273: Read Your Way To Success and Don’t Compare Yourself To Others with Ian Reynolds

<p>Phil’s guest on today’s show is Ian Reynolds, a Partner and the Chief Solutions Architect at Zibtek, a software development company focused on helping businesses build custom software.</p> <p> </p> <p>He has spent the better part of his career in consulting covering a diverse range of industries, including Finance, Oil & Gas and Healthcare. He now helps companies to solve their core business objectives with agile software development.</p> <p> </p> <p>Ian talks about the importance of reading, and of constantly feeding your knowledge base. He also discusses the value of recognising your individuality, and always pushing yourself to see what you’re capable of.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>KEY TAKEAWAYS:</strong></p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>TOP CAREER TIP</strong></p> <p>You have to constantly read. Books should be your perennial companion. Reading leads to success. On average, the wealthiest Americans read 22 books per year.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>WORST CAREER MOMENT</strong></p> <p>In an early job, Ian encountered an employee with behavioral issues. Rather than confront the issue, Ian chose to leave the job – decision that has caused him regret ever since.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>CAREER HIGHLIGHT</strong></p> <p>The highlight so far has been the acquisition and growth of Zibtek, along with the success achieved and the improvements made along the way. Many more ambitions has since been realized, with many more to come.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T</strong></p> <p>In terms of IT’s life in the world, we really are at the “Stone Age” period. The potential for how IT will change the world is staggering and infinite. To be at this crucial stage in its history is exhilarating.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>THE REVEAL</strong></p> <p><strong>What first attracted you to a career in I.T.?</strong> – Ian recognized the changing world of IT, rapidly evolving from day to day, and aspired to be a part of its evolution.</p> <p><strong>What’s the best career advice you received?</strong> – Don’t be a