Skip to content 
Be Selective About Where You Work with Shawn Livermore
Accelerate Your Career Every Week - NOW
Tips & advice for advancing your career. Get my most powerful tips FOR FREE. No spam, ever.
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Reddit
Shawn Livermore
Shawn Livermore is a software engineer, a consultant, a software architect and a tech startup founder, managing to raise venture capital investment six times. He has also authored several books on software and business including the recently released ‘Average Joe: Be the Silicon Valley Tech Genius’.
In this episode Shawn talks to Phil about why it’s important to choose carefully when applying to companies for work, and how career dreams can become horror stories if you aren’t careful. He also discusses the importance of having a pursuit, one that holds our passion and drives us onward.
Subscribe
Resources
AverageJoeTechGenius.com – Check out Shawn’s personal website!
ProductPerfect.com – Check out Shawn’s company website!
And check out the book : Average Joe: Be The Silicon Valley Tech Genius . The book teaches anyone how to think, speak, and create like some of the brightest tech founders in the world. It dispels the myth of the tech genius, then, in a very satisfying twist, it reveals how to become the myth yourself.
2 Top Career Tips
1) When you’re starting out, it’s critical to become selective in the places to which you apply for work. Getting started is important but it’s equally as important not to smother your dreams by becoming just a nameless number.
2) Pursue something. If you’re not pursuing some goal, some idea, some vision, then you’ll miss out in the long term.
Show Notes
Worst Career Moment
While new in his career, and working as a consultant, Shawn was asked to publicly fix a problem, which involved him coding while people watched. The nerves caused him to forget the correct syntax, which was hugely embarrassing!
Career Highlight
Going through the start-up process – creating a product, a brand, assembling a team and establishing systems and processes. The pitching process, in order to gain funding, was especially exciting.
The Future
The tech world today is the most exciting and innovative place in the world, contributing to real, lasting change and having a positive impact upon society and the way we live.
The Reveal
What first attracted you to a career in I.T.?
Money was the initial driving factor, as the requirements and qualifications were virtually nil at the time, meaning open access to everyone.
What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Go back and get your business degree!
What is the worst career advice you’ve ever received?
To fall in line, and not strike out one’s own. Shawn is a natural entrepreneur and has that experimental mind-set.
If you had to begin your career again in today’s world, what would you do?
Shawn would have attained an internship at one of the big tech firms – even working for free if necessary!
What career objectives are you currently focusing on?
Building his software consultancy firm, and working through the rigor of erecting processes that will ensure growth in the long term.
What’s the number one non-technical skill that has helped you in your career so far?
Learning how to speak in a far more articulate way, and enhancing the way in which communication is dealt with.
What do you do to keep your own career energized?
Shawn does what he’s passionate about – building software for clients who care.
What do you do in your spare time away from technology?
Shawn is a fan of outdoor pursuits, particularly on water – kayaking is a favourite.
Contact The Guest
Contact Shawn Livermore through the following social media platforms:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shawnypants
Subscribe
