30 Years in Tech: 5 Lessons for the Next Generation

Three decades in technology have been more than just a career—they’ve been an incredible journey of learning, resilience, and purpose. Starting with a degree in accounting, my path to becoming a technology leader was anything but traditional. Along the way, I’ve also found fulfillment in roles beyond the office—serving as a volunteer firefighter, engaging in workforce readiness initiatives for youth in Bangladesh, and mentoring innovative startups. These experiences have shaped not only my professional life but also my values and mission. Today, I want to share five lessons that I believe can guide the next generation of technologists to succeed and make an impact.

1. Stay Curious, Stay Relevant

The world of technology evolves faster than any one person can master, but a curious mindset will keep you in the game.

• Why It Matters: Curiosity fuels learning, and learning keeps you relevant. The technical skills that defined the start of my career in IT are now obsolete, but my drive to adapt has always kept me ahead.
• Real-Life Insight: As someone who began with an accounting degree, I had to transition into tech without formal training. By staying curious and teaching myself the fundamentals, I was able to move into leadership roles in cloud computing and digital transformation.

Takeaway: Never stop learning. Curiosity is your greatest asset in a constantly changing field.

2. Relationships Matter More Than You Think

The most valuable asset in your career isn’t your resume—it’s your relationships.

• Why It Matters: The opportunities I’ve had—whether leading groundbreaking projects or mentoring others—were often the result of strong professional and personal connections.
• Real-Life Insight: My involvement in community initiatives, like mentoring youth in Bangladesh to prepare for workforce readiness, has not only helped others but has also deepened my own network. These relationships have opened doors to meaningful collaborations.

Takeaway: Take the time to build authentic relationships. Your connections will shape your career as much as your skills.

3. Resilience is Key to Success

Setbacks are inevitable, but resilience is what separates those who thrive from those who stagnate.

• Why It Matters: In both technology and life, things won’t always go as planned. A failed project or tough decision is an opportunity to grow, not a roadblock.
• Real-Life Insight: I’ve faced challenges not only in my tech career but also as a volunteer firefighter, where quick thinking and determination are critical in life-or-death situations. These experiences taught me to stay calm under pressure and keep moving forward.

Takeaway: Treat every challenge as a chance to learn and grow stronger.

4. Share Knowledge, Empower Others

Your knowledge becomes more valuable when shared. Helping others succeed amplifies your impact.

• Why It Matters: From mentoring startups to working with youth in Bangladesh to spark innovation, I’ve seen firsthand how knowledge-sharing creates ripples of positive change.
• Real-Life Insight: One of my proudest accomplishments has been guiding young innovators in Bangladesh to create solutions that solve real-world problems. Watching them succeed has been more rewarding than any personal achievement.

Takeaway: Empowering others is one of the best ways to leave a lasting legacy.

5. Think Beyond Technology

Technology is only as good as the problems it solves. Understanding people, businesses, and cultures is what makes innovation truly impactful.

• Why It Matters: The best solutions come from a combination of technical skill and a deep understanding of human needs.
• Real-Life Insight: Whether it’s working on cloud initiatives or mentoring startups, I’ve always focused on the broader picture: how can this technology help people or solve pressing problems? For example, my community involvement in Bangladesh has taught me to align innovation with social impact.

Takeaway: Don’t just focus on the code or the hardware—think about the people and problems behind the technology.

Technology is an enabler, but the real impact comes from the human side of the equation. My journey—from studying accounting to becoming a leader in tech, from firefighting to community involvement in Bangladesh—has taught me that success is about much more than career milestones. It’s about resilience, relationships, and the difference you make in the lives of others.

As you navigate your career, remember: success isn’t measured by certifications or titles alone. It’s about the impact you create and the legacy you leave behind. I hope these lessons inspire you to craft a journey that’s not only successful but also deeply meaningful.