Focus on the Core Principles and Keep Reinventing Yourself with Sanjeev Sharma
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Sanjeev Sharma
Sanjeev Sharma was an early practitioner and coach of the Scrum methodology and has become a world-renowned expert and thought leader in DevOps as well as a pioneer of DevOps at IBM. He has authored two bestselling books, “DevOps for Dummies” and “The DevOps Adoption Playbook” and he is now a thought leader in the emerging area of DataOps.
In this episode, Phil and Sanjeev Sharma discuss the importance of not getting distracted by the tech and ending up chasing certifications. They also talk about how to achieve a proper understanding of what it is that your customer needs. Sanjeev also shares why initially you need to focus on learning how to learn and the core principles of IT.
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Resources
sdarchitect.blog – Check out Sanjeev Sharma’s blog!
The DevOps Adoption Playbook – Check out Sanjeev Sharma’s book on Amazon!
2 Top Career Tips
1) Do not get distracted by the technology, focus on the core principles. In the podcast, Sanjeev explains what they are. As well as how not to fall into the trap of chasing certifications you don´t really need.
2) Keep reinventing yourself. But, when you do so, try to think beyond your next job. Plan to land your dream job and take steps towards that. But, be prepared to change track. In this ever-changing environment, there are untold opportunities. Don’t be afraid to change direction to take advantage of them.
Show Notes
Worst Career Moment
Mid-career Sanjeev walked into a project with an overconfident attitude. He thought he knew what the customer needed and had all of the answers. Luckily, the manager from the client-side took him aside and asked Sanjeev to pause and actually listen to what they thought they needed. His doing that averted a potential disaster. But, by that point, a lot of people´s time had already been wasted. It taught Sanjeev to never make assumptions and always listen to the customer.
Career Highlight
Being made a Distinguished Engineer while working for IBM is Sanjeev´s career highlight, to date. Getting to that stage requires you to be reviewed and nominated by your peers. It felt amazing to get that recognition and achieve one of his biggest career goals.
The Future
Sanjeev is more excited than ever about the potential of technology. It is pulling us together and enabling us to still be able to do important things like educating our children despite the Coronavirus crisis.
The Reveal
What first attracted you to a career in I.T.?
Sanjeev chose IT because he liked it more than the idea of being a doctor or an accountant.
What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Learn about computers.
What is the worst career advice you’ve ever received?
Don´t take a risk and change the direction of your career.
If you had to begin your career again in today’s world, what would you do?
Sanjeev would initially focus on learning the core engineering principles.
What career objectives are you currently focusing on?
Helping clients with their digital transformations.
What’s the number one non-technical skill that has helped you in your career so far?
Being a good writer.
What do you do to keep your own career energized?
Sanjeev ensures that he talks to at least 5 other people per week about what they are working on. A habit that provides him with a fresh point of view.
What do you do in your spare time away from technology?
Sanjeev reads a lot. But, in a paper format rather than on a screen. He finds that this greatly reduces the chances of his being distracted.
Contact The Guest
Contact Sanjeev Sharma through the following social media platforms:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sd_architect
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