Summary
AI Grace
The conversation with Robert Jacobi traverses a range of topics from the personal to the professional. It starts with a lighthearted discussion about his handlebar mustache, a result of the COVID-19 lockdowns, and his multilingual capabilities. Robert explains his bilingual roots, having first learned Polish as a child and picking up several other languages over the years, including German, French, Italian, and Russian. He vividly describes his upbringing in Chicago’s Oak Park neighborhood and his time studying finance and German in Vienna, Austria.
Transitioning to his career, Robert reveals his brief stint in finance, which lasted only 48 hours, and how he shifted to the technology sector. He details his early work creating databases and websites at the Illinois Institute of Technology Research Institute, which laid the groundwork for his substantial career in web development and cybersecurity.
The conversation also delves into Robert’s personal life, including his European lineage, his fondness for European travel, and his family. He discusses meeting his wife, who was a barista at Starbucks, and how they developed a deep friendship before eventually getting married. His wife currently manages a surgical unit at a veterinary emergency hospital, a role that Robert helps make easier by preparing meals at home.
Robert’s musical tastes are eclectic, ranging from classical Mozart and 1980s industrial music to modern pop tunes. He enjoys using cooking as a form of relaxation after a busy day. The interview highlights Robert’s extensive travels, both for work related to WordPress conferences and for personal pleasure, though he admits that trips to Asia are particularly exhausting.
Finally, the script circles back to his ongoing involvement in the WordPress community. As the Chief Experience Officer at Blackwall, a web security company, Robert emphasizes the importance of security solutions for hosting companies. The interviewer expresses gratitude for the conversation and eagerly anticipates future interactions at WordPress events.
What’s Jacobi Up To? Find Out At The WP World.