Summary: 

On today’s episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole talks to Dan Lader, CIO at Sodexo Worldwide Home Care and an avid cyclist. They discuss his journey through the tech industry, the evolution of his career, and the strategies that have helped him navigate job transitions effectively. He begins by recounting his decision to enter the technology field after realising law school was not his calling, despite his parents’ wishes and his engineering background. He joined AMS (American Management Systems) for its broad industry exposure and speaks fondly of the solid network and orientation it provided, which were invaluable in his early career.

Dan reflects on the cyclical nature of the mortgage industry and his desire to avoid its instability, which led him to seek opportunities in different fields. He has a proactive approach to the job search using detailed organisation methods, such as using a spreadsheet to manage contacts and follow-ups, aiming for several meetings per day, and focusing on targeted opportunities within companies of interest. They also discuss the importance of building strong relationships and having empathy in professional settings.

Dan shares insights into the significance of mentorship and personal investment in one’s career. He mentions the impact of executive coaching and the value of seeking informal mentors to gain fresh perspectives on challenges. He also touches on his reading habits and recommends a book on Elon Musk and Tesla, finding inspiration in their perseverance through adversity.

Join Nicole and Dan for this informative and enlightening conversation.

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Dan’s journey from engineering to technology consulting, highlighting the importance of following one’s interests rather than predetermined paths.
• The benefits of comprehensive training programs like AMS 101 for college graduates entering the tech industry, and the importance of continuous learning and development.
• The importance of a robust professional network, as well as building and maintaining relationships within one’s industry.
• The need for professionals to proactively anticipate industry trends and adapt accordingly.
• Why organisation and focus during a job search has been vital for Dan’s success.
• The value of prioritising relationships and networking over simply completing tasks
• And so much more…

Quotes:

“I finally realized that I had no interest in going to law school… I wanted exposure to technology across many different vertical industries.” – (Dan Lader)

“They [AMS] also took students that had non-traditional liberal arts types of degrees… we all had sort of a same level of capability from a consulting perspective.” – (Dan Lader)

“I’ve gotten virtually all of my jobs through the network that I’ve built.” – (Dan Lader)

“I treated my job search as my full-time job… spent at least eight hours a day, just focused on reaching out into my network.” – (Dan Lader)

“I continue to seek out informal mentors… to get a different perspective on certain challenges that I have.” – (Dan Lader)

Resources:

Nicole’s LinkedIn

Power Play: Tesla, Elon Musk, and the Bet of the Century ebook

Dan’s LinkedIn

Podcast: