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In this week\\u2019s show, Phil talks to Marcus Olson, who discovered his love of technology by disassembling and reassembling computers salvaged from a shuttered Black & Decker office. He also taught himself Basic so that he could create his own, simple text-based games.

He is now the CEO and Founder of Pliancy, a technology-enabled professional services company that helps growing start-ups scale their corporate IT.

Marcus talks about why we should always focus upon the driving value behind the companies we work for. He also discusses the value of being prepared and showing up entirely, so that opportunities can be taken.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS:

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TOP CAREER TIP

Focus on what the value is that you drive for the companies in which you work. Often, people fall into the trap of loving their product because they love it for themselves instead of identifying the need it can serve.

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WORST CAREER MOMENT

Marcus took a job at the government that paid okay, but the prospects were dull, and it did not allow him to follow the pursuits that interested him.

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CAREER HIGHLIGHT

After leaving a company, many of Marcus\\u2019 clients followed him, who advised him to begin his own consulting firm, which was the ignition beneath his second chapter in life.

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THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T

The IT departments are slowly driving the success of companies in general, and so are slowly becoming more and more integral to conversations about growth and direction.

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THE REVEAL

What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? \\u2013 After receiving a computer as a gift, Marcus realized the potential of taking something apart and putting it together again.

What\\u2019s the best career advice you received? \\u2013 Be authentic.

What\\u2019s the worst career advice you received? \\u2013 Don\\u2019t take risks!

What would you do if you started your career now? \\u2013 Figure out how to get a job at a technical organization a lot earlier.

What are your current career objectives? \\u2013 Focusing on the progression of others.

What\\u2019s your number one non-technical skill? \\u2013 Communication.

How do you keep your own career energized? \\u2013 Keep being uncomfortable and putting yourself out there

What do you do away from technology? \\u2013 Spending time with dogs, architecture, design, art and other creative outlets.

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FINAL CAREER TIP

If you show up with your whole self and you\\u2019re passionate about what you do, then opportunities will present themselves and you\\u2019ll be in great shape to take advantage.

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BEST MOMENTS

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(8:27) \\u2013 Marcus \\u2013 \\u201cUltimately, technology needs to serve a goal\\u201d

(15:06) \\u2013 Marcus - \\u201cIf you do what you love, the money will follow. If you do it long enough, more money will follow\\u201d

(20:07) \\u2013 Marcus \\u2013 \\u201cWe\\u2019re seeing a shift, year over year, of the importance of the IT department in helping drive success for companies\\u201d

(26:02)\\u2013 Marcus \\u2013 \\u201cDo it for an exceptionally long time and be authentic while you\\u2019re doing it\\u201d

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ABOUT THE HOST \\u2013 PHIL BURGESS

Phil 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 MARCUS OLSON

Marcus Olson discovered his love of technology by disassembling and reassembling computers salvaged from a shuttered Black & Decker office. He also taught himself Basic so that he could create his own, simple text-based games.

He is now the CEO and Founder of Pliancy, a technology-enabled professional services company that helps growing start-ups scale their corporate IT.

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CONTACT THE GUEST \\u2013 MARCUS OLSON

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pliancy_

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusolson/

Website: http://www.pliancy.com/