From Radio Dreams to Tech Teams: A Journey of Reinvention
Every so often, I remind myself to take a step back. When I do, I've lived a very interesting life that would make for an entertaining book or audio series.
I was once a 9-year-old kid telling everyone who would listen that he wanted to be a radio broadcaster someday. It wasn't about attention; it was always about making others smile, laugh and think. I wanted to be their freedom from concern. By 24, I had achieved that childhood dream, becoming one of the youngest morning radio show hosts. It happened too quickly, but that's how life unfolds sometimes.
Pivoting away from a childhood dream was daunting. Where do you even begin? I leveraged my radio experience into voice-over work, landing projects that seemed beyond my reach then.
I moved into private education, relying on adaptability and personality to succeed. Despite the industry's challenges, I worked alongside remarkable people who made it worthwhile. This period helped me discover my potential beyond radio, something I often overlook when reflecting on my career journey.
Then came the leap into tech startups, a stretch that could have failed. Instead, I became the company's go-to expert on our technology, not because I was the smartest, but because I outworked everyone, asked the right questions, and listened to the right people. This period marked my first fundamental momentum shift since radio.
Even the low points proved valuable. My time in the marketing agency world tested me severely. Though I had a marketing diploma, I was over my head. But I doubled down on adapting, listening, and improving my project management skills. Was it a regrettable detour? Maybe. But the skills gained and relationships formed made it worthwhile.
Returning to training, this time in corporate education, brought new challenges. As an outsider, I had to earn respect quickly. My formula remained consistent: adapt, listen, work hard, be creative, and study relentlessly.
When I joined SkyHive during the pandemic, I channelled every ounce of passion, work ethic, and experience into making an impact. My son Max became my additional motivation, pushing me to deliver my best work yet.
Throughout this journey, one thing remained constant: authenticity. For better or worse, I stayed true to myself, and that's been crucial to my success. I've never focused on what I've earned or deserved. I simply work hard, take pride in my work, and maintain my passion. I've been fortunate to have incredible examples in my life: my parents, my wife, my sister, additional family members, friends, and colleagues. But I compete only against myself, always aiming to elevate those around me.
It took a message from a former colleague, reminiscing about shared memories, to prompt this reflection. Looking back, I'm grateful for every relationship that's shaped my journey. Whether you were there for a few pages or an entire chapter, you've all contributed to my story, and for that, I thank you.
✌ + ❤️
