Anjana Vakil: How to Get into Tech and be Successful

Links

- Codecrafters (Sponsor): https://tej.as/codecrafters

- Outreachy: https://outreachy.org

- Recurse Center: https://recurse.com

- Tejas on X: https://x.com/tejaskumar_

Summary

Anjana discusses her journey into tech, including her background in computational linguistics and her experience in various roles within the tech industry. She highlights the importance of following one's passion and finding meaning in work. The conversation also touches on the need for the tech industry to prioritize human well-being and collaboration over profit and productivity. In this conversation, I and Anjana Vakil discuss the importance of shifting our mindset from a focus on productivity and economic success to one that prioritizes human flourishing and collective well-being. We explore the toxic nature of the competitive scarcity mindset prevalent in the tech industry and advocate for a more collaborative and community-oriented approach. We emphasize the need to recognize the value of every individual and the interconnectedness of all living beings. We also discuss the role of technology in addressing global challenges and the responsibility of tech professionals to use their skills for the betterment of society.

Takeaways

1. Tech careers can be pursued by individuals from diverse backgrounds and with non-linear trajectories.

2. Programs like the Recurse Center and Outreachy provide opportunities for career changers and underrepresented groups to gain experience and contribute to the tech industry.

3. The tech industry should prioritize human well-being and collaboration over profit and productivity.

4. Success should be measured by the impact on individuals, communities, and the environment, rather than financial gain.

5. Tech professionals have the power to shape the direction of the industry and should use their privilege to advocate for positive change.

6. Shifting our mindset from productivity and economic success to human flourishing and collective well-being is crucial.

7. The toxic productivity and competitive scarcity mindset prevalent in the tech industry need to be challenged.

8. Recognizing the value of every individual and the interconnectedness of all living beings is essential.

9. Tech professionals have a responsibility to use their skills and technology for the betterment of society and to address global challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Anjana Vakil

03:39 Anjana's Non-Linear Tech Career

15:21 The Intersection of Tech and Computational Linguistics

27:00 Redefining Success in Tech

32:10 Using Privilege to Advocate for Change

48:55 Shifting Mindsets: From Productivity to Human Flourishing

53:09 Tech's Role in Addressing Global Challenges

55:33 Practical Protocols for Coping with the Current Context

59:23 Community: Central to Software Development

01:05:03 Scarcity Mindset vs. Abundance Mindset

01:17:13 Cooperative Mindset: Surviving Scarcity Together

01:24:34 Tech's Responsibility: Solving the World's Problems Together

01:29:25 Recognizing the Value of Every Individual and the Interconnectedness of All

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