September 2023

Work Options for Retired Tech Execs

Retiring as a tech executive might have seemed like a dream come true but now that you’ve accomplished that, you may find yourself itching to keep working. Perhaps you’re not ready to stop contributing to society and still want to make a difference in the world. Fortunately, there are several options available to you. Here are some ideas to explore if you’re looking to keep working after retirement.

Consulting: One great option for tech executives who want to keep working is consulting. Consulting allows you to use the skills you’ve developed throughout your career while still enjoying a flexible schedule. You can work as much or as little as you want, and you can choose clients whom you want to work with. You can offer consulting in a variety of areas such as IT, management, operations, or digital transformation.
Non-profit work: Another option is to work for a non-profit. Many non-profit organizations need tech executives who can help them with digital transformation and IT strategy. This type of work provides you with an opportunity to give back to society and work for a cause you believe in. You could also work as a board member or volunteer for a charity that you’re passionate about.
Teaching or mentoring: If you’re interested in sharing your knowledge and experience with others, you could consider teaching or mentoring. You could use your expertise to teach courses on IT or management at a local college or university. Alternatively, you could offer mentorship to startup founders or young entrepreneurs. This allows you to make a difference in the lives of others while still keeping up with the latest industry trends and developments.
Start your own business: If you’re an entrepreneur at heart, starting your own business might be the perfect option for you. You can start a tech company that solves a problem you’re passionate about, or buy a franchise in an area that interests you. While starting your own business is challenging, it allows you to pursue your passions and create something that can change the world.
Work part-time: Lastly, you could work part-time. Many companies are looking for experienced tech executives who can work a few days a week or a few hours a day. This option allows you to maintain a work-life balance and enjoy your retirement while still making a contribution to a company you believe in.

Retiring as a tech executive doesn’t mean you have to stop working altogether. There are several options available to you if you want to keep working after retirement. Whether you choose to consult, work for a non-profit, teach, start your own business, or work part-time, there is a role out there that will allow you to apply your skills and experience to make a difference in the world.

Remember, retirement doesn’t have to be the end of your career, it can be the start of something new and exciting!

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How to build a successful team

Tech execs need to understand that happy, well-aligned, motivated, and cared for teams do amazing things!! Hire smart, mentor and retain your staff. Make sure they are doing work they enjoy and will make them successful.

To Become a Tech Executive, Does Your Bachelor’s Degree Matter?

In era of ever-evolving technology, the burning question emerges: Is a college degree crucial for success? Especially in the pursuit of becoming a tech industry executive, the debate intensifies. Does one need a prestigious computer science degree from a top-tier university to rise to the ranks? Or is it possible to conquer the tech world without a specific degree or even a college education? Let’s dive into whether a bachelor’s degree holds the golden key to achieving tech executive status.

First things first, let’s examine the real-life stories of some tech titans and their undergraduate backgrounds. Mark Zuckerberg, the mastermind behind Facebook, famously dropped out of Harvard, while Jeff Bezos, the visionary behind Amazon, donned a degree in electrical engineering and computer science from Princeton. Satya Nadella, the driving force behind Microsoft, pursued an electrical engineering degree from Manipal Institute of Technology in India and an MS in computer science from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. Meanwhile, Tim Cook, the brilliant leader at the helm of Apple, honed his craft with a degree in industrial engineering from Auburn University. These exemplars underscore one undeniable truth: There is no singular blueprint for ascending to the summit of the tech industry.

Admittedly, the majority of tech executives, including luminaries like Zuckerberg and Bezos, boast a bachelor’s degree. However, it’s worth noting that the degree need not necessarily be in computer science or a related field. In fact, many trailblazers in the sector hail from diverse academic disciplines such as engineering, business, and mathematics. What truly matters is a fervent love for technology, coupled with invaluable proficiencies like leadership and business acumen.

Another vital factor to bear in mind revolves around the reverence accorded to your alma mater. A degree from a prestigious institution or a top-ranked program can endow you with a competitive edge. Not to mention, prestigious universities serve as conduits for building valuable connections that can prove invaluable for future success. That said, don’t dismiss the potential benefits of a degree from a lesser-known college or university. With the right skill set and an unyielding work ethic, opportunities can manifest no matter where you earn your stripes.

Today’s tech industry demonstrates an intriguing shift in recruitment practices. Countless companies, including tech powerhouses like Google and Apple, no longer tether their requirements solely to college degrees. Instead, they prioritize a candidate’s skills, experience, and unique perspective. This shift arises from the rapid pace of technological change and the burgeoning demand for problem-solving acumen in STEM fields. Employers now seek out those armed with practical experience and an entrepreneurial mindset, qualities that can be cultivated both within and beyond the walls of higher education.

Plain and simple: There is no single roadmap to reaching tech executive status. While the majority of tech industry leaders hold a bachelor’s degree, it need not be tethered to computer science or a cognate field. Ultimately, your passion for technology, coupled with your skill set, experience, and perspective, serve as the true compass on your journey. So, to those pondering a path as a tech executive with concerns over lacking a college degree or attending a prestigious university, remember this: It is your passion, skills, and experience that pack the most potent punch.

Showcase the Value Technology to Business Leaders

Sometimes business leaders struggle to understand how technology affects the organization’s bottom line. This is where tech executives come into play. They are responsible for overseeing their organization’s technology stack and ensuring that it aligns with the business objectives. Tech executives who can articulate the value of technology to business leaders are highly in demand. Let’s discuss how tech executives can showcase the value of their technology organization to business leaders.

Speak the Language of Business – Tech executives need to learn to speak the language of business. They must be able to communicate the value of their technology investments to business leaders in a way that they can understand. This means using terms that resonate with business leaders. In Most cases, Business leaders may not be interested in the nitty-gritty details of your tech solutions. What they want to know is how the technology can help them achieve their business goals, solve problems, and drive revenue.
Build Strong Relationships – Tech executives need to build strong relationships with business leaders to gain their trust. This is important because it is easier to communicate with someone who trusts you. They can gain the trust of business leaders by meeting with them regularly, listening to their needs, and collaborating with them to achieve their goals. And as they work together, business leaders will have a better understanding of the value of the technology organization and what benefits it brings to the organization.
Provide Real-time Metrics – Tech executives should provide business leaders with real-time metrics that show the value of their technology investments. This means providing data on how their technology investments are contributing to the organization’s success. Business leaders can then use this information to make informed decisions that will help drive their organization’s growth.
Train Business Leaders – Tech executives should train business leaders on the latest technology trends and how they are relevant to their business. Business leaders should be well-versed in the impact of new technologies on their organization and how they can leverage it to achieve their goals. This will foster a culture of innovation within the organization and promote collaboration between the technology and business teams.
Research and implement Emerging Technologies – Tech executives must stay up to date with emerging technologies in their industry and find ways to implement them in their organization to improve processes and generate revenue. By staying ahead of the curve, tech executives will be able to position their organization as an industry leader, improve their business’s bottom line, and showcase the value of their technology team.

Tech executives play a critical role in ensuring that the organization’s technology aligns with business objectives. By speaking the language of business, building strong relationships, providing real-time metrics, training business leaders, and researching and implementing emerging technologies, tech executives can showcase the value of their technology organization to business leaders. With these steps, tech executives can position their technology organization as a strategic asset for the business and gain the recognition and support they deserve.

The Job Market for Tech Execs Appears to Finally be Improving

The job market for tech executives has been a rollercoaster ride over the past 11 months. With the pandemic casting a cloud of uncertainty, companies held back from taking risks on new leaders. But guess what? We’re moving into the fourth quarter, and signs of life are emerging.

Positions for top-level technology executives are opening up, providing a golden opportunity to make your next move. If you’ve been cautious about the job market, now’s the time to get ready and seize the moment.

But why is the job market heating up? Several factors are converging to create an environment where companies are once again willing to bet on new leaders.

First, pandemic fatigue is setting in, and people are adapting to the new normal. This stability has bolstered business confidence, paving the way for long-term investments in technology leadership.

Second, the technology landscape has undergone major shifts. Remote work is here to stay, and cloud-based infrastructure is the name of the game. Tech executives skilled in cloud architectures are now in high demand, riding the wave of this digital transformation.

Third, the pandemic has fueled the rapid adoption of digital technologies across industries. From AI to IoT and blockchain, companies are investing heavily in these game-changers. So, if you possess deep knowledge in these areas, you’re a hot commodity.

Fourth, the global economy is recovering, and companies are gearing up for growth. They’re looking to make strategic investments, seeking technology executives who can drive growth through innovation. Your track record matters, and now is the perfect time to showcase your skills in shaping the future.

Lastly, remember that the job market for tech executives has always been cyclical. The past 11 months have been tough, but the tides have turned. So, brush off the doubts and start exploring new opportunities. The tech exec job market is looking up, and exciting challenges await those who are ready to take the leap.

So, what are you waiting for? Network, update your resume, and get ready to conquer interviews. Your dream leadership position could be just around the corner in this thrilling period of growth.