IT Career Energizer 286: Keep Investing In Your Skills and Become A Storyteller with Oscar Santolalla
In this week’s show, Phil talks to Oscar Santolalla, the author of "Rock the Tech Stage" and "Create and Deliver a Killer Product Demo". After a decade and a half in the technology arena, he embarked on a mission to help people in technology companies present better, inspire others, and sell more.
Since 2014, he has been hosting the public speaking podcast Time to Shine, for which he has interviewed more than 150 communication professionals. He works as a sales engineer at Ubisecure. And was born and raised in Peru but now lives in Finland.
Oscar talks about why we should always seek to develop our skills and grow as professionals. He also discusses why storytelling can positively impact your career goals.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
TOP CAREER TIP
There is always room to develop your skills, and no matter which stage you are at, time should always be taken to develop and grow.
WORST CAREER MOMENT
During an early presentation, Oscar found himself ill-prepared, and having to present on a subject of which he had no knowledge. This taught him the value of always being prepared, and to devote time to learning how to feel more comfortable with public speaking.
CAREER HIGHLIGHT
Switching between roles, and trying out new areas in the sector, provided Oscar with his current role, which he views as the highlight of his career so far.
THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T
IT is being called upon, more and more, to solve meaningful problems for the world. This responsibility will grow as technological advancements continue to be made.
THE REVEAL
What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – In times previous, Oscar saw the implementation of tech infrastructures, and the idea of being a part of this world appealed to him greatly.
What’s the best career advice you received? – Become a problem solver.
What’s the worst career advice you received? – When people tell you that hard work alone will lead to success. This is only partly true.
What would you do if you started your career now? – Oscar would be more heavily involved in building tools that protect us online and reinforce privacy.
What are your current career objectives? – Focussing upon training in order to deliver better results to clients and partners.
What’s your number one non-technical skill? – Communication skills, and developing creativity in thinking.
How do you keep your own career energized? – Oscar remains energized by always learning new skills, and keeping abreast of technological advances.
What do you do away from technology? – Sports are very important, as is reading – especially fiction, which stimulates the imagination.
FINAL CAREER TIP
Work on your storytelling abilities, which remain the best way of communicating plans, ideas and thoughts to others.
BEST MOMENTS
(3:49) – Oscar - “Always invest in developing your skills at any moment in your career”
(9:45) – Phil - “At any point in time, you can provide a point of view that can be described as leadership”
(12:15) – Oscar – “We can solve the real and big problems that society has today”
(18:07) – Oscar – “You need to make sure that others see what you do and appreciate your value”
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 that same career journey.
CONTACT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS
Phil can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/philtechcareer
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philburgess
Facebook: https://facebook.com/philtechcareer
Instagram: https://instagram.com/philtechcareer
Website: https://itcareerenergizer.com/contact
Phil is also reachable by email at phil@itcareerenergizer.com and via the podcast’s website, https://itcareerenergizer.com
Join the I.T. Career Energizer Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ITCareerEnergizer
ABOUT THE GUEST – OSCAR SANTOLALLA
Oscar Santolalla is the author of "Rock the Tech Stage" and "Create and Deliver a Killer Product Demo". After a decade and a half in the technology arena, he embarked on a mission to help people in technology companies present better, inspire others, and sell more.
Since 2014, he has been hosting the public speaking podcast Time to Shine, for which he has interviewed more than 150 communication professionals. He works as a sales engineer at Ubisecure. And was born and raised in Peru but now lives in Finland.
CONTACT THE GUEST – OSCAR SANTOLALLA
Oscar Santolalla can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/osantolalla
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oscarsantolalla/
‘Rock The Tech Stage’ Book Website: https://rockthetechstage.com/
‘Create and Deliver a Killer Product Demo’ Book Website: https://www.apress.com/gp/book/9781484239537