Ashley Cooper

KeywordsIT community, technology, work-life balance, neurodiversity, AI, empathy, public speaking, innovation, personal development, community involvement, AI, technology, communication, empathy, IT industry, hiring, mistakes, community, MSP, vendorTakeawaysImposter syndrome is common in the tech community.Community involvement is crucial for personal and professional growth.Work-life balance can be blurred when you love what you do.Understanding personality types can enhance team dynamics.Neurodiversity brings unique perspectives to the tech industry.Respecting employees leads to better productivity.Public speaking requires authenticity and practice.Empathy in processes can improve workplace efficiency.Technology evolves, but foundational skills remain important.AI is a tool that requires understanding and context. AI agents are evolving to understand user preferences better.Communication is crucial in IT to avoid misunderstandings.Empathy in hiring is as important as technical skills.Learning from past mistakes is essential for growth.Accountability should be prioritized over chastisement in the workplace.Building a community can provide support and resources.Newcomers should seek mentors and find their community.Patience and curiosity are key traits for success in tech.Understanding the business impact of IT decisions is vital.Navigating the tech landscape requires both technical and soft skills.SummaryIn this episode of the Panda Award Show, hosts Abhi Saini and Ben Climer welcome Ashley Cooper, a seasoned professional in the IT community. They discuss Ashley's journey in technology, the importance of community involvement, and the challenges of work-life balance. The conversation delves into neurodiversity, the significance of empathy in processes, and the evolving landscape of AI. Listeners gain insights into public speaking, the value of diverse perspectives, and the role of constraints in driving innovation. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore the evolution of AI agents, the importance of communication in the tech industry, and the balance between empathy and technical skills in hiring. They share personal experiences transitioning from MSPs to vendor roles, the significance of learning from mistakes, and the necessity of building a supportive community in tech. The discussion culminates in valuable advice for newcomers in the IT field, emphasizing the importance of finding one's place and fostering connections.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview02:11 Guest Introduction: Ashley Cooper03:18 Ashley Cooper's Career Journey06:54 Work-Life Balance and Passion10:38 Understanding Personality Types and Work Dynamics14:45 Neurodiversity in the Workplace17:57 Empathy in Processes and Systems22:49 The Role of Technology in Career Development27:36 Early Influences and Exposure to Technology31:07 Adrenaline and Innovation: A Historical Perspective33:15 Understanding Technology: Beyond Computers36:34 The Evolution of Learning: From Basics to Complexity41:41 The Iterative Process of Mastery46:10 The Role of Community in Learning48:44 The Importance of Diverse Perspectives52:40 Constraints as Catalysts for Innovation57:15 AI: Understanding Its Limitations and Potential01:01:14 The Evolution of AI Tools and User Experience01:06:14 Navigating the MSP Landscape: A Personal Journey01:11:30 Empathy in Tech: The Human Element01:15:29 Communication and Trust in IT Management01:21:00 Building Resources for the Next Generation01:25:00 The Importance of Context in Technical Roles01:30:32 Integrity vs. Accountability in the Workplace01:36:33 Navigating MSP Challenges and Opportunities01:37:00 The Journey into LabTech and Community Engagement01:39:30 Finding Your Tribe in the MSP Community01:41:26 Driving Value and Recognition in IT01:45:20 Transitioning from MSP to Consulting and Vendor Roles01:50:14 Building a Vision for CyberDrain01:52:26 Reflections on the New Generation in IT01:59:40 Advice for Newcomers in the MSP Space