Tech Lead Journal
#211 - Back to the Future: Lessons from My 42-Year Career in Tech - Paula Paul
Mar 31, 2025
Paula Paul, a distinguished engineer and board member of the OpenJS Foundation, shares 42 years of tech wisdom. She discusses navigating massive shifts from mainframes to AI, emphasizing that embracing change is key to a fulfilling career. Paula reveals that technology is usually the easy part; managing change is where the challenge lies. She encourages a non-linear career path and reflects on open source issues like licensing and security. Her insights promote a healthier relationship with technology and highlight the importance of diversity in the industry.
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Quick takeaways
- Navigating technological change is more challenging than mastering tech itself, highlighting the importance of adaptability and mindset in career success.
- AI and emerging technologies create new opportunities for growth, emphasizing the need for professionals to embrace change rather than fear job loss.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Technology and Its Challenges
The transition from coding on mainframes to modern instant feedback has radically transformed software engineering. Despite these advancements, the essence of technology remains the same; the real challenge lies in managing change rather than the technology itself. Many fear that emerging technologies, particularly AI, threaten their livelihoods, yet they often overlook the new opportunities these technologies create for growth and adaptation. This highlights the need for individuals in the industry to embrace change and harness technology as a tool for improvement rather than seeing it as a threat.
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