Navigating the World of Beauty Tech: Insights from Odore's Head of Engineering.

Working with beauty brands and developing technical solutions for them is truly exciting. In the fast-paced world of technology, it’s crucial to ensure that our platform consistently meets its promises. At Odore, we’re focused on creating seamless and effective solutions for our clients. But what does it take to manage the delivery of a tech platform and lead the team behind it? We had the chance to sit down with Christina Tsegenko, the Head of our Engineering department, who oversees software development, product delivery, and everything from hiring to execution. Here’s what she had to share about her role and what drives success in our operations.

Q: What makes a tech platform delivery successful?

A: Successful tech platform delivery hinges on a few key factors: understanding client needs, effective team management, and adaptability. Aligning the tech team’s work with the client’s objectives is essential, ensuring that everyone—from developers to stakeholders—remains on the same page. This requires setting clear priorities, wisely allocating resources, and keeping communication channels open. Flexibility is also critical; tech requirements often evolve, and being able to adapt quickly ensures that we deliver a product that truly meets our client’s needs.

Q: What does your typical day look like?

A: My day is a blend of strategic planning and hands-on management. I begin by checking in with the tech team to ensure we’re on track with development milestones and addressing any issues that come up. I also dedicate time to hiring and team development, making sure we have the right talent and skills to push our projects forward. A significant part of my role involves gathering feedback from our account managers and sales teams—they’re directly in touch with clients, so their insights are invaluable. I make it a priority to integrate their feedback on client requests and ideas for platform improvements into our development process.

Q: What’s the most exciting part of your role?

A: The most exciting part of my job is watching our platform evolve from a concept into a fully functional solution that truly benefits our clients. Leading a tech team that’s passionate about innovation and problem-solving is incredibly rewarding. Every project comes with its own set of challenges, and I love figuring out how to overcome them, whether it’s a technical issue or a strategic decision.

Q: What are you looking forward to most in the future of Odore?

A: I’m really looking forward to the innovative projects we have lined up, particularly some new features that will further enhance our platform’s capabilities. I’m also excited about reconnecting with the team in person. Being based in Lisbon, I always look forward to my trips to the head office in London and our team offsites. Our last offsite in Malta brought the entire team together, and it was a fantastic opportunity to brainstorm, align on goals, and bond as a team. I can’t wait to do it again. There’s something so energising about getting everyone together in the same space—it fuels creativity and collaboration, and I got to meet newer team members I hadn’t met before!