How My Testing Skills Served My Personal Life

Kristoffer Nordström faced one of the most challenging and emotional times of his life when his daughter was diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening disease. As a caregiver, father, and primary project manager, he had to learn everything he could about her illness, treatment options, and potential outcomes. The skills he acquired as a tester helped him manage this overwhelming amount of information, make sense of it, and develop a plan of action while still being a loving and ever-present parent. He asked questions, researched, and analyzed data to make informed decisions about his daughter's care. He also worked with different personalities, including doctors, nurses, and family members, to form relationships that helped his family navigate the complex medical system—he learned to juggle many tasks and prioritize them based on urgency and importance, just as he did in his testing work. During this time, Kristoffer discovered woodworking, which became a source of therapy for him, a way to escape from stress and express his creativity. Once again, his testing skills, such as attention to detail, patience, and problem-solving, translated well into woodworking. The skills and traits we acquire as testers are not limited to our professional lives. As testers, we constantly learn, improve, and adapt; these qualities are invaluable in life. In this keynote, Kristoffer will teach you how your testing skills can serve you and your personal life and help you navigate challenging situations, learn new things, and discover new passions.