Sharing The Gift of Experience
The Next Era – Knowledge Sharing
Over the last couple years, I have had tremendous enjoyment
mentoring team members to become technical leaders, helping some colleagues
into software program management careers, and sharing general experiences I
have had from interning, as an individual contributor, leader, and strategic
advisor. Even though I certainly have
more to grow in the next stage of my career into the executive ranks, there are
so many experiences I can share with my peers via this blog that would help
spur thought amongst team members. I
plan on using some core fundamental areas to guide various blog posts on ChrisLidaka.com.
Experiences
As I think about the variety of cultures that I have worked
in, I realize the value of experiences that has brought in my career’s
journey. Different perspectives growing
up through Interning, Individual Contributor, Leader, Manager,
Executive/Strategic Influencer roles. The
different companies such as VisionQuestFoundation, IBM, AT&T, RSASecurity, EMC2,
VCE, DellEMC, MetLife,
and TiVo.
The last couple decades have provided ample opportunities to grow in
different leadership styles and technology that is used to solve problems
across a variety of industries. There have
been many ways to manage projects successfully and even learned a great deal
from a few failed projects that provided great learning opportunities. As I dig deep into my career history, I hope
others can use some of my learning to guide and build their career as well!
Education
Executive coaching is such a valuable tool for anyone that
finds a great coach! During one of my
sessions, I was exposed to the CliftonStrengths assessments to understand more of my core strengths as a leader /
team member. A Learner and Intellection
theme emerged, and it was to no surprise to the coach given our
conversations. I believe in lifelong
learning and will never stop. After
receiving my Computer Science degree from Binghamton University, I found myself wanting to grow faster with my strategic
business understanding. While I worked
full time, I pursued an MBA from University of Maryland University College and it provided the foundation of how I
approach strategic business decisions. As
new skills were needed, I pursued education to be a certified PMP, CSM, CSPO,
and ITIL along the way and put each certification to use in the various roles
that were required. My current ambition is
to grow my executive skills via Duke University Corporate Education through
their Adaptive Strategic Execution Program that has been the best post-MBA education I
have taken to date. I plan on another
blog post just on the Duke program to give insight into its value I have seen
directly on my work.
Technology
I have always shared a love for technology as long as I can
remember. Though my background is in
computer science, I plan on sharing technology perspectives from the latest
TiVo devices that are released in the entertainment industry to more general
business perspectives on concepts such as microservices. Typically, I will not be deep down in the weeds
at code level at technology because my daily life is not in that space. I imagine other readers will also benefit
from this layer of discussion as they need to be aware of trends and topics
without being down in the weeds.
Wrapping it Up
Time is one equalizer across everyone in this world. You can’t buy more of it and you can’t go
back to change decision, but you can make better utilization. First, I am honored that you are using your
precious time to read this blog. I hope
that by sharing my thoughts, knowledge, experiences, it truly does help spark
interest/thoughts that propel your career / business forward. If I can help other leaders be more influential
and use thoughts to make better business decisions, I have reached the goal of
my blog. Onward and Upward!
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