My Journey with Technology!
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I started my journey in the IT industry while studying for my bachelor’s degree in the early 2000s. I worked in small IT companies before joining larger mainstream companies.
In my early days, I struggled to comprehend the inner workings of mainstream companies until I stumbled upon the book “The Unwritten Laws of Business” by W.J. King and James G. Skakoon. This book was an eye-opener, teaching me that unwritten rules exist everywhere. It’s not just about following the official rules and processes, but equally important to recognize and adhere to these unspoken rules.
As we stand in 2023 and look back, I realize that I have traveled a long way in life and have been fortunate to have had a happy journey in the IT industry.
Being the first graduate in my family, my journey was filled with lots of memories, both good and challenging times. Although I have forgotten many of the challenging days (time is the best healer), my journey now is filled with lots of memories.
Another important lesson I’ve learned is that life isn’t the same for everyone. Just like our DNA, the mix of challenges we encounter, the people we meet, and the situations we face, as well as our responses, are all unique. Instead of blindly following what others are doing, I’ve started to do things that truly align with my personality and reflect my core beliefs.
The reason why am writing this — to leave a digital footprint. Although I’m not sure how many people will read this, some might find useful insights that help them firm up their doubting beliefs and continue their journey.
With nearly a decade of experience as a Software Architect, have spearheaded the development of a dynamic route planning & optimization system for a leading airline, I understand the unique demands of global industries.
My expertise in diverse domains like healthcare, retail, CRM, and manufacturing allows me to approach each project with a holistic perspective and a drive to deliver impactful solutions.
7 years abroad, working across USA, UK, Australia, UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, immersing myself in rich cultural fabric and building bridges through technology.
Life and architecture are an intricate dance for me. Each challenge I’ve faced in the world has honed my architectural skills, and every project undertaken has enriched my life’s.
Today, I stand as the architect of both my career and my life, a testament to the power of synergy and continuous learning.
Just like in architecture, I maintain a simple but powerful ‘life blueprint’ in the form of a personalized TODO list. It’s not just about ticking off tasks; it’s about prioritizing my goals, both big (mastering a new language) and small (finally clearing out that cluttered drawer). Breaking them down into manageable steps, like learning just a few new phrases a day, brings a sense of progress and keeps me motivated.
This focus and clarity have allowed me to achieve things I never thought possible, like completing a marathon and to conquering my fear of public speaking (delivered a well-received speech at Toastmasters!)
It’s a constant process of refinement, just like software development, but the architecture of my life has brought me immense peace and purpose.
Let me share with you another interesting journey that unveiled hidden strengths I never knew I possessed. It was the Emirates Toastmasters club in Dubai.
It wasn’t just a public speaking club; The supportive community ignited a confidence I never thought possible, leading me to conquer not just the stage, but also the daunting slopes of Kilimanjaro.
My newfound voice found expression even on the yoga mat, as I embraced a holistic approach to well-being.
Toastmasters wasn’t just about words; it was about scaling new heights, both external and internal, and forging friendships that will last a lifetime.
So, if you’re seeking a spark to reignite your life, Toastmasters International can be the perfect match. It’s not just about speaking — it’s about discovering who you truly are and what you’re capable of achieving.
Take that leap, explore your local club, and let your voice be heard! Remember, the world needs your unique story, and Toastmasters can help you tell it with confidence and clarity.
If you’ve made it this far and you’re still reading this blog post, it’s clear that you either have an interest or curiosity about understanding the similarities between journeys, or you might be someone who wants to start a career as a Software Architect, or perhaps you’re already on this journey.
I hope that my experiences and insights will be useful to you. You may find it as a bit long article, keep your patience. Thank you for reading!
The Next interesting thing, I would like to share with you are two books that have given me valuable insights into the software Architect mindset. These books are highly recommended for software architects and developers who want to gain a deeper understanding of the field.
- “12 Essential Skills for Software Architects”: which I bought as a Kindle version and loved. Although the book is a bit pricey, I believe it is worth the investment.
2. “Fundamentals of Software Architecture: An Engineering Approach” is a great book that provides a fresh perspective on architecture decisions. It covers a wide range of topics, including architectural patterns, quality attributes, and design principles. I’m sure many software architects and developers will find it useful.
As a developer, I made the choice to transition into a career as a Software Architect when I had the chance to work on the most challenging parts of a project and guide and mentor team members. I’ve always aimed to be both someone who does the work and someone who thinks strategically.
This motivated me to learn and collaborate with a diverse group of technical and functional stakeholders. This experience has given me a broader understanding of technical solutions and the overall architecture and implementation of projects.
Over time, I’ve come to comprehend that being a Software Architect isn’t centered around personal triumph, but rather revolves around ensuring that the team I’m a part of not only identifies the solution but also collaboratively implements it, leading to shared success. It’s about achieving together, not winning alone.
At some point in time, I stumbled upon an intriguing article about Enterprise Architecture from Martin Fowler, which led me to self-reflect on whether I align more with the principles of “Architectus Oryzus” or “Architectus Reloadus.” It was a valuable blog post to read that delved into the essential foundations of the Architect role.
Understanding how to carry out our role as an architect is crucial. When we grasp our own approach and also familiarize ourselves with various architect types, it becomes easier to appreciate and embrace the diverse methods that other architects employ. This comprehension can foster improved cooperation and teamwork.
This insight highlights the significance of creating a conducive work environment where both seasoned and newer team members can excel in their tasks. It’s a pivotal aspect of being an architect.
Technology and architecture are distinct fields, with architecture falling under the broader scope of technology.
Dedicating time to get hands-on experience in developing proof-of-concept projects can be a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. I’ve come to understand that investing quality time in understanding the relevant technology aspects can provide a competitive advantage and accelerate the proof-of-concept process for team members.
This practical approach is more effective than merely reading articles or watching demonstration videos. Being ahead of the game in technology aspects better equips us to implement best practices efficiently.
I believe that getting hands-on experience allows for a quicker grasp of what’s changing in the technology landscape. Some aspects of technology become clear only when you work closely with them.
Being an architect feels a lot like walking a tightrope. It’s a role where decisions are always influenced by the context, and you can’t simply rely on Google or Chat GPT to find the perfect solution. In fact, there’s no definitive right or wrong in architectural choices; it’s all about striking the right balance (finding the right trade-off) based on the specific context or problem we’re addressing.
As an architect, it’s crucial to keep an open mind because every decision we make is up for debate, whether it’s from our team members or the architecture board.
I firmly believe in the importance of continuously expanding our horizons and staying a perpetual learner, both in terms of technology and soft skills. An architect needs to be smart about the political landscape when presenting solutions.
Our focus should always be on improving the current situation in the application environment, taking feedback as a constructive tool rather than a personal critique, and consistently looking for ways to enhance the value we bring to the problems at hand.
Discussing the political landscape, it’s crucial to grasp the dynamics of the environment we’re involved in. At a certain point, I stumbled upon a remarkable book by my favorite author, Simon Sinek. This book enlightened me on understanding the game and adapting my approach to fit the requirements of the situation.
When it comes to architectural thinking, it’s essential to recognize the distinction between architectural choices and technology choices. Architectural thinking revolves around crafting solutions that are not only suitable for long-term requirements but also easily integrate with existing systems.
An important question that often crosses my mind is whether architects should possess a comprehensive understanding of everything. Interestingly, this question finds its answer in the enlightening book “Fundamentals of Software Architecture,” where the author intelligently categorizes knowledge into three distinct areas: the familiar known knowns, the acknowledged yet unexplored known unknowns, and the enigmatic domain of unknown unknowns.
Architects must adopt a mindset of perpetual expansion, embracing both the realms of the known and the known unknowns. It’s an ongoing journey of learning and adaptation that empowers architects to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of their field.
Regular self-assessment is a vital tool in this pursuit. By honestly evaluating one’s own position, architects gain a clear understanding of where they currently stand in their knowledge and expertise, enabling them to proactively prepare for the challenges that lie ahead and to make informed decisions for the future.
When we possess the right mindset, we have the ability to confidently navigate and address challenges that come our way with ease.
I believe the role of an architect is truly remarkable because they possess the expertise to recognize what can be flexibly adapted and what must remain steadfast.
Let's take an example, consider a software project. An architect may recognize that the project timeline is tight, and there’s a desire to add numerous new features. They could advise the team on what features are crucial for success and should not be compromised, while also identifying areas where simplification or using existing solutions can save time without compromising the project’s integrity.
In essence, architects provide invaluable insight into prioritizing decisions and ensuring the right balance between innovation and maintaining stability.
You might be curious about how I stay informed about the constantly expanding and rapidly evolving technology landscape. It’s important to acknowledge that you don’t have to be an expert in every technology. Instead, it’s wise to focus on what is most relevant to our career or personal interests and remain adaptable in your learning approach as new technologies emerge.
Some time ago, I came across a thought-provoking periodic publication from Thoughtworks, known as the Technology Radar, which is released twice a year. This resource provides valuable insights into the current state of software tools, technique & platforms. It serves as a useful tool to help individuals discover and evaluate what holds the most significance for them in the ever-changing tech world. Additionally, the Technology Radar encourages us to create our own personalized version, tailored to our specific needs and interests.
In conclusion, I’ve come to understand that our career journey as Architect isn’t always easy, and we often encounter unanswered questions and unexpected challenges along the way. But we must keep moving forward. I want to share two ideas that keep me going.
- Be Formless and Shapeless: the famous quote from “Bruce Lee”, it is to be adaptable, which means being open to new ideas and staying flexible. This helps us perform at our best.
- Accepting things as they are: Sometimes, we can’t change everything, and it’s important to make peace with the way things are. This can give us a sense of calm and the positive energy to keep moving forward, instead of getting stuck in ongoing problems.
I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post! Your comments are valuable and encourage me to write more in a similar style.
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