Tom Keyte, Lead Software Developer at OnSecurity, recently celebrated an impressive five years with us at OnSecurity: a period defined by learning curves, transformation, and excitement. We sat down together to reflect on the journey so far, and how OnSecurity has transformed from its bootstrapped beginnings into a thriving organisation of over 50 employees, and where Tom has found his place as a developer through it all.
Looking back over the last five years, what’s one standout moment or project that really stayed with you?
Tom pauses, seeming almost surprised by the timeframe. “It’s hard to believe it’s only been five years,” he says. “Time has flown, and we’ve accomplished so much.”
But when pressed for a standout moment, he doesn’t reach for the obvious answer. His favourite memories, he explains, aren’t the big launches or public milestones; they’re the behind-the-scenes wins. “Big architectural or infrastructure changes, major platform improvements, or even projects that are now long dead and buried,” he says, “And I won’t deny that it was satisfying to bury the hatchet on some of them.”
It’s the kind of work that, if everything goes perfectly, nobody notices. “But I like to think they make a real difference,” he adds.
Still, if he had to choose one moment, it would be when the company secured investment. “Not just for the validation that what we were building made sense to other people,” Tom reflects, “but because it meant the company could mature into a new era.” What impressed him most was how quickly the shift happened. “It was awesome to see how we did that, almost overnight. There was such a noticeable change in attitudes”
What’s something you’ve learned here that you didn’t expect to pick up?
From the start, Tom says, the company has fostered a culture that encourages innovation. “The projects have been fun and challenging, with plenty of room to be creative,” he notes. For someone who can’t do the same thing day in and day out, it’s been ideal. In tech, where the industry never stops evolving, being a jack of all trades can really help.”
But one lesson caught him off guard: security.
“I didn’t expect just how much I’d learn about security,” Tom admits. Being part of a team that treats security as a priority has meant absorbing knowledge almost through osmosis. “From thinking about how to design systems safely to understanding best practices and potential risks, and seeing some of the crazy stuff the testers find, it’s become a core part of how I approach everything I build.”
It’s one of those discreet lessons that shapes how you work without always being at the forefront of your mind. “And one I’m really glad to have picked up,” he says.
How has your role evolved since you first joined, and what’s changed most in how you approach your work?
When Tom first joined, his role was straightforward: write code, ship features. Over time, though, it’s shifted significantly. “I’ve spent more of my energy helping the team thrive, sharing knowledge, and making sure the team doesn’t rely too heavily on any one person,” he explains.
The biggest change in his approach, however, was thinking creatively beyond the lines of code in front of him. “I’m more focused on building systems, processes, and practices that help the whole team succeed, rather than just solving problems on my own.”
“It’s been hugely rewarding to see that investment pay off in how the team works together and grows stronger,” Tom says.
If you had one piece of advice for someone looking to become a developer, what would it be?
Tom’s answer is direct: “Write code. Lots of it.”
The best learning, he believes, comes from being actively curious. And while he’s quick to acknowledge the power of modern tools, LLMs and other AI-driven resources, he emphasises that they’re only as good as the input you give them. “If you really understand what’s happening and can guide it to produce better results, you’ll be far more valuable, and it keeps your brain sharp.”
At the same time, he encourages flexibility. “Don’t be afraid to evolve. Tools, languages, and ways of working will change, and embracing that is how you keep growing as a developer.”
Thank you, Tom, for taking the time to share your experience with us, and a warm congratulations on five extraordinary years at OnSecurity!
