Then and Now: How A Conversation With My Teenager Inspired Me to Share My Professional Journey

Introduction

A couple of weeks ago, I found myself engrossed in a conversation that became the catalyst for this article. Sitting across from me was my 17-year-old daughter, her eyes filled with a blend of youthful curiosity and the heavy weight of teenage existential questioning. "What were you doing at my age?" she asked, a simple question that opened the floodgates of memories, lessons learned, and roads taken—or not taken—in my own life.

In that moment, I realized just how different our worlds are. She's growing up in an era of unparalleled technological advances, social movements, and global challenges. And yet, some questions remain timeless: Who do I want to be? What do I want to do with my life?

It struck me that my journey, while unique to my era, might contain kernels of wisdom—or at least points of interest—that could benefit her and others navigating their own paths in a much different world. It was this epiphany that inspired me to lay out my own timeline of skills learned, jobs held, and life lessons gathered along the way.

In sharing my journey, I hope to bridge the gap between our generations and offer some insight into how the landscape of opportunities and challenges has evolved. So, whether you're a teenager like my daughter, trying to figure out your next steps, or you're well into your career and curious about the journeys of others, I invite you to read on.

1996-1999: The Formative Years in Secondary School and Early Forays into Computing

Introduction to Computing

During my time in secondary school in the UK, I was not just concerned with the standard curriculum. My after-school hours were consumed by a budding interest in computing. While my peers were occupied with sports or other extracurricular activities, I found myself captivated by the potential of computers. These were the days when Windows 95 was revolutionary, and the internet was just beginning to change the way we live and work.

Skills and Highlights:

• Basic Computing: During this period, I honed my skills in Basic, one of the earliest programming languages.
• DOS Commands: Going beyond the graphical interface, I learned DOS commands to automate tasks and add an extra layer of security to my computer.

Curiosity and Self-Directed Learning

Back in 1996, there weren't as many readily available online resources for learning how to code or work with computers. Yet, I was driven by a curiosity that led me to explore whatever materials I could find. Bookstores and libraries became my sanctuary, providing me the resources to feed my burgeoning interest in computing.

Skills and Highlights:

• Self-Learning: This era set the precedent for a career marked by self-learning and adaptability.
• Problem-Solving: Learning to automate tasks and improve security involved a considerable amount of troubleshooting and problem-solving.

It's fascinating to look back and realize how these early experiences laid the foundation for my future endeavours. While the world has advanced in unimaginable ways since the late '90s, the fundamental skills of curiosity and problem-solving I acquired during this period remain invaluable.

1999-2000: College Days & Expanding the Toolkit

A Step Further into Programming

College was a whirlwind of new experiences, subjects, and opportunities. While I did try to participate in the typical college life, I often found myself gravitating back to the familiar comfort of computing. This wasn't due to a lack of interest in what college had to offer; rather, it was my own geeky nature that made me feel more at home in a world of programming languages and databases.

Skills and Highlights:

• Pascal: My curriculum included Pascal, which helped me understand structured programming.
• Visual Basic: I taught myself Visual Basic to expand my range of programming capabilities.

Embracing Database Management

As the world eagerly anticipated the new millennium and the dot-com boom reached its zenith, my fascination with data and databases continued to grow. Companies were starting to realize the importance of data, and I felt like I was aligning myself with an industry on the brink of transformation.

Skills and Highlights:

• MS Access: I learned how to use Microsoft Access to create and manage databases.
• SQL: As a natural progression, I taught myself SQL to query and manipulate data efficiently.

Preparing for a Data-Driven Future

I wasn't honing these skills merely for academic pursuits; I was preparing for a future that was becoming increasingly data-centric. This was the era that laid the foundation for the current, data-driven world we live in today.

Skills and Highlights:

• Holistic Understanding: This time expanded my understanding of how software and data could be integrated.
• Foundation for Web Development: My experiences during this period set the stage for my later endeavors in web development.

2000-2001: The Era of Self-Teaching and Web Development

The Self-Taught Developer

At this point, the 21st century was just dawning, and with it came an explosion of technological innovation. People were talking about the limitless possibilities of the internet, but what fascinated me the most was how to build it. Rather than sticking strictly to what was taught in academic settings, I ventured into the self-taught realm, delving into web development technologies that were shaping the internet.

Skills and Highlights:

• PHP: Taught myself PHP, the server-side scripting language that would later power many of the world's websites.
• MySQL: Paired PHP with MySQL to create dynamic, data-driven web applications.

From User to Administrator

As I got more involved with web development, I realized that understanding the front-end and the back-end wasn't enough. I wanted to know how to host these web applications, so I delved into server-side administration.

Skills and Highlights:

• Apache: Taught myself how to set up and manage Apache servers, giving me complete control over the hosting environment.
• Full-stack Understanding: Gained a comprehensive understanding of both client-side and server-side technologies.

A New Millennium of Opportunities

The early 2000s were a pivotal time in technology; the dot-com bubble had burst, but that didn't deter me. If anything, it reinforced the importance of having a diverse skill set in an ever-changing landscape. My self-taught journey in web technologies not only aligned with the industry but also prepared me for the technological shifts that would come in the next decades.

Skills and Highlights:

• Adaptability: This period reinforced my ability to adapt and learn, qualities that would be invaluable in the years to come.
• Preparation for the Future: As cloud computing and web services began their ascent, my experiences laid the groundwork for my future expertise in these areas.

2001-2002: The Mastery of Networking and Server Management

A Deeper Dive into Networking

The early 2000s continued to see rapid advancements in technology. Broadband Internet was becoming increasingly common, replacing dial-up and shaping a new way people used the Internet. As businesses and homes upgraded their internet connections, I saw the necessity to deepen my understanding of networking. DNS, SMTP, POP—these were not just acronyms but the building blocks of a connected world.

Skills and Highlights:

• DNS: Mastered the setting up of my own Domain Name System servers, enhancing my understanding of how the internet is structured.
• SMTP and POP: Gained hands-on experience in setting up my own Simple Mail Transfer Protocol and Post Office Protocol servers, integral for email communications.

Server Administration: A Step Further

While I had previously acquainted myself with Apache servers, this year I took server management to the next level by setting up DNS, SMTP, and POP servers. This allowed me to understand not just how web applications worked but also how they lived and breathed on the servers that hosted them.

Skills and Highlights:

• Server Management: Went beyond just web servers to understand the intricacies of various types of servers, giving me a comprehensive understanding of the internet's architecture.
• Hands-On Experience: Provided myself with a sandbox environment where I could test, break, and fix server setups, enriching my learning experience.

Preparing for a Connected World

This era wasn't just about skill acquisition; it was about preparation. As society was increasingly becoming networked, knowledge in server management wasn't just an added advantage—it was becoming a necessity. This year, I built a foundation that would allow me to navigate the increasingly complex technological landscapes in the years to come.

Skills and Highlights:

• Forward-Thinking: Anticipated the need for extensive server and network knowledge in a world that was growing more connected by the day.
• Foundation for the Future: Laid down the groundwork for understanding future technologies, many of which would be dependent on robust server architectures.

2002-2004: Diversifying Skills and Entering the Professional World

The Emergence of ASP and IIS Administration

As the tech bubble burst settled, companies were becoming more careful with their tech investments. Microsoft's ASP Classic and IIS were gaining traction in enterprise environments. This era was a pivotal moment in my career as I not only taught myself ASP Classic but also got my hands wet with IIS administration.

Skills and Highlights:

• ASP Classic: Delved into yet another programming language, broadening my skill set and making me more versatile in the industry.
• IIS Administration: Mastered the basics of Internet Information Services (IIS) and its administration, paving the way for future enterprise-level projects.

First Job and Leadership Role

This era was a landmark in my career. In 2003, I stepped into my first job as a software developer and soon ascended to become the head of marketing and sales for a small independent company.

Skills and Highlights:

• First Job: Stepped into the professional world, transforming from a self-taught individual to a contributing member of a software development team.
• Leadership: Advanced quickly to a managerial role, gaining firsthand experience in marketing and sales, which enriched my understanding of the business aspects of technology.

The Macromedia Suite and My First Optical Lens Ordering System

Macromedia's suite of tools was gaining popularity among developers. I took the time to teach myself Macromedia Flash, Fireworks, and Dreamweaver. That same year, I developed and launched an optical lens ordering system, making the most of my expanding skills.

Skills and Highlights:

• Macromedia Suite: Became proficient in Flash, Fireworks, and Dreamweaver, adding more tools to my developer toolkit.
• Optical Lens Ordering System: Took the initiative to develop and launch a project, showcasing my ability to transform an idea into a functional system.

Broadening My Horizon

The early 2000s were a time of diversification in the tech world. New languages and frameworks were emerging, and companies were looking for multi-talented individuals. By teaching myself a wide array of technologies and taking on multiple roles in my professional life, I was positioning myself to be such an individual.

Skills and Highlights:

• Versatility: By learning diverse technologies and taking on different roles, I prepared myself for a multifaceted career in tech.
• Project Launch: Successfully launched a complex system, underscoring my capabilities not just as a developer but also as a project manager.

2004-2007: From Developer to General Manager

Embracing Visual Basic Enhancements and Web Development

By 2004, the landscape had shifted dramatically. Broadband internet was becoming ubiquitous, opening up new possibilities for online services. Microsoft's GDI+ library was a hot topic among developers. Eager to be ahead of the curve, I taught myself to utilize GDI in my Visual Basic projects. At the same time, I learned ActionScript and WAP (Wireless Application Protocol), staying on top of both desktop and mobile development trends.

Skills and Highlights:

• Visual Basic with GDI: Introduced graphical capabilities into my Visual Basic projects, offering a more dynamic user experience.
• ActionScript: Added another dimension to my skill set, focusing on multimedia applications.
• WAP: Started exploring mobile technologies to understand their potential in the rapidly evolving landscape.

Transition to General Manager

In a significant career move, I stepped up to become the General Manager. In this role, I balanced managerial tasks with hands-on development, a juxtaposition that provided a comprehensive understanding of both the technical and business aspects of a project.

Skills and Highlights:

• General Management: Took on broader responsibilities, overseeing projects from ideation to execution.
• Business Insight: Developed a keen sense of business strategy, with a focus on long-term planning and scalability.

Pioneering in a Fast-Paced Industry

By 2007, Apple had just released its first iPhone, revolutionizing the way we think about mobile computing. Although I was deeply engrossed in the Microsoft ecosystem, the industry changes were a constant reminder to stay adaptable and open to new technologies and paradigms.

Skills and Highlights:

• Adaptability: Remained agile in a quickly evolving technological landscape, recognizing the potential for disruptive innovation.
• Strategic Thinking: Began to consider how emerging trends could impact future projects and planning.

2007-2008: A Year of Learning and Pioneering

Diving into Agile and Advanced Programming

The software industry was undergoing a significant transformation. Agile methodologies were starting to gain traction as a way to manage software projects more effectively. Realizing the potential benefits, I delved into Agile software development methods. Concurrently, I took up Macromedia Director and began exploring the potential of C/C++.

Skills and Highlights:

• Agile Software Development: Adopted Agile methods to enhance project management and responsiveness to change.
• Macromedia Director: Explored this tool for creating interactive multimedia applications, further broadening my skill set.
• C/C++: Delved into lower-level programming languages to gain a deeper understanding of software development.

Embracing Version Control with SVN

By 2008, Git was starting to become popular, but SVN (Subversion) was still the go-to version control system for many enterprises. To stay in line with industry standards, I picked up SVN.

Skills and Highlights:

• SVN: Implemented version control practices to streamline code management and collaboration.

Keeping Pace with Industry Developments

By this point, social media was becoming a key player in how people interacted and consumed content. While Facebook and Twitter were gaining momentum, it was a time when having a diverse skill set could provide a considerable edge in the job market.

Skills and Highlights:

• Industry Awareness: Kept an eye on emerging trends in social media and other technologies to stay ahead of the curve.

2008-2009: Ascending the Ranks to Senior Full-stack Developer

Stepping into Full-stack Development

By 2008, the term "full-stack developer" was starting to gain currency, and the expectations for what a developer should know were rapidly expanding. I took this as an opportunity to delve into C#, vb.net, MSSQL, WSDL, and XML.

Skills and Highlights:

• C# and VB.Net: Broadened my programming skill set to include both C# and VB.Net, making me more versatile in the .NET environment.
• MSSQL: Gained proficiency in Microsoft's SQL database system, a crucial skill for backend development.
• WSDL and XML: Dived into Web Services Description Language and XML, essential for web service and API development.

A New Era of Web Development: The XML Revolution

Around this time, Google Chrome was launched, raising the bar for web browsers and how they supported emerging web technologies. XML and web services were becoming more integrated into application architecture, opening up new possibilities for web development.

Skills and Highlights:

• Innovative Web Practices: Took advantage of the capabilities of emerging web technologies and practices to create more robust applications.

Adapting to Changes in the Developer Landscape

As companies began to focus more on DevOps and agile frameworks, I realized the importance of always staying updated. The Microsoft ecosystem was also making a significant shift towards open-source, and the cross-compatibility between different Microsoft languages and tools became more pronounced.

Skills and Highlights:

• Adaptability: Quick to adapt to new technologies and paradigms in a rapidly changing developer landscape.

2009-2010: The Path to Leadership - Chief Technical Officer

Transitioning into a Leadership Role

As 2009 rolled in, I found myself facing an exciting, albeit challenging opportunity—I took on the role of Chief Technical Officer. The iPhone was just two years old, and the App Store was booming. Web 2.0 had transformed the internet into an interactive medium, which had a profound impact on my journey.

Skills and Highlights:

• Leadership: Stepped up as the CTO, overseeing technology strategy and execution.
• Web 2.0: Mastered the principles and techniques that made Web 2.0 so revolutionary.

Embracing the Front-End Revolution

With the likes of Google and Apple focusing heavily on the User Experience (UX), the importance of front-end development became undeniable. I embraced XHTML, CSS, UI/UX, and JavaScript, aligning my skill set with the market needs.

Skills and Highlights:

• XHTML and CSS: Acquired skills in these cornerstones of front-end development.
• UI/UX: Began understanding the nuances of user-centered design.
• JavaScript: Extended my skill set to include this ubiquitous and increasingly powerful programming language.

Launching My First EPOS Software

As businesses around the world were waking up to the importance of having robust and user-friendly Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) systems, I launched my first EPOS software. This experience gave me a rounded understanding of both the technical and business aspects of software development.

Skills and Highlights:

• Business Acumen: Gained hands-on experience in product development and market fit through the EPOS launch.
• Full-Cycle Development: Managed everything from the conception to deployment of the software.

2011-2012: Diversification and Mobile Frontiers

Venturing into New Programming Paradigms

In 2011, a year when companies like Facebook and Google were popularizing the cloud and Android was gaining momentum, I took my first steps into the Java world. This decision was driven both by my innate curiosity and the industry’s growing affinity for this powerful language.

Skills and Highlights:

• Java: Expanded my programming toolkit by learning this versatile language.

Entering the Mobile Arena

The ubiquity of smartphones was undeniable by this point, with Apple's iOS and Google's Android leading the charge. I decided it was time to delve into mobile and tablet development. The journey wasn't just about understanding new programming languages; it was also about adapting to different user behaviors and needs.

Skills and Highlights:

• Mobile Development: Began designing and developing applications for mobile and tablet devices.

The Birth of My First Content Management System (CMS)

In the cloud era where everyone was aiming to move data and services online, I launched my first CMS. This not only broadened my understanding of how to manage large-scale data but also introduced me to the dynamics of providing cloud services.

Skills and Highlights:

• CMS Development: Gained deep insights into the architecture and deployment of Content Management Systems.
• Cloud-Based Services: Dipped my toes into the expansive world of cloud computing.

2012-2014: Innovating Locally, Dreaming Globally

Birth of a Business Improvement District Platform

During these years, I was inspired by the global trend of local businesses going digital. Companies like Yelp and Google were helping to put local shops on the virtual map. In response, I developed and launched my own Business Improvement District platform to showcase local shops and businesses to local shoppers. The aim was to help increase footfall in the community, thereby supporting small businesses.

Skills and Highlights:

• Community Engagement: Created a platform that catered to the local business community.
• Local Business Support: Pioneered a digital way to increase footfall to local shops.

Exploring the World of Physical Computing

2012 was a year of global awareness about maker culture, 3D printing was becoming mainstream, and the boundaries between the digital and physical world were blurring. I got into 3D printing and created systems that interacted with physical machines like turnstiles and servos, bridging the gap between software and hardware.

Skills and Highlights:

• 3D Printing: Stepped into the new age of manufacturing.
• Physical Computing: Learned to interact with hardware through software, enabling more seamless user experiences.

Creating A Seamless Connection Between Virtual & Real Worlds

In 2014, Arduino boards were becoming a hobbyist's dream and more accessible for people around the world. I got into Arduino development, adding another layer to my skillset of interfacing software with hardware.

Skills and Highlights:

• Arduino Development: Dabbled in the world of microcontrollers, adding a new layer of capability to my skillset.

2014-2015: Scaling Up and Architecting Solutions

Transitioning to Principal Technical Architect

In 2014, the technology industry was on the verge of embracing microservices and containerization. Companies were looking for more streamlined and efficient ways to handle their expanding infrastructure. I found myself offering services as a Principal Technical Architect through my own company to external clients.

Skills and Highlights:

• Technical Architecture: Took on roles that required a deep understanding of system architectures and best practices.

Cloud Migration and Adoption

In the years when cloud giants like AWS and Azure were setting new standards, I shifted my virtual servers to Amazon EC2 and learned to connect with MS Dynamics Web Services. The aim was to ensure better scalability and efficiency.

Skills and Highlights:

• AWS Services: Got hands-on experience with various Amazon Web Services, including EC2.
• MS Dynamics: Integrated with MS Dynamics Web Services for better business process management.

Wholesale EDI System

I launched a wholesale EDI system, broadening my horizons into the world of Electronic Data Interchange and large-scale data management.

Skills and Highlights:

• EDI Systems: Acquired knowledge in the setup and management of Electronic Data Interchange systems.

2015-2016: Beyond the Desktop - Extending to Mobile Solutions

Warehouse Inventory Mobile Web App

By 2015, the technology landscape was shifting towards mobile solutions. I responded to this trend by developing and launching a comprehensive warehouse inventory mobile web app. This system was designed to manage various facets of warehouse operations, all accessible via handheld scanners.

Skills and Highlights:

• Mobile Web Apps: Ventured into the arena of mobile-first solutions optimized for handheld devices.
• Inventory Management: Implemented real-time tracking and management of warehouse operations.

Diving Into NoSQL Databases

Around the same time, NoSQL databases like MongoDB were making waves for their scalability and flexibility compared to traditional SQL databases. I embraced this trend by learning MongoDB, incorporating it into my technology stack.

Skills and Highlights:

• MongoDB: Pioneered the use of NoSQL databases for more flexible and scalable solutions.

2016-2019: Automation and Wholesale Solutions

Wholesale Product Comparison and Ordering Platform

As eCommerce continued its exponential growth, businesses struggled to compare products and pricing across vendors. I saw this gap and developed an automated wholesale product comparison and ordering platform. This wasn't just an advancement for me, but it filled a significant void in the market.

Skills and Highlights:

• Automation: Took the leap into automating complex tasks that could streamline business operations.
• Wholesale Solutions: Addressed a market need for more transparent and efficient bulk-ordering processes.

2019-2020: Expanding Horizons - From Web to Medicine

Falsified Medicine Directive Decommissioning System

In 2019, in response to increasing global concerns about counterfeit medicines, I ventured into the healthcare tech sector. I developed and launched a Falsified Medicine Directive (FMD) decommissioning system. This was not just a technical feat but also a socially impactful project.

Skills and Highlights:

• Healthcare Tech: Entered a new domain to address a critical social issue.
• Regulatory Compliance: Developed solutions that meet rigorous healthcare standards.

Learning & Adaptation

This era also marked a significant transition in my tech stack. I got myself up-to-date with languages and frameworks like Blazor WebAssembly, OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect, NodeJS, Python, and Golang.

Skills and Highlights:

• Diverse Tech Stack: Gained proficiency in a range of languages and frameworks.
• Security Protocols: Learned and implemented OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect, essential for secure web applications.

2020-2021: Pioneering Cloud Solutions and CI/CD

Always on the Cutting Edge

At the dawn of 2020, buzzwords like "DevOps," "Serverless," and "Flutter" filled the airwaves, but for me, they weren't just buzzwords—they were a playground. While others hesitated to leave their comfort zones, I eagerly dived into these new territories. Staying current has always been part of my DNA, and I was ready to lead the charge into this new era of development.

Skills and Highlights:

• Flutter and Dart: From the moment Flutter and Dart appeared on the scene, I was captivated. I immediately saw the benefits of a streamlined mobile app development process and jumped right in.
• CI/CD and GitHub Actions: Setting up CI/CD pipelines using GitHub Actions was a revelation. It not only improved code quality but also eliminated several stages of manual debugging.
• Azure DevOps and Azure Functions: Venturing into Azure was a calculated strategy for diversification. Azure Functions empowered me to play with serverless architectures and expand my cloud horizons.
• AWS Lambda: Having already been familiar with AWS, mastering Lambda was the next logical step. This enhanced my understanding of serverless architectures and solidified my proficiency in AWS services.

One day, while sifting through some cutting-edge tech articles, I realized that CI/CD would solve many of the challenges in my current projects. Within days, I was able to set up CI/CD pipelines that drastically cut down debugging time and deployment cycles.

2021-2022: Navigating the Mobile Ecosystem

Venturing Beyond the Comfort Zone

In 2021, as the industry chatter shifted towards native app development frameworks, I sensed a golden opportunity to deepen my skillset. If there was ever a time to venture into Kotlin, SwiftUI, and JetPack Compose, it was now. And so, with my usual eagerness to adopt new technologies, I immersed myself in these emerging mobile development paradigms.

Skills and Highlights:

• JetPack Compose and Kotlin: I was quick to appreciate the elegance and efficiency that JetPack Compose and Kotlin brought to Android development. These tools empowered me to build richer, more interactive apps than ever before.
• SwiftUI: In the interest of platform agnosticism, I dove into SwiftUI for iOS development. The framework's declarative syntax and real-time previews were an absolute game-changer for my workflow.
• Apple TestFlight and Google Play Console: Mastery over these platforms allowed me to streamline my app deployment and testing cycles, all while gaining valuable user feedback.
• CodeMagic CI/CD: Implementing CI/CD for mobile apps was another leap. Using CodeMagic, I was able to automate testing and deployment for both Android and iOS, making my development process more agile than ever.

By this time, my GitHub was teeming with repositories that encapsulated the essence of my journey through this mobile tech wonderland. The year was particularly significant because I took my learnings and applied them to a real-world project: a mobile app that utilized JetPack Compose, and it was well-received on the Google Play Store.

Apple's WWDC 2021 and Google I/O were two landmarks in my tech calendar that year. The revelations at these events solidified my conviction that investing time in these technologies was the right call.

2022-2023: Machine Learning, AI and Rust

Diving Into the New Frontier

As 2022 dawned, I realized the tech world was resonating with two keywords more than ever: Machine Learning and AI. I felt a magnetic pull towards these fields, perhaps due to their transformative potential across industries. Adding a layer of complexity to this year was my fascination with Rust, a language known for its safety and performance.

Skills and Highlights:

• Machine Learning: I took it upon myself to understand the nuances of machine learning algorithms and started experimenting with basic models. This was a bold new venture for me, requiring a deep dive into mathematics and data sciences, realms I had not extensively explored before.
• AI: The more I dabbled in AI, the clearer its far-reaching implications became. I integrated simple AI functionalities into existing projects, breathing new life into them.
• Rust: This language piqued my interest for its promise of memory safety without sacrificing performance. I found it to be an incredibly well-designed language that felt like a natural progression for a developer with a background like mine.

As someone who thrives on staying at the forefront of technological evolution, the year was one of intense learning and practical application. I even started contributing to open-source AI projects, bringing my unique perspective as someone who has witnessed the internet grow from a collection of static web pages to the dynamic entity it is today.

It's worth noting that the 2022 tech landscape is an interwoven fabric of complex, potent technologies. And if history is any indicator, things are only going to get more exciting from here on out.

2023-Present: Leading in the Fast Lane & The Next Chapter

Focusing on the Bigger Picture

The year 2023 has been transformative for me, not just in the context of technology but also in the role I've taken on. After decades of leading both from the keyboard and the conference room, I decided to step back from hands-on technical development to a greater extent, focusing more on strategy and business development.

Skills and Highlights:

• Strategic Leadership: This year, I transitioned into a more overarching role, scanning the horizon for business and product development opportunities. The focus has been particularly on subscription-based models that are becoming a mainstay in the digital landscape.
• Industry Trends: My quest to stay ahead of the curve has meant delving into the emerging sectors like quantum computing and blockchain.
• Mentorship: Recognizing that the pace of the tech industry is only quickening, I've taken it upon myself to guide the next generation of tech minds through mentorship programs.

In a rapidly evolving tech industry, change remains the only constant. Technologies like blockchain and edge computing are no longer mere buzzwords; they're shaping our present and future. This year has been about understanding these pivotal innovations and strategizing their integration into existing and new ventures.

And in this very year, I felt the compelling need to share my journey, inspired by my 17-year-old daughter who is at a critical juncture in her life. If my story serves as any testament, it's that the landscape is always shifting, and it's our role to adapt, innovate, and lead.

It's a reminder that digital transformation is not just a buzzword but an operational necessity. As we move deeper into 2023, I'm continually inspired by how far we've come and excited about the journey that still lies ahead, even as some much-hyped concepts like the metaverse didn't quite live up to expectations.

Conclusion: Navigating an Ever-Changing Landscape

When my daughter asked me about my life's journey, it sparked a realization that every era has its unique challenges and opportunities. I started as a teen tinkering with Basic and DOS commands, and here I am, decades later, contemplating quantum computing and guiding young minds.

Skills and Highlights:

• Adaptability: If there's one skill that outshines all the technical know-how, it's the ability to adapt. Staying agile and open to change has been the cornerstone of my journey.
• Holistic Development: Over the years, I've moved from a hands-on coder to a strategist, embracing diverse roles in marketing, sales, technical architecture, and leadership.
• Legacy and Leadership: As I've matured in my career, I've recognized the importance of leaving a legacy through mentorship, nurturing the next generation of technologists.

The world has evolved considerably since the late '90s when I was near the age my daughter is now. The technologies have changed, but the core principles remain the same—learn, adapt, and innovate. The next generation, including my daughter, faces a world of unprecedented complexity but also one of incredible opportunity. My advice to them, and to anyone reading this, is to be unafraid of stepping into the unknown. That's where the real adventure begins.

With a rich past behind me and an exciting future ahead, the story continues, and I'm eagerly waiting to see what the next chapter holds.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Here's to the endless possibilities that the future holds for us all.

And there you have it—my tech journey from the late '90s to the present day. I hope this provides some context, inspiration, and maybe even guidance for those navigating their own paths in this ever-evolving industry.