246: Join a Startup to Progress Fast and Build a Strong Skillset with Steve Kahan
04/20/20 • 40 min
Phil’s guest on this episode of the IT Career Energizer podcast is Steve Kahan. He has a distinguished career. Steve has helped to grow seven startup companies from early-stage development to going public or being sold, resulting in a total value of more than $3 billion.
He is currently Chief Marketing Officer for Thycotic, a cybersecurity company, which he has helped take from $10 million to over $60 million in its first three years.
And late last year his book “Be A Startup Superstar: Ignite Your Career Working at a Tech Startup” was published by Wiley.
In this episode, Phil and Steve Kahan discuss the benefits of working for a startup, how to pick one with a winning product and quickly track down the best jobs within the sector. They also cover how to give yourself the best chance of landing the job you want. Then what you need to do to progress quickly and take full advantage of the chance to grow your skillset.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
(3.06) CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST STARTUP EXPERIENCE?
Steve started by looking for startup companies in his area. He took a job with a company that was working to change the way applications were being developed.
On his first day, he noticed someone taking the coffee machine away. It turned out the company could not afford to pay the bill. But, with hard work, they turned things around and the business went public.
(4.54) WHY DO YOU RECOMMEND WORKING FOR A TECH START-UP OVER A LARGE CORPORATION?
Startups are usually run by mavericks. People who want to do something different and are highly driven. They don’t let bureaucracy stop them. Startups move fast and change the world. Someone who can deliver will quickly progress within that environment.
Steve also explains why some large corporations now try to create a startup-like environment within some of their departments.
(10.05) HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT FINDING THE BEST STARTUP OPPORTUNITIES?
In the podcast, Steve uncovers a source of startup jobs that many IT professionals don ́t know about.
(13.15) WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR WHEN DECIDING WHETHER OR NOT TO JOIN A TECH STARTUP?
When it comes to narrowing down his options he starts by looking for firms with quality people, who share his values. It is the people who reflect the true culture of a startup, which is why, during a job hunt, he starts from that point.
Next on his list is the concept and product. In the podcast, he explains how to spot a winner.
(17.26) WHAT SHOULD YOU DO TO GIVE YOURSELF THE BEST CHANCE OF JOINING A STARTUP?
At this point, Steve shares a list of questions you should be asking. Questions that demonstrate that you are the right person for the job as well as uncover what you need to know about the startup. He also recommends engaging with the starters online and via social media.
(19.20) CAN YOU SHARE A CAREER TIP THAT WOULD HELP SOMEONE BE SUCCESSFUL AT A STARTUP AND PROGRESS THEIR CAREER?
Learn to protect your calendar, so you can achieve work-life harmony. If you have not scheduled time to do things you and your family enjoy, there is something wrong. Without that, you cannot do your best work.
(22.15) THE REVEAL
What’s the best career advice you received? – Before accepting a new job make sure you ask enough questions to establish whether you will be truly happy in the role.
What’s the worst career advice you ́ve ever received? – Don ́t acknowledge the elephant in the room. In the podcast, Steve explains why he ignores this advice.
If you were to begin your career again in today’s world, what would you do? – Steve would immediately start work in the start-up world.
What’s the number one non-technical skill that has helped you in your career so far? – Communication. In the podcast, Steve explains how being a good communicator goes beyond just being a good listener and speaker.
How do you keep your own career energized? – By being a constant learner. Steve is always looking for something new to learn. Things that enable him to deliver something extra.
What do you do away from the world of tech startups? – Steve enjoys paddle boarding and learning the guitar. He has also recently started taking Cessna pilot lessons.
(36.55) STEVE, CAN YOU SHARE WITH US A FINAL STORY ABOUT WHAT IT’S LIKE ON THE INSIDE OF A HIGH-FLYING STARTUP, AND WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL?
In this section, Steve shares a story about a site security firm he worked for. He explains how they overcame what appeared to be an insurmountable problem and were able to do so at lightning speed. Something that enabled them to beat their competitors.
(39.04) CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR BOOK “BE A STARTUP SUPERSTAR”?
Steve ́s book is all about attitudes, behaviors, and actions you need to take to be a success while working at a startup to be able to take your career to the next le...
Phil’s guest on this episode of the IT Career Energizer podcast is Steve Kahan. He has a distinguished career. Steve has helped to grow seven startup companies from early-stage development to going public or being sold, resulting in a total value of more than $3 billion.
He is currently Chief Marketing Officer for Thycotic, a cybersecurity company, which he has helped take from $10 million to over $60 million in its first three years.
And late last year his book “Be A Startup Superstar: Ignite Your Career Working at a Tech Startup” was published by Wiley.
In this episode, Phil and Steve Kahan discuss the benefits of working for a startup, how to pick one with a winning product and quickly track down the best jobs within the sector. They also cover how to give yourself the best chance of landing the job you want. Then what you need to do to progress quickly and take full advantage of the chance to grow your skillset.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
(3.06) CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST STARTUP EXPERIENCE?
Steve started by looking for startup companies in his area. He took a job with a company that was working to change the way applications were being developed.
On his first day, he noticed someone taking the coffee machine away. It turned out the company could not afford to pay the bill. But, with hard work, they turned things around and the business went public.
(4.54) WHY DO YOU RECOMMEND WORKING FOR A TECH START-UP OVER A LARGE CORPORATION?
Startups are usually run by mavericks. People who want to do something different and are highly driven. They don’t let bureaucracy stop them. Startups move fast and change the world. Someone who can deliver will quickly progress within that environment.
Steve also explains why some large corporations now try to create a startup-like environment within some of their departments.
(10.05) HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT FINDING THE BEST STARTUP OPPORTUNITIES?
In the podcast, Steve uncovers a source of startup jobs that many IT professionals don ́t know about.
(13.15) WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR WHEN DECIDING WHETHER OR NOT TO JOIN A TECH STARTUP?
When it comes to narrowing down his options he starts by looking for firms with quality people, who share his values. It is the people who reflect the true culture of a startup, which is why, during a job hunt, he starts from that point.
Next on his list is the concept and product. In the podcast, he explains how to spot a winner.
(17.26) WHAT SHOULD YOU DO TO GIVE YOURSELF THE BEST CHANCE OF JOINING A STARTUP?
At this point, Steve shares a list of questions you should be asking. Questions that demonstrate that you are the right person for the job as well as uncover what you need to know about the startup. He also recommends engaging with the starters online and via social media.
(19.20) CAN YOU SHARE A CAREER TIP THAT WOULD HELP SOMEONE BE SUCCESSFUL AT A STARTUP AND PROGRESS THEIR CAREER?
Learn to protect your calendar, so you can achieve work-life harmony. If you have not scheduled time to do things you and your family enjoy, there is something wrong. Without that, you cannot do your best work.
(22.15) THE REVEAL
What’s the best career advice you received? – Before accepting a new job make sure you ask enough questions to establish whether you will be truly happy in the role.
What’s the worst career advice you ́ve ever received? – Don ́t acknowledge the elephant in the room. In the podcast, Steve explains why he ignores this advice.
If you were to begin your career again in today’s world, what would you do? – Steve would immediately start work in the start-up world.
What’s the number one non-technical skill that has helped you in your career so far? – Communication. In the podcast, Steve explains how being a good communicator goes beyond just being a good listener and speaker.
How do you keep your own career energized? – By being a constant learner. Steve is always looking for something new to learn. Things that enable him to deliver something extra.
What do you do away from the world of tech startups? – Steve enjoys paddle boarding and learning the guitar. He has also recently started taking Cessna pilot lessons.
(36.55) STEVE, CAN YOU SHARE WITH US A FINAL STORY ABOUT WHAT IT’S LIKE ON THE INSIDE OF A HIGH-FLYING STARTUP, AND WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL?
In this section, Steve shares a story about a site security firm he worked for. He explains how they overcame what appeared to be an insurmountable problem and were able to do so at lightning speed. Something that enabled them to beat their competitors.
(39.04) CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR BOOK “BE A STARTUP SUPERSTAR”?
Steve ́s book is all about attitudes, behaviors, and actions you need to take to be a success while working at a startup to be able to take your career to the next le...
Previous Episode
245: Invest in Yourself Continuously and Become Passionate About What You Do with Siddick Elaheebocus
Phil’s guest on this episode of the IT Career Energizer podcast is Siddick Elaheebocus. Siddick has worked in the IT industry for 18 years. He is currently a Director and Technology Strategist for an IT services company based in the French Pacific providing vendor-agnostic digital advisory, professional services and training.
Siddick is also a Chartered IT Professional, a long-standing Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), a technology conference speaker and a mentor. He is also a former Microsoft TechIdol winner
In this episode, Phil and Siddick Elaheebocus discuss how continuous self-development provides security and opens up exciting possibilities. In the podcast, Siddick goes over numerous ways you can do all of this efficiently.
They discuss why having a purely technical skillset is no longer sufficient for IT professionals. As well as why failure is not a negative thing.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
(6.37) TOP CAREER TIP
Invest in yourself continually. Things change fast you never know when your role will change drastically or disappear, and you need to find a new one.
Growing your knowledge, skills, and networking will ensure you are ready for the move. You also need to work on your soft skills and personality.
(9.43) WORST CAREER MOMENT
When Siddick took on his first management role he had to learn on the job. The firm he worked for did not provide any formal people management training. Unfortunately, he made a mistake. One that started to impact his professional image negatively. He could not fully fix the issue, so ended up leaving a job he loved.
This experience prompted him to learn people skills. Something that Siddick found has helped his career immeasurably.
(13.39) CAREER HIGHLIGHT
Being involved in the launch of the first public cloud in Tahiti is Siddick ́s biggest career highlight. There were a lot of challenges, but they succeeded and provided an affordable cloud service. Microsoft uses it as an example and other island nations are replicating it.
(16.33) THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T
Siddick is excited by the fact that we are on the edge of the next big tech revolution. The availability of cognitive and artificial intelligence, big data and augmented reality will all lead to huge changes.
This is likely to transform the role of most IT professionals. They will still need their technical skills but will also play a far greater role in driving change through innovation. It is no longer sufficient to have only technical skills; you need an understanding of business too.
(19.13) THE REVEAL
What first attracted you to a career in I.T.?– When people started to ask Siddick to repair their hardware he became curious about how PC worked which started his IT career.
What’s the best career advice you received?– Siddick ́s dad told him - work isn ́t life.
What’s the worst career advice you received?– There ́s no room for failure. Siddick believes no failure means you are not trying anything new.
What would you do if you started your career now?– Siddick would start by working in the cloud, AI or cybersecurity fields.
What are your current career objectives? – Building some specialized skills in data center and cloud tech and building a stronger tech community, in his area.
What’s your number one non-technical skill?– Active listening. In the podcast, Siddick shares several examples of how that has helped his career.
How do you keep your own career energized?– Learning from his customers and business partners and working to understand emerging technologies.
What do you do away from technology? – He loves to travel and spending time enjoying the beautiful island he lives on.
(26.00) FINAL CAREER TIP
If you want to excel in your profession, become passionate about what you do. You will naturally become good at what you do and be inspired to carry on learning and contributing.
BEST MOMENTS
(6.37) – Siddick- “Invest in yourself continuously. Today, your role is important, tomorrow you might be redundant.”
(17.13) – Siddick- “The shift in the technology landscape means IT professionals have to become innovation agents.”
(19.17) – Siddick- “You need a combined knowledge of IT and business to be a real asset for companies.”
(20.43) – Siddick- “When you have work-life harmony, you are happy. In time, this happiness translates into better productivity.”
(23.33) – Siddick- “It's amazing how much you can learn simply by shutting your mouth and opening your ears.”
(0.00) – Siddick- “If you want to excel at what you do, become passionate about your work to fuel your career.”
ABOUT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS
Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organisations to design, develop and implement software solutions. Phil has always had an inte...
Next Episode
247: Improve Your Interpersonal Skills and Don´t Be Afraid to Take Any Opportunity with Roberta Matuson
Phil’s guest on this episode of the IT Career Energizer podcast is Roberta Matuson. She has helped leaders in Fortune 500 companies, as well as small to medium-sized businesses, achieve dramatic growth and market leadership through the maximization of talent.
Roberta is a leading authority on leadership and the skills and strategies required to earn employee commitment and client loyalty.
She is also the author of several books including the recently released “Evergreen Talent”.
In this episode, Phil and Roberta Matuson discuss the importance of building strong interpersonal and people management skills. They talk about why, instead of waiting until you have acquired every skill asked for in a job advert, you should just apply. Roberta also explains how the IT job market is changing and how job hunters can adapt and benefit from the changes.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
(4.16) WORST CAREER MOMENT
Losing a great job, mainly because she had failed to build a good relationship with her boss and other members of higher management. As a result, when the firm let people go, there was nobody there to advocate for her so she could keep her job.
That experience taught her not to just focus on managing down. She now actively works on and cultivates her relationships with her bosses.
(5.36) CAREER HIGHLIGHT
Landing her first executive role and starting her consultancy firm have both been career highlights for Roberta.
(7.42) TOP CAREER TIP
Take courses to help you to improve your interpersonal skills and your ability to communicate with non-technical people. It is also a good idea to acquire the skillset to manage your relationship with your boss. These softer skills will help you in many different ways, during your career.
(9.43) THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T
There are not enough talented people out there. As a result, job applicants are in the driver ́s seat. Unfortunately, some employers have still not woken up to that fact.
At the same time, the recruitment process is becoming increasingly automated. It is now all about eliminating candidates from the list rather than searching out and nurturing talent. Applicants need to be aware of and adapt to the new reality.
(10.50) THE REVEAL
What’s the best career advice you received? – Just go for it. Don ́t wait until you tick every box. If you meet about 70% of the criteria apply anyway.
What’s the worst career advice you received? – Don ́t worry that you are underpaid, be happy with what you get.
What would you do if you started your career now? – Roberta says she would probably follow the same path.
What are your current career objectives? – Roberta is focusing on working exclusively as an executive coach and a trusted advisor.
What’s your number one non-technical skill? – Being able to quickly build strong relationships. Business is all about relationships.
How do you keep your own career energized? – Roberta stays energized by learning new skills and constantly reinventing herself.
What do you do away from technology? – Roberta likes to cook, play tennis, be outside and socialize with friends.
(15.40) CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR NEW BOOK AND HOW IT CAME ABOUT?
Roberta ́s new book shows leaders how to seed, grow and cultivate their workforce. For the majority, hiring enough talented workers is difficult. So, they have to know how to make the most of their own talents and of the ones their employees have.
The book provides employees with an insight into the way their managers' minds work. It is also an excellent resource for anyone who wants to take on a management role.
(17.59) FINAL CAREER TIP
If you see an opportunity, don ́t be afraid, just go for it. You won ́t get a second chance.
BEST MOMENTS
(4.00) – Roberta - “You always have to be learning, reinventing yourself and staying current.”
(4.41) – Roberta - “Learn to manage your relationship with your boss. If you don ́t, when redundancies happen you will get laid-off.”
(11.44) – Roberta - “If you ́ve got 70% of what ́s on the job posting, apply. The worst that can happen is that they say no.”
(14.28) – Roberta - “Learn to quickly build strong relationships. After all, business is all about relationships.”
(18.00) – Roberta - “When you see an opportunity, don ́t be afraid, go for it. You won ́t get a second chance.”
ABOUT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS
Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organizations to design, develop and implement software solutions. Phil has always had an interest in helping others to develop and advance their careers. And in 2017 Phil started the I.T. Career Energizer podcast to try to help as many people as possible to learn from the career advice and experiences of those that have been, and still are, on ...
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