Interview with Jean-Elisée Yao, Tech Lead Back End

Meet Jean-Elisée, Tech Lead Back End at Addict Mobile. Joining the team in 2022 as a Development Engineer, Jean-Elisée quickly advanced to the role of Tech Lead Back End. Today, he is at the forefront of backend system development and management while overseeing and supporting his team in their daily tasks. 

In this interview, discover how Jean-Elisée combines technical expertise, leadership, and innovation to tackle the challenges of an ever-evolving industry. 

What are your main responsibilities as a Back End Tech Lead? 

As a Back End Tech Lead, my responsibilities cover several key areas. First, I ensure the smooth operation of back-end systems, making sure they remain high-performing, reliable, and scalable. I work closely with other teams to analyze their needs and translate them into tailored technical solutions, often using clear and solid UML (Unified Modeling Language) architecture.  

I also play a central role in managing the team by planning and assigning tasks based on priorities and skills. I closely monitor project progress to ensure on-time delivery with the expected level of quality. These tasks allow me to ensure that technical and organizational goals are achieved smoothly. 

What are the main objectives of the tech team at Addict Mobile? 

The tech team at Addict Mobile focuses primarily on developing and maintaining systems that simplify the work of internal teams and optimize campaign management for our clients. We also provide ongoing support for features to ensure they remain functional and relevant over time. 

Another key part of our mission is to ensure the accuracy and reliability of data from various sources. We strive to combine operational efficiency, system stability, and reliable data to meet the needs of our account managers and clients. 

What are the main challenges the tech team faces? 

The biggest challenge for a tech team specializing in UA is managing data from multiple sources: MMPs, ad platforms, internal systems, and the iOS ecosystem. This diversity creates significant issues around data consistency, reliability, and integration. 

To tackle this, we develop tools that centralize and structure this information, making it easier to analyze and use. These solutions help our teams make informed decisions based on clear, accessible, and reliable data. 

In a constantly evolving industry, our team focuses on designing flexible and high-performing technologies that meet market needs and adapt to technological advancements. 

What tools has Addict Mobile developed to meet market challenges? 

At Addict Mobile, we’ve developed innovative tools to tackle market challenges in managing and optimizing ad campaigns. 

Among our creative technologies: 

• A solution that automates ad creation and distribution, dynamically adapting elements (text, visuals, backgrounds) based on predefined parameters.

• A technology that automatically and at scale adapts the components of a visual or video to refresh creative assets and reduce ad fatigue.

Our latest major advancement is the Addict Mobile Hub, a comprehensive platform that centralizes campaign data, provides granular visibility into performance, and enables forecasting to better anticipate results.

Within the team, we are constantly improving our tools and processes. Our goal is to simplify daily tasks while delivering solutions that align with market developments and the specific needs of internal teams and our clients. 

How is the tech team organized? 

The Addict Mobile tech team follows an Agile methodology to ensure efficiency and collaboration. Each sprint begins with a sprint planning session, where objectives are set, and tasks are prioritized. Daily meetings are then held to share progress, identify roadblocks, and coordinate support. 

Mid-sprint, a backlog refinement is conducted to fine-tune upcoming tasks and ensure clarity. Each sprint concludes with a sprint retrospective, providing a space to reflect on successes, areas for improvement, and individual feedback. 

During the sprint, tasks are assigned in a free and collaborative manner. Team members choose missions that interest them or align with their skills, while respecting the team’s overall priorities. 

This structure ensures a balance between individual flexibility, collective commitment, and alignment with objectives, all while maintaining transparent communication. 

How do you manage your role as a manager on a daily basis?   

As a manager, my top priority is to ensure that each team member works in the best possible conditions. This involves open communication, being readily available to answer questions or address obstacles, and closely monitoring project progress. My goal is to foster an environment that promotes both productivity and personal growth. 

I also focus on maintaining a collaborative team dynamic by encouraging open discussions and supporting everyone in their tasks. During technical discussions, I provide my expertise to guide decisions and assist with complex challenges while allowing team members the autonomy they need to grow in their roles. Additionally, I dedicate time to active tech monitoring to suggest innovative solutions tailored to our needs and market trends. 

Lastly, I strive to organize work in a structured and balanced way, always keeping a clear vision of our shared objectives. This approach helps ensure collective alignment, smooth priority management, and sustained motivation within the team.