep, simply because I moved quickly, took the lesson, and adjusted.
It’s a mindset that turns failure into fuel-and that’s been invaluable in both startups and corporate settings.
www.braveandheart.com