Key Insights
Embracing Uncertainty
Corby Fine stresses the value of embracing uncertainty in life and career. Life’s unpredictability can be a source of freedom rather than fear, opening up a world of possibilities. Focusing on what’s within our control, such as our actions and efforts, while letting go of what’s not, can lead to personal growth and success.
The Career Pivot Decision
A pivotal decision many professionals face is whether to specialize deeply in their technical expertise or broaden their skills to leadership, team-building, and problem-solving. Corby shares his experience of balancing both these roles throughout his career, stressing that while it can be challenging, it’s a worthy endeavour for those who can manage it.
The Value of People Skills
People skills, especially in leadership and team building, are often undervalued in the tech world, according to Corby Fine. However, these “soft skills” can open doors and create opportunities in a variety of situations, especially within larger organizations that value problem-solving and leadership capabilities.
Episode Highlights
The Evolution of Customer Experience
Corby Fine dives into the evolution of customer experience over the years. He explores how advancements in technology and digitization have drastically changed the landscape, particularly with personalized marketing and machine learning capabilities. This shift, he posits, is forcing companies to reassess and readjust their approaches to delivering meaningful and effective customer experiences.
“What we’re seeing now is a lot more one-to-one, a lot more personal, but it’s machine learning driven… Every company’s trying to figure out what’s the right balance between personalized and too creepy personal,” Corby muses.
The Unplanned Pivot
Career transitions are often unplanned, as Corby Fine shares from his personal experiences. Whether it was coding software, running a major online bank, or selling Viagra for Pfizer, Corby attributes these career shifts to being open to opportunities as they arise. This serves as a testament to the unpredictable, yet rewarding nature of career paths.
“I haven’t necessarily woken up during my career and said, I intentionally am going to pivot. Uh, I think it’s been more for me taking advantage of opportunities as they, uh, as they present themselves.”
The Crossroads Decision
Corby discusses a crucial career decision point that many professionals face: becoming a technical expert or a versatile leader. He highlights a conversation with a former boss who outlined these two distinct paths. This juncture, he emphasizes, is a defining moment in many professional journeys.
“You’re never gonna be the technical expert. So sometimes people are gonna look at you and go, I don’t really know what you do. But large orgs are always gonna find a corner for you… Who do you want to be?”
The Inevitability of Uncertainty
Toward the end of the podcast, Corby shares a valuable life philosophy he wishes he could impart to his younger self. “The only certainty in life is uncertainty,” he says, and stresses the importance of accepting this. This belief encourages a healthy mindset of focusing on what can be controlled and letting go of the rest.
“You know, control yourself, be kind, do the right thing. Don’t hurt people along the way… and the things that are gonna happen are gonna happen.”
