Issue No. 3: Coding The Future

From Bugs to Blockchain
Akshay Sharma on Coding Challenges and Building Impact

1. What drew you to join Misty and work on AI-driven tech, and how has that passion shaped the way you approach your role as a software engineer?

I joined Misty because I was genuinely impressed by the innovative products and the collaborative culture that turns bold ideas into reality. Coming from a background in development, DevOps, and cloud technologies, I saw Misty as the perfect place to step out of my comfort zone and explore emerging areas like AI and blockchain. What I discovered is that I have a real passion and the discipline for learning new technologies quickly. Misty has given me the space, tools, and team to grow, and I’ve come to value how embracing experimentation and flexibility can make me a more adaptive and forward-thinking engineer.

2. You’ve worked on many innovative projects. What’s one technical challenge you tackled that you’re especially proud of, and what made it a win for you?

While I had solid experience with Python and AI-related technologies, working on Geamc.com, a blockchain-based certification platform, pushed me into entirely new territory. I had little prior exposure to blockchain, but I quickly picked up Solidity, Polygon, and the broader ecosystem to build a secure, decentralized certification model. The most challenging aspect was designing a centralized transaction layer on top of a decentralized blockchain, a concept that was new to me. Tackling that integration cleanly and effectively was a huge learning moment, and seeing the product gain real-world traction now makes it one of the projects I’m most proud of.

3. What’s one thing you learned about yourself from shipping fast under pressure, like your Product Hunt launch?

During our Product Hunt launch of nonilion.com, I learned the importance of balancing speed with quality. In fast-paced situations, it’s tempting to rush, but I realized that delivering a polished product still has to come first. Especially when it’s your first impression on potential users. I focused on ensuring proper quality checks while also being responsive and welcoming to real-time user questions. Our amazing team at Misty played a huge role in making that possible. Another key takeaway was the value of engaging with early users, answering their questions thoughtfully and building an open, active community. These early conversations often shape the product’s future, so I’ve learned to treat them with the attention they deserve.

4. What’s a tough moment you faced adapting to new tools or tech at Misty, and how did you overcome it to keep delivering?

One of the toughest moments I faced at Misty was diving into blockchain for the first time. While I had a strong foundation in AI and development, blockchain was a completely new domain. It was a steep learning curve, but I navigated it by combining hands-on learning with smart use of AI tools like Cursor and Claude. These tools helped me accelerate development and debug faster, but I made sure to not just rely on them. Understanding the code and logic they generated was key. That balance between using AI as an assistant and still learning the fundamentals helped me stay productive and keep delivering quality work. It taught me how to be more efficient without compromising on depth or understanding.

5. What’s one underrated trick or mindset you’ve developed that helps you crack complex coding challenges?

One mindset that’s consistently helped me is reverse engineering. When facing a tricky bug or feature issue, I trace the logic backward to understand how each route, function, and component connects to the outcome. It often reveals subtle issues that aren’t immediately visible. Another underrated but powerful trick is talking through the problem with a teammate. Explaining it out loud often shifts your perspective, almost like viewing the problem from a third person’s point of view, which helps uncover blind spots. I also make sure to maintain solid documentation throughout, which pays off during future debugging or handoffs. And of course, Ai tools are great assistants but they work best when combined with a solid understanding of the system you’re building.

6. What’s a project at Misty where you felt you really leveled up as an engineer, and what was the insight that pushed you to grow?

A project that truly pushed me to level up as an engineer was geamc.com, where I worked on integrating blockchain technology to create a secure certification system. This was my first deep dive into the Web3 space, and the learning curve was steep. I had to quickly understand Solidity, Polygon, and the broader blockchain ecosystem to build something that could securely track certifications across organizations. One of the key insights that really helped me grow was participating in hackathons and engaging with my tech community, Geek Room which i founded back in 2023. These experiences exposed me to fresh perspectives and provided invaluable feedback. When I shared my project with other developers and judges, their questions and insights allowed me to refine my approach and tackle challenges more effectively. It was through this interaction that I understood the importance of constant iteration and learning from the community, which became a key driver in my growth as an engineer. The combination of working on new technologies and receiving feedback from the wider tech community helped me level up not just in technical skills but also in communication and problem-solving. This experience also highlighted how important it is to stay connected with the broader tech world and actively seek input from others to push your own boundaries.

7. What’s an unexpected hurdle you hit in your career, and how did you navigate it to stay sharp and motivated?

One of the biggest hurdles in my career started during my college years when I took on internships while also managing academics. Balancing exams, assignments, and academic commitments with the expectations of an organization like writing clean, production-grade code and following proper engineering practices was definitely challenging. Initially, I struggled with managing priorities, and it did affect my performance in both areas. However, what truly helped me was the guidance of some incredible seniors and mentors who had gone through similar situations. Their support and advice around time management, prioritization, and staying focused played a pivotal role in helping me get back on track. Over time, I cultivated a strong routine and mindset that allowed me to thrive in both academics and industry work. Not only did this help me overcome those early challenges, but it also gave me the confidence and structure to handle freelance projects and actively grow my content creation journey through platforms like @tech.andtry at Instagram. Developing this balance has truly shaped me into a more disciplined, focused, and self-motivated individual.

8. What’s a surprising truth you’ve discovered about what makes AI impactful for users or businesses?

While the world of AI is still in its early stages, it has already reached exponential growth. One surprising truth I’ve discovered is that AI doesn’t always need to be a complex, end-to-end solution. Instead, solving simple, niche problems can be just as impactful, especially for businesses. Through the various projects I’ve worked on, I’ve seen that businesses often look for AI solutions that address specific, day-to-day challenges. For instance, providing document intelligence capabilities that help businesses answer questions about their documents more efficiently or simplifying routine tasks to improve productivity. What I’ve realized is that AI doesn’t have to reinvent the wheel. Sometimes, it’s about offering targeted, practical solutions that improve efficiency and reduce operational costs. This not only helps businesses thrive but also makes the lives of their users much easier. By focusing on real, small-scale problems businesses are facing, AI can have a major impact, even in its current early stages. Efficiency, reducing headcount, and solving real-world problems are key goals for businesses, and AI is pivotal in helping them achieve this. It’s not about creating a grand product, but rather one that provides value by improving everyday operations.

9. What’s a moment big or small that reminded you why you love building things?

From the very start of my college journey, hackathons have been a huge part of my growth. I went to my very first hackathon and after it’s victory it did set the tone for what would become an exciting journey of constant innovation. Over time, I founded my own tech community, Geekroom, where we’ve hosted workshops, one of the India’s largest hackathons, and meetups. These events have allowed me to interact with engineers and builders, and through these interactions, I’ve discovered just how fulfilling it is to create something under pressure. Hackathons have been a blessing to me. The thrill of building a project within a 24-hour timeframe alongside my team is something that drives me. It’s not just about the fast-paced nature of the event but also about the insights we gain while collaborating and solving problems on the spot. This experience has pushed me to create over 30 projects so far, each one adding to my growth and expanding my knowledge. What I love most is when a project goes from an idea to a real, functional product, and I get to see users interact with it and provide feedback. It’s that moment when you realize the impact of your creation, it’s not just code on a screen; it’s something that adds value and serves a purpose. For anyone starting out as a developer, hackathons are a great way to bring out your best work, learn new skills, and experience the joy of seeing your ideas come to life.

10. If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice as a

    developer, what would it be?

One piece of advice I would give to my younger self is to embrace experimentation with AI tools early on. When I first started exploring them, I was hesitant about how they might affect my growth as a coder and whether they would limit my learning. But looking back, I realize that working with AI tools doesn’t hinder your development; rather, they enhance your abilities and bring out the best in you. These tools are great assistants, helping you to streamline your workflow and improve efficiency, all while learning new techniques along the way. Additionally, I would stress the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. Having a network of like-minded individuals who share a passion for tech, support each other, and set ambitious goals is invaluable. The people around you can significantly impact your journey, so it’s essential to have a positive, growth-oriented environment to help you stay motivated and focused.