IT Career Energizer Phil Burgess

In this week’s show, Phil talks to Caroline Bedford, the founder and creator of Digital Minds, an award-winning innovation programme. Her forte is embedding design thinking, future-focused skills and a creative mindset within traditional roles in the insurance and corporate tech worlds.
Using her 30+ years of technology and specialty insurance experience, she brings to life discovery, ideation, innovation and cultural change within insurance organisations. She focuses her passion on developing career longevity and digital confidence across all ages and levels. And capability and curiosity in business practitioners of all roles.
She has a deep-seated belief that to future-proof your career, an ever-agile Generalist approach to support industry and customer needs is the key to happy staff, happy leaders and happy clients
Caroline talks to Phil about the value we can find in being as prepared as possible. She also discusses why it’s wise to accept opportunities when they arise and think about how to action them later.
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
 
TOP CAREER TIP:
We often find ourselves in situations that with a little thought, we may have been able to predict. The key to success is to be as prepared as possible for as many eventualities as possible.
 
WORST CAREER MOMENT
While working for a company, Caroline realized that she did not believe in the company itself or their product. This grated against her values, and proved that being congruent with your company’s mission is vital.
 
CAREER HIGHLIGHT
The day that EDII was incorporated was one of the biggest moments in Caroline’s career. Starting out on her own was life-changing.
 
THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T
Diversity and inclusion in IT is becoming far more widespread, allowing for a greater wealth of talent and skill sets to enter the sector.
 
THE REVEAL
What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – It was a challenge
What’s the best career advice you received? – Don’t wait until you need a network to build one.
What’s the worst career advice you received? – You’ve started so you have to finish
What would you do if you started your career now? – Caroline would delve deep into psychological behavior combined with human and technology.
What are your current career objectives? – To create a model and seek partners globally.
What’s your number one non-technical skill? – Being able to raise great questions, improve energy and respect others
How do you keep your own career energized? – Perpetual learning
What do you do away from technology? – Caroline is a huge fan of science fiction.
 
FINAL CAREER TIP
If someone offers you an opportunity, always make sure you say yes first and then figure out how to do it later.
 
BEST MOMENTS
(10:31) – Caroline – “You can’t be inclusive by being exclusive”
(12:24) – Caroline - “Practice your spontaneity”
(13:30) – Caroline – “We need to make mistakes in order to learn”
(15:10)– Caroline – “An interview is an opportunity for you to find out if they are a good fit for you”
 
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 phil@itcareerenergizer.com and via the podcast’

In this week’s show, Phil talks to Brandon Bramley, the founder of The Salary Negotiator.
Brandon provides professional job offer and salary negotiation coaching to help IT professionals navigate the job offer negotiation process confidently and earn higher compensation.
He’s coached clients through hundreds of salary negotiations with companies ranging in size from small businesses and startups to some of the largest global corporations such as Google, Meta, Apple, and Microsoft.
And he has a background in strategic negotiations, having worked in professional negotiation roles for companies including Amazon and American Airlines.
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
 
TOP CAREER TIP
Stay away from some of the myths that surround job offer negotiations. People are made to feel that they don’t have the leverage to negotiate, but this isn’t true.
 
WORST CAREER MOMENT
After making a big career move, Brandon realized that he had made a terrible mistake and decided to return to his previous job. Through this he learned to follow his instincts and understand that not all opportunities are a great fit in the end.
 
CAREER HIGHLIGHT
Upon negotiating his very first job offer, Brandon realized that it is a viable strategy, and built a successful business centering on it as a result.
 
THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T
The fact that IT talent is being respected at last, and the additional benefits being brought in by companies in order to make sure that they secure the best people in their field.
 
THE REVEAL
What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – Career progression took place naturally.
What’s the best career advice you received? – If you’re a success then you will always follow opportunities
What’s the worst career advice you received? – You should always stay at companies for a long time
What would you do if you started your career now? – Brandon would look more into software engineering
What are your current career objectives? – To become a better coach and negotiator, as well as provide more free resources.
What’s your number one non-technical skill? – Adopting a professional and friendly approach to negotiations.
How do you keep your own career energized? – Sharing insights and learnings with academic institutions and their students.
What do you do away from technology? – Skiing, hiking and travelling.
 
FINAL CAREER TIP
Switching jobs should not be scary – don’t be afraid to change if something isn’t working for you.
 
BEST MOMENTS
(4:28) – Brandon – “People should be negotiating their job offers, so they make sure they’re coming in at the low end of the band”
(15:29) – Brandon - “Not all opportunities are the right fit”
(21:25) – Brandon – “Successful people do not turn down opportunities”
(27:08)– Brandon – “I didn’t know if I could negotiate, but I jumped out and did 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/_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 phil@itcareerenergizer.com 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 – BRANDON BRAMLEY

In this week’s show, Phil talks to James Malley, the CEO and Co-Founder of Paccurate. He has been working in the logistics tech space since 2009 and has helped create a variety of enterprise shipping technology.
He spearheaded the design of an award-winning multi-carrier TMS (Transportation Management Software) and since 2015, he’s been evangelizing the use of AI to achieve cost-efficient and environmentally sustainable packing.
James talks about the importance of investing in communication to make the innovation process easier. He also discusses the value of optimism and trying to see the best side of every situation.
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
 
TOP CAREER TIP
When building something new that has no precedent, it’s always best to focus more upon communication in the early stages, to make the process easier.
 
WORST CAREER MOMENT
During a joint venture with a large company, James’s work was not matched by his partner. Through this he learned to be wary of partners and what they can provide in terms of value.
 
CAREER HIGHLIGHT
Conversely, a partnership entered into after gaining experience, proved entirely fruitful, especially when it came to sustainability.
 
THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T
There are always problems to be solved – innovations to be found – even when we think we’ve come as far as we can. This makes the world of IT perennially exciting and challenging.
 
THE REVEAL
What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – James found his love for IT through design and problem solving.
What’s the best career advice you received? – Say yes to everything
What’s the worst career advice you received? – To again, say yes to everything!
What would you do if you started your career now? – James would work on problems that other people are dealing with, and not things that nobody is asking for.
What are your current career objectives? – Becoming a better CEO, helping others to achieve more and finding better ways to work remotely.
What’s your number one non-technical skill? – Networking.
How do you keep your own career energized? – Making the supply chain more sustainable and less wasteful.
What do you do away from technology? – Spending time with his three-year-old son and trying to prevent household accidents!
 
FINAL CAREER TIP
Be a micro-pessimist, but a macro-optimist. It’s easy to be pessimistic and difficult to see the best in a situation. But the best of the best can see the light in everything.
 
BEST MOMENTS
(8:08) – James – “Invest in messaging and communication”
(12:05) – James - “You may look around and think every problem has been solved. The truth is that’s not the case”
(12:37) – James – “Get comfortable with whatever industry you’re in. That’s where you’ll find the most valuable ideas”
(18:11)– James – “Focus on solving problems, and you’ll find your niche sooner rather than later”
 
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 phil@itcareerenergizer.com 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 T

In this week’s show, Phil talks to Luke Switkowski, the CEO and cofounder of Kognitiv, a company that provides Workday consultancy and professional services. He has been working with Workday for more than a decade and developed an on-demand services model supporting Workday clients.
Luke talks about why skill sets are at the heart of every IT career. He also discusses the value of patience when it comes to unhappiness in your career path.
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
 
TOP CAREER TIP
To build a career, you have to build a skill set. It takes patience and time, but everything is predicated upon this, so give it your full attention.
 
WORST CAREER MOMENT
While consulting on a project, the testing was something of a disaster. Testing showed that the systems built were dysfunctional and barely working.
 
CAREER HIGHLIGHT
Starting the Kognitiv business, and making it a success!
 
THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T
The tools and capabilities available to everyone in the world of today are very exciting, and enable us to make incredible things.
 
THE REVEAL
What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – The potential to tinker and solve problems
What’s the best career advice you received? – Niche down and learn your specialist area.
What’s the worst career advice you received? – That degrees of education are always important to every part of your career
What would you do if you started your career now? – Work in consulting
What are your current career objectives? – Making Kognitiv even better
What’s your number one non-technical skill? – Asking questions
How do you keep your own career energized? – Working on side projects and pursuits to make the world even better
What do you do away from technology? – Barbecuing and grilling!
 
FINAL CAREER TIP
If you’re not happy in a position then don’t react by quitting immediately. Look for the root cause of your unhappiness and try to fix it.
 
BEST MOMENTS
(4:51) – Luke – “Whether we like it or not, we live in a skill-based economy and a skill-based society”
(11:09) – Luke - “Don’t assume that everyone will perform their roles in a project. Take more ownership of the work you have to do, and really follow through on it”
(15:37) – Luke – “Find a niche area in which you’re ready to learn, and learn it to the best of your ability”
(18:52)– Luke – “Ask questions and don’t be afraid to ask for help”
 
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 phil@itcareerenergizer.com 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 – LUKE SWITKOWSKI
Luke Switkowski is the CEO and cofounder of Kognitiv, a company that provides Workday consultancy and professional services. He has been working with Workday for more than a decade and developed an on-demand services model supporting Workday clients.
 
CONTACT THE GUEST – LUKE SWITKOWSKI
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kognitivinc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-switkowski/
Website: https://kognitivinc.com/

In this week’s show, Phil talks to Marcus Olson, who discovered his love of technology by disassembling and reassembling computers salvaged from a shuttered Black & Decker office. He also taught himself Basic so that he could create his own, simple text-based games.
He is now the CEO and Founder of Pliancy, a technology-enabled professional services company that helps growing start-ups scale their corporate IT.
Marcus talks about why we should always focus upon the driving value behind the companies we work for. He also discusses the value of being prepared and showing up entirely, so that opportunities can be taken.
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
 
TOP CAREER TIP
Focus on what the value is that you drive for the companies in which you work. Often, people fall into the trap of loving their product because they love it for themselves instead of identifying the need it can serve.
 
WORST CAREER MOMENT
Marcus took a job at the government that paid okay, but the prospects were dull, and it did not allow him to follow the pursuits that interested him.
 
CAREER HIGHLIGHT
After leaving a company, many of Marcus’ clients followed him, who advised him to begin his own consulting firm, which was the ignition beneath his second chapter in life.
 
THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T
The IT departments are slowly driving the success of companies in general, and so are slowly becoming more and more integral to conversations about growth and direction.
 
THE REVEAL
What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – After receiving a computer as a gift, Marcus realized the potential of taking something apart and putting it together again.
What’s the best career advice you received? – Be authentic.
What’s the worst career advice you received? – Don’t take risks!
What would you do if you started your career now? – Figure out how to get a job at a technical organization a lot earlier.
What are your current career objectives? – Focusing on the progression of others.
What’s your number one non-technical skill? – Communication.
How do you keep your own career energized? – Keep being uncomfortable and putting yourself out there
What do you do away from technology? – Spending time with dogs, architecture, design, art and other creative outlets.
 
FINAL CAREER TIP
If you show up with your whole self and you’re passionate about what you do, then opportunities will present themselves and you’ll be in great shape to take advantage.
 
BEST MOMENTS
 
(8:27) – Marcus – “Ultimately, technology needs to serve a goal”
(15:06) – Marcus - “If you do what you love, the money will follow. If you do it long enough, more money will follow”
(20:07) – Marcus – “We’re seeing a shift, year over year, of the importance of the IT department in helping drive success for companies”
(26:02)– Marcus – “Do it for an exceptionally long time and be authentic while you’re doing 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/_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 phil@itcareerenergizer.com and via the podcast’s website, https://itcareerenergizer.com
Join the I.T. Career Energizer Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ITCareerEnergizer

In this week’s show, Phil talks to Chuck Tomasi who has worked in the IT industry for 40 years. His roles have included software developer, systems administrator, project manager and technical consultant to name but a few. He has a particular interest in integrating devices and systems to increase the value of the overall solution.
And he likes share what he has learned with the developer community through blogs, videos, live streams, podcasts and books.
Chuck talks to Phil about the importance of remembering people skills when growing your career. He also discusses the value of putting yourself out there in order to find opportunities.
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
 
TOP CAREER TIP
Never forget the value of people in the IT sector. Careers flourish when results are delivered, but also because relationships are nurtured.
 
WORST CAREER MOMENT
While preparing for a conference, Chuck was working with volunteers. There was a great need for perfection, but Chuck was let down by two volunteers, which almost threw the project into disarray.
 
CAREER HIGHLIGHT
At the most recent conference, Chuck got to MC the event and connected completely with most of the attendees.
 
THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T
There is a world of opportunity out there in the IT sector, and the chance to create meaningful, impactful products that can change lives for the better.
 
THE REVEAL
What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – After a computer programming course in school
What’s the best career advice you received? – Trust is the ultimate currency
What’s the worst career advice you received? – It’s better to beg forgiveness than ask permission
What would you do if you started your career now? – Find a mentor and coach much sooner!
What are your current career objectives? – Creating and maintaining relationships inside and outside of the company
What’s your number one non-technical skill? – Being able to translate complex information for any audience.
How do you keep your own career energized? – Knowing that his work is positively impacting lives.
What do you do away from technology? – Podcasting, creating content, travelling and spending time with family
 
FINAL CAREER TIP
Even if you consider yourself to be introverted, make an effort to meet and greet people. Career opportunities almost always come from other people.
 
BEST MOMENTS
(2:56) – Chuck – “Putting your face out there helps recognition, and helps to build a community”
(3:50) – Chuck - “Careers are built on two things – results and relationships”
(4:22) – Chuck – “If you really want to be the hero then you need to listen to people and help them achieve their desired outcomes”
(13:06)– Chuck – “Computers and programming combine the best of logical thinking and creativity”
 
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 phil@itcareerenergizer.com 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 – CHUCK TOMASI
Chuck Tomasi has worked in the IT industry for 40 years. His roles have included soft