Goran Vukancic is the Tech Lead – Innovation Lab for Interac based out of the Interac Lab, a dedicated space for research, development and hands-on experimentation to tackle product and industry challenges – in the heart of the Kitchener-based tech community. He plays a critical role in exploring how we can implement new technologies into our products and services for Canadians. Recently, Goran got to experiment using the biometrics of someone’s heartbeat to securely make a payment. Check out Goran’s video and learn more about what a day in the life looks like for him below.
A Day in the Life of Goran Vukancic
7 am
Usually dreaming at this point or slowly coming out it. Recent nightmare? I was at a bar that only accepted cheques as a form of payment and I couldn’t get anything.
10 am
At this point, I’ve already had my coffee (caffeine slowly kicking in), had a stand-up with my team and read/responded to any emails. Next is to look at project requirements and tasks and start tackling those and mentor teammates along the way. I’m currently working with our Digital ID team on a new project. We’re supporting them in finding innovative ways to streamline and adapt digital ID solutions to provide Canadians a way to authenticate their identity seamlessly.
12 pm
Having lunch with teammates. I usually visit the cafeteria at Communitech where you can get various homemade food items that are delicious. Some of my favorites are Chili and the Cobb salad. While chowing down, we usually chat about random things and sometimes get nerdy and talk about the latest technologies.
2 pm
If not in meetings, usually researching and experimenting with the latest technologies and seeing how they could potentially impact the payments space, and if those technologies could be integrated into our current projects and proof of concepts. Cool past project? A complete Financial Institution (FI) emulator that can exchange monopoly money between accounts using our Interac e-Transfer system. This allows us to rapidly prototype innovative money transfer experiences.
5 pm
As the workday is slowly wrapping up, I reflect on the tasks accomplished and see if there are any improvements or changes required. Since the innovation field is such a fast-paced environment, many aspects are bound to change and it’s always good to be prepared for those tangents.
Goran’s Recommendations
A podcast I love: Since I’m somewhat of a space nerd I love StarTalk hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson. It mixes space, science, pop-culture and all with a bit of comedy thrown in.
A food I can’t live without: Burek! It’s a baked pastry that can be filled with any ingredients like cheese, meat, spinach, potato. It’s even more awesome when paired with yogurt and worth a try if you haven’t had it before!
A place I love: Munich, Germany. The city of fine food, beer and stunning 1600’s architecture.
Want to learn more about life at Interac?
- Check out Michelle Henry’s video to learn more about what it’s like to work on our Change Management team.
- Read this article on how we’re empowering staff to prioritize their mental health while working from home.
