IT Career Energizer

In this week's show, Phil talks to Rob Rastovich, the Chief Technical Officer at ThingLogix, a provider of Internet of Things solutions, solution components and advisory services. He has been actively involved in technology for nearly 30 years including what is now known as Amazon's AWS IoT. As CTO of ThingLogix he is the chief architect behind the company's ground-breaking IoT platform that eliminates the need for code. Rob talks about the importance of continual learning and how it can advance our IT career paths. He also discusses why we must never feel boxed in by the career we choose, and why it's okay to follow our passions into other fields. KEY TAKEAWAYS: TOP CAREER TIP We must always be learning. The IT industry is never static, and so we must endeavour to keep abreast of what's new, and master the skills and tools that push us forward. WORST CAREER MOMENT While working on a job, Rob accidentally deleted some invaluable information on a server. It taught him to always make sure that he is aware of the consequences of every command entered. CAREER HIGHLIGHT The Amazon acquisition was a particular highlight. The early development of these systems were a period of experimentation and discovery, and provided much insight and motivation. THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T The disappearing of laptops, computers and browsers, and the advancements that will replace them. The internet will become less of a service that we plug into, and something that becomes more ubiquitous – more device agnostic. THE REVEAL What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – After his first successful attempts at coding, Rob was hooked. What's the best career advice you received? – To go all in on ideas, and never live with any regrets. What's the worst career advice you received? – That Rob would be paid when the company went IPO. What would you do if you started your career now? –To have focused more time looking at the possibilities of cloud computing. What are your current career objectives? – Rob is focusing on stepping back from the cutting edge of innovation, and spending more time in guiding the next generation of thinkers and dreamers. What's your number one non-technical skill? – Ranching has taught Rob the value of balance. How do you keep your own career energized? – Rob is always researching and looking for the next big thing. What do you do away from technology? – Rob spends his time on his ranch, and enjoys outdoor pursuits. FINAL CAREER TIP Rid yourself of the idea that your career path is permanent. Remain fluid, and if you find diversions that thrill you more than the path you're already on, follow your heart and diversify. BEST MOMENTS (6:37) – Rob - "The ability to discern and learn and absorb quickly has been the cornerstone for me" (6:50) – Rob - "That's a skill that you learn – how to learn" (15:09) – Rob – "Being on the cutting edge is fun and exciting, but it's not as profitable as being right behind that" (18:55) – Rob – "Shoot for the stars, and if you miss you'll end up on the moon" ABOUT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organizations to design, develop, and implement software solutions. Phil has always had an interest in helping others to develop and advance their careers. And in 2017 Phil started the I.T. Career Energizer podcast to try to help as many people as possible to learn from the career advice and experiences of those that have been, and still are, on that same career journey. CONTACT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/_PhilBurgess LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philburgess Instagram: https://instagram.com/_philburgess Website: https://itcareerenergizer.com/contact Phil is also reachable by email at [email protected] and via the podcast's website, https://itcareerenergizer.com Join the I.T. Career Energizer Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ITCareerEnergizer ABOUT THE GUEST – ROB RASTOVICH Rob Rastovich is the Chief Technical Officer at ThingLogix, a provider of Internet of Things solutions, solution components and advisory services. He has been actively involved in technology for nearly 30 years including what is now known as Amazon's AWS IoT. As CTO of ThingLogix he is the chief architect behind the company's ground-breaking IoT platform that eliminates the need for code. CONTACT THE GUEST – ROB RASTOVICH Rob Rastovich can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/thinglogix LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-rastovich-1560532/ Website: https://www.thinglogix.com/

In this week's show, Phil talks to Leila Singh, a tech industry career coach who works with high-achieving career professionals who may be feeling stuck, frustrated and undervalued. She has a passion for bringing out the best in others which she does through the mi-brand academy. She is also a TEDx & Keynote Speaker, an Author and host of the mi-brand HQ podcast. Leila talks about why hard work is only part of the reason you'll advance in your IT career. She also discusses why you need to be remembered for the right reasons to the people who matter. KEY TAKEAWAYS: TOP CAREER TIP Hard work alone is not enough to succeed in your career. You also need to make yourself know, and to stand out in order to advance. WORST CAREER MOMENT Upon joining a new organization, Leila quickly began to realise that the culture was not compatible with her own values. It also taught her the value of standing out for the right reasons. CAREER HIGHLIGHT Leila counts her entire career trajectory as her career highlight, which was diverse and colourful at the outset. Hard work and dedication has seen her identify the path she always desired, and she has made fruitful leaps and bounds ever since. THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T The industry is exciting dynamic, and filled with opportunities for all kinds of people with all kinds of skill sets. The playing field is level and open, and all are welcome. THE REVEAL What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – What's the best career advice you received? – To make yourself known What's the worst career advice you received? – That one cannot move on without experience. What would you do if you started your career now? – Leila would travel a very similar journey to the one she has behind her already. What are your current career objectives? – Growing the coaching practice and increasing reputation in the industry. What's your number one non-technical skill? – Communication and relationship building. How do you keep your own career energized? – Something that challenges and which aids in self-development. What do you do away from technology? – Leila's guilty pleasure is Tony Hadley and 80s music, as well as self-development and time with friends and family. FINAL CAREER TIP If you're looking to further your career, you must be remembered for the right reasons to the people who matter, and who can make that ascension happen for you. BEST MOMENTS (3:15) – Leila - "Tech is a very dynamic and exciting industry to be in, and it's vastly growing" (4:42) – Leila - "it's about selling yourself, , and understanding how you can do that will enable you to propel yourself through your career" (6:15) – Leila – "You need to make yourself known, and stand out to make an impact" (24:41) – Leila – "There's always transferrable skills and experience that you gain from everything that you do" ABOUT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organizations to design, develop, and implement software solutions. Phil has always had an interest in helping others to develop and advance their careers. And in 2017 Phil started the I.T. Career Energizer podcast to try to help as many people as possible to learn from the career advice and experiences of those that have been, and still are, on that same career journey. CONTACT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/_PhilBurgess LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philburgess Instagram: https://instagram.com/_philburgess Website: https://itcareerenergizer.com/contact Phil is also reachable by email at [email protected] and via the podcast's website, https://itcareerenergizer.com Join the I.T. Career Energizer Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ITCareerEnergizer ABOUT THE GUEST – LEILA SINGH Leila Singh is a tech industry career coach who works with high-achieving career professionals who may be feeling stuck, frustrated and undervalued. She has a passion for bringing out the best in others which she does through the mi-brand academy. She is also a TEDx & Keynote Speaker, an Author and host of the mi-brand HQ podcast. CONTACT THE GUEST – LEILA SINGH Leila Singh can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/leila_singh001 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-singh Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PersonalBrandingwithLeila Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leila_singh001/ Website: http://www.mi-brand.com/ Resource: www.leilasingh.com/go/playbook

In this week's show, Phil talks to Fernando Doglio, who describes himself as a fulltime geek. He's an experienced Software Development Manager and architect with a background in Web Development and Big Data architectures. He also writes technical articles and is a published author, his latest book being 'Codes Well with Others' which is being published by Manning. Fernando talks about why we must continue to learn throughout our careers. He also discusses why it's okay to ask questions in order to make sure we do the job well. KEY TAKEAWAYS: TOP CAREER TIP You must always learn how to learn. Development is the key to a long and successful career in IT, which is always changing and always growing. WORST CAREER MOMENT Early in his career, Fernando deleted the homepage belonging to a client due to a minor error. Luckily a fellow worker had kept a backup, but it taught Fernando the value of taking care to back up at every moment. CAREER HIGHLIGHT The current position being held is one that brings great satisfaction and potential. It is the culmination of everything that Fernando has been searching for during his career so far. THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T It is ever-changing and has the potential to supply endless possibilities. The industry is exploding with talent, and people can work to make it better from anywhere in the world. THE REVEAL What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – Early computers in childhood showed the influence that computing could have on the world. What's the best career advice you received? – Leave your problems at the door What's the worst career advice you received? – That experience is essential to begin your career. What would you do if you started your career now? – Fernando would work towards building a presentable portfolio on Github. What are your current career objectives? – Management and developing his project management skills. What's your number one non-technical skill? – Writing and expressing ideas through words. How do you keep your own career energized? – Writing every day including articles, which keeps the learnings fresh. What do you do away from technology? – Family time is incredibly important FINAL CAREER TIP It's okay to use Google and online resources, to ask silly questions, in order to learn something new or even to remind yourself of something you've forgotten. BEST MOMENTS (4:37) – Fernando - "Learning is the core to any profession or province that you can think of" (9:48) – Fernando - "You have to take it easy. Everything has a solution" (13:29) – Fernando – "Everything is at your reach. You can learn everything there is to know and you can work and learn from your house" (17:04) – Fernando – "Be proficient. Deliver whatever you have to deliver. Leave your problems at the door" ABOUT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organizations to design, develop, and implement software solutions. Phil has always had an interest in helping others to develop and advance their careers. And in 2017 Phil started the I.T. Career Energizer podcast to try to help as many people as possible to learn from the career advice and experiences of those that have been, and still are, on that same career journey. CONTACT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/_PhilBurgess LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philburgess Instagram: https://instagram.com/_philburgess Website: https://itcareerenergizer.com/contact Phil is also reachable by email at [email protected] and via the podcast's website, https://itcareerenergizer.com Join the I.T. Career Energizer Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ITCareerEnergizer ABOUT THE GUEST – FERNANDO DOGLIO Fernando Doglio describes himself as a fulltime geek. He's an experienced Software Development Manager and architect with a background in Web Development and Big Data architectures. He also writes technical articles and is a published author, his latest book being 'Codes Well with Others' which is being published by Manning. CONTACT THE GUEST – FERNANDO DOGLIO Fernando Doglio can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/deleteman123 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernandodoglio/ Website: https://www.fdoglio.com/

In this week's show, Phil talks to Alan Pope, an Engineering Manager and Developer Advocate for InfluxData, the creator of InfluxDB which is an open-source time series database. He is also a podcaster and he describes himself as a through and through geek. Alan talks about why it's okay to move on when the time is right in your career journey. He also discusses why it's important to take people's advice with a pinch of salt. KEY TAKEAWAYS: TOP CAREER TIP It's okay to move on in your career when the time is right. Never feel as though you are chained to a position for your entire career. Being comfortable is often not a place where we challenge and grow. WORST CAREER MOMENT When transitioning to a new company, Alan was confronted by HR who advised him that if he left, it would damage his career journey. It was a time of anxiety, but their threats came to nothing. CAREER HIGHLIGHT Alan trained many aspiring IT professionals, so when it came to looking for a position of his own, his reputation was already secured. Putting yourself out there is incredibly valuable to your career path. THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T The IT world is enormous and offers countless possibilities. It is incredibly easy to pivot and move between pursuits and sectors and offers an endlessly interesting path for any aspiring IT professional. THE REVEAL What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – Alan was a nerd, and after receiving a ZX81, Alan developed a love for coding. What's the best career advice you received? – You always have a choice What's the worst career advice you received? – What would you do if you started your career now? – Alan would like to have attended university so as to establish a better foundation for his career. What are your current career objectives? – Learning new things. Alan is intent on staying far from his comfort zone and constantly challenging himself. What's your number one non-technical skill? – Having empathy for other people's points of view and perspectives. How do you keep your own career energized? – Alan keeps moving once the challenge has faded. It's vital to find the things that bring you joy. What do you do away from technology? – Cooking, which allows him the time to reconnect with the things that matter. FINAL CAREER TIP Take other people's advice with a pinch of salt. Everyone has their own story and path through life, and the lessons they've learned may not always apply to your own path. BEST MOMENTS (3:26) – Alan - "People need to not be afraid to leave a role" (7:41) – Alan - "It's about looking after yourself and your own career" (8:57) – Alan – "Getting yourself out there and becoming known in your target industry is a very valuable thing to do" (13:15) – Alan – "Nobody cares what you look like. It's the output. It's the product you create, and it's the work that you do that's the important thing" ABOUT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organizations to design, develop, and implement software solutions. Phil has always had an interest in helping others to develop and advance their careers. And in 2017 Phil started the I.T. Career Energizer podcast to try to help as many people as possible to learn from the career advice and experiences of those that have been, and still are, on that same career journey. CONTACT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/_PhilBurgess LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philburgess Instagram: https://instagram.com/_philburgess Website: https://itcareerenergizer.com/contact Phil is also reachable by email at [email protected] and via the podcast's website, https://itcareerenergizer.com Join the I.T. Career Energizer Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ITCareerEnergizer ABOUT THE GUEST – ALAN POPE Alan Pope is an Engineering Manager and Developer Advocate for InfluxData, the creator InfluxDB which is an open source time series database. He is also a podcaster and he describes himself as a through and through geek. CONTACT THE GUEST – ALAN POPE Alan Pope can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/popey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-pope-b3a109143/ Website: https://popey.com

In this week's show, Phil talks to Neil Day, who has more than 30 years of experience in the industry having started his career as a coder with Apple. He went on to manage online systems for Walmart and Sears before creating the successful start-up MediaMaster. He is now the Chief Technical Officer for R-Zero. Neil talks about why the search for new initiatives may not always like in your immediate vicinity. He also discusses the value that can be found in building a great team. KEY TAKEAWAYS: TOP CAREER TIP Don't always look for problems to solve within the world of IT only. Broaden your search and the solutions you will find may surprise you. WORST CAREER MOMENT While working for Walmart, Neil's team had been rushed to finish a web solution, but when the product was released, it was found to be lacking in many areas. Subsequently, Neil and the team were hurried back into action to enact a fix, which proved very challenging. CAREER HIGHLIGHT Neil is extraordinarily proud of the achievements he attained with several large companies, including Walmart's ecommerce site, a reimagined storage solution, and many more. THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T Although technology is all-pervasive in today's society, there are still so many things yet to be explored. There are always countless possibilities. THE REVEAL What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – Neil began by working on Radio Shack kits with his father before moving on to programming. What's the best career advice you received? – Be solutions focused and results oriented. What's the worst career advice you received? – What would you do if you started your career now? – Neil thinks that joining a large team and understanding the importance of working to scale is vital at a career's outset. What are your current career objectives? – Building great solutions to interesting problems with people whose company he enjoys. What's your number one non-technical skill? – Research and the organization of information. How do you keep your own career energized? – Trying different things and working with interesting new people. What do you do away from technology? – Neil enjoys skiing, windsurfing, playing guitar and mandolin, and applying himself to new pursuits regularly. FINAL CAREER TIP Find great people to work with and help them to develop their own skills. There is no greater feeling that successfully developing a great team. BEST MOMENTS (7:50) – Neil- "It's been a very important theme for me – having a very broad view and trying to match things that work in other areas" (13:06) – Neil- "In many domains there are good patterns and processes for managing problems" (15:50) – Neil– "I've really tried to find jobs where we could make a big difference to the company by developing a new capability" (16:26) – Neil – "The most important thing is finding something that has real impact" ABOUT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organizations to design, develop, and implement software solutions. Phil has always had an interest in helping others to develop and advance their careers. And in 2017 Phil started the I.T. Career Energizer podcast to try to help as many people as possible to learn from the career advice and experiences of those that have been, and still are, on that same career journey. CONTACT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/_PhilBurgess LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philburgess Instagram: https://instagram.com/_philburgess Website: https://itcareerenergizer.com/contact Phil is also reachable by email at [email protected] and via the podcast's website, https://itcareerenergizer.com Join the I.T. Career Energizer Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ITCareerEnergizer ABOUT THE GUEST – NEIL DAY Neil Day has more than 30 years of experience in the industry having started his career as a coder with Apple. He went on to manage online systems for Walmart and Sears before creating the successful start-up MediaMaster. He is now the Chief Technical Officer for R-Zero. CONTACT THE GUEST – NEIL DAY Neil Day can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-day-121444/ Website: https://rzero.com/

In this week's show, Phil talks to Jessica Chan, a self-taught web developer who provides practical tips and tutorials for beginners in web development which she shares through blog posts and her YouTube channel, 'Coder Coder'. Jessica talks about why communication skills are so important in an IT career. She also discusses the importance of patience when it comes to setting life goals. KEY TAKEAWAYS: TOP CAREER TIP Communication skills are equally as important as the technical skills we need, in order to have a successful IT career. WORST CAREER MOMENT While working on a website redesign, Jessica mistakenly deleted a huge amount of work and was unable to retrieve it. While it was touch and go for a while, Jessica learned to keep backups! CAREER HIGHLIGHT Being able to quit her full time job as a developer and focus on content creation, teaching others how to engage with coding and fulfilling her ambitions to become more independent. THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T The growth of developer advocate roles, in which developers are asked to create content, is fascinating and is pushing the industry forward. THE REVEAL What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – Jessica taught herself coding and programming and developed a love for computers from an early age. What's the best career advice you received? – Always keep your audience in mind. What's the worst career advice you received? – To become a teacher, which was not a fit for Jessica's personality or skill-set. What would you do if you started your career now? – Jessica wishes she had seen the potential in an actual career in IT a lot sooner. What are your current career objectives? – To make Coder-Coder financially sustainable. What's your number one non-technical skill? – Anticipating the needs of others. How do you keep your own career energized? – Jessica tries not to let things stagnate too much She is always learning and trying new things. What do you do away from technology? – Camping and spending time in nature. FINAL CAREER TIP Life goals are a marathon and not a sprint. Don't get too discouraged if you don't get instant results. BEST MOMENTS (4:40) – Jessica - "Communication will make you someone that people want to work with, as opposed to someone that people try to avoid working with" (7:30) – Jessica - "It's okay to make mistakes. It's not okay to sit on that mistake" (9:15) – Jessica – "Being able to be a part of someone's story is so transformative" (21:55) – Jessica – "Life goals are a marathon, not a sprint" ABOUT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organizations to design, develop, and implement software solutions. Phil has always had an interest in helping others to develop and advance their careers. And in 2017 Phil started the I.T. Career Energizer podcast to try to help as many people as possible to learn from the career advice and experiences of those that have been, and still are, on that same career journey. CONTACT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/_PhilBurgess LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philburgess Instagram: https://instagram.com/_philburgess Website: https://itcareerenergizer.com/contact Phil is also reachable by email at [email protected] and via the podcast's website, https://itcareerenergizer.com Join the I.T. Career Energizer Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ITCareerEnergizer ABOUT THE GUEST – JESSICA CHAN Jessica Chan is a self-taught web developer who provides practical tips and tutorials for beginners in web development which she shares through blog posts and her YouTube channel, 'Coder Coder'. CONTACT THE GUEST – JESSICA CHAN Jessica Chan can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecodercoder/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecodercoder/ Website: https://coder-coder.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheCoderCoder

In this week's show, Phil talks to Anna McDougall, a former opera singer and now a full-stack developer with a passion for JavaScript. She is also a tech blogger, a YouTube creator and a public speaker. Anna discusses impostor syndrome and why it's always wise to receive feedback with the right mind-set in place. She also talks about the importance of altering your perspective when looking for a job in the IT sector. KEY TAKEAWAYS: TOP CAREER TIP When you are faced with insecurity and constructive feedback, remember that you are never there to prove yourself to someone. Remember to keep a learning mind-set active whenever feedback of any kind is offered. WORST CAREER MOMENT Anna gave up when she was young, which is a constant source of regret. With the passage of time, she has come to realise how skilled she was, but was held back by societal expectations. CAREER HIGHLIGHT Anna made a career change and took on a new role, pivoting completely in terms of a career path, working hard to build her technical skills, and also applied much effort into understanding the back-end of tech while building an online presence and community. THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T Anna is most excited about the potential of tech – how it can achieve lasting change, benefit humanity, and reinvent itself constantly. THE REVEAL What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – The potential of technology and how it can change the world. What's the best career advice you received? – Don't be afraid to say no! What's the worst career advice you received? – To not ask for a very big salary upon moving to Leipzig. What would you do if you started your career now? – Anna would focus on back-end technologies and Java. What are your current career objectives? – Anna's main objective is to raise her technical skills as much as possible. What's your number one non-technical skill? – Public speaking. How do you keep your own career energized? – Anna always looks for challenges to keep her knowledge fresh and her instincts keen. What do you do away from technology? – Gym work and training. FINAL CAREER TIP When looking for a job or career path, we must think less about our own needs and wants and more about the wants and needs of our potential employers or recruiters. BEST MOMENTS (6:43) – Anna - "It's not about an improving-yourself mind-set. It's about a learning mind-set" (7:21) – Anna - "Finding those gaps in your knowledge is a good thing" (17:31) – Anna – "If something isn't right for you, or if you don't have time, it's better to say no" (20:42) – Anna – "Think less from your perspective, and think more from a recruiter's perspective" ABOUT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organizations to design, develop, and implement software solutions. Phil has always had an interest in helping others to develop and advance their careers. And in 2017 Phil started the I.T. Career Energizer podcast to try to help as many people as possible to learn from the career advice and experiences of those that have been, and still are, on that same career journey. CONTACT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/_PhilBurgess LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philburgess Instagram: https://instagram.com/_philburgess Website: https://itcareerenergizer.com/contact Phil is also reachable by email at [email protected] and via the podcast's website, https://itcareerenergizer.com Join the I.T. Career Energizer Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ITCareerEnergizer ABOUT THE GUEST – ANNA MCDOUGALL Anna McDougal is a former opera singer and now a full-stack developer with a passion for Javascript. She is also a tech blogger, a YouTube creator and a public speaker. CONTACT THE GUEST – ANNA MCDOUGALL Anna McDougall can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AnnaJMcDougall LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annajmcdougall/ Website: https://www.annamcdougall.com/

In this week's show, Phil talks to Mike Karan, the co-host of the podcast HTML All The Things and the co-founder of Digital Dynasty Design. Mike talks about why it's important to begin networking as early as possible in your IT career. He also discusses why it's crucial to step outside of our comfort zones in order to truly develop. KEY TAKEAWAYS: TOP CAREER TIP Never be afraid to start networking as soon as possible in your IT career. Put yourself out there and start making connections – even early in your IT journey. Look for your audience and develop it from the get go. WORST CAREER MOMENT Mike was asked to choose the technology for a new application. Mike did so, but when it reached the client, it was found that the application didn't work with the client's devices. Mike learned that it's vital to vet everything. CAREER HIGHLIGHT Mike's current position allows for a much greater sense of mentorship between himself and those around him, allowing him to create a far more intense sense of collaboration on projects. THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T New technologies are where the excitement lays. New ways of creating and developing are being released almost constantly, pushing the sector forward in dazzling ways. THE REVEAL What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – Computers – Mike was instantly in love with them. What's the best career advice you received? – Keep it simple! Don't overcomplicate if you don't have to. What's the worst career advice you received? – That you have to switch jobs every few months in order to be successful. It isn't true at all! What would you do if you started your career now? – Mike would still be in web development. What are your current career objectives? – The focus is currently on building a network and audience, as well as looking for a larger team to lead and mentor. What's your number one non-technical skill? – Communication and public speaking have been invaluable. How do you keep your own career energized? – Mike's podcast keeps him abreast of the sector and its developments and allows him to meet new people. What do you do away from technology? – Hiking and online gaming FINAL CAREER TIP If we find ourselves in too comfortable a place, then it's always worth stepping out of that comfort zone. Pushing ourselves to do unfamiliar things helps us to grow. BEST MOMENTS (3:05) – Mike - "Get yourself out there and network as early as possible" (9:39) – Mike - "Mentorship and guiding has been my career highlight" (10:57) – Mike – "It's not just about coding. It's about the whole enterprise structure" (17:25) – Mike – "Don't settle into a spot where you're comfortable" ABOUT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organizations to design, develop, and implement software solutions. Phil has always had an interest in helping others to develop and advance their careers. And in 2017 Phil started the I.T. Career Energizer podcast to try to help as many people as possible to learn from the career advice and experiences of those that have been, and still are, on that same career journey. CONTACT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/_PhilBurgess LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philburgess Instagram: https://instagram.com/_philburgess Website: https://itcareerenergizer.com/contact Phil is also reachable by email at [email protected] and via the podcast's website, https://itcareerenergizer.com Join the I.T. Career Energizer Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ITCareerEnergizer ABOUT THE GUEST – MIKE KARAN Mike Karan is the co-host of the podcast HTML All The Things and the co-founder of Digital Dynasty Design. CONTACT THE GUEST – MIKE KARAN Mike Karan can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/htmleverything LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikhail-karan-4361925b/ Website: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/

In this week's show, Phil talks to Tom Taulli, an author, a speaker and an advisor to startups. He has co-founded a variety of companies including Hypermart.net, WebIPO and BizEquity. And his books include 'Artificial Intelligence Basics: A Non-Technical Introduction' and 'The Robotic Process Automation Handbook: A Guide To Implementing RPA Systems'. Tom talks about the importance of following your passions when it comes to your IT career. He also discusses how if you create a career based around the things you love, you'll never be short on inspiration. KEY TAKEAWAYS: TOP CAREER TIP Never be so set upon lofty goals that you miss the opportunities all around you. Follow your passions and do what you instincts tell you to do. WORST CAREER MOMENT Tom has experienced periods where he reached crossroads in his career and did not follow his passions. With age has come experience and maturity, which has led to a better understanding of what is around him. CAREER HIGHLIGHT Tom recognized a need and provided a revolutionary piece of software to fill that need. Building this system allowed him to spread his wings. THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T Robotic process animation, artificial intelligence and quantum computing are fascinating concepts that keep Tom's mind alive with possibilities. THE REVEAL What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – Tom was attracted to computers in school as he thought they were cool! What's the best career advice you received? – Bill Gates advised Tom to get a solid foundational education in mathematics before moving to programming. What's the worst career advice you received? – There is only really advice unsuitable for its receiver. What would you do if you started your career now? – Tom would go to Silicon Valley and meet as many people as possible. What are your current career objectives? – Tom is working on a book about mainframe, as well as courses on the same. What's your number one non-technical skill? – A business background in college has been very useful. How do you keep your own career energized? – What do you do away from technology? – Tom takes breaks, including walking and travelling FINAL CAREER TIP Focus on what lights your fire – the thing that gets your out of bed in the morning and inspires you to do better every day. BEST MOMENTS (5:08) – Tom - "It's not about setting lofty goals, but doing what you really what you're passionate about" (5:52) – Tom - "Ideas are a dime-a-dozen. It's the execution on the idea…" (13:00) – Tom – "Just because everyone says that's what you have to do, doesn't mean that that's the key" (19:15) – Tom – "We always think that we need to go through certain hurdles or paths to get where you want. Sometimes there are faster, more unconventional ways of getting there" ABOUT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organizations to design, develop, and implement software solutions. Phil has always had an interest in helping others to develop and advance their careers. And in 2017 Phil started the I.T. Career Energizer podcast to try to help as many people as possible to learn from the career advice and experiences of those that have been, and still are, on that same career journey. CONTACT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/_PhilBurgess LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philburgess Instagram: https://instagram.com/_philburgess Website: https://itcareerenergizer.com/contact Phil is also reachable by email at [email protected] and via the podcast's website, https://itcareerenergizer.com Join the I.T. Career Energizer Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ITCareerEnergizer ABOUT THE GUEST – TOM TAULLI Tom Taulli is an author, a speaker and an advisor to startups. He has co-founded a variety of companies including Hypermart.net, WebIPO and BizEquity. And his books include 'Artificial Intelligence Basics: A Non-Technical Introduction' and 'The Robotic Process Automation Handbook: A Guide To Implementing RPA Systems'. CONTACT THE GUEST – TOM TAULLI Tom Taulli can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/ttaulli LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomtaulli/ Website: http://www.tomtaulli.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUklLcIcf3hsxuALfmD_AYQ

In this week's show, Phil talks to Shruti Balasa, a full stack developer. She has developed and delivered more than 200 websites over the last 9 years, ranging from static to fully-fledged networking and eCommerce sites. She is now focused on creating tutorials and courses to simplify web development for beginners. Shruti talks about why we should always try to remain open to new possibilities in our IT careers. She also discusses the importance of effective networking in order to let the world know what we're capable of. KEY TAKEAWAYS: TOP CAREER TIP We should be open to any opportunities, especially earlier in our IT careers. Even the pathways that may seem alien to us can often allow us to gain new skills that take us in new directions. WORST CAREER MOMENT Shruti developed a piece of software that was subverted by a single user, who hacked the system due to a hidden backdoor. This made Shruti feel the weight of an error, but also spurred her on to be more attentive subsequently. CAREER HIGHLIGHT At the beginning of her career, Shruti was interviewed and assessed by Microsoft without any expectations. As she was about to leave, she was advised that she had done far better than she had expected. THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T Shruti is constantly excited by the eternal state of learning in the IT sector. The excitement comes in the fact that we must always be developing in order to stay afloat. THE REVEAL What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – The fact that IT itself is built around problem solving – Shruti's main strength. What's the best career advice you received? – To start a YouTube channel What's the worst career advice you received? – Shruti was advised against joining a startup by a manager, despite her instincts telling her that it was the right decision. What would you do if you started your career now? – Shruti was join Twitter and begin networking much sooner. What are your current career objectives? – Shruti wants to simply web development and coding concepts that people usually find complex. What's your number one non-technical skill? – Public speaking, which has allowed her to overcome her introversion. How do you keep your own career energized? – Shruti loves adventures, and so takes every opportunity to embark upon new ones. What do you do away from technology? – Shruti's young child is taking up most of her time, but it is a rewarding life. Family is very important. FINAL CAREER TIP It's very important to improve your communication and networking skills. You have to let people know what you can do and what you are capable of. BEST MOMENTS (4:20) – Shruti - "I want to you to be open to any opportunities, at least in the beginnings of your career" (5:11) – Shruti - "Try your hands at everything, because you never know what you're really good at until you try" (11:37) – Shruti – "Look for the small wins every single day" (19:43) – Shruti – "I want to love everything I do, so I take up anything that excites me. That's how I keep my career energized!" ABOUT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organizations to design, develop, and implement software solutions. Phil has always had an interest in helping others to develop and advance their careers. And in 2017 Phil started the I.T. Career Energizer podcast to try to help as many people as possible to learn from the career advice and experiences of those that have been, and still are, on that same career journey. CONTACT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/_philburgess LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philburgess Instagram: https://instagram.com/_philburgess Website: https://itcareerenergizer.com/contact Phil is also reachable by email at [email protected] and via the podcast's website, https://itcareerenergizer.com Join the I.T. Career Energizer Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ITCareerEnergizer ABOUT THE GUEST – SHRUTI BALASA Shruti Balasa is a full stack developer. She has developed and delivered more than 200 websites over the last 9 years, ranging from static to fully-fledged networking and eCommerce sites. She is now focused on creating tutorials and courses to simplify web development for beginners. CONTACT THE GUEST – SHRUTI BALASA Shruti Balasa can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/shrutibalasa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shrutibalasa/ Website: https://www.shrutibalasa.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Thirus

In this week's show, Phil talks to Don Jones, who has worked in the IT industry since the 1990s, and in that time has been everything from a software developer to a network engineer. He's written dozens of IT books, and now focuses on helping technologists become the owners of their careers. Don discusses why you should never underestimate your value. He also talks about why we must be thoughtful about our careers, and guide them selfishly in order to create our own unique path in the world. KEY TAKEAWAYS: TOP CAREER TIP Never underestimate yourself, and do not under-sell yourself. Don't let what you see influence your entire opinion about something. WORST CAREER MOMENT Don projected his negative perspective onto an employer with which he was having difficulty. He left but found a worse experience. But it taught him not to run away from things, rather run towards better opportunities. CAREER HIGHLIGHT Don has now found his ideal career position – a company that encourages growth and development at every turn. THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T Don is eternally excited by the sheer explosion of growth directions – the unlimited potential of fields within IT and how they can change the world at such pace. THE REVEAL What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – Don has always been in love with science fiction, the future, and computers What's the best career advice you received? – You don't have to respond to every email! What's the worst career advice you received? – That we must be very good at mathematics in order to work with computers. What would you do if you started your career now? – Don would focus heavily on software development at the beginning. What are your current career objectives? – Don is spending time looking down the ladder and seeing who might need a hand upwards. What's your number one non-technical skill? – Writing and written communication How do you keep your own career energized? – Don looks for opportunities, and problems that need to be solved. Don actively seeks solutions and to empower others to do the same. What do you do away from technology? – Don writes fiction novels. FINAL CAREER TIP Be thoughtful. Your career is the one thing that will be with you for your entire life. Consider each direction carefully and make sure it serves you selfishly. BEST MOMENTS (5:12) – Don - "If you know the life you want, you can start to plan a career that can take you in that direction" (3:53) – Don - "Own that career, make it your own, and make it give you what you want" (8:01) – Don – "Be careful about making decisions based on incomplete thinking or an incomplete perspective. Keep an open mind" (10:03) – Don – "Don't run away from something. Run towards something" ABOUT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organizations to design, develop, and implement software solutions. Phil has always had an interest in helping others to develop and advance their careers. And in 2017 Phil started the I.T. Career Energizer podcast to try to help as many people as possible to learn from the career advice and experiences of those that have been, and still are, on that same career journey. CONTACT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/_philburgess LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philburgess Facebook: https://facebook.com/philtechcareer Instagram: https://instagram.com/_philburgess Website: https://itcareerenergizer.com/contact Phil is also reachable by email at [email protected] and via the podcast's website, https://itcareerenergizer.com Join the I.T. Career Energizer Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ITCareerEnergizer ABOUT THE GUEST – DON JONES Don Jones has worked in the IT industry since the 1990s, and in that time has been everything from a software developer to a network engineer. He's written dozens of IT books, and now focuses on helping technologists become the owners of their careers. CONTACT THE GUEST – DON JONES Don Jones can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/concentrateddon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/concentrateddon/ Website: https://ampere.club Website: https://donjones.com

In this week's show, Phil talks to Jana Axline, the CEO and Chief Project Officer of Project Genetics where she drives ideas from initiation to implementation, achieving successful outcomes for clients. She has strong skills and a passion for project management, coupled with years of leadership experience across a variety of industries. She is also an international speaker as well as an active PMP, ACP, CSM and Scaled Agilist. Jana talks about the importance of volunteering in order to energise your IT career. She also discusses the importance of recognizing our unique gifts, and recognizing who we are, so that we can better identify our prospective career paths. KEY TAKEAWAYS: TOP CAREER TIP Volunteering for tasks that fall within your skill-set, can often increase your chances of standing out, building relationships, and securing the trust of those who can help to accelerate your career goals. WORST CAREER MOMENT After a cultural faux pas due to her non-exposure to diversity, Jana experienced a pivotal moment in her life, where she learned that not everyone is the same, and a little effort is required in order to be as inclusive as possible. CAREER HIGHLIGHT Jana was promoted three times during her tenure in project management, which seemed to gel perfectly with Jana's skills, and ignited her desire to do better. THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T Technology is fast-paced, and wonderful, because the skills we acquire across pursuits can be adapted and transferred into new fields. THE REVEAL What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – Jana had a passion for project management, and found her path opening up to her naturally. What's the best career advice you received? – Get yourself a mentor! What's the worst career advice you received? – Jana was told that her career path was too varied, but they were all stepping stones to where she is now, and all helped to shape her. What would you do if you started your career now? – Jana would go through an internship, and more formal education – where relationships and networks can be built for life. What are your current career objectives? – Scaling Project Genetics in order to grow. What's your number one non-technical skill? – Problem solving abilities, which can expedite solutions and help others to understand. How do you keep your own career energized? – Constant learning and development What do you do away from technology? – Sailing and outdoor activities. FINAL CAREER TIP Always understand exactly who you are, what you're good at, and what the opportunities ahead are like for you. Only then can you gain a clear perspective on what your future looks like. BEST MOMENTS (7:56) – Jana - "Volunteering within your discipline can help you gain experience you may not gain in the workplace, as well as build relationships with people" (13:56) – Jana - "Learn about the company and the marketplace and how those things connect, so that you can be a catalyst to drive the market forward" (25:37) – Jana – "If you get involved in societies, then you build a network that can create value for the rest of your life" (28:43) – Jana – "It's important to understand who you truly are" CONTACT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/_philburgess LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philburgess Instagram: https://instagram.com/_philburgess Website: https://itcareerenergizer.com/contact Phil is also reachable by email at [email protected] and via the podcast's website, https://itcareerenergizer.com Join the I.T. Career Energizer Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ITCareerEnergizer ABOUT THE GUEST – JANA AXLINE Jana Axline is the CEO and Chief Project Officer of Project Genetics where she drives ideas from initiation to implementation, achieving successful outcomes for clients. She has strong skills and a passion for project management, coupled with years of leadership experience across a variety of industries. She is also an international speaker as well as an active PMP, ACP, CSM and Scaled Agilist. CONTACT THE GUEST – JANA AXLINE Jana Axline can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/AxlineSolutions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janaaxline/ Website: https://projectgenetics.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz0Z2FUJsciMBXJBIy-mxsA

In this week's show, Phil talks to Patrick Lynott, the Head of UK Admissions & Placement at Boolean, a tech education company that teaches their students to be software engineers and then helps them to land their first job in tech. Patrick talks about why people should consider a career as a software engineer and how Boolean can help. He also discusses the positive ways in which investment is changing the shape of the tech sector in the UK, the best ways for aspiring engineers to begin their careers, and the best resources that can energise your own tech career plans. KEY TAKEAWAYS: WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER BECOMING A SOFTWARE ENGINEER? Software engineering and coding provides a problem-solving approach and set of challenges that many with an analytical mind find appealing. The career prospects are incredible, and potential for diversity and growth is limitless. WHAT DO I NEED TO LEARN? Begin by building a mental map of the industry itself, We can best achieve this by hearing from people in the industry through YouTube, blogs, vlogs and other social media. Forming this map of the sector in your own mind will give you a far better idea of what kind of role you'd like to play in it. WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO GET STARTED? Networking in places such as LinkedIn and Eventbrite are a great way to begin getting to know people and the kinds of skills that have helped them. Resources such as Codebar can help those at the start of their tech journey, and pairs you with people already in the industry, and allow you to solve problems together. WHAT'S THE STATE OF THE TECH INDUSTRY IN THE UK (AND THE WORLD) RIGHT NOW? The tech industry is a boom town right now, and has proved resilient and robust, even through the pandemic. The UK right now is the third hottest area for investment in tech, behind only the US and China. Most investment is staying in the south of the country, and specifically London. This has led to a hiring frenzy in the sector. HOW DOES A NEWBIE OR JUNIOR DEV GET HIRED? The first step is to combat any feelings of impostor syndrome and build confidence in the skills you've accumulated. Gathering effective feedback will help you to identify any potential parts that may need development in your skill set. The next step is correctly identify the terms being used when it comes to tech roles, and better select the career path you want. WHAT IS BOOLEAN AND HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM OTHER TRAINING PROVIDERS? Boolean is an online international tech academy that began in Italy three years ago, and which has partnered with 800+ companies on its hiring platform. It follows a "Six months course with six months career coaching" program of learning. Boolean prides itself on its one-to-one support, and the fact that it directs students in how to solve problems on their own. HOW MANY STUDENTS HAVE BEEN THROUGH YOUR COURSE, AND GONE ON TO SECURE JOBS? 1,300 students have been trained by Boolean. Last year alone Boolean had a 95% placement rate for students. BEST MOMENTS (1:50) – Patrick - "The aim is to turn coding newbies into software developers" (9:17) – Patrick - "A question you should ask yourself is 'As a developer at this company, what would my role be in helping a company to achieve its goals?'" (14:55) – Patrick – "Tech is genuinely a way in which we could level up" (18:38) – Patrick – "The tech community is so powerful, so strong. Not just for finding a job, but also for personal growth" ABOUT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organizations to design, develop, and implement software solutions. Phil has always had an interest in helping others to develop and advance their careers. And in 2017 Phil started the I.T. Career Energizer podcast to try to help as many people as possible to learn from the career advice and experiences of those that have been, and still are, on that same career journey. CONTACT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/_PhilBurgess LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philburgess Facebook: https://facebook.com/philtechcareer Instagram: https://instagram.com/_philburgess Website: https://itcareerenergizer.com/contact Phil is also reachable by email at [email protected] and via the podcast's website, https://itcareerenergizer.com Join the I.T. Career Energizer Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ITCareerEnergizer ABOUT THE GUEST – PATRICK LYNOTT Patrick Lynott is the Head of UK Admissions & Placement at Boolean, a tech education company that teaches their students to be software engineers and then helps them to land their first job in tech. CONTACT THE GUEST – PATRICK LYNOTT Patrick Lynott can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklynott/ Website: https://boolean.co.uk/

In this week's show, Phil talks to Slater Victoroff, who has been building AI, machine learning and deep learning solutions for the enterprise for the better part of the past decade having worked with everyone from the federal government to two-person startups to the Fortune 100. He has also educated hundreds of business users in the successful implementation of deep learning through a simple framework that helps executives rapidly accelerate the adoption of the technology in their businesses. Slater talks about the importance of effective communication, and how your skills as a storyteller can inspire and motivate others. He also discusses the importance of reflecting upon the "why" that drives us onwards. KEY TAKEAWAYS: TOP CAREER TIP Regardless of the field that you are in, so much of your ability to drive change will depend on the way you communicate and are able to create narratives that will inspire and lead others to go the distance. WORST CAREER MOMENT Slater was a CEO, and while he did not underperform in the role, he found that his skill-set was not what the company deserved. Sometimes we need to recognize when we are not the right person for the job. CAREER HIGHLIGHT Slater marks out the "feeling of togetherness" he experienced when bringing together a team, and the sense of high spirits and camaraderie that he helped to construct along with the team. THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T The idea of building shared spaces where non-technical subject matter experts can contribute to the technical solutions being developed – a broad church of skill-sets and backgrounds that combine to enrich the IT sector. THE REVEAL What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – When Slater realized that empires can be built through technological means. What's the best career advice you received? – Slater has always found that the best way to advance his career is to not follow too much advice. What's the worst career advice you received? – That control makes you successful. What would you do if you started your career now? – Slater would still tread the path he's walked, as he believes his company has always been his calling. What are your current career objectives? – Growing Indico and helping their customers to be able to tell their own stories. What's your number one non-technical skill? – Acting and performance have helped Slater to deliver presentations more effectively. How do you keep your own career energized? – Talking to interesting people, and continuously improving his outlook, is the best way to keep the creative juices flowing. What do you do away from technology? – Martial arts, vegan baking, and reading science fiction.. FINAL CAREER TIP Don't forget the "why" and focus on the foundational reasons behind what it is that you're doing. BEST MOMENTS (1:47) – Slater - "I never want to be doing something that I believe will get done without me" (4:52) – Slater - "So much of your ability to be effective and drive change in your organization is going to pegged to how well you can story-tell" (6:10) – Slater – "The further you go in an organization, the bigger the problems you're solving" (18:26) – Slater – "So many of our limitations are self-imposed. You can do so much on a laptop!" ABOUT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organizations to design, develop, and implement software solutions. Phil has always had an interest in helping others to develop and advance their careers. And in 2017 Phil started the I.T. Career Energizer podcast to try to help as many people as possible to learn from the career advice and experiences of those that have been, and still are, on that same career journey. CONTACT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/_PhilBurgess LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philburgess Facebook: https://facebook.com/philtechcareer Instagram: https://instagram.com/_philburgess Website: https://itcareerenergizer.com/contact Phil is also reachable by email at [email protected] and via the podcast's website, https://itcareerenergizer.com Join the I.T. Career Energizer Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ITCareerEnergizer ABOUT THE GUEST – SLATER VICTOROFF Slater Victoroff has been building AI, machine learning and deep learning solutions for the enterprise for the better part of the past decade having worked with everyone from the federal government to two-person startups to the Fortune 100. He has also educated hundreds of business users in the successful implementation of deep learning through a simple framework that helps executives rapidly accelerate the adoption of the technology in their businesses. CONTACT THE GUEST – SLATER VICTOROFF Slater Victoroff can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/sl8rv LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/slatervictoroff/ Website: http

In this week's show, Phil talks to James Stanger, CompTIA's Chief Technology Evangelist. James has consulted in cloud security, open source, and networking for organizations such as Northrop Grumman, Tesco, AWS, West Point, SoftBank, and Symantec. He has also developed education programs on a myriad of subjects, including security analytics, cloud administration, Linux, British Romantic literature and kayaking. In this episode James talks about the importance of interpersonal skills and why we should always remember that IT is a people business. He also discusses the value in developing your own network of people. KEY TAKEAWAYS: TOP CAREER TIP Always keep on top of your power skills, especially the ability to act effectively in an interpersonal way. Remember that IT is a people business, so we must show respect for others. WORST CAREER MOMENT Early in his working life, James realized that he had spent much of his time training and gaining qualifications, only to be stuck in a job that would not pay him accordingly. CAREER HIGHLIGHT James's public speaking touched the mind and heart of an audience member who later approached him to tell him that the advice he had given had been life-changing. THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T The incredibly rapid change that happens in IT. So long as we have the foundational skills, we can always adapt and pivot in the sector and find new opportunities. IT has also impacted the world in incredibly positive ways throughout the COVID experience. THE REVEAL What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – James recognized the need to make technology do very interesting things for humanity. What's the best career advice you received? – Always be curious. What's the worst career advice you received? – Follow the money! What would you do if you started your career now? – James would have worked harder in learning the foundations of IT and tech. What are your current career objectives? – Understanding security elements and analytics, as well as project management and how to be more "agile". What's your number one non-technical skill? – Developing empathy and working out where people are coming from. How do you keep your own career energized? – James likes to do deep dives into specific topics and really get to the heart of matters. What do you do away from technology? – Scuba diving, kayaking and working on cars. FINAL CAREER TIP As well as being curious, always do your best to develop your network. Learning from others is the best way to grow. BEST MOMENTS (8:55) – James - "If you can't manage your time, you're not as useful as you think you are" (13:52) – James - "It comes down to listening to your network of friends and people you work with and for" (18:20) – James – "Technology, when it's used right, can be there to help us out as long as we use our tools correctly, and don't use them for ill" (22:06) – James – "If you have an innate sense of trying to figure out how something works, you'll always get into the meat of a situation" ABOUT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organizations to design, develop, and implement software solutions. Phil has always had an interest in helping others to develop and advance their careers. And in 2017 Phil started the I.T. Career Energizer podcast to try to help as many people as possible to learn from the career advice and experiences of those that have been, and still are, on that same career journey. CONTACT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/_philburgess LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philburgess Instagram: https://instagram.com/_philburgess Website: https://itcareerenergizer.com/contact Phil is also reachable by email at [email protected] and via the podcast's website, https://itcareerenergizer.com Join the I.T. Career Energizer Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ITCareerEnergizer ABOUT THE GUEST – JAMES STANGER James Stanger is CompTIA's Chief Technology Evangelist. He has consulted in cloud security, open source, and networking for organizations such as Northrop Grumman, Tesco, AWS, West Point, SoftBank, and Symantec. He has also developed education programs on a myriad of subjects, including security analytics, cloud administration, Linux, British Romantic literature and kayaking. CONTACT THE GUEST – JAMES STANGER James Stanger can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesstanger LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesstanger/ Website: https://www.comptia.org/home

In this week's show, Phil talks to Seth Hammerman, a Senior Cloud Security Sales Engineer for a large Cybersecurity vendor having made a mid-career change from the construction industry into IT. He has been either a pre-sales Sales Engineer or Sales Engineer Manager for most of his IT career, but has also held roles such as Technical Sales Manager and Director of Channel Sales Enablement. Seth talks about the importance of choosing the right career in IT, and following the path towards the things you truly love. He also discusses why the great IT careers are built upon an attitude of gratitude. Check out the show notes for this episode at https://itcareerenergizer.com/e302

In this week's show, Phil talks to Kyle Prinsloo, who helps web designers and developers to launch and grow their freelancing careers. He is a developer, consultant and course creator as well as host of The Freelancer Podcast where he shares freelancing and marketing nuggets for web developers. Kyle talks about the importance of curiosity and inquisitiveness. He also discusses the value of forging strong relationships so as to better learn from those who can teach. Show notes for this episode can be found at https://itcareerenergizer.com/e301

In this week's show, Phil talks to Jan Muhlfeit, who has a proven track record in building and leading successful teams which he acquired through an extensive, 22-year career at Microsoft Corporation where his last role was that of Chairman for Europe. Since leaving Microsoft in 2014 he has been coaching individuals and teams on how to uncover their personal strengths and find the best in people. He also coaches high-level executives, Olympic games winners and artists from different countries and continents. And he still manages to find the time to be a highly-regarded global speaker, having spoken at Harvard, MIT and Cambridge to name a few. Jan talks about the importance of self-awareness, and why discovering ourselves can lead to better understanding of others. He also discusses why having a growth mindset will allow us to become the best version of ourselves. Show notes and links can be found at https://itcareerenergizer.com/e300

in this week's show, Phil talks to Deenita Pattni. Deenita is a leading expert on LinkedIn marketing and has been helping her clients gain more visibility on LinkedIn, be seen as an authority and generate opportunities. This episode gives you opportunity to listen in to parts of a longer interview recorded for the Transform Your Career podcast, due to be launched in July 2021.

In this week's show, Phil talks to Jeff Perry, Jeff helps engineering and software professionals develop soft skills to unlock hidden potential and remove self-imposed roadblocks. This includes Leadership Training & Development, Career & Mindset Coaching and Personal Branding. He is the founder of More Than Engineering and the host of The Engineering Career Coach podcast. In this episode Phil and Jeff talk about the importance of increasing your awareness, why we can sometimes over value career stability & much more. Check out the episode's show notes at https://itcareerenergizer.com/e298

In this week's show, Phil talks to Nancy Hammervik, the Executive Vice President for Industry Relations at CompTIA, as well as CEO of CompTIA's Tech Careers Academy, where she is responsible for elevating the association's public profile among its member and across the IT industry. Prior to joining CompTia (in 2011) Nancy had a 25 year career with United Business Media's Everything Channel. In this episode Nancy and Phil discuss the best ways in which aspiring professionals can launch their career in technology, and the many ways in which they can improve and develop. Check out the episode's show notes at https://itcareerenergizer.com/e297

In this week's show, Phil talks to Peter Johnson, a QA engineer. He has contributed to test automation on a variety of software projects in embedded systems, web services and satellite communication software. Peter talks about setting realistic goals, and how to stay on track with them. He also discusses the importance of persistence in achieving success. Show notes for this episode can be found at https://itcareerenergizer.com/e296

In this week's show, Phil talks to Neil Thompson, the founder of Teach The Geek, helping STEM professionals to communicate effectively by developing their public speaking skills. Prior to Teach The Geek, he was a biomedical engineer, a freelance writer and a product development engineer as well as a professional speaker. Neil talks about why we should always nurture and develop the soft skills that can make our IT careers far more compatible with those without engineering or technical backgrounds. He also discusses the importance of leveraging out the tasks you're weaker at. Show notes for this episode can be found at https://itcareerenergizer.com/e295

In this week's show, Phil talks to Mads Brodt, a front-end engineer from Copenhagen. He designs, creates and supports websites and applications for clients and for fun. And he loves using modern technology to create exceptional user experiences, always striving to create high quality products. Mads discusses the importance of practical experience and how it can energise your career. He also talks about why finding your niche can invigorate your interest in IT in general. Show notes and links discussed in this episode can be found at https://itcareerenergizer.com/e294

In this week's show, Phil talks to Mike Williams, the founder of BuildLab, a digital development and automation studio and the co-founder and CTO of SharpSeat, an Event Ticket Marketplace. He is also a full-stack web developer with an emphasis on front-end-development & design and process automation. Mike talks about the importance of focusing on things your passionate about so as to remain motivated. He also discusses why it's crucial to begin your career as soon as possible. Check out the show notes for this episode at https://itcareerenergizer.com/e293

In this week's show, Phil talks to Eric Matthes, author of Python Crash Course, the world's best-selling guide to the Python Programming Language, published in 2015. He is also the author of Python Flash Cards for learners of all ages as well as a completely non-tech book, The Road to Alaska. Eric talks about always remembering that people are interested in having problems solved, rather than technical brilliance displayed. He also discusses the importance of reflection, and how we should take time regularly to realign and build on our successes. Show notes can be found at https://itcareerenergizer.com/e292

In this week's show, Phil talks to Camille Fournier, an engineering executive, author of the books "The Manager's Path" and "97 Things Every Engineering Manager Should Know." She began her career with Microsoft in 2001 as a Software Design Engineer and by 2014 had been appointed Chief Technology Officer of Rent the Runway. She is now the Managing Director of Two Sigma, with responsibility for management and strategy. Camille talks about the value in becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable tasks that can energise our career paths. She also discusses why setting the right goals will lead to a more balanced life. Show notes can be found at https://itcareerenergizer.com/e291

In this week's show, Phil talks to Matt Rosenthal, a technology and business strategist as well as the President & CEO of Mindcore, the leading IT solutions provider in New Jersey. He specialises in working with business owners and management to fix business processes and technology problems using his process mastery formula. Matt talks about why it is crucial to put one's ego aside in the world of IT, and how this can benefit you greatly. He also discusses why it's crucial that we allow ourselves the room to pivot in our beliefs and ideas. KEY TAKEAWAYS: TOP CAREER TIP Put your ego aside. Often times, people in technical roles think that their level of expertise grants them the power to be right every time. WORST CAREER MOMENT After fearing that he was about to lose a valued job, Matt quit the role which threatened his income and livelihood greatly CAREER HIGHLIGHT Matt experiences his career highlight every time he helps someone to achieve something. This happens often, as Matt is often called to construct solutions for many companies. THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T The constant evolution and transformation of the industry. Matt wholeheartedly embraces change, and so the IT sector is the perfect home for him and his talents. THE REVEAL What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – Matt simply fell into his career in order to make money, but found that he loved it. What's the best career advice you received? – Attitude is everything. Being positive is more important than technical skill. What's the worst career advice you received? – To hurry through tasks in order to get them completed, instead of taking time to make sure they're done properly. What would you do if you started your career now? – Matt would devote himself to the art of salesmanship. What are your current career objectives? – Personal growth and advancing his skill-set. What's your number one non-technical skill? – Emotional intelligence. How do you keep your own career energized? – Matt is tremendously curious and ensures he remains goal orientated. What do you do away from technology? – Matt is focused on his family, as well as physical fitness and golf. FINAL CAREER TIP Never be afraid to pivot. Don't become so committed to an idea or belief that you become entrenched and have no room to maneuver. BEST MOMENTS (2:49) – Matt - "Businesses are businesses are businesses. They have different services, but under the hood they have the same technology needs" (4:35) – Matt - "It's important that you're somebody who delivers value through being a team player" (12:44) – Matt – "If you don't stay sharp and if you don't stay ahead of the curve, you won't survive in this business" (16:58) – Matt – "Sales is about convincing someone else to go along with your line of thinking" ABOUT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organizations to design, develop, and implement software solutions. Phil has always had an interest in helping others to develop and advance their careers. And in 2017 Phil started the I.T. Career Energizer podcast to try to help as many people as possible to learn from the career advice and experiences of those that have been, and still are, on that same career journey. CONTACT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/philtechcareer LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philburgess Facebook: https://facebook.com/philtechcareer Instagram: https://instagram.com/philtechcareer Website: https://itcareerenergizer.com/contact Phil is also reachable by email at [email protected] and via the podcast's website, https://itcareerenergizer.com Join the I.T. Career Energizer Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ITCareerEnergizer ABOUT THE GUEST – MATT ROSENTHAL Matt Rosenthal is a technology and business strategist as well as the President & CEO of Mindcore, the leading IT solutions provider in New Jersey. He specialises in working with business owners and management to fix business processes and technology problems using his process mastery formula. CONTACT THE GUEST – MATT ROSENTHAL Matt Rosenthal can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-rosenthal-mindcore/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattrosenthal_/ Website: https://mind-core.com/

In this week's show, Phil talks to Al Sweigart, a professional developer who teaches programming to kids and adults. As well as being a speaker at Python conferences, he has written several bestselling programming books for beginners, including 'Automate the Boring Stuff with Python', 'Invent Your Own Computer Games with Python', 'Cracking Codes with Python', and 'Coding with Minecraft'. Al talks about the fact that many jobs are attainable, despite the job description and list of qualifications required. Never count yourself out of the race. He also discusses why coding itself can feel intimidating, but that it's nothing to be feared. Show notes can be found at https://itcareerenergizer.com/e289

In this week's show, Phil talks to Scott Turman, who has developed software and cryptographic systems over the last 25 years for some pretty big organisations such as NASA, Disney, Hilton and the US Department of Defence. He is the founder of BrightRay Consulting which is a staffing and software solutions company that he formed 6 years ago. Scott talks to Phil about making sure we achieve the worth for which we have worked by being as useful as possible and developing skills. He also discusses why we must gain mastery over our area of expertise. KEY TAKEAWAYS: TOP CAREER TIP Learn to be as useful as you can, and find an organization that will pay your fairly for the skills you can perform. WORST CAREER MOMENT Scott was interviewed by someone he looked up to, and failed during the last stages of the interview. If successful, he would have gone to work for Microsoft. CAREER HIGHLIGHT Scott achieved a position at NASA – his dream job. NASA's legacy runs deep in Scott's family, so to win a position there was a lifelong ambition. THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T IT in the past was not an agile sector. Ideas remained so until backing and technological development could be resourced. Nowadays, people can bring ideas t life on their own. THE REVEAL What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – Scott's Atari 400 and other early computers. Scott's father encouraged simulations and other technical pursuits. What's the best career advice you received? – No matter what they offer you, always ask for more. What's the worst career advice you received? – To stay out of the fray and under the radar. There's no better way to be fired first than to offer the least amount of value. What would you do if you started your career now? – Scott would specialize in security, the one area that can never be truly fully automated. What are your current career objectives? – Scott's organisation is moving into proof-of-concept work. What's your number one non-technical skill? – Learning to negotiate, especially in terms of salary. How do you keep your own career energized? – Scott consumes podcasts, books and learns bout new technologies whenever possible. What do you do away from technology? – Scott loves to spend time with family. FINAL CAREER TIP Pick an area of expertise that is useful and once you've done that, master it! BEST MOMENTS (3:11) – Scott - "Find an organisation that will pay you for your skills" (3:52) – Scott - "Be useful, develop a skill, and be ridiculously good at it" (9:12) – Scott – "From idea to minimal viable product can be done in a few months with the right people" (11:49) – Scott – "If you can demonstrate your value in the world, then there's always a little bit of room for you" (13:40) – Scott – "Wallflowers don't ever make history" ABOUT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organizations to design, develop, and implement software solutions. Phil has always had an interest in helping others to develop and advance their careers. And in 2017 Phil started the I.T. Career Energizer podcast to try to help as many people as possible to learn from the career advice and experiences of those that have been, and still are, on that same career journey. CONTACT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/philtechcareer LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philburgess Facebook: https://facebook.com/philtechcareer Instagram: https://instagram.com/philtechcareer Website: https://itcareerenergizer.com/contact Phil is also reachable by email at [email protected] and via the podcast's website, https://itcareerenergizer.com Join the I.T. Career Energizer Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ITCareerEnergizer ABOUT THE GUEST – SCOTT TURMAN Scott Turman has developed software and cryptographic systems over the last 25 years for some pretty big organisations such as NASA, Disney, Hilton and the US Department of Defence. He is the founder of BrightRay Consulting which is a staffing and software solutions company that he formed 6 years ago. CONTACT THE GUEST – SCOTT TURMAN Scott Turman can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottturman/ Website: https://scottturman.com

In this week's show, Phil talks to Jeff Wald, the founder of Work Market, an enterprise software platform that enables companies to manage freelancers. He has also founded several other technology companies including Spinback, a social media sharing platform. He is an active angel investor and start-up advisor, as well as serving on numerous public and private Boards of Directors. He is also the author of the Amazon Best Seller 'The End of Jobs: The Rise of On-Demand Workers and Agile Corporations'. Jeff talks about the importance of resilience and why we must always push through the challenges we face. He also discusses the value of executing upon ideas, and the strength it takes in order to do so. Full show notes and links to related resources are available on the IT Career Energizer website - https://itcareerenergizer.com/e287

In this week's show, Phil talks to Oscar Santolalla, the author of "Rock the Tech Stage" and "Create and Deliver a Killer Product Demo". After a decade and a half in the technology arena, he embarked on a mission to help people in technology companies present better, inspire others, and sell more. Since 2014, he has been hosting the public speaking podcast Time to Shine, for which he has interviewed more than 150 communication professionals. He works as a sales engineer at Ubisecure. And was born and raised in Peru but now lives in Finland. Oscar talks about why we should always seek to develop our skills and grow as professionals. He also discusses why storytelling can positively impact your career goals. KEY TAKEAWAYS: TOP CAREER TIP There is always room to develop your skills, and no matter which stage you are at, time should always be taken to develop and grow. WORST CAREER MOMENT During an early presentation, Oscar found himself ill-prepared, and having to present on a subject of which he had no knowledge. This taught him the value of always being prepared, and to devote time to learning how to feel more comfortable with public speaking. CAREER HIGHLIGHT Switching between roles, and trying out new areas in the sector, provided Oscar with his current role, which he views as the highlight of his career so far. THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T IT is being called upon, more and more, to solve meaningful problems for the world. This responsibility will grow as technological advancements continue to be made. THE REVEAL What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – In times previous, Oscar saw the implementation of tech infrastructures, and the idea of being a part of this world appealed to him greatly. What's the best career advice you received? – Become a problem solver. What's the worst career advice you received? – When people tell you that hard work alone will lead to success. This is only partly true. What would you do if you started your career now? – Oscar would be more heavily involved in building tools that protect us online and reinforce privacy. What are your current career objectives? – Focussing upon training in order to deliver better results to clients and partners. What's your number one non-technical skill? – Communication skills, and developing creativity in thinking. How do you keep your own career energized? – Oscar remains energized by always learning new skills, and keeping abreast of technological advances. What do you do away from technology? – Sports are very important, as is reading – especially fiction, which stimulates the imagination. FINAL CAREER TIP Work on your storytelling abilities, which remain the best way of communicating plans, ideas and thoughts to others. BEST MOMENTS (3:49) – Oscar - "Always invest in developing your skills at any moment in your career" (9:45) – Phil - "At any point in time, you can provide a point of view that can be described as leadership" (12:15) – Oscar – "We can solve the real and big problems that society has today" (18:07) – Oscar – "You need to make sure that others see what you do and appreciate your value" ABOUT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organizations to design, develop, and implement software solutions. Phil has always had an interest in helping others to develop and advance their careers. And in 2017 Phil started the I.T. Career Energizer podcast to try to help as many people as possible to learn from the career advice and experiences of those that have been, and still are, on that same career journey. CONTACT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/philtechcareer LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philburgess Facebook: https://facebook.com/philtechcareer Instagram: https://instagram.com/philtechcareer Website: https://itcareerenergizer.com/contact Phil is also reachable by email at [email protected] and via the podcast's website, https://itcareerenergizer.com Join the I.T. Career Energizer Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ITCareerEnergizer ABOUT THE GUEST – OSCAR SANTOLALLA Oscar Santolalla is the author of "Rock the Tech Stage" and "Create and Deliver a Killer Product Demo". After a decade and a half in the technology arena, he embarked on a mission to help people in technology companies present better, inspire others, and sell more. Since 2014, he has been hosting the public speaking podcast Time to Shine, for which he has interviewed more than 150 communication professionals. He works as a sales engineer at Ubisecure. And was born and raised in Peru but now lives in Finland. CONTACT THE GUEST – OSCAR SANTOLALLA Oscar Santolalla can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/osantolalla LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oscarsantolalla/ 'Rock The Tech Stage' Book Website: https://rockthetechstag

In this week's show, Phil talks to Mark Richards, an experienced, hands-on software architect involved in the architecture, design, and implementation of microservices architectures and other distributed systems in a variety of technologies. He has been in the software industry since 1983 and is the author of numerous technical books and videos. He has also spoken at hundreds of conferences and user groups around the world on a variety of enterprise-related technical topics. Mark talks about the value in developing people skills and what a difference they can make to the shape of your IT career. He also discusses why careful consideration should be employed when it comes to solutions, and why you should never be caught up in the hype of a popular methodology. KEY TAKEAWAYS: TOP CAREER TIP Soft skills matter in any role you perform. Never discount the value in people skills, which can make all the difference. WORST CAREER MOMENT As a result of being abrasive in the workplace, several people left the organization. This led to a period of reflection, and several lessons learned. CAREER HIGHLIGHT Being able to build a development team from the ground up, and being able to manage the team closely. This was Mark's first assignment as an independent, and the experience shaped the way he worked forthwith. THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T The advancements in the tools, platforms and frameworks available now, is incredibly exciting in terms of seeing how these factors affect and energise the careers of new IT initiates. THE REVEAL What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – Mark has been intensely interested in science from a young age, determined to follow his passions into discovering how science and programming can change the world. What's the best career advice you received? – Don't follow the money – the money will come. What's the worst career advice you received? – Perception is reality. This belief promotes the idea that many achievements are fraudulent. What would you do if you started your career now? – Mark would focus purely on machine learning and artificial intelligence, which he sees as the true future of IT. What are your current career objectives? – Mark is focused upon spreading the knowledge has accumulated, which he sees as truly valuable. What's your number one non-technical skill? – Negotiations kills which Mark sees as one of the most important tools anyone can have. How do you keep your own career energized? – Mark follows his "20 Minute Rule", which involves him devoting twenty minute periods to furthering his career in some way. What do you do away from technology? – Reading is incredibly important, but Mark also enjoys home repairs and remodeling, as well as hiking. FINAL CAREER TIP Be careful not to get caught up in the hype, and always analyse the trade-offs of everything you see. Everything in software architecture is a trade-off, and solutions that are popular may not always be the most prudent. BEST MOMENTS (3:15) – Mark - "It's the role of a software architect to understand the political climate of an enterprise and navigate politics" (7:55) – Mark - "Remember those soft skills – the people skills. This was my career differentiator" (18:20) – Mark – "That creative piece of IT tends to be overshadowed sometimes when we have to deal with the mundane technology aspects of the zeroes and ones" (26:42) – Mark – "Having negotiation skills is one of the only ways of doing your job as a software architect" ABOUT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organizations to design, develop, and implement software solutions. Phil has always had an interest in helping others to develop and advance their careers. And in 2017 Phil started the I.T. Career Energizer podcast to try to help as many people as possible to learn from the career advice and experiences of those that have been, and still are, on that same career journey. CONTACT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/philtechcareer LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philburgess Facebook: https://facebook.com/philtechcareer Instagram: https://instagram.com/philtechcareer Website: https://itcareerenergizer.com/contact Phil is also reachable by email at [email protected] and via the podcast's website, https://itcareerenergizer.com Join the I.T. Career Energizer Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ITCareerEnergizer ABOUT THE GUEST – MARK RICHARDS Mark Richards is an experienced, hands-on software architect involved in the architecture, design, and implementation of microservices architectures and other distributed systems in a variety of technologies. He has been in the software industry since 1983 and is the author of numerous technical books and videos. He has also spoken at hundreds of conferences and user groups around the world on a variety of enterprise-related tec

In this week's show, Phil talks to Kelly Vaughn, a front end developer and founder of The Taproom, a Shopify Plus agency rooted in Atlanta. She and her team have helped hundreds of Shopify merchants build successful marketing strategies, map out customer journeys that convert and provide the insight, experience and tools businesses need to keep growing. She's passionate about all things, 'entrepreneurship'. Since building her first website for a client project at the age of 14, she has built up a strong customer base over the past 15 years and grew her solo freelance business from a team of one to an always-profitable team of ten in just one year. And when she's not coding or co-hosting the Ladybug Podcast, you can find her traveling the world with her husband and sampling all the wine and whiskey she can get her hands on! Kelly talks about the importance of reaching out for help when we need it, and how it can positively impact our knowledge base. Kelly also discusses why it's so important to keep a record of your IT journey, and how it can help to not just advance you, but act as a career diary. Full show notes and links to related resources are available on the IT Career Energizer website - https://itcareerenergizer.com/e284

In this week's show, Phil talks to Mark Herschberg, who has spent his career launching and developing new ventures at startups, Fortune 500 companies, and in academia. He helped to start the Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Program, dubbed MIT's "career success accelerator". At Harvard Business School, he helped to create a platform used to teach finance at prominent business schools, and most recently, he has authored "The Career Toolkit – Essential Skills For Success That No One Taught You" Mark talks to Phil about the value to be found in incremental victories through small negotiations. He also discusses why we should all create a career plan as soon as possible. Full show notes and links to related resources are available on the IT Career Energizer website - https://itcareerenergizer.com/e283

Laura Berman Fortgang is recognised as a pioneer in the personal coaching field and part of the founding team of the International Coach Federation. She has brought coaching to NASA, Florida's State Government and dozens of Fortune 500 companies. She has made appearances on Oprah, Good Morning America and CNN, amongst others, as well as publishing five best-selling books including 'Now What? 90 Days to a New Life Direction' and 'The Little Book On Meaning'. And in 2015 she gave a TEDx talk titled 'How to Find Your Dream Job Without Ever Looking at Your Resume' which has been viewed more than 1.5 million times. Laura joins Phil to discuss why the roadmap to your future is never in your current resumè. Laura also talks about why we should trust our instincts when it comes to shaping our IT career. Full show notes and links to related resources are available on the IT Career Energizer website - https://itcareerenergizer.com/e282

Phil's guest on today's show is Shawn Livermore, a software engineer, a consultant, a software architect and a tech startup founder, managing to raise venture capital investment six times. He has also authored several books on software and business including the recently released 'Average Joe: Be the Silicon Valley Tech Genius'. Shawn talks to Phil about why it's important to choose carefully when applying to companies for work, and how career dreams can become horror stories if you aren't careful. He also discusses the importance of having a pursuit, one that holds our passion and drives us onward. Full show notes and links to related resources are available on the IT Career Energizer website - https://itcareerenergizer.com/e281

Phil's guest on today's show is Raffi Jamgotchian, the founder of Triada Networks. He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional and a member of both Infragard and the US Secret Service's Joint Electronic Crimes Task Force. Raffi talks to Phil about why starting at the bottom is a good thing for anyone new to the world of IT as it provides experience and knowledge. He also discusses the value of staying curious and why without curiosity, we may sometimes stagnate. KEY TAKEAWAYS: TOP CAREER TIP Don't ever be afraid to do the "unsexy" jobs. Starting in support or the equivalent is always a good place to start as it provides you with a broad range of experience and understanding. WORST CAREER MOMENT Raffi gave notice at a job as he had received a verbal offer of a new one. However, he failed to get this offer in writing, and subsequently the new job fell through. Luckily it all worked out. CAREER HIGHLIGHT After 9/11, Raffi oversaw a stringent series of systems and processes designed to withstand future outages. This was put to the test during a blackout, and again later during Hurricane Sandy. Each time, these new systems stood up to the test. THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T The tech world today is changing in so many revolutionary ways, and so rapidly. If you are curious, then being in IT is a wonderful world to work in as the possibilities for innovation and creation are endless. THE REVEAL What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – Money was the initial hook, but also the freedom that IT allows in shaping one's destiny and future. What's the best career advice you received? – Stay curious! What's the worst career advice you received? – Don't go into business for yourself. Starting his own business has been one of the most rewarding things in Raffi's life. What would you do if you started your career now? – Raffi wishes he had spent more time on experimentation rather than going to the book to learn. What are your current career objectives? – Growing the company they have built, and focusing on training and mentoring new members of the team. What's your number one non-technical skill? – Honesty. People are drawn to this quality, so always tell the truth. How do you keep your own career energized? – Always make sure you're learning through whatever means possible. What do you do away from technology? – Raffi is a political junkie, as well as a cyclist FINAL CAREER TIP Stay curious and don't be afraid to try new things. It separates stagnation from progression. BEST MOMENTS (4:00) – Raffi - "Ultimately we're supporting the business, we're not in the business of technology, necessarily" (9:19) – Raffi - "You never know what is going to happen. The best you can do is plan" (13:43) – Raffi – "Testing things – ultimately that was where I learned the most, rather than a formal training class" (14:28) – Raffi – "Let the chips fall where they may. Ultimately you will be rewarded because of your believability" ABOUT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organizations to design, develop, and implement software solutions. Phil has always had an interest in helping others to develop and advance their careers. And in 2017 Phil started the I.T. Career Energizer podcast to try to help as many people as possible to learn from the career advice and experiences of those that have been, and still are, on that same career journey. CONTACT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/philtechcareer LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philburgess Facebook: https://facebook.com/philtechcareer Instagram: https://instagram.com/philtechcareer Website: https://itcareerenergizer.com/contact Phil is also reachable by email at [email protected] and via the podcast's website, https://itcareerenergizer.com Join the I.T. Career Energizer Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ITCareerEnergizer ABOUT THE GUEST – RAFFI JAMGOTCHIAN Raffi Jamgotchian is the founder of Triada Networks. He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional and a member of both Infragard and the US Secret Service's Joint Electronic Crimes Task Force. CONTACT THE GUEST – RAFFI JAMGOTCHIAN Raffi Jamgotchian can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/triadanet LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raffijamgotchian/ Website: https://triadanet.com/ Book: https://triadanet.com/cybersecuritybook

Phil's guest on today's show is Nigel Poulton, who does what he loves - playing with tech and teaching Kubernetes all around the world. He has trained well over 1 million people with Docker and Kubernetes. He is also the author of Docker Deep Dive which was rated by Book Authority as the best ever book on Docker. And his latest book is The Kubernetes Book which is being updated a couple of times a year. Nigel talks to Phil about why we must always seek to learn new things, and how this can keep us energised. He also discusses why today's world is a golden age for technology and possibilities, and why we as IT professionals should be very excited. KEY TAKEAWAYS: TOP CAREER TIP Don't ever be afraid to learn new things. Often, people are afraid to put themselves out there in case it's too difficult, and they fail. Making mistakes is the only route to learning something. WORST CAREER MOMENT Nigel took a job that was convenient, but not challenging. He soon learned that without the chance to be challenged, and to develop each day, his love for the job rapidly deteriorated. CAREER HIGHLIGHT Every time Nigel publishes a newly created product, such as a book or piece of video content, it gives a real buzz of excitement. It's the same feeling when someone reaches out in response to something Nigel has made. THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T The tech world today is revolutionising the way we live, and allowing science fiction concepts to become a reality. For someone who grew up thinking these things could never happen, the world of today is an incredible place. THE REVEAL What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – Early computers, games, and technology through Nigels' childhood sparked his imagination, and showed him what might be possible one day. What's the best career advice you received? – Nigel's father mistakenly offered some limiting views on where technology could go, but thankfully Nigel foresaw more limitless possibilities. What's the worst career advice you received? – What would you do if you started your career now? – Learning to code is a fundamental skill of IT, and one that Nigel recommends as a basic building block when it comes to your career. What are your current career objectives? – Nigel wishes to reach people at the beginning of their careers, with the aim of simplifying their journeys. What's your number one non-technical skill? – Nigel's accent has helped many people to connect with him, and has also made him stand out, especially in video. How do you keep your own career energized? – By indulging in science fiction and reading, Nigel is able to keep his vision fresh, and look for future possibilities. What do you do away from technology? – Nigel loves spending time with family, cars, and watching television as a way of unwinding. FINAL CAREER TIP Don't skip the fundamentals and always look for chances to improve and innovate. We are living in a golden age for technology, and the potential for invention is limitless. BEST MOMENTS (4:27) – Nigel - "That's the way that life should be – when you're enjoying life so much that time flies" (6;12) – Nigel - "99% of us find learning something new hard. Just don't be afraid of it" (11:33) – Nigel – "I'm not a "techie", I'm an artist – I create something that connects with people" (13:06) – Nigel – "The things that I dreamt of are already here, but they're better than how I imagined them!" (16:42) – Nigel – "The world of technology moves so fast, that I can never sit back comfortably and say "I've nailed it"" ABOUT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organizations to design, develop, and implement software solutions. Phil has always had an interest in helping others to develop and advance their careers. And in 2017 Phil started the I.T. Career Energizer podcast to try to help as many people as possible to learn from the career advice and experiences of those that have been, and still are, on that same career journey. CONTACT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/philtechcareer LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philburgess Facebook: https://facebook.com/philtechcareer Instagram: https://instagram.com/philtechcareer Website: https://itcareerenergizer.com/contact Phil is also reachable by email at [email protected] and via the podcast's website, https://itcareerenergizer.com Join the I.T. Career Energizer Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ITCareerEnergizer ABOUT THE GUEST – NIGEL POULTON Nigel Poulton does what he loves - playing with tech and teaching Kubernetes all around the world. He has trained well over 1 million people with Docker and Kubernetes. He is also the author of Docker Deep Dive which was rated by Book Authority as the best ever book on Docker. And his latest book is The Kubernetes Book which is being updated a couple of times a year. CONTACT THE GUEST

Phil's guest on today's show is Will Johnson, a developer, speaker, blogger and marketer who enjoys helping people reach their goals by using the power of social media. He is currently a Learner Advocate for Egghead.io and Presentation Director for Kansas City Women in Technology. Will discusses the importance of specialising in one specific area rather than diluting our skills by spreading them too thin. Will also talks about why it's vital to build and nurture good working relationships, and how this can benefit your IT career. Full show notes and links to related resources are available on the IT Career Energizer website - https://itcareerenergizer.com/e278

Phil's guest on today's show is Jennifer Byrne, a former Chief Technical Officer for Microsoft US where she worked with companies and organisations across industries and market segments to re-frame their business opportunities in digital terms. She now advises start-ups and mentors young women and leaders on topics related to making the most of today's fast-changing, tech-infused world. Jennifer joins the show to talk about why we should always recognize the unique value we bring to any given situation. Jennifer also discusses the importance of striking the right balance between learning about technology, and the world itself. Full show notes and links to related resources are available on the IT Career Energizer website - https://itcareerenergizer.com/e277

Phil's guest on today's show is Jason Lengstorf, a principal developer experience engineer at Netlify and host of Learn With Jason, a live-streamed video show where he pair programs to learn something new in 90 minutes. He spends a lot of time telling people that the formula for success and happiness is to lift each other up and share what we learn. Jason joins Phil to talk about the importance of enjoying the work we do, and how this can breed creativity. He also discusses the importance of building up a team in favour of hoarding credit for achievement. Full show notes and links to related resources are available on the IT Career Energizer website - https://itcareerenergizer.com/e276

Phil's guest on today's show is Nicole Archambault, a web developer and educational technology entrepreneur. She creates online courses and coaches people who are teaching themselves how to code. She taught herself to program in 2015 using Treehouse, making a career change to an industry that she loves. Nicole talks about the importance of striking out on your own in brave ways and creating communities in IT. Nicole also discusses why it's so important not to let your lack of educational qualifications stand in the way of your aspirations in IT. Full show notes and links to related resources are available on the IT Career Energizer website - https://itcareerenergizer.com

Phil's guest on today's show is Julian Sequeira, a Python coach and co-founder of PyBites, a platform that he and friend Bob Belderbos created to help others to learn Python. Julian currently works for Amazon Web Services where his responsibilities include running the AWS Data Centre Operations Trainee Program Julian joins Phil to discuss the importance of leaving your comfort zone and building your communication skills by involving yourself in as many things as possible without becoming overwhelmed. He also talks about why we should never be intimidated by job titles, and to remember that even those in positions of authority are people, too. Full show notes and links to related resources are available on the IT Career Energizer website - https://itcareerenergizer.com

Phil's guest on today's show is Ian Reynolds, a Partner and the Chief Solutions Architect at Zibtek, a software development company focused on helping businesses build custom software. He has spent the better part of his career in consulting covering a diverse range of industries, including Finance, Oil & Gas and Healthcare. He now helps companies to solve their core business objectives with agile software development. Ian talks about the importance of reading, and of constantly feeding your knowledge base. He also discusses the value of recognising your individuality, and always pushing yourself to see what you're capable of. KEY TAKEAWAYS: TOP CAREER TIP You have to constantly read. Books should be your perennial companion. Reading leads to success. On average, the wealthiest Americans read 22 books per year. WORST CAREER MOMENT In an early job, Ian encountered an employee with behavioral issues. Rather than confront the issue, Ian chose to leave the job – decision that has caused him regret ever since. CAREER HIGHLIGHT The highlight so far has been the acquisition and growth of Zibtek, along with the success achieved and the improvements made along the way. Many more ambitions has since been realized, with many more to come. THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T In terms of IT's life in the world, we really are at the "Stone Age" period. The potential for how IT will change the world is staggering and infinite. To be at this crucial stage in its history is exhilarating. THE REVEAL What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – Ian recognized the changing world of IT, rapidly evolving from day to day, and aspired to be a part of its evolution. What's the best career advice you received? – Don't be afraid to try new things. What's the worst career advice you received? – To not stand out. We must always endeavour to be the brightest talent out there. What would you do if you started your career now? – Ian would embark upon business acquisition strategies far earlier. What are your current career objectives? – To expand knowledge on particular subjects, with a current focus upon banking, legal and finance items. What's your number one non-technical skill? – Enhanced emotional intelligence. It is good to be non-emotional at times, but emotion can also propel us forward when needed. How do you keep your own career energized? – Keeping dialogue channels open with family and friends allows Ian to experience new perspectives. What do you do away from technology? – Aggressively reading! FINAL CAREER TIP Don't compare yourself to others. Compare yourself to yourself and push yourself to see what you're capable of. BEST MOMENTS (6:30) – Ian - "You are doing yourself a disservice if you are not constantly learning" (9:20) – Ian - "In business, you've got to separate some degree of the emotional from the rational" (9:59) – Ian – "Failure is not failure unless you fail to learn from it" (18:03) – Ian – "Talking with people about what they're doing and why they're doing it, has been the most helpful thing in keeping my career energized" ABOUT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organizations to design, develop, and implement software solutions. Phil has always had an interest in helping others to develop and advance their careers. And in 2017 Phil started the I.T. Career Energizer podcast to try to help as many people as possible to learn from the career advice and experiences of those that have been, and still are, on that same career journey. CONTACT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/philtechcareer LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philburgess Facebook: https://facebook.com/philtechcareer Instagram: https://instagram.com/philtechcareer Website: https://itcareerenergizer.com/contact Phil is also reachable by email at [email protected] and via the podcast's website, https://itcareerenergizer.com Join the I.T. Career Energizer Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ITCareerEnergizer ABOUT THE GUEST – IAN REYNOLDS Ian Reynolds is a Partner and the Chief Solutions Architect at Zibtek, a software development company focused on helping businesses build custom software. He has spent the better part of his career in consulting covering a diverse range of industries, including Finance, Oil & Gas and Healthcare. He now helps companies to solve their core business objectives with agile software development. CONTACT THE GUEST – IAN REYNOLDS Ian Reynolds can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/just_solve LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianjhreynolds/ Website: https://www.zibtek.com/

Phil's guest on today's show is Jeff Ton, a sought-after speaker, author and thought leader, having led powerful teams and built successful Information Technology departments for over 30 years. His mission is to change the face of IT. And he says that, "Businesses today are demanding more from their technology and their technology leaders." As well as being the author of Amplify Your Value (2018) and Amplify Your Job Search (2020), Jeff serves on numerous boards and advisory councils including Forbes Technology Council, Indy CIO Network, and Connected World Magazine Board of Advisors. Jeff joins the show to discuss the importance of mastering the basic skills that are sometimes forgotten in favour of technical prowess. Jeff also highlights the belief that your passion can benefit your career path if you look for the opportunities to blend the two pursuits. Full show notes and links to related resources are available on the IT Career Energizer website - https://itcareerenergizer.com

Phil's guest on today's show is Danny Thompson, a Software Developer who has a passion for tech and programming. He is also Chapter Founder & Leader of GDG Memphis, providing resources for aspiring developers. In this episode Danny joins Phil to talk about why it's okay to admit when you don't have the answer, and how it can lead to personal growth. Danny also discusses the importance of self-motivation, and why your career goals can only truly be achieved by never giving up. Full show notes and links to related resources are available on the IT Career Energizer website - https://itcareerenergizer.com

Phil's guest on today's show is Sam Lightstone, IBM's Chief Technology Officer for AI Strategy, an IBM Fellow and a Master Inventor in the IBM Data and AI group. He is also chair of the Data and AI Technical Team, the working group of IBM's technical executives in the division. In this episode Sam joins Phil to discuss the power of innovation, and why we must always seek to first convince people that we have good ideas by allowing them to visualise, and innovate through creative thinking. Sam also talks about the importance of being clear when it comes to your career goals in IT, and why without a clear goal to aim for, we can never truly hope to arrive at our ideal destination Full show notes and links to related resources are available on the IT Career Energizer website - https://itcareerenergizer.com

Phil's guest on today's show is Douglas Ferguson, an entrepreneur and technologist with over 20 years of experience. He is a master facilitator and the author of three innovation books: Beyond the Prototype, How to Remix Anything, and Start Within. He is also the founder and president of Voltage Control, a facilitation agency helping teams to work better together. Douglas discusses the importance of finding new perspectives by looking outside of our own industry, and how this can lead to innovative thinking. He also talks about the importance of facilitation, and how it will shape the future of an ever-more automated working landscape. KEY TAKEAWAYS: TOP CAREER TIP We must look outside of our own industries. By opening ourselves to new ways of working, of new experiences, we allow ourselves to find new perspectives and new ways of thinking. WORST CAREER MOMENT Whenever emotions get the best of Douglas, it can get the better of him. Being dressed down in public can give rise to negative emotional impact. By tempering our response, we can turn these situations into empowering ones. CAREER HIGHLIGHT Building a sophisticated metric system that had to scale rapidly to keep up with the growth of its client base. Douglas recognized the need to balance the technical concerns and the elegance of the system itself in order to accomplish something entirely new. THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T The effects of COVID-19 upon the world have caused the world itself to take far more notice of technological advancements, and how technology itself is a benefit to humanity. Innovations are coming swiftly every day, and are changing the landscape of how we interact. THE REVEAL What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – Being brought up on a farm , Douglas was instilled with a sense of enhancement through ingenuity. When he was introduced to computers, he applied this sensibility, and a career was born. What's the best career advice you received? – Networking is key to adaptability, and understanding complexity. The modern world is built upon communication and we must embrace it in order to thrive. What's the worst career advice you received? – To severely punish those who make mistakes. By allowing emotions to overtake a situation, we can often miss out on chances to develop those in our teams, and strengthen our organisations. What would you do if you started your career now? – Douglas would embrace AI machine learning a lot sooner. It is a transformational technology that will lead to lasting change. What are your current career objectives? – After spending much time in pivoting his organization, Douglas now has the opportunity to look for areas that require creative thinking and innovation, while delivering the levels of excellence that his team is known for. What's your number one non-technical skill? – The ability to synthesise quickly and on the fly, as well as the speed with which information is processed. How do you keep your own career energized? – Staying abreast of new developments and innovations keeps us fresh and keen to take on the challenges of tomorrow. What do you do away from technology? – Boxing and exercise are a wonderful way to expend physical energy, while musical pursuits and meditation keep the mental faculties fresh and creative. FINAL CAREER TIP Facilitation is the skill that will allow us to step into the future of the workplace. As AI and software becomes better able to take over jobs, we will need to rely on the things that make us more human. BEST MOMENTS (2:56) – Douglas- "It's important when you have groups of people, that we understand how to do the best work we can, so that we get the best outcomes" (14:52) – Douglas - "If there's anything that you can expect not to change, that is the fact that things will change!" (19:22) – Douglas – "We really need to make sure that we're building strong relationships so that we can thrive" (29:49) – Douglas - "It's all about finding inspiration in little pockets and exploring those things" (31:55) – Douglas – "If there's one skill that's going to be critical in the future of work, it's facilitation" ABOUT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organizations to design, develop, and implement software solutions. Phil has always had an interest in helping others to develop and advance their careers. And in 2017 Phil started the I.T. Career Energizer podcast to try to help as many people as possible to learn from the career advice and experiences of those that have been, and still are, on that same career journey. CONTACT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/philtechcareer LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philburgess Facebook: https://facebook.com/philtechcareer Instagram: https://instagram.com/philtechcareer Website: https://itcareerenergizer.com/contact Phil is also reachable by email at phil@itcareer

Phil's guest on today's show is Raj Subrameyer, an international speaker, writer and tech coach who helps people step into the leadership role of their dreams through his services and speeches. He is helping countless people to discover their 'Zone of Genius' and leverage it to live the life that they love. In this episode Phil and Raj discuss the importance of establishing your own brand, and how an effective network can help to energise our career path. Raj also talks about the importance of deciding on the course of your own journey, and why it's never too late to make a change. Full show notes and links to related resources are available on the IT Career Energizer website - https://itcareerenergizer.com