Member Spotlight: Leo Gopal

Leo started using WordPress in high school long before he even had an email address. He found that writing online so freely, and being someone with the affliction of a stutter, that this seemed a way in which he could finally speak freely. That was 14 years ago, and 13 years stutter free.

For over a decade Leo worked in various roles in development and leadership for WP based company’s and agencies and even joined Codeable as an expert.

In 2016, he gave a WordCamp talk on Mental Health, baring his soul hoping to help others, which led to the creation of WPHugs, as safe place for mental wellness in the WordPress ecosystem.

Knowing that he alone was not enough to make the impact that he dreamt of, WPHugs was merged into Big Orange Heart, a similar organiszation that had more support and could take it further.

From the start, the Community has always been there for Leo, knowing and unknowingly, and to his honor and surprise he was voted in as one of the WordPress.org Community Team Reps for 2023, where he gets to give back to the community that gave him so much.

What do you enjoy most about working in WordPress?

The 4 Freedoms of WordPress and the Community behind it; WordPress cannot do everything, but WordPress, with help, can do everything.

What do you love most about your Post Status membership?

Everyone, and every channel, are not only free from politics and glass half full’ers, but they are also there to be so open to helping even if it takes their time. And all that I see returned is the same help when they need it. I aspire to be that gracious.

What business/web/WordPress advice do you have for others in our industry?

There is a time to quit/pivot and there is a time to dig deeper and endure. Learning the difference is what separates the adequate from the exceptional.

You — and your whole team can Join Post Status too!

Build your network. Learn with others. Find your next job — or your next hire. Read the Post Status newsletter. Listen to podcasts. Follow @Post_Status and LinkedIn.

This article was published at Post Status — the community for WordPress professionals.