Mai Le

Let’s start with the basics: what is your role at Creative Force?

I’m a Frontend Developer at Creative Force. My primary focus is working on our desktop applications, enhancing performance, and helping resolve technical challenges our customers face. I’ve been with the team since October 2022, and it’s been such an exciting journey—there’s never a dull moment when you’re working on a product that impacts so many people.

What drew you to Creative Force? Was it something specific about the company or the role?

It was a mix of timing and serendipity! Before joining, I was in a bit of a personal career crisis. I kept asking myself, “What does being an engineer really mean to me?” I ended up taking a few months off to reflect on that before taking the next step in my career.

Then, one day, a neighbor of mine—who also works at Creative Force—struck up a conversation and said, “Why not try something new?” Before I knew it, I had joined the team.

What sealed the deal for me was the open, dynamic culture at Creative Force and the way we approach problem-solving. During my first few days, I was amazed by how collaborative and approachable everyone was. It felt like more than just a job. I was joining a team that genuinely values creativity and impact and wants to see everyone succeed.

It sounds like the culture here made a big impression on you! Was there anything about the product itself that stood out?

Absolutely! The product strikes a rare balance between creativity and practicality—solving real-world problems in a way that feels intuitive and impactful. It’s not just about building something cool. We’re very focused on the people who interact with our product every day and how to improve how they experience their work.
For me, that’s incredibly motivating. 

What’s been your proudest moment or achievement since joining Creative Force?

I don’t think of my work in terms of big, standalone achievements. It’s more about steady progress—improving the performance of the application, refining the user experience, and resolving customer issues quickly. Those are the metrics I use to measure my success and also what offers me the most personal satisfaction.

That’s such a great mindset. Speaking of daily work, how do you stay motivated when facing challenges or particularly tricky problems?

Honestly, it’s the people I work with. My teammates are talented and supportive, and I constantly learn from them. They’ve taught me that being an engineer isn’t just about writing code; it’s about solving problems that make life easier and better for our users.
Working with the Customer Success team has been a big eye-opener too. They’ve shown me how to approach technical issues empathetically, ensuring customers feel heard and valued. That’s been such an important lesson for me.

Switching gears a bit—how do you unwind and balance your work life with your personal life?

It can be tricky because I really love what I do! But I’ve learned to set boundaries, and I’m lucky to have a very supportive husband. He’s a developer too, so he understands how passion for work can sometimes spill into other areas of life. We make it a priority to spend quality time together with our daughter in the evenings and on weekends. We enjoy simple things like movie nights, camping trips, or exploring new cafes. Sometimes, we stay in and try out new recipes or redecorate our balcony with plants. Those little moments help me recharge.

That sounds so lovely. Looking ahead, what are some of your goals for the future?

I want to continue growing as a developer by deepening my technical expertise and gaining more insight into the business side of our product. The more I understand how our customers use it, the better I can contribute to making it even more valuable.
On a personal level, I want to create more balance in my life so I can spend even more time with my family. My daughter is growing up so fast, and I want to make sure she has a childhood full of great memories.