An honest conversation with Edgar Žigis, Head of AI Engineering, about why intensity at Kiloverse can be challenging, but also – empowering.
What kind of reality should someone expect when joining Kilo?
Let’s be open – Kiloverse isn’t built around comfort; it’s built around results. Fast execution matters more than titles or past achievements. That can feel intense, especially for people who come from more structured environments. But for those who like to see the direct impact of their work, and aren’t afraid to move before everything feels perfectly clear – it’s energizing.
You’ve called Kilo’s way of working “organized chaos.” What does that mean?
There’s pace, there’s pressure, and yes – there are moments when things are not perfectly structured. But there’s also clear ambition. In larger, more corporate organizations, you often plan long before you move. Here, sometimes you first make a move and refine in parallel. That could create tension, especially for people used to very defined processes.
Organized chaos means:
- We don’t wait for perfect conditions.
- We prioritize execution over polish.
- We adjust while moving.
It’s uncomfortable at times. But it accelerates learning and growth dramatically.
How do you succeed in such a high-speed environment?
For me, a few things really work:
Prioritization.
Moving fast can make everything feel urgent. But not everything deserves urgency. That’s where strategy and OKRs come in as a filter, helping you separate real impact from noise, so you can stay focused.
Visible results.
Deliver something tangible first, even if it’s not perfect. Then refine and expand in motion. Execution first. Optimization second.
Owning your results, then going further.
It’s easy to see many things that could be improved at Kiloverse, and that’s a good thing. But the fastest way to make an impact is to start with your own goals first. Deliver on them, build credibility, and then make a broader change with others.
Collaboration.
Real progress happens when teams connect, share context, and solve things together. Sometimes a 15‑minute chat across functions clears weeks of back‑and‑forth. Walk over, ask questions, share what you’re building with other teams. Invite other teams to a workshop or a workation. Or grab candies and drop by.
I’ve heard you saying, “You’re only as good as today.” What do you mean?
In sports, no one wins based on how well they ran six months ago. The same thinking applies here.
Past results open the door. They don’t secure your place inside. What counts is only your contribution now. That mindset might feel demanding, but it’s also fair: everyone has equal ground to prove themselves through today’s action, not their past.
Some people thrive here, others leave. Why is that?
Some people think well, have great vision, and bring ways of working that were successful elsewhere. But here, that’s not what makes things move. Here, theory and ideas only matter when they turn into action. When they are adapted to our orientation to fast results. Some new joiners also face a pace that’s much faster than what they’re used to. Some adapt. Some decide this isn’t their rhythm. And it’s ok.
What kind of people tend to thrive here?
People who:
- Are results-driven, not comfort-driven.
- Adapt fast, learn fast.
- Don’t take friction personally – they use it as feedback or area of growth.
- Care about collective success, not just their own output.
Once you accept that constant change and speed are part of the Kiloverse, you stop fighting it – and that makes everything easier. Those who wait for the system to adapt around them usually struggle. Those who shape it – grow. For many, that’s where real career breakthroughs happen.
Final thought
Ambition has a price.
Comfort has one too.
The question is – which one are you willing to pay?
At Kiloverse, you bet on your growth over comfort. It’s not always easy, but when you look back, you realize how far you’ve grown.
