When it comes to career planning, it is important to prioritize skills over titles. Titles may seem like the ultimate destination in a career, but they are merely labels that do not necessarily reflect the true capabilities and expertise of an individual. Focusing solely on titles can limit one's growth and potential, as it may lead to a narrow perspective on what success looks like.

On the other hand, skills are the building blocks that enable individuals to achieve their career goals and navigate the challenges that come their way. Skills are tangible and measurable, and they can be developed and honed over time through experience, training, and continuous learning. By focusing on acquiring and improving skills, individuals can adapt to changing circumstances, seize new opportunities, and progress in their careers regardless of the specific titles they hold.

In this episode of Tech Careers and Money Talk, host introduces Mark Herschberg, a serial startup and public company CTO and CPO, also known for his book "The Career Toolkit." Mark shares insights on influential leadership and navigating challenges in tech careers. 

Tune in for valuable strategies and tactics to grow your career and build wealth as a technology professional!

In this episode, we talk about:

• Influential Leadership: Mark emphasized that true leadership is not about authority but about influencing others to share in your vision, much like Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi did.
• Career Planning: He compared career planning to project planning, suggesting that we should have short-term, intermediate, and long-term goals, with regular check-ins to adjust our plans as needed. Mark also provided a practical tip: set a recurring calendar event every six months to review and adjust your career plan.
• Titles vs. Skills: Mark discussed the difference between chasing titles and developing skills. He pointed out that the same title can mean different responsibilities in different contexts, and it's more important to focus on the type of work and responsibilities you want.
• Soft Skills: He argued that investing in soft skills can provide a better return on investment than focusing solely on technical skills, as they amplify your overall capabilities.
• Leadership at Any Level: Mark debunked the myth that leadership is reserved for those in high positions, asserting that anyone at any level can exhibit leadership qualities.
• Ethics in Tech: Mark highlighted the importance of being prepared for ethical dilemmas in tech. He likened ethical preparation to fire drills, where practicing ahead of time can help you make the right decisions under pressure.
• Career Toolkit: The episode also delved into Mark's book, "The Career Toolkit," which outlines ten essential skills for tech employees, including career planning, leadership, management, communication, networking, negotiation, and ethics.

Episode Timeline:

00:00:00 - Influential Leadership

00:00:28 - Introduction to Tech Careers and Financial Planning

00:00:49 - Mark Herschberg's Introduction

00:01:11 - The Career Toolkit Book

00:02:12 - Creating a Career Plan

00:04:49 - Titles vs. Skills in Career Planning

00:07:00 - Skill Development in Career Plans

00:09:49 - Common Mistakes in Career Planning

00:13:09 - Reflecting on Career Progress

00:15:22 - Feedback and Career Progress

00:19:09 - Peer Networking and Career Advancement

00:20:20 - Transitioning to Leadership

00:23:28 - The Career Toolkit Overview.

00:26:02 - Leadership Skills Development

00:29:29 - Transitioning from Individual Contributor to Manager

00:33:08 - Ethics in the Career Toolkit

Connect with Mark Herschberg: 

https://www.thecareertoolkitbook.com

https://www.instagram.com/thecareertoolkit/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hershey/