George Ferreira

Early Days: Embedded Systems and the Joy of Creation

My career began in embedded systems, where I wrote software for devices that exist in the physical world. While still in college, I contributed to an embedded operating system scheduler that would be used in cars around the world, and after graduation, I transitioned to writing firmware for VOIP cards. Those were exciting days! I had little experience and often felt like I didn't know what I was doing, but the joy of seeing real-world devices powered by code I contributed to was unmatched. At the time, I didn't fully appreciate how special it was - I lacked the broader perspective I have now.

Exploring New Frontiers: Mobile Surveillance and Business Intelligence

My next role was writing software to decode and decrypt mobile phone calls, texts, and multimedia messages, which would be used by the Brazilian Federal Police (under court orders). It was my first exposure to large-scale systems, as my work interfaced with some of the largest carriers in Brazil. This role introduced me to the idea of using software to solve complex problems at scale.

From there, I transitioned into business intelligence, working on distributed systems that collected and aggregated data from various platforms. I developed software for a variety of operating systems, including HPUX, Solaris, and AIX. It was a valuable experience, but I found that the problem space wasn't a passion of mine.

Discovering the Fast-Paced World of Finance

Then came finance, and it was a revelation. The industry's constant chaos, rapid change, and endless opportunities were exhilarating. I worked on a graphical analysis tool for the Brazilian stock market, contributed to embedding a Chromium engine into our C++ product and used Python for specialized analytical calculations. Later, I helped modernize the system with Django and HTML5, giving it a fresh, modern interface. This experience made clear my love for solving dynamic, high-stakes problems.

Managing Complexity: Infrastructure and Leadership

Seeking a new challenge, I joined a larger company, where I focused on the infrastructure powering a comprehensive application used by investment banks, hedge funds, and insurance companies. My team managed systems for over 60 clients across the Americas. Over time, I was transferred from Brazil to the United States and I grew into a leadership role, expanding the team from three engineers (including myself) to 11. Those three years of managing a high-performing team taught me invaluable lessons about collaboration, mentorship, and scaling teams. Yet, I felt the itch to learn more- and once again, I turned to change.

Embracing the Start-up Life

For the first time in my career, I joined a startup. It was everything I had dreamed of: fast-paced, full of opportunities for growth, and surrounded by amazing people. I began as a DevOps engineer and was soon promoted to Director of Platform Engineering. I took the team from 1 to eight talented engineers who built some of the company's most critical systems. Over time, I also took on leadership of IT and Business Systems, followed by the Enterprise Architecture team.

When I was appointed CTO, it felt surreal. But weeks into the role, I faced one of the toughest challenges of my career: planning and executing layoffs. The company, was heavily depended on the U.S. real estate market, struggled amid rising interest rates and economic uncertainty. Over the course of three rounds of layoffs, my team shrank from 50 to just 5 - now inclusive of Product Management. Navigating these challenges required transparency, resilience, and tough decisions. Despite the difficulties, the experience taught me invaluable lessons about leadership under pressure.

The Leap to Shopify

Amid these challenges, a chance conversation with a colleague led me to apply to Shopify. Intrigued by its culture and mission, I dove into the interview process. Each step reaffirmed how aligned the company's values were with my own. After meeting my future manager and his manager, I was convinced this was where I belonged. When the offer came, I accepted it on the spot. Leaving the startup was bittersweet. I loved my team and the people who remained, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to join a company whose mission resonated so deeply with me.

Adapting to Life at Shopify

It's been almost three months since I joined Shopify, and I often tell my manager, "I'm still waiting for that one thing I don't like." Everything I read about Shopify's culture before joining has proven true. I'm surrounded by brilliant, humble, and genuine people who inspire me every day. The company's fast-paced environment, combined with thoughtful controls, pushes us to think boldly and build the best possible product.

As a Software Engineering Manager at Shopify, I have the privilege of contributing to a culture of innovation and excellence. It's been an incredible journey so far, and while not obvious, Shopify brought back the feeling of seeing the result of my work in the real world. Whenever I see a website powered by Shopify, or a physical store using Shopify's POS, I relive the feeling I had early in my career and honestly, that can't be beat! The sense of joy that comes with the thought of helping others build their own dreams is invaluable.

The only constant in life is change. I've heard that so many times and I embrace it wholeheartedly. When thinking about what allows me to adapt to Shopify, and what helped me adapt every time I joined a new company, or transitioned industries, one thing becomes cristal clear: my love for change. If I were to give anyone an advice on how to adapt, survive and have the confidence that, in the long run, things will work out is: embrace change - you don't have to love like I do, but at least embrace it.

You can't escape change.