How To Stay Ahead of Tech Industry Changes with Tony Walker
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Tony Walker
Tony Walker is renowned in the passive infrastructure market. With over two decades of experience. He leads Global Fiber Product Marketing for The Siemon Company, providing high-quality, high-performance IT infrastructure solutions and services for Data Centres.
Tony has worked with top-tier companies, navigating dynamic challenges and offering unique solutions in areas such as cabling and network deployments. His career journey is a testament to the power of curiosity and continual learning, which has shaped his innovative approach to technology.
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Resources
Siemon.com – Check out The Siemon Company website!
2 Top Career Tips
1) Never dismiss an opportunity or a technology just because you don’t know it. When Tony first entered the passive infrastructure sector, he almost overlooked the role, thinking the technology was boring. However, after taking a closer look, he realized how dynamic and crucial the sector was to the larger technology landscape. His advice? Do your due diligence and keep an open mind. Some of the most exciting opportunities may not seem glamorous at first.
2) Don’t overlook opportunities that may not seem “sexy” at first glance. Tech trends often come and go, but the core technologies that may seem unexciting initially can offer long-term, stable, and impactful careers. Stay intrigued and keep learning, and you will find success in technology.
Show Notes
Worst Career Moment
Tony shared a significant career moment when he found himself in a high-stakes situation with a customer who wasn’t prepared for the scale of their equipment delivery. The customer was adamant about wanting everything delivered at once, despite the enormous logistical challenges. After a tense standoff, the situation was resolved, but it was a valuable learning experience about managing client expectations and the importance of clear communication. Tony learned that sometimes, even when you are right, patience and professionalism are key to maintaining business relationships.
Career Highlight
One of Tony’s most memorable career highlights has been working on projects that required him to create unique solutions for customers with specific needs. Unlike off-the-shelf solutions, these projects involved working closely with clients to design, develop, and implement custom infrastructure solutions. The ability to solve complex problems and deliver tailored results is what Tony finds most rewarding about his career in tech.
The Future
The future of IT careers, according to Tony, is an exciting one, especially with the rise of technologies like generative AI. Tony believes we are only scratching the surface of AI’s potential, particularly in industries like healthcare and finance. He sees rapid change on the horizon, even in seemingly stable sectors like passive infrastructure. The constant evolution of technology means that careers in IT will continue to be dynamic and full of new opportunities. Those in the industry must stay adaptable and ready to embrace new trends and technologies.
The Reveal
What first attracted you to a career in I.T.?
Tony was first introduced to technology through an internship at the Department of Defense, where he worked on a project moving the network from a closed-circuit system to an open IP-based network. This exposure to cutting-edge tech in the early 90s sparked his interest. He appreciated the constant change and the blend of hands-on work with strategic planning.
What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice Tony received was timeless: “There’s a reason we have two ears, two eyes, and one mouth. Look and listen more than you speak.” This has been invaluable advice in navigating both professional relationships and problem-solving.
What is the worst career advice you’ve ever received?
Early in his career, Tony was advised not to pursue a career in tech because it was constantly changing, and “today’s trend might be tomorrow’s loser.” Thankfully, Tony didn’t take this advice and has had a successful career in the industry, continuously adapting to the changes and challenges.
If you had to begin your career again in today’s world, what would you do?
If Tony were to start his career today, he would ask more questions about the diverse roles in tech. Technology careers go beyond IT support or administration; there are a variety of roles, such as product management, research, and more, which Tony now believes are essential to understand early on to map out a fulfilling career path.
What career objectives are you currently focusing on?
Tony’s focus has shifted from specific titles to working on exciting projects with passionate teams. His main goal is to stay relevant in the ever-evolving tech landscape by continually learning and embracing new challenges rather than pursuing traditional career ladders or titles.
What’s the number one non-technical skill that has helped you in your career so far?
Tony’s non-technical skill that has greatly helped his career is his ability to connect with people. Whether it’s making small talk at the airport or interacting with potential customers, Tony believes that building relationships is key in tech. Having the ability to converse with people from all backgrounds has opened many doors for him in his career.
What do you do to keep your own career energized?
Tony keeps his career energized by actively challenging himself and his colleagues. Whether it’s playing Devil’s advocate or thinking outside the box, he encourages critical thinking and always looks for new ways to approach problems. This continuous pursuit of innovation and preventing complacency is what keeps his work exciting..
What do you do in your spare time away from technology?
Outside of tech, Tony enjoys cooking and perfecting dishes over time. He’s competitive by nature and takes pride in continually refining his culinary skills. His love for food is more than just a hobby—it’s a way to express creativity and unwind from his tech-heavy career.
Contact The Guest
Contact Tony Walker through the following social media platforms:
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