In this episode of the Pulse Podcast, Alex Jordan shares his unique career journey from the Merchant Navy to the tech industry, highlighting key experiences and transitions, including his current role in a non-profit organisation. He discusses the importance of team building, effective recruitment strategies, and the differences between contracting and permanent employment. Alex emphasises the value of face-to-face interactions and building trust within teams, while also reflecting on the challenges and rewards of his diverse career. In this conversation, the speaker shares valuable insights on mastering the interview process, embracing servant leadership, navigating remote team dynamics, and the impact of AI on leadership. They emphasise the importance of preparation, communication, and personal connections in professional settings, while also reflecting on their career journey and the evolving landscape of technology.

Key Takeaways
✨ Alex Jordan transitioned from the Merchant Navy to tech.
✨ He has 30 years of experience in the tech industry.
✨ Team building is crucial for project success.
✨ Face-to-face interactions enhance recruitment processes.
✨ Contracting offers diverse experiences compared to permanent roles.
✨ Building trust is essential in team dynamics.
✨ His career includes significant projects in financial services.
✨ Alex believes in leaving a legacy, not dependency. Always have a list of questions for interviews.
✨ Face-to-face interactions enhance communication.
✨ Preparation is key to successful interviews.
✨ Servant leadership focuses on supporting team members.
✨Change is constant; be adaptable.
✨ Personal connections enhance team dynamics.

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Thanks for tuning into The Pulse Podcast. Remember, we're always looking for new voices and perspectives to enrich our discussions. Think you've got something to share? Fill out our guest application form here.

Catch new episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe to stay updated. 🔔

Until next time,
Mark and the team!

"People buy from people."

In this episode of the Pulse Podcast, Tom Crawley shares his journey from being a contractor to becoming a successful business owner in the software development industry. He discusses the challenges he faced while transitioning to a scalable business model, the importance of marketing in B2B, and the lessons learned from selling his company, Marimosa. Tom also explores the future of software development, particularly the impact of AI and the shift towards consultancy roles.

Key Takeaways

✨ Tom's journey from contractor to business owner is inspiring.
✨ Building a business requires understanding client needs and market demands.
✨ Fixed price contracts can be challenging and require clear scope definition.
✨ Networking and personal connections are crucial in B2B marketing.
✨ Transparency with clients fosters trust and long-term relationships.
✨ Hiring the right team is essential for business growth.
✨ AI is changing the landscape of software development.
✨ Consultancy roles may become more prominent in the future.
✨ Understanding the human element in technology is vital.
✨ Always have a solid contract in place to protect your business.

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Think you might benefit from the BEST and BIGGEST Contractor community? We know you will. 😎 You can join us here: https://bit.ly/4jC5e24 🔥

Thanks for tuning into The Pulse Podcast. Remember, we're always looking for new voices and perspectives to enrich our discussions. Think you've got something to share? Fill out our guest application form here.

Catch new episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe to stay updated. 🔔

Until next time,
Mark and the team!

"It’s not about the tech, the plan, or the process. It’s about whether the people using it feel heard. That’s what sticks—or slides off the wall." – Vicky Higham

In this episode of the Pulse podcast, Vicky Hyam shares her unique journey into project management, highlighting her early influences from the building trade and her diverse career across various industries. She discusses the importance of user engagement in project success and the role of mentorship in personal growth and offers valuable advice for contractors navigating the job market. Vicky emphasises the need for a people-centric approach in change management, especially in an era increasingly influenced by technology and AI.

Key Takeaways

✨ Project management skills can stem from early life experiences.
✨ Engaging users from the start is crucial for project success.
✨ People, processes, and then technology should be the order of focus.
✨ Mentorship can significantly impact career development.
✨ User adoption is often overlooked in system implementations.
✨ AI should be viewed as a tool, not a replacement for human skills.
✨ Understanding different cultures enhances project management effectiveness.
✨ Contractors should leverage their networks for job opportunities.
✨ Flexibility in job roles can lead to better outcomes.
✨ Personal growth often comes from stepping outside of comfort zones.

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Think you might benefit from the BEST and BIGGEST Contractor community? We know you will. 😎 You can join us here: https://bit.ly/4jC5e24 🔥

Thanks for tuning into The Pulse Podcast. Remember, we're always looking for new voices and perspectives to enrich our discussions. Think you've got something to share? Fill out our guest application form here.

Catch new episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe to stay updated. 🔔

Until next time,
Mark and the team!