The Non-Linear Path to IT Leadership: From Electrician to Senior Manager with Sean Leu | Ep033

Episode Information Show Notes In this enlightening episode of Career Downloads, host Manuel Martinez sits down with Sean Leu, a senior IT manager who transformed his career from working as an electrician apprentice to leading development teams in the financial technology sector. This conversation offers invaluable insights into navigating career transitions, developing leadership skills, and embracing continuous learning in the ever-evolving tech industry. About Our Guest: Sean Leu is a senior manager at a financial tech firm, specializing in ServiceNow platform development. His unique career journey spans over 15 years, beginning as an electrician apprentice in 2001 and evolving through various IT roles including help desk, systems engineering, database administration, information security, and ultimately management leadership. Sean’s diverse experience encompasses work with government agencies, casino technology providers, and now financial technology, giving him a broad perspective on career development in the tech sector. Key Discussion Points: – The Power of Career Pivots – Building a Foundation Through Curiosity – The Strategic Value of Continuous Learning – Navigating the Transition to Management – The Interview Coach Revelation – Leadership Development and Time Management – Choosing Your Next Career Move Actionable Takeaways: 1. Embrace curiosity as your primary career development tool – always ask questions and seek mentorship 2. Develop a three-tier learning approach: current role, future goals, and personal interests 3. Understand that career paths are rarely linear – be comfortable with being uncomfortable 4. Master the art of communication, including strategic pauses and structured responses 5. Treat everyone with respect regardless of title – from interns to CEOs 6. Focus on elevating others when in leadership positions 7. Align career moves with personal values and company missions as you progress Notable Quotes: – “You have to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.” – “As a leader, you have the impact that is critical to their career. You can either make or break their career, and they’re trusting you with it.” – “I think having that vehicle to say, hey, that’s what you specialize in, no matter what career you go into is important.” – “Just talk to them like a regular person, be nice, be genuine, be honest, be candid, and I think you’ll go far in this world.” Resources Mentioned: – Simon Sinek’s “Start With Why” – CISSP Certification – PMP (Project Management Professional) Certification – ServiceNow Platform – Toastmasters (Referenced by host) – “The Power of Voice” by Denise Woods (Referenced by host) **About Career Downloads:** Career Downloads is your essential resource for actionable career advice and insights. Each episode features in-depth conversations with technology professionals who share their unique career journeys, challenges, and triumphs. Host Manuel Martinez helps uncover practical strategies you can apply to manage and advance your own career in the tech industry. Subscribe & Follow: – Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/career-downloads/id1757472125 – Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7IPpfSFWzQ2ELXzCZ9aYJS – Google Podcasts: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLL_jJTpsVm2duJWqGaSqGQYfyFqmfrWQu – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@careerdownloads – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/career-downloads – TikTok: @careerdownloads – Instagram: @careerdownloads – Twitter: @careerdownloads Support the Show: If you found value in this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with colleagues who might benefit from Sean’s insights. Your feedback helps us continue bringing valuable career development content to the tech community. Transcription Manuel: Welcome everyone, my name is Manuel Martinez and this is another episode of Career Downloads,