317: Always Be Learning and Dont Be Afraid To Change with Rob Rastovich

Published: Nov. 8, 2021, midnight

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In this week\\u2019s show, Phil talks to Rob Rastovich, the Chief Technical Officer at ThingLogix, a provider of Internet of Things solutions, solution components and advisory services. He has been actively involved in technology for nearly 30 years including what is now known as Amazon\\u2019s AWS IoT.

As CTO of ThingLogix he is the chief architect behind the company\\u2019s ground-breaking IoT platform that eliminates the need for code.

Rob talks about the importance of continual learning and how it can advance our IT career paths. He also discusses why we must never feel boxed in by the career we choose, and why it\\u2019s okay to follow our passions into other fields.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS:

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TOP CAREER TIP

We must always be learning. The IT industry is never static, and so we must endeavour to keep abreast of what\\u2019s new, and master the skills and tools that push us forward.

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WORST CAREER MOMENT

While working on a job, Rob accidentally deleted some invaluable information on a server. It taught him to always make sure that he is aware of the consequences of every command entered.

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CAREER HIGHLIGHT

The Amazon acquisition was a particular highlight. The early development of these systems were a period of experimentation and discovery, and provided much insight and motivation.

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THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T

The disappearing of laptops, computers and browsers, and the advancements that will replace them. The internet will become less of a service that we plug into, and something that becomes more ubiquitous \\u2013 more device agnostic.

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THE REVEAL

What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? \\u2013 After his first successful attempts at coding, Rob was hooked.

What\\u2019s the best career advice you received? \\u2013 To go all in on ideas, and never live with any regrets.

What\\u2019s the worst career advice you received? \\u2013 That Rob would be paid when the company went IPO.

What would you do if you started your career now? \\u2013To have focused more time looking at the possibilities of cloud computing.

What are your current career objectives? \\u2013 Rob is focusing on stepping back from the cutting edge of innovation, and spending more time in guiding the next generation of thinkers and dreamers.

What\\u2019s your number one non-technical skill? \\u2013 Ranching has taught Rob the value of balance.

How do you keep your own career energized? \\u2013 Rob is always researching and looking for the next big thing.

What do you do away from technology? \\u2013 Rob spends his time on his ranch, and enjoys outdoor pursuits.

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FINAL CAREER TIP

Rid yourself of the idea that your career path is permanent. Remain fluid, and if you find diversions that thrill you more than the path you\\u2019re already on, follow your heart and diversify.

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BEST MOMENTS

\\xa0(6:37) \\u2013 Rob - \\u201cThe ability to discern and learn and absorb quickly has been the cornerstone for me\\u201d

(6:50) \\u2013 Rob - \\u201cThat\\u2019s a skill that you learn \\u2013 how to learn\\u201d

(15:09) \\u2013 Rob \\u2013 \\u201cBeing on the cutting edge is fun and exciting, but it\\u2019s not as profitable as being right behind that\\u201d

(18:55) \\u2013 Rob \\u2013 \\u201cShoot for the stars, and if you miss you\\u2019ll end up on the moon\\u201d

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ABOUT THE HOST \\u2013 PHIL BURGESS

\\xa0Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organizations to design, develop, and implement software solutions.\\xa0 Phil has always had an interest in helping others to develop and advance their careers.\\xa0 And in 2017 Phil started the I.T. Career Energizer podcast to try to help as many people as possible to learn from the career advice and experiences of those that have been, and still are, on that same career journey.

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CONTACT THE HOST \\u2013 PHIL BURGESS

Phil can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_PhilBurgess

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philburgess

Instagram: https://instagram.com/_philburgess

Website: https://itcareerenergizer.com/contact

Phil is also reachable by email at phil@itcareerenergizer.com and via the podcast\\u2019s website, https://itcareerenergizer.com

Join the I.T. Career Energizer Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ITCareerEnergizer

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ABOUT THE GUEST \\u2013 ROB RASTOVICH

Rob Rastovich is the Chief Technical Officer at ThingLogix, a provider of Internet of Things solutions, solution components and advisory services. He has been actively involved in technology for nearly 30 years including what is now known as Amazon\\u2019s AWS IoT.

As CTO of ThingLogix he is the chief architect behind the company\\u2019s ground-breaking IoT platform that eliminates the need for code.

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CONTACT THE GUEST \\u2013 ROB RASTOVICH

Rob Rastovich can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thinglogix

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-rastovich-1560532/

Website: https://www.thinglogix.com/

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