Working In Tech

On this episode of #WorkingInTech, we're talking to Ady. Ady is a JavaScript Tech Lead and UI Architect with 24 years of experience in the tech industry. He specializes in building simple, engaging, and intuitive consumer-facing products. Passionate about user experience, Ady has spent his career producing intuitive systems that are easy to scale and maintain. His journey in tech began with a curiosity about how computers work, sparked by playing PacMan. Today, Ady will share his journey in front-end development, keys to creating user-friendly and scalable systems, and advice for aspiring UI architects looking to build a long-lasting career in tech. 𝕏 CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIALS 𝕏 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juwonthetechie/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuwonTheTechie Threads: https://www.threads.net/@juwonthetechie IG: https://www.instagram.com/juwonthetechie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juwon-io/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juwonthetechie CONNECT WITH ADY LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adyngom/ CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro 0:50 - Discussing UI 11:00 - Why Tech 14:30 - First Project 19:25 - Securing The First Role 28:05 - Dealing with Setbacks 32:50 - Salary Progression 39:25 - Mistakes to Avoid 47:30 - Web Dev vs App Dev 50:30 - Starting Out New 53:15 - Finding Community 56:20 - Building a Network 1:05:30 - Final Words 1:08:00 - Conclusion

On this episode of #WorkingInTech, we're chatting with Bobby McNeil Jr., an experienced Talent Acquisition Manager with a decade of delivering successful recruitment strategies across Fortune 500 companies. Bobby's expertise lies in identifying top talent for roles like Software Engineering, R&D, Corporate IT, and non-technical positions. His abilities have earned him recognition as an industry leader and trusted voice. As the President of the award-winning Blacks in Technology Raleigh-Durham Chapter, Bobby champions diversity and inclusion within the tech industry. With hundreds of successful hires under his belt, Bobby takes pride in guiding job seekers towards rewarding opportunities and witnessing their professional growth. Before recruiting, Bobby had a successful college basketball career, even winning an NCAA National Championship. In this episode, Bobby shares insights on talent acquisition, career coaching, and his upcoming book providing candid advice for job seekers in today's corporate landscape. If you enjoy the discussion, leave a like and share! 𝕏 CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIALS 𝕏 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juwonthetechie/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuwonTheTechie Threads: https://www.threads.net/@juwonthetechie IG: https://www.instagram.com/juwonthetechie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juwon-io/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juwonthetechie CONNECT WITH BOBBY LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmcneil/ Website: https://direct.me/bobbythebuilder CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro 1:55 - Why Tech? 6:20 - Recruiting in and out of Tech 10:40 - Transferable Skills 16:50 - Sports and Tech 29:45 - DEI and ‘Breaking into Tech’ 37:15 - Resume and Interviewing 50:45 - Challenges 52:29 - Salary 53:35 - Dealing with Rejection 55:25 - Recruiting and HR 59:45 - Moving within Recruitment 1:02:30 - Bobby's Book and His Work With BIT 1:05:55 - Conclusion

On this episode of #WorkinginTech, we're talking to Sean Oliver. Sean is a Senior Business Analytics Lead at Microsoft with experience working for Fortune 500 companies like Microsoft, Accenture, and Starbucks. Passionate about writing and mentoring, Sean has published over 30,000 words online on topics including productivity, decision-making, and networking. Sean has guided numerous early career students and professionals, helping them navigate the complexities of their industries. Today, Sean will share his journey in business analytics, insights on productivity and decision-making in tech, and advice for aspiring professionals looking to make their mark in the industry. 𝕏 CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIALS 𝕏 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juwonthetechie/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuwonTheTechie Threads: https://www.threads.net/@juwonthetechie IG: https://www.instagram.com/juwonthetechie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juwon-io/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juwonthetechie CONNECT WITH SEAN LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-e-oliver/ Sean's Essays: typeshare.co/seanoliver CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro 2:20 - Why Tech? 4:40 - Should I Wait or Not? 19:30 - First Interview 21:55 - Weakness to Strength 27:40 - First Step 42:50 - Contract vs Full-time 46:15 - Career Progression 51:10 - Switching Industries 56:10 - Direction 1:03:45 - Final Words 1:04:15 - Conclusion

On this episode we chat with Torrance Evans, a software engineer at JP Morgan with an unconventional path. He earned a business administration degree on a basketball scholarship and has entrepreneurial experience in real estate, car rentals, and Airbnb. Torrance started coding through self-teaching and later joined a sponsored program covering his tuition. He's actively involved in the community, leading the Atlanta chapter of Black Boys Code, a nonprofit teaching African American boys coding and tech opportunities. Torrance also serves on the board of directors for the Atlanta chapter of Blacks in Technology. He builds community through his email list, sharing weekly networking events in Atlanta for tech professionals seeking career pivots, networking, or employment. RESOURCES Free Code Camp: https://www.freecodecamp.org/ LinkedIn Interviews: https://www.linkedin.com/advice/3/how-do-you-overcome-common-online-interview-challenges Codecademy: https://www.codecademy.com/ Educative: https://www.educative.io/ Microsoft LEAP: https://leap.microsoft.com/en-US/ JP Morgan ETSE: https://careers.jpmorgan.com/global/en/students/programs/emerging-talent-software-engineers-fulltime 𝕏 CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIALS 𝕏 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juwonthetechie/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuwonTheTechie Threads: https://www.threads.net/@juwonthetechie IG: https://www.instagram.com/juwonthetechie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juwon-io/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juwonthetechie CONNECT WITH TORRANCE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/torranceevans/ CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro 1:55 - Community Work 4:00 - Learning Programming 5:50 - Building Connections 7:50 - Breaking into Tech 10:10 - Picking a Path into Programming 11:55 - Salary Progression 14:30 - Benefits of Joining Communities 17:30 - Learning and Doing 19:40 - Dealing with the Difficulties 23:25 - Combining your Talents 25:12 - Getting More Black People in Tech 30:42 - Resources 34:30 - Knowing When to Apply 41:00 - Learning on Your Own 51:45 - Picking a Good Bootcamp 56:23 - Job Security 59:25 - Certifications 1:04:25 - Final Words 1:05:20 - Conclusion

On this episode of #WorkinginTech, we're talking to Zachary Johnson. Zachary is a dedicated Product Manager with a strong background in leading cross-functional teams and driving product development. He excels in creating strategies that enhance user experience and boost business growth. Today, Zachary will share insights into his career journey, strategies for successful product management, and advice on how to thrive in the fast-paced tech industry. 𝕏 CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIALS 𝕏 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juwonthetechie/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuwonTheTechie Threads: https://www.threads.net/@juwonthetechie IG: https://www.instagram.com/juwonthetechie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juwon-io/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juwonthetechie CONNECT WITH ZACHARY LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharydavidjohnson/ CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro 1:46 - Breaking into Tech 8:15 - Product Mgt. and Data Science 11:45 - CEO to 9-5 18:25 - Community 20:54 - Top 3 Skills for Product Managers 24:15 - Learning Communication 30:40 - Salary Progression 33:08 - Skills Product Mgt. Recruiters Want 36:45 - Exciting Developments in Tech 40:00 - Day-to-Day of a Product Manager 42:25 - Math in Tech 46:22 - Tech Jargon 50:06 - Growth Product Manager 53:50 - Final Words 55:20 - Conclusion

On this episode of #WorkinginTech, we're talking to Lawrence Lockhart (LawrenceDCodes). Lawrence is a former hospitality manager turned full stack software developer who loves enhancing the customer experience with digital products. In his personal time, Lawrence is continually learning and investing time in others seeking to build their tech skills and communities. He's positioned himself as a developer advocate for the soon-to-be-developer. Lawrence is a coding bootcamp teaching assistant, tech meetup leader, and Advisory Board Member for the Memphis Technology Foundation. Today, Lawrence will share his journey pivoting from hospitality to tech, keys to paying it forward through mentorship and community building, and advice for making an impact beyond just your day job. 𝕏 CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIALS 𝕏 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juwonthetechie/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuwonTheTechie Threads: https://www.threads.net/@juwonthetechie IG: https://www.instagram.com/juwonthetechie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juwon-io/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juwonthetechie CONNECT WITH LAWRENCE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencelockhart/ CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro 2:30 - Why Tech? 15:30 - Going the Extra Mile 20:53 - Starting and Quitting 25:32 - Staying Motivated 29:04 - Using Transferable Skills 46:25 - Aligning Visions 48:39 - Bootcamps and Degrees 55:04 - Certifications 1:01:40 - Finding a Mentor 1:09:41 - RenderATL 1:12:30 - Conclusion

On this episode of #WorkinginTech, we're chatting with Mariame Sow, a Google Cloud specialist. Mariame transitioned from biology and sales into cloud computing. Her background allows her to bridge technology and real-world applications. Mariame helps clients tailor Google Cloud solutions to optimize operations and drive growth. Today, Mariame will discuss her journey into cloud computing and how you can make the switch too. If you enjoy the discussion, leave a like and share! 𝕏 CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIALS 𝕏 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juwonthetechie/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuwonTheTechie Threads: https://www.threads.net/@juwonthetechie IG: https://www.instagram.com/juwonthetechie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juwon-io/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juwonthetechie CONNECT WITH MARIAME LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariamesherazadsow/ CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro 2:35 - Cloud Training Program 3:55 - Acronyms in Sales 5:00 - Collaboration in Sales Roles 6:50 - Choosing Sales as a Career 9:55 - Google Cloud Certification 12:55 - Networking & Building Relationships 20:23 - Soft Skills 24:43 - Salary Progression 28:50 - B2B Sales Background 31:30 - Best Certifications for Cloud Sales 32:36 - Strategies for Quick Career Growth 35:50 - Job Search Strategies 38:30 - Growing Competence in Sales 44:25 - Sales Tools and Software 46:10 - Biggest Cloud Platforms 47:00 - Taking the Difficult Path 48:56 - Being a Minority in Sales 51:10 - Typical Day at Work 52:05 - Red Flags to Avoid 53:44 - Exciting Trends in Cloud Computing & AI 58:34 - Final Words 59:24 - Conclusion

On this episode of #WorkinginTech, we're chatting with Chanel, a seasoned Chemist and Mathematician turned Software Engineer. She excels at and is passionate about enhancing user experiences. Known for dynamic conference sessions, she has spoken at prestigious events and founded the Mentor Me Collective to address education & wealth gaps in tech. Through her leadership, Chanel has facilitated over 400+ BIPOC individuals in securing 6-figure tech careers, totaling $30M+ in compensation. As the previous President of the Blacks in Technology, NYC Chapter, she served & dedicated her expertise to uplift various tech communities, aiming to amplify black representation. Her mission is to cultivate community, develop black talent, and increase awareness in the tech industry. Today, Chanel will share her journey from Chemist to Software Engineer, keys to building successful mentorship programs, and advice for creating a more diverse and inclusive tech industry. If you enjoy the discussion, leave a like and share! 𝕏 CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIALS 𝕏 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juwonthetechie/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuwonTheTechie Threads: https://www.threads.net/@juwonthetechie IG: https://www.instagram.com/juwonthetechie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juwon-io/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juwonthetechie CONNECT WITH CHANEL LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/powerc1/ MentorMeCollective: https://www.mentormecollective.org/ RESOURCES Adobe Creative Types - https://mycreativetype.com/about/ Character Strengths Survey - https://www.viacharacter.org/account/register 16 Personalities - https://www.16personalities.com/ CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro 1:30 - STEM to Tech 15:15 - Bringing Others Into Tech 27:00 - Finding Success 32:15 - Top 3 Skills 38:15 - Starting All Over Again 49:32 - Working at Apple 51:52 - Job Application Tips 56:49 - Working in Non-diverse Spaces 1:00:10 - Big Tech vs Startups 1:01:25 - Encouraging Others 1:04:00 - One Piece of Advice 1:06:28 - Final Words 1:07:50 - Conclusion

On this episode of #WorkinginTech, we're chatting with Patricia Dada. Patricia initially worked as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Consultant before making an unexpected career transition into the fertility tech industry as a Project Manager. Noticing disparities in crucial reproductive healthcare services for the Black community, Patricia founded the Black Fertility Journal Inc. (BFJ), a startup committed to providing tailored fertility education, resources, and services. Patricia holds a Master's Degree in Social Justice and Community Engagement and plans to pursue a PhD as she continues her work in the fertility tech industry. Today, Patricia will share her journey pivoting from DE&I consulting into fertility tech, as well as her mission and motivations behind founding BFJ. Get ready for an insightful discussion on blending social justice advocacy with technology to address healthcare inequities. If you enjoy the discussion, leave a like and share! 𝕏 CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIALS 𝕏 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juwonthetechie/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuwonTheTechie Threads: https://www.threads.net/@juwonthetechie IG: https://www.instagram.com/juwonthetechie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juwon-io/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juwonthetechie CONNECT WITH PATRICIA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciadada CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro 0:39 - Why FertilityTech? 9:15 - Racial Issues in Corporations 26:55 - What is FertilityTech? 29:30 - Tech in Healthcare 31:20 - Skillhat 34:55 - Building Domain Knowledge 36:40 - Building Impactful Relationships 40:28 - Chasing the Vision 45:05 - Interviews and Negotiation 48:37 - Tech Jobs for Introverts 54:30 - Day at the Job 1:01:15 - Final Words 1:02:40 - Conclusion

On this #WorkingInTech episode, we'll talk with Denise Sagoes, a Learning Content Strategist at Google Fiber. Denise has a background in teaching and now empowers users through well-written content. At Google Fiber, Denise manages a team that produces helpful emails, articles, and newsletters for training programs. She ensures the learning materials are easy to understand for customers and employees. Denise also advocates for diversity as a leader of the Women's and Black Employee groups. Her passion project teaches leadership and professional development to children early on. Today, Denise discusses her path into tech education, creating engaging learning content, and supporting underrepresented groups. If you enjoy the discussion, leave a like and share! 𝕏 CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIALS 𝕏 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juwonthetechie/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuwonTheTechie Threads: https://www.threads.net/@juwonthetechie IG: https://www.instagram.com/juwonthetechie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juwon-io/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juwonthetechie CONNECT WITH DENISE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-sagoes/ CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - “How I Got Into Tech” 3:15 - Teaching Career 5:18 - Passion vs Work 16:20 - Building a Solid Foundation 18:33 - Building a Network 27:45 - Starting All Over Again 31:43 - Growth Potential in LND 36:00 - Communication 36:59 - Tools Used in LND 45:02 - Courses on Technical Writing 50:10 - Joining the ERG 52:00 - Resources 1:00:05 - Final Words 1:00:45 - Conclusion