279: Don’t Be Afraid To Learn New Things and Don’t Skip The Fundamentals with Nigel Poulton

IT Career Energizer

Phil’s guest on today’s show is Nigel Poulton, who does what he loves - playing with tech and teaching Kubernetes all around the world. He has trained well over 1 million people with Docker and Kubernetes.

He is also the author of Docker Deep Dive which was rated by Book Authority as the best ever book on Docker. And his latest book is The Kubernetes Book which is being updated a couple of times a year.

Nigel talks to Phil about why we must always seek to learn new things, and how this can keep us energised. He also discusses why today’s world is a golden age for technology and possibilities, and why we as IT professionals should be very excited.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

TOP CAREER TIP

Don’t ever be afraid to learn new things. Often, people are afraid to put themselves out there in case it’s too difficult, and they fail. Making mistakes is the only route to learning something.

WORST CAREER MOMENT

Nigel took a job that was convenient, but not challenging. He soon learned that without the chance to be challenged, and to develop each day, his love for the job rapidly deteriorated.

CAREER HIGHLIGHT

Every time Nigel publishes a newly created product, such as a book or piece of video content, it gives a real buzz of excitement. It’s the same feeling when someone reaches out in response to something Nigel has made.

THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T

The tech world today is revolutionising the way we live, and allowing science fiction concepts to become a reality. For someone who grew up thinking these things could never happen, the world of today is an incredible place.

THE REVEAL

What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – Early computers, games, and technology through Nigels’ childhood sparked his imagination, and showed him what might be possible one day.

What’s the best career advice you received? – Nigel’s father mistakenly offered some limiting views on where technology could go, but thankfully Nigel foresaw more limitless possibilities.

What’s the worst career advice you received? –

What would you do if you started your career now? – Learning to code is a fundamental skill of IT, and one that Nigel recommends as a basic building block when it comes to your career.

What are your current career objectives? – Nigel wishes to reach people at the beginning of their careers, with the aim of simplifying their journeys.

What’s your number one non-technical skill? – Nigel’s accent has helped many people to connect with him, and has also made him stand out, especially in video.

How do you keep your own career energized? – By indulging in science fiction and reading, Nigel is able to keep his vision fresh, and look for future possibilities.

What do you do away from technology? – Nigel loves spending time with family, cars, and watching television as a way of unwinding.

FINAL CAREER TIP

Don’t skip the fundamentals and always look for chances to improve and innovate. We are living in a golden age for technology, and the potential for invention is limitless.

BEST MOMENTS

(4:27) – Nigel - “That’s the way that life should be – when you’re enjoying life so much that time flies”

(6;12) – Nigel - “99% of us find learning something new hard. Just don’t be afraid of it”

(11:33) – Nigel – “I’m not a “techie”, I’m an artist – I create something that connects with people”

(13:06) – Nigel – “The things that I dreamt of are already here, but they’re better than how I imagined them!”

(16:42) – Nigel – “The world of technology moves so fast, that I can never sit back comfortably and say “I’ve nailed it””

ABOUT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS

Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organizations to design, develop, and implement software solutions. Phil has always had an interest in helping others to develop and advance their careers. And in 2017 Phil started the I.T. Career Energizer podcast to try to help as many people as possible to learn from the career advice and experiences of those that have been, and still are, on that same career journey.

CONTACT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS

Phil can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/philtechcareer

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philburgess

Facebook: https://facebook.com/philtechcareer

Instagram: https://instagram.com/philtechcareer

Website: https://itcareerenergizer.com/contact

Phil is also reachable by email at [e-mail] and via the podcast’s website, https://itcareerenergizer.com

Join the I.T. Career Energizer Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ITCareerEnergizer

ABOUT THE GUEST – NIGEL POULTON

Nigel Poulton does what he loves - playing with tech and teaching Kubernetes all around the world. He has trained well over 1 million people with Docker and Kubernetes.

He is also the author of Docker Deep Dive which was rated by Book Authority as the best ever book on Docker. And his latest book is The Kubernetes Book which is being updated a couple of times a year.

CONTACT THE GUEST – NIGEL POULTON

Nigel Poulton can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nigelpoulton

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelpoulton/

Website: https://nigelpoulton.com

Docker Deep Dive: https://www.amazon.com/Docker-Deep-Dive-Nigel-Poulton-ebook/dp/B01LXWQUFF/

The Kubernetes Book: https://www.amazon.com/Kubernetes-Book-Version-November-2018-ebook/dp/B072TS9ZQZ/