Recently relocated to Stockholm, Setare brings her software and product engineering expertise from Tehran 🇮🇷 and Dubai 🇦🇪 to the Improvin’ team. Outside work, she finds energy in nature, pottery, cat cuddles and a good slice of cake. 

Setare, what makes work at Improvin’ exciting?

Working at Improvin’ reminds me every day that what I do has a real impact. 

Environmental protection has always been close to my heart, so building solutions that drive a positive impact on the environment has been super energizing.

And I love our culture - everyone is so welcoming!

I also really value that there’s a strong emphasis on context and transparency, so you’ll always understand the “why” behind your tasks.

What made you choose Improvin’?

My background is in software engineering, but in my last role, I stepped into product management, where I learned a lot about product vision and planning. While I appreciated that experience, I missed the hands-on side of software development.

When a friend told me about this role, it immediately felt like a great match; both for my skills and my environmental values. Now, I get to combine my engineering expertise with a product perspective, and I love it.

Thoughts about the team? 🌱

The open, supportive and communicative culture here is something I really appreciate.

I appreciate that all ideas are valued, no matter your seniority and that everyone is always willing to help. During my onboarding, I never felt like I “should have known” something already. 

That support extends beyond work too. I got amazing help from the team when I was looking for an apartment in Stockholm.

The little coffee breaks we schedule are also a great way to stay in touch, especially with remote colleagues. ☕️

What’s the out-of-office Setare into?

Spending time in nature is how I recharge. I love hiking, mountain climbing, running, and swimming, especially in the sea. Back in Tehran, I spent a lot of time in the mountains, but in Stockholm, that’s turned into hikes and forest walks. 🏔️

I enjoy discovering new cafés with friends and trying different cakes and pastries. Stockholm has a great selection! 

Working with my hands helps me focus. I used to paint and sketch. After moving to Stockholm a colleague introduced me to pottery classes. I signed up right away. There’s something special about shaping such a simple raw material into something beautiful.

I’m also a big cat person. I actually had to leave behind a whole herd: 12 cats, ours and the neighbors’. They are now in the loving care of my mom. 🐈

3 things that excite you right now?

 👏 Being a software engineer again is energizing. I’m eager to keep learning and improving my skill set.

🇸🇪 Sweden and Stockholm are a whole new world for me. I’m excited about experiencing it: the climate, culture, language, people, all of it.

🌟 Right now, I’m in full exploration mode with hobbies. There are so many things I’ve never done before, that I can’t wait to try.