In this #BehindTheBuilder post, Justinus reflects on what it means to take ownership, lead with intention, and help shape the future of Twilio through trusted insights, and technical excellence.

Behind the Builder: Justinus Kho, Staff, Product Data Analyst

Justinus, what first brought you to Twilio  and what made it the right fit? 💡

I first heard about Twilio when a recruiter reached out about a data analyst role in Singapore and it was the perfect timing because I was looking to move into a more product-focused analytics role, something closer to customers and product development.

The interview process was pretty intense (4–5 rounds!), but what stood out was the people. Everyone I met was collaborative, sharp, and genuinely excited about their work - I’ve got to say they passed my vibe check.

I can genuinely say I enjoy the work I do and the people I get to do it with. Fun fact: I’m still in touch with some of my original interviewers, even though we’re now spread across different teams and regions.

What are you building at Twilio (besides your career)? 🛠️

Analytics isn’t just about crunching numbers; it’s about building a platform for insights that empower people to make smarter decisions. I don’t just create dashboards; I design an analytics platform where teams can dive into the data, uncover patterns, and act - all without waiting on a report.

In Product Analytics, I’ve touched all kinds of projects: product adoption, feature launches, A/B tests, compliance reporting etc. But the heart of it has been creating a centralized insights platform that connects Product, Ops, Sales, and Engineering to one source of truth for customer and product data.

More recently, I’ve stretched into ETL and data strategy, building out data products that make analytics stronger and set up the team for broader upskilling.

TLDR: I build the foundation for better decisions across Twilio!

What makes your team stand out, and when have you seen that strength in action? 🧠

We’re global, we’ve got each other’s backs, and we’ve figured out how to make time zones work for us.

One time, I (based in Singapore) was working on an urgent deliverable with a teammate in the U.S. We treated it like a relay race: I’d work on it during my day, hand it over before bed, and by the time I woke up, more progress had been made. Back and forth until the finish line - that’s trust and teamwork in action.

Aside from work, we celebrate wins (big and small), play online games like Pictionary and Codenames, and even meet up in person. I’ve hosted two teammates from India who visited Singapore & obviously took them out for a local delicacy a.k.a. king of fruit: durian. Mixed reviews so far: one fan, one never again..

What are the trade-offs of remote work — and how have you made it work for you? 🏡

Whenever I tell people I work remotely, the response is usually, “That’s so nice!” And it is, but it’s also a mix - I love skipping the daily commute, but I do miss those organic interactions in the office.

Since most of my stakeholders are in different regions, remote work makes sense. But without a local office, it can sometimes feel harder to connect with Twilions outside my immediate team. That’s why the new coworking initiative  has been such a game-changer. Twilions in Singapore can now book shared spaces for meetings, collaboration, or even just a change of scenery.

What really makes remote work work for me, though, is the trust and flexibility Twilio gives. With late-night calls and early-morning meetings, having managers who support flexible schedules makes all the difference. It keeps me productive, balanced, and motivated.

And outside of work, our Singapore Hub events bring the community together with local activities and get-togethers. Always a joy when your Zoommates materialize in real life!

What experience, resource, or opportunity has helped you grow the most? 🕰️

One of the biggest growth drivers for me has been my 1:1s with my manager, mentors, and peers. These aren’t just status updates, they’re spaces for real-time feedback, project guidance, and deeper conversations about impact. (Pro tip: I always prep notes ahead of time so I can squeeze the most out of every session!)

Another milestone was Twilio Track Jacket Bootcamp: the rite of passage where new Twilions earn their bright red track jacket by building an app with Twilio products. I built an SMS translation app that worked offline with just a mobile network. It gave me firsthand insight into how our customers build meaningful solutions.

And finally, I’ve loved being part of a team that’s not afraid to experiment. Whether it’s testing out new analytics tools or adopting fresh approaches, continuous learning isn’t just encouraged here - it’s expected. That culture of curiosity and innovation has pushed me to keep stretching my skills every day.

Of the many Twilio Magic values, which feels like it was written just for you — and why? 🎩

The Twilio Magic value that really hits home for me is "We are Owners." Ownership isn’t just about checking tasks off a list; it’s about taking full accountability, following through, and being someone my team and stakeholders can count on.

In an async environment, that mindset is essential. There’s no one hovering behind you, looking over your shoulder, so it’s on you to prioritize smartly, break down complex problems, and get things done with speed and accuracy. Whether it’s leading analytics projects, turning massive initiatives into manageable milestones, or just reassuring a stakeholder with a “don’t worry, I’ve got this” - I take pride in doing the work well.

At the end of the day, ownership means more than getting things done - it’s about earning trust and building confidence. And if that means rolling up my sleeves and taking charge, well, that’s just another day at Twilio.

What Twilio perk, tradition, or benefit would you never want to lose? 😍

If I had to pick a fave Twilio perk (other than remote work), it’s a close tie between company breaks, and top tier insurance coverage.

The company-wide breaks are a total game-changer. Everyone’s off at the same time, which means no emails piling up, no Slack guilt, no FOMO from missed meetings - just pure, uninterrupted chill time to actually reset.

Oh, and shoutout to the top-tier insurance.. peace of mind is truly priceless.