Robert Chheav
Lead Developer

From debugging edge cases to welcoming twins, Robert reflects on what keeps him focused, what makes a day worthwhile, and why the best solution is always the one that just works.

What’s something about you—professionally or personally—that people might not immediately expect, but that shapes how you work?

One thing that really defines how I work is that I’m reliable. People know they can count on me to deliver.

I also like to move fast on small tasks. If something can be done quickly, I prefer to just do it instead of postponing it. It helps me keep a clear mind and avoid building up too many small things.

And I have a strong mindset around optimisation. If something is repetitive or manual, I’ll naturally try to improve it or automate it. I don’t like wasting time on things that can be done smarter.

What are you naturally curious about, even when no one asks you to be?

I’m naturally curious about how things work behind the scenes.

It can be technical, like how a system is built or how performance works, but also more general, like how tools, workflows, or teams are organised. I like to understand the logic behind things, not just use them.

This curiosity helps me a lot in my work because I can go deeper into problems and find better, more long-term solutions.

How did you first get into web development, and what made you stick with it?

I’ve always been around computers. My older brothers used them a lot when I was younger, so it became very familiar early on.

I didn’t go directly into development though. I first studied marketing and business, then worked in different roles: managing a warehouse team, product management, customer support, KYC analyst, and later sales engineer in fintech.

At some point, I realised I really enjoy building things and understanding how they work. Friends suggested web development to me, and it made a lot of sense.

So I joined a bootcamp in Amsterdam, and I really liked it from the start. It combines logic, creativity, and problem-solving, and there’s always something new to learn. That’s important for me because I get bored if things are too repetitive.

How would you explain your role to someone who isn’t familiar with what we do?

I usually say: you know when you buy something online? I build and improve those websites so everything works well, is fast, and easy to use.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I really enjoy building and solving problems. One of my favourite parts is taking a design and turning it into a real, working store. There’s something very satisfying about seeing something static become fully functional and interactive. It’s also the mix of technical work and thinking about the user experience that I like.

From a developer’s perspective, what makes a great e-commerce experience?

Performance is very important. If the site is slow, people leave.

Then reliability: everything needs to work correctly, especially during the purchase flow. Even small bugs can have a big impact.

User experience is also key. The journey needs to be smooth and simple. On top of that, accessibility and scalability are important so the store works for everyone and can grow without issues.

What’s one challenge in e-commerce development that people outside tech might not realise?

The number of edge cases. A website might look simple, but there are many different situations to handle: devices, browsers, user behaviours, third-party apps, and more - everything is connected. A small change in one place can break something somewhere else. So you need to be very careful, test properly, and think ahead.

What are you currently learning or developing further in your role?

Right now I’m focusing on AI and web accessibility. AI is evolving very fast, and I think it’s important to understand how it can help in development and improve workflows. Accessibility is also becoming essential. We need to build things that everyone can use. Both feel like important topics for the future.

What’s it like working remotely from France while being part of an Amsterdam-based team?

Even if I’m fully remote, I still feel very connected to the team. We communicate every day, and I try to stay active in discussions, join daily standups, and jump on calls when needed. I also make sure I’m proactive about sharing updates or flagging blockers early, so the distance never becomes a bottleneck.

I also visit Amsterdam when I can, which helps maintain that human connection and keeps a strong link with the team. It requires a bit more effort than being in the office, but it works well. And for me, one of the advantages of working remotely is that I’m clearly more productive at home. I have fewer distractions and a setup that fits me perfectly, which makes a big difference when I need to focus on complex tasks.

You recently welcomed twins. How has that changed your daily routine or perspective on work?

My days are much more structured and busy now, and free time is very limited. Before, I didn’t realise how much time I had. It also changed how I approach work. I have to be more focused and efficient. I can’t always put in extra hours like before, so I prioritise more.

What does a perfect day outside of work look like?

A full night of sleep is already a great start 😄 But otherwise, just spending time outside with my family, walking around Lake Annecy or in the forest, with a simple picnic. Nothing fancy, just enjoying the moment.

What keeps you motivated during demanding periods, and how do you recharge?

During busy periods, what motivates me is the challenge and the feeling of achievement when something difficult is done. When things are calmer, I try to recharge with simple things, like going for a walk or enjoying a good pastry. I live close to nature, so it’s easy to disconnect a bit and reset.

What’s something that reliably makes your day better?

Solving a complex problem, for sure. When something is broken or challenging and I manage to fix it or find a clean solution, it’s very satisfying. That feeling alone can make the whole day good.

I also enjoy helping others, whether it’s a teammate or improving something for users. When I feel useful, it’s always a good day.

If you could build any website or product just for fun, what would it be?

Probably an app called "Not Today", where you dump all your admin tasks into it. It schedules them, sends reminders, and actively shames you if you keep postponing them.

Renewing your insurance, cancelling that subscription you forgot about, filling out that form from three months ago. I hate admin, so I’d build something that forces even people like me to actually deal with it.

Probably the most personal project I could imagine.