303: Respect The Team That You’re A Part Of and Develop Your Network with James Stanger

<p>In this week’s show, Phil talks to James Stanger, CompTIA’s Chief Technology Evangelist. James has consulted in cloud security, open source, and networking for organizations such as Northrop Grumman, Tesco, AWS, West Point, SoftBank, and Symantec.</p> <p>He has also developed education programs on a myriad of subjects, including security analytics, cloud administration, Linux, British Romantic literature and kayaking.</p> <p>In this episode James talks about the importance of interpersonal skills and why we should always remember that IT is a people business. He also discusses the value in developing your own network of people.</p> <p><strong>KEY TAKEAWAYS:</strong></p> <p><strong>TOP CAREER TIP</strong></p> <p>Always keep on top of your power skills, especially the ability to act effectively in an interpersonal way. Remember that IT is a people business, so we must show respect for others.</p> <p><strong>WORST CAREER MOMENT</strong></p> <p>Early in his working life, James realized that he had spent much of his time training and gaining qualifications, only to be stuck in a job that would not pay him accordingly.</p> <p><strong>CAREER HIGHLIGHT</strong></p> <p>James’s public speaking touched the mind and heart of an audience member who later approached him to tell him that the advice he had given had been life-changing.</p> <p><strong>THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T</strong></p> <p>The incredibly rapid change that happens in IT. So long as we have the foundational skills, we can always adapt and pivot in the sector and find new opportunities. IT has also impacted the world in incredibly positive ways throughout the COVID experience.</p> <p><strong>THE REVEAL</strong></p> <p><strong>What first attracted you to a career in I.T.?</strong> – James recognized the need to make technology do very interesting things for humanity.</p> <p><strong>What’s the best career advice you received?</strong> – Always be curious.</p> <p><strong>What’s the worst career advice you received?</strong> – Follow the money!</p> <p><strong>W