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👏 Today, in 5 minutes or less, you’ll learn

• To navigate the constant change and uncertainty of working in tech by staying true to your "why" and using it to find fulfilling work. 

🧐 Did you know?

• In the first two weeks of 2024, 51 tech companies have sacked 7528 employees. The cuts signal that this could be another challenging year to be working as a creative leader in tech.

• It’s shocking, I know.

Maybe you kept your job but feel miserable that your career no longer ignites your passion. The core of your creativity has been poisoned with workplace toxicity you’d prefer to live without.

Maybe you are sitting on the couch watching your layoff compensation run out, monthly unemployment payments end, and savings you thought you’d never spend dwindle.

What can you do?

Amidst the hustle, a crucial question often gets lost: Why do you want a career in tech as a creative leader? This isn't just about finding a fancy title or a fat paycheck. It's about rekindling the spark that ignited your passion for building products and services from tech for people in the first place. 

It's about aligning your work with your values, talents, and long-term aspirations. So, before you dive headfirst into the next opportunity to help a recruiter on LinkedIn meet their quarterly targets,  let's take a moment to rediscover your "why."

Start by asking yourself:

Why do you want a career in tech as a creative leader? Remember, your "why" is personal. It could be anything from advancing a critical medical treatment to fostering a supportive work environment. Here are some inspiring examples:

Accelerating access to life-saving therapies 

Fuelled by the memory of two loved ones lost to leukemia, Jill leads the design of technology that shatters barriers to access and affordability, making cell therapy a reality for all who need it. She envisions a world where cell therapy isn't a privilege but a universal lifeline. It's a future where hope isn't rationed, and families don't have to watch their loved ones succumb to diseases we have the power to cure.

Revolutionizing 1:1 meetings

For Farai, it's time for a revolution in 1:1 meetings fueled by respect, freedom, and the spark of creativity. That's why he’s writing a book, not for the bosses who never inspired me, but for the damn good managers who crave something better.

He pictures Montessori-inspired conversations where employees flourish, their voices heard, and their ideas unleashed. No more power plays. No more "check-the-box" formalities. This is about empowering your team, igniting their potential, and building a workplace where everyone thrives. It's about the leadership he never had but the leadership he chooses to give.

Making space for the next generation

Once ablaze with the thrill of innovation, my heart knew it was time to say goodbye to the tech career I once knew, a path I could no longer walk with my soul yearning for something more.

This wasn’t about burnout or seeking greener pastures. It was about a fundamental disconnect, a misalignment between my person and my work. My passion, which ignited my creativity and drive, dwindled to embers. I knew that staying in corporate employment would be a disservice to myself, my dreams, and my unfulfilled potential.

When I left Meta in 2018, it wasn’t an ending but a beginning. It was a leap of faith, a step towards a future where my heart and work are in perfect harmony. I could not be there if my heart were not aligned with what I do. And that, in itself, is the most powerful motivator of all.

Now it's your turn.

Why do you want to work as a creative leader in tech?

💥 The Short Of It

Reconnecting with your "why" is the first step towards reclaiming your passion and building a fulfilling career in the ever-evolving tech landscape. "Why" is your North Star. Let your purpose guide your decisions, and you'll find yourself navigating challenges with renewed clarity and purpose.

The tech industry needs leaders like you, driven by a mission bigger than themselves.

Remember, your unique perspective and experiences are your greatest assets. Use them to shape the future of technology and make a lasting impact on the world.

That’s it for this week!

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With ❤️ from Sally

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