Warning: This episode briefly discusses mental health and includes a non-graphic mention of a suicide attempt.

Keywords

technology, education, mental health, community, career development, personal growth, podcast, mentorship, high school, internships, IT career, mentorship, automation, MSP, technology, networking, consulting, leadership, job transition, vendor work

Takeaways

Abhi is excited about becoming a parent soon.
Ben's early interest in technology stemmed from tinkering with his father's computers.
Homeschooling taught Ben to be a self-starter and work independently.
Ben's experience with online communities helped him develop social skills.
He learned about web design and development through fan sites.
Ben's struggles in high school led to a deeper understanding of mental health.
Mentorship played a crucial role in Ben's educational journey.
Competitions in high school helped Ben gain confidence and skills.
Ben's early career experiences shaped his understanding of the tech industry.
Community support can significantly impact personal and professional growth. The importance of mentorship in career growth.
Learning from colleagues can lead to innovative solutions.
Proposals for workplace improvements can enhance employee well-being.
Networking can open doors to new opportunities.
Automation can significantly increase efficiency in IT processes.
Training and community engagement are vital for professional development.
Teaching others can reinforce your own knowledge and skills.
Career transitions can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Negotiating job offers is crucial for recognizing your value.
Leadership roles require adaptability and a willingness to take on new challenges.

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Abhi and Ben explore Ben's journey from a curious child tinkering with computers to navigating the challenges of high school, mental health, and early career experiences in the tech industry. They discuss the importance of mentorship, community support, and the impact of competitions on personal growth. Ben reflects on his struggles with identity and the lessons learned through various internships and jobs, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of his passions and aspirations. In this conversation, Ben Climer shares his journey from an intern to a senior technology consultant and eventually a CTO in the IT industry. He discusses the importance of mentorship, learning from colleagues, and the value of networking. Ben highlights his experiences with automation, training, and community engagement, as well as the challenges and opportunities he faced during his career transitions. He emphasizes the significance of negotiation in job offers and the impact of leadership roles in shaping his career. The conversation also touches on his move to a vendor role at Roost, where he continues to innovate and contribute to the IT community.

Sound bites

"I started a digital car magazine."
"I was probably a bad intern."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
01:41 The Impact of Homeschooling on Ben's Development
04:46 The Journey into Web Development
09:24 Navigating High School Challenges
13:34 The Role of Mentorship in Education
20:20 The Impact of Teachers and Mentorship
26:53 Experiences at National Competitions
31:37 Community Support and Its Importance
34:50 Early Career Challenges and Opportunities
38:08 Finding a Steady Job in IT
42:56 Internship Insights: Learning on the Job
47:54 First Steps in IT: The MSP Experience
54:33 Automation and Efficiency: Innovating in IT Support
01:00:57 Community and Collaboration: Building Connections in Tech
01:04:08 Embracing New Technologies
01:08:46 Transitioning to IT Management
01:09:13 Navigating Career Opportunities
01:13:35 Preparing for a Job Interview
01:16:44 Overcoming Challenges in IT Management
01:21:18 Navigating Challenges in Project Management
01:25:30 Evolving Roles and Responsibilities
01:30:38 The Importance of Safe Learning Environments
01:36:50 The Unique Challenges of Working with MSPs
01:43:43 Giving Back to the Community

keywords

self-discovery, technology, career journey, customer interaction, internal IT, business ownership, lifelong learning

summary

In this conversation, Ben Climer and Abhi Saini explore Abhi's journey through the tech industry, from his early fascination with technology to his experiences in various roles, including customer service, internal IT, and ultimately becoming a business owner. They discuss the importance of self-discovery, learning from mistakes, and the value of understanding client needs in the tech field. Abhi emphasizes the significance of lifelong learning and the need to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of technology.

takeaways

• Self-discovery is crucial for career advancement.
• Early experiences in technology shape future interests.
• Customer interaction skills are essential in tech roles.
• Mistakes in early jobs provide valuable learning opportunities.
• Transitioning to internal IT offers new challenges and responsibilities.
• Understanding client needs is key to success in tech.
• Lifelong learning is necessary in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
• Taking risks and failing faster can lead to growth.
• Building trust with clients and colleagues is vital.
• Embracing one's unique skill set can lead to business success.

Sound Bites

• "This is why you're such a nerd."
• "I was still arrogant, naive."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Self-Discovery

04:29
The Journey into IT Careers

10:51
Customer Interactions and Learning

16:26
Internship and Real-World Applications

21:12
Navigating Early Career Challenges

24:47
Streamlining Processes for Efficiency

27:59
Exploring Opportunities in Managed Services

31:16
The Shift from Education to Business IT

36:47
Navigating the IT Landscape

41:44
Challenges in Internal IT

44:26
Understanding Communication Styles

47:47
The Importance of Lifelong Learning

52:22
Taking the Leap into Entrepreneurship

Summary:
In the inaugural episode of the Panda Award Show, hosts Ben Climer and Abhi Saini discuss their motivations for starting the podcast, the importance of managed service providers (MSPs), and the evolving landscape of IT careers. They share personal stories about their backgrounds, the significance of volunteering, and the challenges of navigating the job market. The conversation explores the value of certifications and degrees, the importance of networking, and the impact of impostor syndrome in the tech industry. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding business needs in technology and the need for proactive planning in tech lifecycle management. They express excitement for future episodes and the guests they hope to feature.

00:00
The Purpose Behind the Podcast

02:03
Understanding Managed Service Providers (MSPs)

04:30
Career Transitions in IT

07:15
The Role of IT in Disaster Recovery

09:24
The Panda Award Show's Origin Story

11:33
Personal Journeys in IT

14:04
The Importance of Networking and Connections

16:42
The Value of Certifications and Degrees

19:14
Current Job Market Trends

20:52
Critical Thinking in IT

23:22
Understanding Business Needs in IT

25:48
The Importance of Communication Skills

27:58
Planning for Technology Lifecycles

30:16
The Future of IT Careers

33:06
Closing Thoughts and Future Episodes