Getting into tech can be exciting but also complicated. Greg Finnigan, a seasoned entrepreneur with decades of experience, shared some simple but powerful advice on how to grow your career in this fast-changing industry. He’s worked in hardware, security software, and cloud services, and he’s seen how the industry evolves. Here’s what he suggests for anyone looking to build a solid career in tech.

Be Authentic and True to Yourself

Greg opened up about his biggest mistake early in his career. He said he wasn’t being himself. Instead, he was trying to fit into what he thought others expected. This made him tired and less genuine. Greg realized that pretending to be someone else was not sustainable.

He decided to embrace who he really is. Greg made a conscious choice to be open and authentic. That change made a big difference. Over the years, his career has taken a natural shape. He’s moved through different sectors in a way that feels right for him. Being true to himself helped him grow professionally and personally. It’s a reminder that honesty and authenticity are valuable, especially in leadership roles.

Follow Your Instincts and Industry Trends

Greg’s career moves weren’t random. They followed his interests and industry shifts. He started in sales at a hardware distributor because he was curious about the money in tech during the 90s. He enjoyed the work and the people he met. Later, he shifted to security software, working for big names like Symantec and Kaspersky. He did this because he saw the growth in cybersecurity and wanted to be part of it.

His move into startups was intentional too. Greg wanted to challenge himself and see how different the startup world is from large corporations. He managed a FinTech startup and even launched his own clean tech business. When the opportunity came to join AWS, he saw it as a chance to dive into cloud computing, which was booming. His key advice? Trust your gut and stay attuned to the industry’s direction. Changes in tech often come from broader trends, so it helps to move with them rather than against them.

Learn from Failures and Don’t Take Success for Granted

Greg’s journey isn’t just about smooth sailing. He experienced setbacks that taught him important lessons. One such moment was with a clean tech startup he co-founded. They had a promising product tied to a government regulation called Boiler Plus. They believed the government’s goals were solid, and they built their plans around it. But then, political upheaval and COVID-19 hit, and the rules changed. Their business model was built on uncertain ground, and they faced disappointment.

This experience taught Greg to be cautious. Even when you do everything right, things might still go wrong. It’s part of the game. But setbacks don’t mean you should give up. Instead, they give you a chance to learn and grow. Greg’s scars from failure make him more resilient and better prepared for future challenges. His story shows that persistence matters, and failure is just a stepping stone.

Choose the Right People and Use the Best Tools

Greg’s final tip is about people and tools. He emphasized that who you work with and what you use can make or break your success. Today, AI tools are transforming how we work. Greg suggests that if you’re starting out now, you should pay close attention to the people around you and the technology at your fingertips.

Having a strong team with shared values builds trust and respect. Whether you’re hiring or working with partners, think about the kind of relationships you want. The right people will help you navigate challenges and seize opportunities. As for tools, leveraging AI and other innovative technologies can give you a serious edge. Greg believes that mastering these tools can set you apart in a competitive landscape.

In the end, Greg Finnigan’s advice boils down to being yourself, staying attuned to industry trends, learning from setbacks, and surrounding yourself with the right people and technology. Building a career in tech isn’t a straight line, but with these principles, you’ll be better equipped to grow and succeed in this exciting field.

Inspired by

• https://www.computerworld.com/article/4050522/be-your-authentic-self-how-to-build-a-career-in-tech.html

Sources

• gmpg.org
• podigee.com
• podigee.com