Today, on “Expert Speaks”, we have Marco – The Head of WordPress at Hostinger.
Marco was passionate about computer science since he was a kid, which led him to pursue a Master’s degree in Software Engineering from the University of Bologna, Italy. He has been in the web development game since 1998 when the internet first became available in Italy, and he built his first personal website.
His passion for computer science and problem-solving has always been an asset to his work. With over 20 years of experience in the web industry, he honed his skills as a tech lead, full-stack web developer, and sysadmin.
In this interview, he shares his experience on how he started and how his passion helped him become the Head of WordPress at Hostinger and his approach to technology, leadership, and much more.
Hello Marco, it’s a pleasure to have you here at LearnWoo! What inspired you to pursue a career in technology? And how did you get started in the industry?
My passion for computers ignited in the 80s, driving me to explore programming and create video games. In the 90s I enrolled in the Software Engineering degree course, expanding my knowledge and skills. As the internet began to spread in Italy, my fascination with this technology grew. I ventured into web development, crafting websites, and undertaking projects for friends.
In 2002, I embarked on a significant milestone by joining the Black Studio web agency, with which I remained for over 20 years. This partnership allowed me to navigate the ever-evolving web development landscape, adapting to new technologies and industry trends. In 2010, we uncovered the power of WordPress, realizing its potential as a versatile content management system. The discovery propelled me into specializing in WordPress-related services.
Today, I proudly contribute to Hostinger, a leading hosting company, as a product manager, overseeing WordPress services. This role combines my deep understanding of web development, my strategic product management skills, and my passion for delivering exceptional user experiences. I work closely with cross-functional teams to shape our product roadmap, integrating market research and customer feedback to drive innovation and meet user needs.
What are your primary responsibilities as the Head of WordPress at Hostinger? And how do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and advancements in the field?
As the Head of WordPress at Hostinger, my primary responsibility is driving the development of WordPress-related features of our Web Hosting product, which hosts over 2.4 million WordPress installations. I ensure that our product remains competitive and aligned with industry trends by conducting analysis, staying updated on technical advancements, and identifying opportunities for innovation.
To stay up-to-date with the latest trends and advancements in the field, I actively engage in ongoing learning and professional development. This includes attending industry conferences (especially WordCamps), participating in webinars, subscribing to relevant publications and newsletters, and fostering connections with other professionals in the WordPress and web hosting communities. By staying connected and continuously learning, I can ensure that our WordPress offerings at Hostinger remain innovative, competitive, and aligned with the evolving needs of our customers.
What is your leadership style? And how do you work with your team to ensure that technology projects are completed on time and within the budget?
My leadership style aligns with Hostinger’s principles, driving a customer-centric approach, ownership, continuous learning, and high standards. I emphasize collaboration and empowerment and I foster an environment where open communication and diverse perspectives are valued. To ensure technology projects are completed on time and within budget, I establish clear goals, deliverables, and timelines while involving other team members in decision-making.
I encourage proactive problem-solving and accountability, empowering team members to take ownership of their work. Regular communication and checkpoints help track progress, address challenges, and make timely adjustments. Resource management is a priority, ensuring the team has the necessary tools and support. Working closely with my team, I offer guidance and support while fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
How do you approach innovation and problem-solving in your role? And what steps do you take to encourage creativity and experimentation among your team members?
I approach innovation and problem-solving with a proactive and collaborative mindset. I believe that fostering a culture of creativity and experimentation is essential for driving innovation within the team.
To encourage creativity, I create a safe and inclusive environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas and thinking outside the box. I actively seek input from team members, valuing their diverse perspectives and experiences. By encouraging open communication and active participation, I create opportunities for brainstorming, idea generation, and problem-solving.
I promote a mindset of continuous learning and improvement, encouraging team members to stay updated on industry trends and explore new technologies and techniques.
What challenges have you faced in your career, and how have you overcome them? What lessons have you learned from those experiences?
Throughout my career, I have faced challenges in managing complex technology projects with tight deadlines and limited resources. These situations have provided valuable lessons and opportunities for growth.
To overcome these challenges, I adopted a proactive and strategic approach. I began by breaking down each project into smaller, manageable tasks and prioritizing them based on their impact and urgency. I collaborated closely with the team, promoting clear communication channels and fostering a shared sense of responsibility. Together, we identified potential risks and devised contingency plans to mitigate them.
These experiences have taught me the importance of effective resource allocation and leveraging the strengths of the team. I learned the significance of open and transparent communication in managing expectations and aligning stakeholders. Adaptability and flexibility proved essential in navigating unforeseen obstacles and ensuring successful project delivery.
How do you measure the success of your technological initiatives? And what metrics do you use to track progress and identify areas for improvement?
To measure the success of our technology initiatives, we leverage the widely adopted Objectives and Key Results (OKR) framework, which is implemented company-wide. This framework ensures alignment and consistency across all levels of the organization, including company-level OKRs, team-level OKRs, and personal OKRs for each responsible individual (DRI).
By setting clear objectives and defining key results, we establish a unified direction for our technology initiatives. These measurable metrics enable us to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and drive continuous growth.
Regular monitoring and evaluation of OKRs at all levels allow us to assess the impact of our technology initiatives and ensure they align with the broader organizational goals. This holistic approach, encompassing quantitative metrics and qualitative feedback, empowers us to make data-driven decisions and iterate on our strategies effectively.
The OKR framework fosters a culture of transparency, accountability, and collaboration throughout the company, enabling teams and individuals to contribute to our collective success.
How do you collaborate with other departments and stakeholders within the company to ensure that technology is aligned with business objectives and goals?
Collaborating with departments and stakeholders is vital to align technology with business objectives. I employ a proactive approach, engaging in regular cross-functional communication to understand needs and priorities. Building strong relationships, I involve stakeholders in decision-making and seek their input to align technology initiatives with their expectations.
I promote a culture of collaboration through meetings and interdepartmental projects, fostering knowledge-sharing and teamwork. Regular communication and progress updates keep stakeholders informed, ensuring transparency and trust. This collaborative approach ensures technology remains aligned with business goals, driving organizational success.
What is your vision for the future of technology at Hostinger? And how do you plan on achieving that vision in the years ahead?
My vision for the future of technology at Hostinger is to drive continuous innovation and embrace emerging trends. We have a dedicated R&D department, and every team is encouraged to experiment with new solutions. By fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, we will stay at the forefront of the hosting industry.
To achieve this vision, we will focus on:
- Embracing emerging technologies: Actively exploring and adopting new technologies that can enhance our products and services.
- Customer-centric approach: Understanding our customers’ needs and aspirations to deliver a seamless user experience.
- Cross-team collaboration: Encouraging collaboration between technology, product, marketing, and customer support teams to align our efforts and leverage collective expertise.
- Investing in talent and resources: Attracting top talent and providing them with the resources and support they need to thrive in their roles.
What are some of the key technological trends and advancements that you are keeping an eye on? And how do you evaluate their potential impact on your company?
In today’s technological landscape, it’s almost obvious that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a key trend to closely monitor. At Hostinger, we actively embrace AI’s potential across various departments to enhance efficiency and improve user experiences.
To evaluate the impact of AI and other emerging technologies, we conduct thorough research, analyze industry trends, and engage with experts. Additionally, we actively observe AI applications within our industry and beyond. By keeping a pulse on AI advancements, we can make informed decisions on how to leverage these technologies to drive innovation and deliver exceptional hosting services.
It’s important to note that while AI has become an integral part of our operations, human expertise remains essential in evaluating and harnessing the potential of these advancements. We strike a balance between leveraging AI’s capabilities and incorporating human judgment to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our customers and stay at the forefront of the industry.
What advice do you have for aspiring technology leaders? And what qualities do you think are essential for success in this field?
My advice for aspiring technology leaders is to continuously learn, adapt, and embrace new challenges. The field of technology is constantly evolving, and it’s important to stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and methodologies. Seek opportunities to expand your knowledge, whether through formal education, certifications, or hands-on projects.
In addition, developing strong communication and interpersonal skills is crucial. Technology leaders often collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders, so being able to effectively communicate ideas, listen actively, and build relationships is essential for success.
Furthermore, fostering a culture of innovation and encouraging creativity within your team is vital. Embrace experimentation, empower your team members to think outside the box, and create an environment that supports learning from failures and celebrating successes.
Stepping out of your comfort zone is also important. Embracing new technologies, methodologies, and ideas often requires taking risks and exploring uncharted territories. Be willing to challenge the status quo, push boundaries, and embrace unfamiliar domains.
Leadership is not just about technical expertise, but also about inspiring others, driving positive change, and achieving collective goals.
