341: Make Yourself Replaceable and Remember That “NO” Stands For New Opportunities with Janet T Phan

<p>In this week’s show, Phil talks to Janet T Phan, the Founder and Executive Director of Thriving Elements and Senior Technical Product Manager for Amazon’s Project Kuiper.</p> <p>She has a vision to develop and empower young women in STEM to make a sustainable impact and inspire the next generation of women leaders.</p> <p>Janet talks to Phil about the value in making ourselves replaceable in the industry. She also discusses why “no” can mean a whole new world of opportunities for you.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>KEY TAKEAWAYS:</strong></p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>TOP CAREER TIP</strong></p> <p>Technology grows every day. If we make ourselves as replaceable as possible, then we show up for ourselves, and allow our skillsets to be easily passed on to others.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>WORST CAREER MOMENT</strong></p> <p>In a previous role, early in her career, Janet told her manager that she had aspirations to be a manager herself. This was met with derision by her superior, and unfortunately changed her attitude towards Janet into one of negativity.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>CAREER HIGHLIGHT</strong></p> <p>Janet was part of a huge global launch that went exceedingly well, impressing the global leadership, despite their reservations about her way of implementing it.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T</strong></p> <p>IT is ever evolving and requires a universe of different backgrounds and perspectives to make its applications as universal as possible. This means that it requires inclusivity and diversity in order to function at its best.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>THE REVEAL</strong></p> <p><strong>What first attracted you to a career in I.T.?</strong> – Janet was inspired by her professor.</p> <p><strong>What’s the best career advice you received?</strong> –Do now, and ask for forgiveness later.</p> <p><strong>What’s the worst career advice you received?</strong> – That becoming a manager was almost impossible.</p> <p><strong>What would you do if you started your career now?</strong> – Janet