Bruce Lunnis
Director of Product at Startup Grind- Claim this Profile
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English Native or bilingual proficiency
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Afrikaans Limited working proficiency
Topline Score
Bio
Daniel Reilly
Working with Bruce has been a pleasure. I can always count on him for direction, advice, guidance and leadership. He is by far the best manager I have ever worked under. I feel comfortable speaking candidly, working together and challenging when necessary. We always have a constructive and creative conversation on how to solve problems that I look forward to every day. Always organised, diligent and outputting quality work. Bruce adds organisation and structure while being ever reliable in the development trenches when we are time pressed or just need to get stuff done. He also constantly challenges me to be better and improve myself which I really appreciate and respect. As someone who can sometimes get caught up in bigger picture ideas and solutions its important to have someone to ground them. Bruce does exactly that and creates well thought out, tested and functional processes. I have extreme confidence in anything we produce as a team because of Bruce's attention to detail. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Bruce so closely. He has taught me a lot and hope to continue to learn from him for a long time. His dedication and availability were unmatched as was his work ethic and output. A true asset to any company alongside fantastic people skills and just being a pleasure to be around. I can't recommend Bruce enough!
Candice Jooste
I worked closely with Bruce when we where both still members of the GetSmarter team, myself as Course Coordination Manager and Bruce as IT Manager. Due to the nature of our roles bruce and I interacted on numerous projects, on a continuous basis. Bruce is a great communicator, which was one of the aspects I appreciated most when working with him. IT is, by natural, complicated and difficult to explain but Bruce has a wonderful ability to simply and clarify IT concepts in a way that is easy to understand. He is also realistic and logical and would always provide a fair time period on any expected projects, himself, or his team where working on. Bruce is fun, dynamic, energetic and in general a great person to spend time around. I enjoyed my time working with him immensely and still consider him a friend. As a professional who loves what they do and is dedicated to providing a quality product, I would advocate Bruce to anyone.
Daniel Reilly
Working with Bruce has been a pleasure. I can always count on him for direction, advice, guidance and leadership. He is by far the best manager I have ever worked under. I feel comfortable speaking candidly, working together and challenging when necessary. We always have a constructive and creative conversation on how to solve problems that I look forward to every day. Always organised, diligent and outputting quality work. Bruce adds organisation and structure while being ever reliable in the development trenches when we are time pressed or just need to get stuff done. He also constantly challenges me to be better and improve myself which I really appreciate and respect. As someone who can sometimes get caught up in bigger picture ideas and solutions its important to have someone to ground them. Bruce does exactly that and creates well thought out, tested and functional processes. I have extreme confidence in anything we produce as a team because of Bruce's attention to detail. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Bruce so closely. He has taught me a lot and hope to continue to learn from him for a long time. His dedication and availability were unmatched as was his work ethic and output. A true asset to any company alongside fantastic people skills and just being a pleasure to be around. I can't recommend Bruce enough!
Candice Jooste
I worked closely with Bruce when we where both still members of the GetSmarter team, myself as Course Coordination Manager and Bruce as IT Manager. Due to the nature of our roles bruce and I interacted on numerous projects, on a continuous basis. Bruce is a great communicator, which was one of the aspects I appreciated most when working with him. IT is, by natural, complicated and difficult to explain but Bruce has a wonderful ability to simply and clarify IT concepts in a way that is easy to understand. He is also realistic and logical and would always provide a fair time period on any expected projects, himself, or his team where working on. Bruce is fun, dynamic, energetic and in general a great person to spend time around. I enjoyed my time working with him immensely and still consider him a friend. As a professional who loves what they do and is dedicated to providing a quality product, I would advocate Bruce to anyone.
Daniel Reilly
Working with Bruce has been a pleasure. I can always count on him for direction, advice, guidance and leadership. He is by far the best manager I have ever worked under. I feel comfortable speaking candidly, working together and challenging when necessary. We always have a constructive and creative conversation on how to solve problems that I look forward to every day. Always organised, diligent and outputting quality work. Bruce adds organisation and structure while being ever reliable in the development trenches when we are time pressed or just need to get stuff done. He also constantly challenges me to be better and improve myself which I really appreciate and respect. As someone who can sometimes get caught up in bigger picture ideas and solutions its important to have someone to ground them. Bruce does exactly that and creates well thought out, tested and functional processes. I have extreme confidence in anything we produce as a team because of Bruce's attention to detail. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Bruce so closely. He has taught me a lot and hope to continue to learn from him for a long time. His dedication and availability were unmatched as was his work ethic and output. A true asset to any company alongside fantastic people skills and just being a pleasure to be around. I can't recommend Bruce enough!
Candice Jooste
I worked closely with Bruce when we where both still members of the GetSmarter team, myself as Course Coordination Manager and Bruce as IT Manager. Due to the nature of our roles bruce and I interacted on numerous projects, on a continuous basis. Bruce is a great communicator, which was one of the aspects I appreciated most when working with him. IT is, by natural, complicated and difficult to explain but Bruce has a wonderful ability to simply and clarify IT concepts in a way that is easy to understand. He is also realistic and logical and would always provide a fair time period on any expected projects, himself, or his team where working on. Bruce is fun, dynamic, energetic and in general a great person to spend time around. I enjoyed my time working with him immensely and still consider him a friend. As a professional who loves what they do and is dedicated to providing a quality product, I would advocate Bruce to anyone.
Daniel Reilly
Working with Bruce has been a pleasure. I can always count on him for direction, advice, guidance and leadership. He is by far the best manager I have ever worked under. I feel comfortable speaking candidly, working together and challenging when necessary. We always have a constructive and creative conversation on how to solve problems that I look forward to every day. Always organised, diligent and outputting quality work. Bruce adds organisation and structure while being ever reliable in the development trenches when we are time pressed or just need to get stuff done. He also constantly challenges me to be better and improve myself which I really appreciate and respect. As someone who can sometimes get caught up in bigger picture ideas and solutions its important to have someone to ground them. Bruce does exactly that and creates well thought out, tested and functional processes. I have extreme confidence in anything we produce as a team because of Bruce's attention to detail. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Bruce so closely. He has taught me a lot and hope to continue to learn from him for a long time. His dedication and availability were unmatched as was his work ethic and output. A true asset to any company alongside fantastic people skills and just being a pleasure to be around. I can't recommend Bruce enough!
Candice Jooste
I worked closely with Bruce when we where both still members of the GetSmarter team, myself as Course Coordination Manager and Bruce as IT Manager. Due to the nature of our roles bruce and I interacted on numerous projects, on a continuous basis. Bruce is a great communicator, which was one of the aspects I appreciated most when working with him. IT is, by natural, complicated and difficult to explain but Bruce has a wonderful ability to simply and clarify IT concepts in a way that is easy to understand. He is also realistic and logical and would always provide a fair time period on any expected projects, himself, or his team where working on. Bruce is fun, dynamic, energetic and in general a great person to spend time around. I enjoyed my time working with him immensely and still consider him a friend. As a professional who loves what they do and is dedicated to providing a quality product, I would advocate Bruce to anyone.
Credentials
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Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM®)
Scrum AllianceFeb, 2014- Nov, 2024
Experience
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Startup Grind
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United States
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Events Services
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100 - 200 Employee
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Director of Product
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Feb 2022 - Present
Responsible for leading the Design + Engineering teams, identifying and removing roadblocks, leading all product initiatives, and generally overseeing the entire product lifecycle at Startup Grind. Additionally, assessing new opportunities and turning strategy into cross-functionally aligned tactics while creating, updating and communicating a clear product vision.
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Engineering Manager
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Sep 2020 - Feb 2022
Responsible for leading the Design + Engineering teams, alongside the management, implementation, and usability of information technology + computer systems. Additionally, creating and delivering strategies + policies that support internal teams, partners, sponsors, as well as the global community as a whole.
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Global Systems & Senior Community Manager
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May 2019 - Sep 2020
Responsible for more than 100 Chapters in the African Community, as well as all internal systems & processes related to Startup Grind & management of projects within the Systems & Community Teams. Worked with several teams & partners such as Google For Startups & Amazon Web Services to successfully lead more than 40 projects.
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Community Manager
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Apr 2018 - Apr 2019
Responsible for supporting & growing areas in Africa, Middle East, Europe, as well as North & South America. Contributed to the growth of the Startup Grind Chapter base from 350 Chapters to over 600 Chapters worldwide. Worked with several teams & partners to figure out systems & processes for memberships & other internal systems.
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Code Like Clockwork
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South Africa
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Information Technology & Services
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Director, Co-Founder
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Apr 2018 - Nov 2018
Responsible for the financial management of the company.
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Managing Director, Co-Founder
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Nov 2016 - Apr 2018
Responsible for the management of the company. Determining the company's vision & mission to guide current operations & future developments. Reviewing & evaluating present & future opportunities, threats & risks. Managing projects, client relationships, contractors & staff.
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Operations Director, Co-Founder
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Nov 2012 - Nov 2016
Responsible for the financial & operational management of the company. Determining the company's vision & mission to guide current operations & future developments. Reviewing & evaluating present & future opportunities, threats & risks. Managing projects, products, client relationships & staff.
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GetSmarter
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South Africa
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E-Learning Providers
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100 - 200 Employee
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IT Manager
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Jan 2012 - Dec 2012
Responsible for ensuring the streamlined operation of the IT Department in alignment with business objectives. Accountable for the ongoing planning, evaluation & management of IT services, systems & staff as well as providing administrative direction & support for daily operational activities of the IT department. Responsible for ensuring the streamlined operation of the IT Department in alignment with business objectives. Accountable for the ongoing planning, evaluation & management of IT services, systems & staff as well as providing administrative direction & support for daily operational activities of the IT department.
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Paddocks
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South Africa
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E-Learning Providers
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1 - 100 Employee
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IT Manager
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Jan 2012 - Dec 2012
Responsible for ensuring the streamlined operation of the IT Department in alignment with business objectives. Accountable for the ongoing planning, evaluation & management of IT services, systems & staff as well as providing administrative direction & support for daily operational activities of the IT department. Responsible for ensuring the streamlined operation of the IT Department in alignment with business objectives. Accountable for the ongoing planning, evaluation & management of IT services, systems & staff as well as providing administrative direction & support for daily operational activities of the IT department.
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Gsolutions
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South Africa
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IT Services and IT Consulting
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1 - 100 Employee
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Software Development Manager
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Jan 2011 - Dec 2011
Responsible for leading multiple teams, managing internal & external resources or systems to ensure maximum performance & productivity. Responsible for the quality & quantity of work performed while maintaining control & vision over multiple projects & areas of expertise.
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Project Manager & Developer
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Jan 2010 - Dec 2010
Responsible for sourcing, managing & developing Joomla-based website projects.
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Bergvliet High School
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Cape Town Area, South Africa
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Network Administrator
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Feb 2009 - Feb 2009
Assisted with the running of the IT Department till a full-time Network Administrator could be employed. Responsible for ensuring the streamlined operation of the IT Department, computer labs, & all the computers on the premises, as well as support for the daily operational activities of the school. Assisted with the running of the IT Department till a full-time Network Administrator could be employed. Responsible for ensuring the streamlined operation of the IT Department, computer labs, & all the computers on the premises, as well as support for the daily operational activities of the school.
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Bergvliet High School
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Cape Town Area, South Africa
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Adult-Ed Trainer
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Jan 2006 - Mar 2008
Taught computer literacy after hours for the BHS Continuing Education Programme. Taught computer literacy after hours for the BHS Continuing Education Programme.
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Sys-Net (Cape) cc
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Cape Town Area, South Africa
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Development Intern
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Jan 2004 - Jun 2006
Assisted with the development of websites & desktop applications. Assisted with the development of websites & desktop applications.
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Education
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University of Cambridge
CTI Comprehensive Programming Diploma, Processing & Logic Concepts, Software Engineering, Database Modelling & Design, SQL Server, VB.Net -
Bergvliet High School
Senior Certificate, Afrikaans HG, English HG, History HG, Mathematics SG, Physical Science SG, Accounting SG -
Kirstenhof Primary School