Meet Amanda, Backlog Owner and hobby hopper

What is your role at Axis?

I work as backlog owner for two teams in our Linköping office. My teams work with Analytics Metadata and the feature Smart Search. The smart search function within AXIS Camera Station video management software allows a user to quickly search through video material to find a specific person or vehicle, using AI functionality. For example, if anecdotal evidence suggests an item in a store was stolen by a man in a red t-shirt, it’s possible to search through video material quickly, identifying the frames which include a man wearing a red top to find any proof. This feature is made possible with the use of the Analytics Metadata that is provided by our devices, which is a textual representation of what the camera sees.

What does a typical day at work look like?

I usually spend my first hour or so going through the backlog, seeing if there are any new tickets and preparing for the day ahead. Then, around 9am, we have short stand-up meetings with the teams to discuss what’s been done and decide on work priorities for that day and if we have any blocked work. After that, the whole office meets up for a short fika (a mid-morning coffee break).

Then my days often consist of meetings with stakeholders, sync on ongoing projects and different team “rituals” like planning, demos and retrospectives.

During lunch hours it is possible to engage in different activities such as the runners’ club, Lunch Fiber craft or play some table tennis or pickleball. I try to join every now and then but sometimes it’s nice to just eat lunch and talk to a colleague.

I usually log off around 5pm but it depends. We have flexible hours, so everyone is encouraged to work the hours that suit them. That flexibility extends to remote working but to be honest, my teams try to get into the office as much as possible. We have so much fun working together that we prefer to come into the office!

Describe Axis in three words

Creative – we’re always encouraged to innovate, think about new ideas and ultimately, bring some magic to work. Initiatives like Free Fridays, innovation weeks and hackathons help us to carve out time to be more creative. Open – there are no closed doors at Axis. You can always ask someone for help or advice here. Flexible – we’re responsive to change and not getting stuck in the same path.

What do you enjoy most about working at Axis?

I enjoy the autonomy we have at Axis when it comes to steering how an application is developed or what new feature should be built. One of our values is to ‘think big’ and I see that every day at all levels in the organization. Everyone recognizes that a great idea can come from anyone. A small idea on a coffee break can end up being the next big thing!

How do you see Axis making a difference in the world?

The world is in a very shaky place right now: we have a lot of tough problems to solve. I believe it’s important that people feel safe when they move in society, whether that’s just going to the local store or travelling through an airport. Unfortunately, there are risks out there in the world, but Axis is contributing to making public spaces safer and giving people a sense of security when they go out. That matters to me – helping people to feel safe.

What’s your ideal day off?

Spending time with my daughter and family. I love being outdoors experiencing nature or doing some sports. So, an ideal day of would be to pack some lunch and head outdoors with my family, enjoying the nature and maybe go for a swim.