Those of us who work daily with José Casielles know that when something captures his interest, he goes all in. Born in Yecla and with a distinguished career in risk consulting and data analytics in Madrid, in 2020 he saw Gobik as the perfect opportunity to bring together his two passions, IT and cycling, and fulfill the dream of “coming home”.
“I’m a calm person who really enjoys moments with family and friends, but who also needs time alone and to laugh at life”. This is how Jose Casielles introduces himself, while also acknowledging that he combines two ways of approaching everyday life: “I like to have everything planned when it comes to important decisions, although in the small things I’m quite easygoing. Returning to Yecla made me appreciate everything I had close by: comfort, the closeness of people, and the peace of living in a small city”.
After several years in the IT department, the restructuring of the area led to the creation of the Technology and Data team, a division designed to define Gobik’s digital roadmap and ensure we continue scaling the company on a solid technological foundation.
The digital architecture behind Gobik’s growth
The work in the Technology and Data area ranges from internal software development and advanced analytics to the implementation of artificial intelligence in processes. At Gobik, growth and product innovation are constant, and this is where Jose’s team plays a key role.
"Our role is to prevent growth from slowing the company down: to make sure processes can handle twice the volume without requiring twice the effort, that decisions are made with reliable data, and that people spend their time designing, creating, and taking care of the customer, not repetitive tasks," he explains. "Throughout the entire journey of a garment, from the moment its technical sheet is created to when it is manufactured and reaches the end user, our work is present. For the customer, the result isn’t visible, but it is noticeable: it’s a garment that arrives on time and in the best conditions".
That philosophy aligns with the Nonconformist spirit that has defined Gobik from the beginning. "Every process or tool can be improved, and when what the market offers isn’t up to standard, we build it ourselves. The drive to improve doesn’t only come from our department, it’s something cross-functional that applies across the entire company, and that’s what makes us different".
Cycling, gaming culture, and the art of switching off
Outside the office, Jose brings that same commitment and curiosity to his free time. He loves traveling and enjoys both the planning and the travel experience itself. That said, he always has a new destination in mind. Added to this is his connection to video games and esports, a passion that goes back to that first Game Boy Color with Pokémon Gold, bought with his birthday savings: "That cartridge triggered it all. Its famous 'gotta catch ’em all' stayed with me, because ever since then, when something hooks me, I go for 100%".
The same is true of her story with cycling. A bond that goes way back: from summer afternoons watching Induráin triumph in the Tour or the feeling of the wind on her face as she coasted downhill through her grandmother’s countryside on a bike she inherited from her cousin, to the first kit she bought with her brother. A passion that was always there and is now part of her day-to-day thanks to the group ride we have at Gobik.
"The bike has always been there, but it was when I arrived at Gobik that I really established the routine thanks to the colleagues who go out almost every day at lunchtime. Today it is something essential on a mental level to switch off," she reflects. "On the bike, I’m someone who reviews data on Strava, but also pays attention to sensations, and cycling has taught me something that I apply to my work: data is useless if you’re not having the day. Data gives you peace of mind when making decisions, but at every step there is an unpredictable factor. You have to combine the numbers with sensations and, if one day things don’t go as you expected, all that’s left is to head out again the next day".
QUICK QUESTIONS
One word to define Gobik: Passion.
One technology or tool you couldn’t live without: Spotify.
Coffee before or beer after a ride?: Beer after.
Your favorite Gobik garment: The Envy jacket, for its versatility.
A route you never get tired of riding: Riding along the Cabo de Gata coast in Almería.
A song to go out training or focus: No Easy Way Out (Rocky IV soundtrack).
