Rolf Krolke shares his journey from early aspirations in law to becoming a Regional Technology Director at the Access Group. He discusses his career beginnings in IT, the transition from technical roles to business-focused positions, and his experiences at major companies like Microsoft and Amazon Web Services. Rolf emphasizes the importance of loving what you do, measuring impact, and working with great people. He reflects on the differences between global and regional roles and shares valuable career advice.TakeawaysRolf initially wanted to be a lawyer but shifted to IT.He found his passion in technology through practical applications.Early roles taught him the importance of troubleshooting and problem-solving.Transitioning to a business focus allowed him to help customers more effectively.Microsoft provided a culture of growth and development.AWS was a fast-paced environment focused on building and scaling.Understanding technology is crucial for effective leadership.Global roles offer unique challenges and opportunities.Career values include passion, impact, and collaboration.Being proactive in career development is essential. Links and locations of the podcast Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/0zu1gsYgd0rmXCXNwXTRWIAmazonhttps://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9c73deb7-75af-44fa-ae40-70506949bdccApple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sympa-says/id1809071990Castboxhttps://castbox.fm/vh/6572789Goodpodshttps://goodpods.com/podcasts/sympa-says-681171iHeartRadiohttps://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-sympa-says-272967966/OvercastPocket Castshttps://pca.st/67eufjizChapters00:16 From School to Career Choices03:04 Early Career Experiences and Skills Development05:56 Transitioning from Technical to Business Roles08:43 Career Growth at Dell and Microsoft11:32 Navigating Opportunities at Microsoft14:09 Experiences at AWS and Scaling Challenges17:12 Global vs. Regional Roles in Technology19:50 Core Career Values and Reflections22:10 Highlights and Lowlights of a Tech Career

In this episode, Rishi shares his journey from a young tech enthusiast to a co-pilot behavioral specialist at Microsoft. He discusses the pivotal moments in his education and early career, the importance of real-world experience, and how he transitioned from software development to change management. Rishi emphasizes the value of a learning mindset, the significance of international experience, and the principles that guide his career. He also reflects on the highlights and challenges he faced along the way, offering valuable advice for the next generation of tech professionals.Links and locations of the podcast Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/0zu1gsYgd0rmXCXNwXTRWIAmazonhttps://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9c73deb7-75af-44fa-ae40-70506949bdccApple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sympa-says/id1809071990Castboxhttps://castbox.fm/vh/6572789Goodpodshttps://goodpods.com/podcasts/sympa-says-681171iHeartRadiohttps://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-sympa-says-272967966/OvercastPocket Castshttps://pca.st/67eufjizChapters00:00 Early Inspirations in Technology02:20 Education and Initial Career Steps04:48 Transitioning from Developer to Change Manager07:25 Navigating Career Paths and Opportunities09:20 Embracing Change and Learning11:27 Collecting Experiences and Consulting13:55 Joining Microsoft: A Surprising Journey20:03 Cultural Fit and Career Choices24:43 International Experience: Moving to Singapore29:01 Navigating Change Management and Technology Adoption35:17 Career Values and Principles37:56 Advice for the Next Generation

In this episode of Sympa Says, TJ Shankar, CMO head of marketing at Credo AI discusses his journey from aspiring pilot in the Indian Air Force to a successful career in tech, including his experiences at Microsoft, IBM, Citrix AWS and various startups. TJ shares insights on the importance of networking, continuous learning, and the value of being passionate about one's work. He also reflects on his career highlights, lowlights, and offers advice for aspiring professionals in today's fast-paced job market.Links and locations of the podcast Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/0zu1gsYgd0rmXCXNwXTRWIAmazonhttps://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9c73deb7-75af-44fa-ae40-70506949bdccApple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sympa-says/id1809071990Castboxhttps://castbox.fm/vh/6572789Goodpodshttps://goodpods.com/podcasts/sympa-says-681171iHeartRadiohttps://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-sympa-says-272967966/OvercastPocket Castshttps://pca.st/67eufjiz00:00 Introduction to TJ Shankar Jana 02:04 Early Aspirations: From Pilot Dreams to Engineering04:14 Transitioning to Data and Analytics06:54 Career Beginnings at Microsoft09:26 Exploring Opportunities: IBM and Citrix11:56 Moving to Australia: Embracing New Challenges14:40 The Azure Ranger Program and Career Growth17:12 Transitioning to the U.S. and New Opportunities21:57 The Role of Networking in Career Growth23:25 Deepening Skills in Product Marketing25:31 From Corporate to Startup: A Shift in Pace29:11 Core Values and Career Philosophy33:11 Advice for Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs

In this episode, Johneen shares her journey from a curious child aspiring to be the first woman in space to becoming a leader in the IT industry. She discusses her early experiences in IT, the challenges she faced in the airline industry, and her transition from technical roles to leadership positions. Johneen emphasizes the importance of curiosity, networking, and building relationships throughout her career. She reflects on her time at Microsoft, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the significance of supporting her team. Johneen also shares her career philosophy, highlights, and advice for young professionals.Links and locations of the podcast Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/0zu1gsYgd0rmXCXNwXTRWIAmazonhttps://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9c73deb7-75af-44fa-ae40-70506949bdccApple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sympa-says/id1809071990Castboxhttps://castbox.fm/vh/6572789Goodpodshttps://goodpods.com/podcasts/sympa-says-681171iHeartRadiohttps://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-sympa-says-272967966/OvercastPocket Castshttps://pca.st/67eufjizChapters00:00 Curiosity Sparks a Career in IT03:03 Journey Through Early Career Experiences06:04 Transitioning from Technical Roles to Leadership08:51 Navigating Challenges in the Airline Industry12:08 Leadership Philosophy and Team Dynamics15:03 Building a Network and Career Progression18:05 Joining Microsoft and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome20:49 Career Transitions and Family Priorities24:08 Reflections on Career Highlights and Advice

In this episodeBen Francis shares his journey from a military background to a successful career in various corporate roles, including significant time at Microsoft. He discusses the importance of purpose, culture, and personal growth in his career, as well as the challenges and opportunities he faced along the way. Ben emphasizes the value of mentorship, the impact of his experiences in different cultures, and the lessons learned from both his highs and lows in the professional world. He reflects on his current role in Papua New Guinea and his aspirations for the future, highlighting the importance of backing oneself and embracing challenges.Links and locations of the podcast Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/0zu1gsYgd0rmXCXNwXTRWIAmazonhttps://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9c73deb7-75af-44fa-ae40-70506949bdccApple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sympa-says/id1809071990Castboxhttps://castbox.fm/vh/6572789Goodpodshttps://goodpods.com/podcasts/sympa-says-681171iHeartRadiohttps://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-sympa-says-272967966/OvercastPocket Castshttps://pca.st/67eufjizChapters00:00 Career Beginnings and Influences02:51 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life06:10 Navigating Corporate Roles and Leadership08:50 Exploring Opportunities at Microsoft11:47 Cultural Insights and International Experience14:57 Finding Purpose and Career Breaks17:46 Current Role and Future Aspirations21:00 Values and Life Lessons24:05 Career Highlights and AdviceFollow Ben https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfrancis/career paths, military transition, leadership, Microsoft, purpose, personal growth, international experience, career advice, organizational culture, life lessons

In this episode of Sympa Says Ana-Gabriela Hernandez shares her career journey from her interests in technology and music to her role as a security specialist at Microsoft. She highlights education, networking, relocating challenges, and emphasizes passion, personal values, and offers advice for aspiring tech professionals. Become part of our community by watching or listening and subscribing or following Sympa Says.

Chapters

00:00 Early Inspirations and Career Aspirations

04:00 Educational Foundations and Career Beginnings

08:08 Navigating Career Transitions and Opportunities

14:24 Relocating to Australia: A Life-Changing Decision

20:19 Adapting to New Challenges and Cultures

24:40 Career Growth and Evolving Roles

31:48 Core Values and Career Philosophy

35:31 Career Highlights and Lessons Learned

38:03 Advice for the Next Generation

In this episodeMarc Jordan shares his career journey from aspiring paleontologist to Vice President of Product Management at SGNL. He discusses his shifts from forensic science to technology, highlighting the role of problem-solving, connections, and identity management. Marc also recounts his move to the United States and experiences at Microsoft and Google, offering career insights and advice for transitions.Become part of our community by watching or listening and subscribing or following Sympa Says.

Youtubehttps://www.youtube.com/@SympaSays

Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/0zu1gsYgd0rmXCXNwXTRWIAmazonhttps://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9c73deb7-75af-44fa-ae40-70506949bdccApple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sympa-says/id1809071990Castboxhttps://castbox.fm/vh/6572789Goodpodshttps://goodpods.com/podcasts/sympa-says-681171iHeartRadiohttps://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-sympa-says-272967966/OvercastPocket Castshttps://pca.st/67eufjizChapters00:00 From Paleontology to Product Management03:01 The Journey Through Forensic Science and Technology05:57 Career Transitions and Problem Solving09:10 The Importance of Identity in Technology12:07 Specialization and Networking for Career Growth14:59 Moving to the United States: A Career Adventure18:08 Building Connections and Embracing Change21:11 Leaving Microsoft: New Opportunities Ahead25:50 Navigating Career Moves in Silicon Valley31:28 Transitioning from Google to Startups36:14 Philosophy and Values in Career Choices40:31 Career Highlights and Lowlights46:30 Advice for Career Starters and Switchers

In this episode of Sympa SaysHeather Grandy discusses her career journey from a curious child to a successful engineering and technology career. She highlights the importance of problem definition, collaboration, and resource utilization. Heather shares her co-op experiences, early career challenges, and transition to the tech world at Microsoft. She reflects on how the pandemic influenced her career and her passion for data and analytics, leading her back to Microsoft. Heather also addresses job search challenges, communication skills, pursuing passions, the value of a master's degree, and offers advice for new professionals.Become part of our community by watching or listening and subscribing or following Sympa Says.Links and locations of the podcast Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/0zu1gsYgd0rmXCXNwXTRWIAmazonhttps://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9c73deb7-75af-44fa-ae40-70506949bdccApple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sympa-says/id1809071990Castboxhttps://castbox.fm/vh/6572789Goodpodshttps://goodpods.com/podcasts/sympa-says-681171iHeartRadiohttps://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-sympa-says-272967966/OvercastPocket Castshttps://pca.st/67eufjizChapters00:00 Navigating Early Career Challenges02:57 Exploring Career Aspirations and Education05:55 The Role of Co-op Programs in Skill Development08:50 Experiences in Diverse Work Environments12:01 Transitioning to Microsoft and Initial Roles15:03 Finding Passion in Data and AI17:57 The Journey Through Microsoft: Growth and Learning20:46 Career Decisions and Regional Differences24:02 The Impact of Communication and Collaboration26:57 Shifting Roles and Embracing New Challenges29:52 The Transition to Training and Mentorship35:56 Passion for Teaching and Learning41:13 Transitioning to Startups and New Opportunities45:47 Pursuing a Master's Degree and Academic Experiences52:23 Navigating Career Challenges and Growth01:01:10 Reflections on Career Highlights and Lowlights01:07:00 Advice for Future GenerationsFollow Heather:https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathergrandy/