1. I have some university math education and it definitely helps. 2. Grit and consistency is needed when working on difficult projects i.e. the ones you learn

1. I have some university math education and it definitely helps. 2. Grit and consistency is needed when working on difficult projects i.e. the ones you learn the most from. 3. Usually difficult project are difficult because there are several constraints (e.g. business, tech, domain). So my first years in the industry helped me a lot. An important factor that allows all of the above is having fun and being passionate about your work.