#211 - Back to the Future: Lessons from My 42-Year Career in Tech - Paula Paul

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Are you feeling overwhelmed by the rapid pace of technological change?
How do you not just survive, but thrive through decades of major changes in the tech industry?

With 42 years experiencing the tech industry’s biggest transformations, Paula Paul (Distinguished Engineer, Technical Advisor, OpenJS Foundation Board Member) has seen it all. Hear her hard-won lessons on navigating massive technology shifts, from mainframes to modern AI and cloud. This episode explores why embracing change and building a healthy relationship with technology are crucial for a fulfilling career.

Key topics discussed:

• Insights from a 42+ year career spanning mainframes, CAD, the web, cloud, and AI
• A refreshing perspective on AI: Is it taking jobs away or creating choices?
• Why technology is often the “easy part” compared to managing changes
• How to cultivate a healthier relationship with technology and avoid overwhelm
• Timeless advice for building a successful and fulfilling tech career you love
• Navigating career pivots and embracing a non-linear path (“canvas vs. ladder”)
• The latest challenges of open source software, e.g. licensing and security risks
• Thoughts on diversity, inclusion, and meritocracy in the tech industry

Tune in for practical advice and deep reflections on building resilience, embracing curiosity, and finding your place in the ever-changing world of technology.  

Timestamps:

• (02:10) Career Turning Point
• (05:59) How to Approach AI and Rapid Technology Change
• (07:27) Long Feedback Loop in Software Development
• (10:35) Importance of Building the Right Things
• (13:35) The Fear of AI and Technology Changes
• (16:46) Timeless Tech Career Advice
• (19:34) Navigating Career Decisions
• (23:03) Every Company is a SaaS Company
• (26:22) The Huge Impact of Open Source
• (28:59) Open Source’s Security Challenge
• (31:04) Managing a Healthy JavaScript Ecosystem
• (33:11) Recent Trend of Open Source Licensing Change
• (35:46) Choosing Open Source vs. Commercial Software
• (37:18) Challenges of AI Model Training Based on Open Source
• (41:46) Recent Challenges with DEI Programs
• (45:05) The Value of Diversity
• (47:34) AI as Learning Tool
• (48:46) Creating Healthy Relationship with Technology
• (51:45) Dealing with Tech Anxiety
• (55:03) 3 Tech Lead Wisdom

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Paula Paul’s Bio
Paula is a trusted technical advisor and distinguished engineer who has served as a fractional CTO in multiple organizations. Paula championed API, Identity, and platform strategies as a Distinguished Engineer with ThoughtWorks and led cloud adoptions on AWS, GCP, and Azure through her company, Greyshore. Paula is passionate about Open Source; she has been a multi-year speaker and co-chair of Open Source Day for the Grace Hopper Celebration and currently serves as a board member with the OpenJS Foundation and the Brookline Music School.

Follow Paula:

• LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/paulapaul
• Medium – @paulapaul
• Website – http://greyshore.com

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Show notes & transcript: techleadjournal.dev/episodes/211.
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