Episode 2 - Ben Climer's Story - From Habbo Hotel DJ to Rewst

Warning: This episode briefly discusses mental health and includes a non-graphic mention of a suicide attempt.

Keywords

technology, education, mental health, community, career development, personal growth, podcast, mentorship, high school, internships, IT career, mentorship, automation, MSP, technology, networking, consulting, leadership, job transition, vendor work

Takeaways

Abhi is excited about becoming a parent soon.
Ben's early interest in technology stemmed from tinkering with his father's computers.
Homeschooling taught Ben to be a self-starter and work independently.
Ben's experience with online communities helped him develop social skills.
He learned about web design and development through fan sites.
Ben's struggles in high school led to a deeper understanding of mental health.
Mentorship played a crucial role in Ben's educational journey.
Competitions in high school helped Ben gain confidence and skills.
Ben's early career experiences shaped his understanding of the tech industry.
Community support can significantly impact personal and professional growth. The importance of mentorship in career growth.
Learning from colleagues can lead to innovative solutions.
Proposals for workplace improvements can enhance employee well-being.
Networking can open doors to new opportunities.
Automation can significantly increase efficiency in IT processes.
Training and community engagement are vital for professional development.
Teaching others can reinforce your own knowledge and skills.
Career transitions can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Negotiating job offers is crucial for recognizing your value.
Leadership roles require adaptability and a willingness to take on new challenges.

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Abhi and Ben explore Ben's journey from a curious child tinkering with computers to navigating the challenges of high school, mental health, and early career experiences in the tech industry. They discuss the importance of mentorship, community support, and the impact of competitions on personal growth. Ben reflects on his struggles with identity and the lessons learned through various internships and jobs, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of his passions and aspirations. In this conversation, Ben Climer shares his journey from an intern to a senior technology consultant and eventually a CTO in the IT industry. He discusses the importance of mentorship, learning from colleagues, and the value of networking. Ben highlights his experiences with automation, training, and community engagement, as well as the challenges and opportunities he faced during his career transitions. He emphasizes the significance of negotiation in job offers and the impact of leadership roles in shaping his career. The conversation also touches on his move to a vendor role at Roost, where he continues to innovate and contribute to the IT community.

Sound bites

"I started a digital car magazine."
"I was probably a bad intern."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
01:41 The Impact of Homeschooling on Ben's Development
04:46 The Journey into Web Development
09:24 Navigating High School Challenges
13:34 The Role of Mentorship in Education
20:20 The Impact of Teachers and Mentorship
26:53 Experiences at National Competitions
31:37 Community Support and Its Importance
34:50 Early Career Challenges and Opportunities
38:08 Finding a Steady Job in IT
42:56 Internship Insights: Learning on the Job
47:54 First Steps in IT: The MSP Experience
54:33 Automation and Efficiency: Innovating in IT Support
01:00:57 Community and Collaboration: Building Connections in Tech
01:04:08 Embracing New Technologies
01:08:46 Transitioning to IT Management
0