I enjoy problem solving and I enjoy fixing things. I'm Shona Douglas, I am Chief Software Architect at KaarbonTech. We've built KaarbonTech from basically an idea in Mark's head and a tiny group of developers into some really great products and a great company. And I've been here for the whole thing. My original background is in natural language processing research. So I did work on statistical machine translation, on grammar and style checking software, on information extraction. So I wrote a lot of research software that nobody ever used. And one of the things I really love about KaarbonTech is the code I write is used by people doing useful jobs every day. I really value the cooperative culture of KaarbonTech. People are working together. There's not too much nonsense or or excess process. We're all just trying to get things done in the right way for the business. I would like to ensure that if I fall under a bus, KaarbonTech will continue smoothly without me. We have all these new people coming into the Development Team and it's my job to transfer my knowledge of the system so that everybody can be as productive as they can be. When I'm not sleeping over a laptop, I like swimming outdoors, colder the better. My favourite dessert is Affogato, which is vanilla ice cream with an espresso on the top of it. I think I bring to KaarbonTech a lot of energy, a lot of experience and a lot of commitment to doing the right thing.

Meet Shona Douglas, the brilliant Chief Software Architect who is integral to the company's growth and innovation. With a strong background in research and a passion for problem-solving, Shona's journey at KaarbonTech has been marked by dedication and excellence.

A Mind for Problem Solving:

Shona's innate enjoyment of problem-solving and her skill at fixing things have been pivotal in shaping KaarbonTech's trajectory. As Chief Software Architect, she's played a key role in transforming the company from a visionary idea into a powerhouse of cutting-edge products and innovation.

From Vision to Reality:

Shona's has been with KaarbonTech since the beginning, witnessing its evolution from a small group of developers to a thriving company with impactful solutions. Her enduring commitment has been a driving force behind the realisation of KaarbonTech’s goals.

Her roots in natural language processing research (statistical machine translation, grammar and style checking software, and information extraction) have given her a broad theoretical and technical background which underpins her work. But she takes a great deal of satisfaction in how her work at KaarbonTech now has a direct impact on users' daily tasks.

A Cooperative Culture:

The collaborative spirit at KaarbonTech resonates deeply with Shona. The cooperative culture fosters a supportive environment where individuals work together, minimise unnecessary processes, and prioritise productivity to achieve the best results for the business and its clients.

Legacy of Knowledge:

Shona's commitment extends beyond her role. She aims to ensure the seamless continuation of KaarbonTech's development work as the company grows. This includes sharing her wealth of knowledge with new members of the Development Team to enable them to contribute effectively.

Life Beyond the Laptop:

When Shona isn't immersed in software architecture, she finds solace in outdoor swimming, relishing the invigorating chill. Her love for swimming mirrors her approach to challenges, diving in fearlessly and embracing every experience.

In Shona's words:

"We've built KaarbonTech from basically an idea in Mark's head and a tiny group of developers into some really great products and a great company. And I've been here for the whole thing."

Shona Douglas

Chief Software Architect

Eliminate Risk. Enable Action.