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Julien Robert

Serial Entrepreneur

Julien Robert is an Engineering Manager at Braintree, a position he has held since January 2023. Based in Oakland, California, he has a diverse background in engineering and product management, having previously worked as an Engineering Manager at SoWork and as a Senior Technical Product Manager at Coffee Meets Bagel.12

Professional Background

  • Current Role: Engineering Manager at Braintree (January 2023 - Present)
  • Previous Roles:
    • Engineering Manager at SoWork (February 2022 - October 2022)
    • Senior Technical Product Manager at Coffee Meets Bagel (May 2019 - February 2022)
    • Product Manager at Envoy (November 2018 - April 2019)
    • Founder & CEO of Happy Couple (October 2013 - October 2018)
    • Co-Founder & CTO of Citizenside (October 2005 - May 2013)

Education and Achievements

Julien holds a Master's degree in Computer Science with Distinctions from Oxford Brookes University. He has received several honors, including the Lauréat Scientipole Initiative & Croissance and the Grand Prix Média TF1 at the Startup Academy competition in 2016. He is also a nominee for the Digital News Service of the Year award from Journalism Awards in 2012.12

Skills and Languages

Julien is proficient in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, and German, showcasing his ability to work in diverse environments.1 His management style is described as relaxed, reliable, and accessible, which has contributed to his success in leading imaginative projects and technological solutions.1

Julien's professional journey reflects his commitment to leveraging technology for impactful solutions while fostering a collaborative team environment.

Highlights

Aug 7 · linkedin

(TMI Alert 📣 - Skip if you're not into personal stories)

Just a few days back, I turned 44 🎂. Honestly, it felt like any other day, not necessarily good or bad. Having moved to the US a decade ago, birthdays often remind me of the friends and family I left behind. Not that I regret my choice, but it sometimes strings a bit. 💔

Today, however, marks an even more special occasion - I'm officially one year sober! 🎉 Pause for effect... Wow! 😮

Why am I sober? Was I an alcoholic? (I'm French 🇫🇷... but let's not dive into that debate). Why did I stop drinking? 🤔 Does this mean no more fun? Can't I just have a drink occasionally?

I never cataloged all the questions or comments thrown my way, but the list goes on. The fact is, I didn't ask for anyone's permission before quitting, so naturally, some didn't quite understand or approve. That's okay. 🤷‍♂️ Perhaps it's hard for those who enjoy a drink now and then to imagine life without alcohol, and that unease gets directed at me. Yet here I am, not just okay, but doing great. 🥳 Coincidence? I think not!

Was it hard? To my surprise, not really. I was fond of making fancy cocktails 🍹, savoring good wine 🍷, and sipping on a variety of IPAs. While many were learning to bake bread during COVID, I was honing my mixology skills and experimenting with delectable simple syrups. For years I drank several times a week, mainly during weekends. Yet when things got a bit rocky personally last year, alcohol lost its allure. Just like that. I soon felt more aligned with myself, and the benefits just kept rolling in. 🏞️

Do I miss it? Yes and no. I still mix cocktails for friends, and I enjoy the aroma of scotch, gin, or a rich red wine. I miss the comfort of a big, juicy burger 🍔 with garlic fries and a side of mayo when hungover. But that doesn't seem a good enough reason to go back.

Is it worth it? Absolutely, for me! 😌 This doesn't mean I think everyone should quit drinking, but here are some perks: •I've lost weight, improved my sleep, and gained energy. 🏋️‍♂️ This motivated me to exercise, and hello abs! 👋 •I've saved money 💰, potentially hundreds of dollars each month, which feels like a small fortune after a year! •Being able to drive anytime I wanted was a nice plus 🚗. •As a father of two young boys that I co-parent, I’ve found more patience, especially on weekends. •My weeks have elongated, thanks to waking up early with a clear mind, eager to embrace the day. ⏰

Will I drink again? Sometimes? Maybe? I'm not sure. For now, I'm just relishing this journey. 😊

Why am I sharing this? Part of it is to inspire those hesitating to take a seemingly difficult step; I believe that if you truly desire something, you can make it happen, one day at a time. 🌟 The other part is a request to those who are sober, or those who've overcome a fear and changed habits to become a better version of themselves. I'd love to hear your tips on perseverance and staying the course.

Sending much love to all. ❤️‍🔥

Jan 17 · linkedin

2022 was quite a year for me. It was full of personal and professional endings. Coming into 2023, I couldn't be more excited to start a new year with a new beginning.

After spending my whole career starting and building mission-driven early stage companies I am mixing things up by joining a graduated start-up. From this week forward, I’ll be an Engineering Manager in the funding team of Braintree; bringing the scale of PayPal to democratize secure financial services.

What won’t change is my focus on three pillars that define me: people, engineering and social impact. My new colleagues and I build affordable, inclusive products for people around the world.

Related Questions

What are some of the imaginative projects Julien Robert has led at Braintree?
How did Julien Robert's experience at Coffee Meets Bagel influence his management style?
What technological solutions has Julien Robert developed in his career?
What motivated Julien Robert to transition from founding companies to engineering management?
How does Julien Robert's background in computer science impact his current role?
Julien Robert
Julien Robert, photo 1
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Experience

Engineering Manager at Braintree (January 2023 - Present)
Engineering Manager at SoWork (February 2022 - October 2022), Senior Technical Product Manager at Coffee Meets Bagel (May 2019 - February 2022), Product Manager at Envoy (November 2018 - April 2019), at Citizenside (October 2005 - May 2013)

Location

Oakland, California, United States