DEM tech folks

This episode was recorded June 05, 2023.
In this conversation, Steven Jones shares his journey in the field of technology, from his early interest in taking apart electronics as a child to joining the Navy and pursuing a career in IT. He discusses the challenges he faced in IT training, including failing certification exams, and the successes he achieved in obtaining certifications. Steven also talks about his introduction to virtualization and networking, and how he developed a passion for both areas. He reflects on his journey of exploring different IT specializations and finding his niche in the field. In this conversation, Steven Jones discusses his experience with day trading as a source of additional income. He shares his preferred trading time and explains his transition to pre-sales and sales engineer roles. Steven also discusses the travel requirements in his new roles and the work-life balance they offer. He talks about creating content and building a personal brand, and reflects on the interview experience. The conversation concludes with closing remarks, future collaboration ideas, and a promotion of the podcast and website's research survey for a training program.
Develop Every Mind
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Welcome to DEM tech folks. In this episode we are chatting with Mr Xavier Sweeney (also known as "X" in some circles) a Payload Systems Engineer supporting the NASA space station by day but an avid white hat hacker by night who goes out of his way to inform and protect within his power. X share with us his background as an HBCU alumni, how he landed a job with NASA, as well as his future goals. X is an extremely intelligent young man with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge coupled with an amazing personality. We shared a lot of laughs and I personally will recommend a conversation with this brother for anyone looking to follow a similar path. We also touch on work life balance and the importance of recharging. We hope you can pick up and use some of these gems in a way that will allow you to move forward on your journey to become one of DEM tech folks! You can find our guest on LinkedIn.
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Connect with Us:

• Rico Randall (Host)
• Jonah Huggins (Co-Host)
• Kenney Louis (Co-Host)
• Reginald Davis (Co-Host)
• Marco Randall (Co-Host)
• Marquese Carter (Co-Host)

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In this conversation, Elliott Fields discusses his journey starting out in IT, building a career, and the importance of staying relevant in the field.Elliott Fields discusses his transition from working with Exchange to Azure. He explains how he used Azure to build lab environments and learn about networking, security, and other related topics. Elliott emphasizes the importance of learning the cloud counterparts of on-premises products and the benefits of using Azure and AWS for lab work. He also shares his philosophy of practicing and gaining confidence in IT. Additionally, Elliott mentions the inspiration he derives from CT Fletcher and discusses the evolution of Exchange and the need to embrace AI and analytics in the future. He also touches on work-life balance and the representation and diversity initiatives at Microsoft. The conversation highlights the significance of mentorship and the various employee resource groups that promote diversity and inclusion within the company.
Takeaways

• Starting out in IT can be challenging, but with determination and a willingness to learn, one can succeed.
• Continual learning and staying up-to-date with technology are essential for maintaining a successful career in IT.
• Work-life balance is a personal responsibility, and it may require trade-offs at times.
• Representation and diversity in the workplace are crucial for fostering creativity and bringing different perspectives to the table.
• Mentorship and employee resource groups play a vital role in supporting and empowering underrepresented groups in the IT industry.

Extras:
GitHub Link
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Summary
In this conversation, Rico Randall and his co-hosts explore the diverse journeys of individuals in the tech industry, focusing on personal stories, milestones, and the importance of communication and adaptability in professional settings. Erica Rivera shares her unique path from engineering to project management, highlighting the challenges and triumphs faced along the way. The discussion also touches on the significance of code switching and how it evolves with age and experience. In this conversation, the participants explore various themes related to generational differences in work attitudes, the implications of job hopping on retirement, effective project management strategies, the importance of respect in workplace dynamics, and the critical role of diversity and inclusion in corporate culture. They also discuss the need for changing societal perceptions and role models, particularly for Black men and women, in the context of current cultural influences. In this segment, the conversation delves into the unique experiences of bartending in a strip club, highlighting the social dynamics and customer relationships that develop in such environments. Erica Rivera shares her journey of working in various bars, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and personal connections with customers. The discussion then shifts to the value of building a diverse skillset, particularly in the context of contract work in the tech industry, where Erica explains the benefits of contract roles and how they allow for financial independence and flexibility. The final part of the segment focuses on the significance of networking and maintaining relationships, especially in male-dominated spaces, and how these connections can empower individuals in their careers. In this engaging conversation, the speakers discuss various themes including the intersection of pop culture and sports, the importance of empowerment through knowledge, breaking stereotypes in the tech industry, navigating work-life balance, and the significance of financial goals in breaking generational curses. The dialogue is lively and filled with personal anecdotes, making it relatable and insightful. In this conversation, the participants explore themes of personal growth, mental health, and the importance of starting new endeavors. They discuss the challenges of self-reflection, the impact of trauma, and the necessity of taking time for self-care. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of understanding one's journey and the value of embracing new experiences as part of personal development.
Takeaways

• Everyone has a unique journey into tech.
• Milestones and setbacks are crucial to highlight.
• Diversity in backgrounds enriches the tech community.
• Transitioning from one field to another is common.
• Experiences in finance can lead to tech opportunities.
• Corporate housing experience can provide valuable skills.
• Project management is a vital role in tech.
• Effective communication is key in managing teams.
• Professionalism and etiquette are crucial in service roles.
• Building a diverse skillset is essential for career growth.
• Taking breaks to appreciate accomplishments is essential for mental health.
• Imposter syndrome affects many, and it's crucial to acknowledge it.
• Finding time to stop and smell the roses can lead to better mental health.
• Understanding the root causes of our behaviors can aid in personal growth.
• The younger generation is breaking the stigma around mental health.
• Starting any new endeavor is often the hardest part.
• Creating a list of goals can help in achieving personal milestones.
• Embracing new experiences can lead to personal fulfillment.

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We had a great time chatting with Professor Roger Whyte. This conversation explores the challenges of clickbait and superficial training, the importance of mentorship and networking, the order of importance for career development, the value of certifications in the IT field, the power of community and networking in the tech industry, the debate between college degrees and certifications, and the need for regular tech conversations.
Takeaways

• Clickbait and superficial training can hinder the development of foundational knowledge.
• Mentorship and networking are crucial for career growth and opportunities.
• The order of importance for career development: mentorship, certifications, networking, and boot camps.
• Certifications are essential for government jobs and can open doors to opportunities.
• Community and networking play a significant role in the tech industry.
• The debate between college degrees and certifications continues, with certifications often being a requirement for specific roles.
• Regular tech conversations are necessary to stay updated and connected in the industry.

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