Anchoring Values: My Guiding Light in the Dynamic World of Tech
As I sit here, reminiscing on my journey of more than two decades in the Information Technology sphere, I am struck by the fundamental values that have anchored me throughout my career. These core values have been my compass, illuminating my path and guiding my decisions during challenging moments, and defining career milestones. Here, I'd like to share the top five values that have shaped who I am today as a seasoned technology leader:
1. Innovation and Creativity
I've always believed that innovation and creativity are the lifeblood of the tech industry. This belief truly crystallized during my tenure at Sahibinden.com. In the early days, we were grappling with the limitations of Oracle PL/SQL, and our platforms, notably Sahibinden.com, used by millions, were experiencing frequent downtime. The significant cost incurred from weekly consultations to troubleshoot these issues was a substantial burden. This challenging period, however, deepened my appreciation for innovation and creativity - values I consider central to advancing the tech industry.
During my pivotal tenure at Sahibinden.com, these core values took firm root and directed our technological strategy. We pledged to fully leverage the potential of open-source systems, marking a significant pivot from our previous reliance on Oracle PL/SQL embedded codes, ASP and MsSQL. Our adoption of the Linux operating system on physical servers reflected our willingness to adapt and embrace rapidly evolving technological landscapes.
In 2006, in line with our innovative spirit, PHP became our main programming language and MySQL main database. We bolstered our database capabilities by integrating Sphinxsearch which is a fulltext search engine. This shift wasn't merely about embracing new technologies - it was a reflection of our relentless pursuit of innovative solutions. It was this steadfast commitment that allowed us to deliver reliable service to millions of users and handle millions of daily transactions seamlessly.
This experience underscores one of my fundamental beliefs: To remain on the cutting edge in tech, we must always be prepared to innovate, adapt, and evolve
At Homzmart, a venture where I had the opportunity to be a part of its growth story by contributing to a successful funding round of $23M, this principle was further reinforced. Every day was a testament to how innovation and creativity could drive progress, growth, and success. It was a continuous reminder of how creativity, when coupled with technology, can lead to transformative solutions and business models.
2. Leadership
Holding leadership positions at various junctures of my career, I had the opportunity to drive the vision and strategy for multiple projects. During my role at GittiGidiyor/eBay, I served as a technology team leader during its transition phase when it was being acquired by eBay for $220M. It was a crucial period, requiring strong and steady leadership to ensure seamless integration, maintain morale and productivity among team members, and secure the trust of new stakeholders.
This leadership experience made me understand that a true leader does not just manage a team; they inspire and empower. They are the driving force that motivates a team to strive for excellence and encourages them to push their boundaries. It was not just about steering the ship; it was about making sure that everyone aboard knew how to navigate the rough seas.
3. Continuous Learning and Adaptability:
The only constant in technology is change. From my early days in the tech industry until now, the speed of technology evolution has been breathtaking. As I moved from one organization to another, navigating through various tech stacks, cultures, and work environments, adaptability became an essential trait. But more than that, it was the continual learning that kept me going. I've always embraced the change and seized it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Lifelong learning became a habit, a necessity, and ultimately, a value I deeply cherish.
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4. Collaboration:
Technology is rarely about solo accomplishments; it's a symphony, requiring each member to play their part in harmony. My tenure at GittiGidiyor/eBay, GoldenScent, Homzmart, and Sahibinden.com has been a testament to this value. A successful platform or feature development wasn't about a single person's efforts; it was a testament to collective wisdom, collaborative effort, and team spirit. The unified energy, collective brainstorming, and shared successes have always fueled the projects I have been a part of.
5. Drive and Perseverance
Each step of my career journey was imbued with challenges that required a strong drive and unwavering perseverance. When GittiGidiyor was being acquired by eBay, it was a period filled with uncertainty and high stakes. It was my drive that kept me focused, ensuring a successful transition. Similarly, helping Homzmart raise $23M in funding wasn't an overnight feat. It was a period filled with meticulous planning, consistent effort, numerous iterations, and indomitable perseverance. These experiences have taught me that the path to achieving ambitious goals is often laden with obstacles, but it's our unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit that transforms these hurdles into stepping stones for success.
These values, forged by my experiences and challenges over the years, continue to guide me. They are my pillars, lending me strength and direction in my professional journey. They are deeply ingrained in who I am, influencing my choices, actions, and perspective.
As we continue to navigate the dynamic tech landscape, I believe it's these foundational values that will keep us grounded, ensuring we remain authentic and true to our professional mission while we reach for the stars.
What are your guiding values?
I invite you to reflect and share. After all, our shared experiences and learnings are what makes this journey so enriching.?
Orhan Dogan
Chief Technology Officer