Charles Schwab’s Post

A long time ago, a CIO advised me, "Hutton, if the P&L is good enough, then the tech's good enough." I disagreed. It was early in my Tech DD career. Having worked in tech all my life, surely tech is important, damn it, vital. Years later, I got his point. A market, customer, and high need for a product/service underpin EVERYTHING. 🏆 From those amazing cultures we aspire to make 💰 To the money in your pocket Market trumps tech. Tech is just a facilitator. ---------------------------------------------------------------- If you're a founder or CTO of a firm, join us on our 5-Day Challenge so you can develop a plan to polish your business and make it investor-grade. Whether you require investment, or not.

Yesterday was one of the most important and impactful days ever, fullstop. Boston New Technology had its first official “All Hands” meeting with our new crewmembers ahead of our in-person kickoff coming up in February. Anticipation was the prevailing theme, and it meant the world for me to finally share the future with these amazing individuals who have signed on with us to accomplish the mission started by Chris Requena so many years ago: To make sure everyone in the tech community, technical and non-technical alike, feel: Included, without exception. Inspired, to reach their full potential. Informed, about everything they need to know. Empowered: Never to feel alone, always understanding that they’re supported by us. Whether someone is an international student, a retiree who wants to try their hand at entrepreneurship, a software engineer in search of something different, and whether you just got here or you’ve been here forever — we will help you find your people. We are here for those standing close to the door looking at their shoes — who don’t have big social circles. We are here to do things differently. We’re here to make things New. All things New, which is what the workshop later in the afternoon revealed in addition to wise words from a member of my Advisory Board. This voyage will not be easy but we’re not really interested in a quick and pleasant cruise around the harbour. As Shahrukh would say: We’re here to make waves 🌊 Who are we? Get to know the people powering the next generation of one of New England’s first pioneering tech hubs. I couldn’t tag all of them — but we are nearly 60+ strong. What are we? Here to innovate, here to collaborate, and here to help create less fragmentation and more cooperation (and fun) across the entire span of the ecosystem. Have a great weekend — more to come. #BostonNewTechnology #BNT #BostonNewTech_Updates

Reflections on My Seventh Week at Future Open Technology Post Content: As I wrap up my seventh week at Future Open Technology, I wanted to share some of the unique experiences and insights from this week. It’s been a week of both challenges and growth! A Different Week: This week was a bit different as I took two days off on Tuesday and Wednesday and worked through the weekend. It’s a bit unusual for me to take time off during the week because I genuinely enjoy my job, and I found myself a bit bored during the quieter weekend days. Key Experiences This Week: Focus on Training: I dedicated a lot of time to reviewing the work of new team members. I checked their chats with users, provided feedback on their mistakes, and showed them how to respond correctly. It was fulfilling to see them improve and become more effective in their roles. Knowledge Base Development: I also assigned a responsibility to one of my coworkers to learn new processes and work on creating a knowledge base for bankers. We analyzed common errors, collected them, and developed solutions to assist bankers in handling various issues. Productivity and Learning: I’m continually thinking about how to work more productively and effectively. This week, I realized the importance of expanding my technical skills, so I’m planning to deepen my SQL knowledge and explore other areas to enhance my technical expertise. Team Bonding: We had some great celebrations this week with a birthday party and other office events. These moments of joy helped us strengthen our team bonds and create a positive work environment. Sharing Experiences: I had valuable conversations with operators about our experiences on the first line of support. These discussions provided insights into our challenges and successes and fostered a sense of camaraderie. Reflections: This week has been a mix of different experiences—balancing time off, training new team members, and reflecting on ways to improve our processes. While the quieter weekend days felt a bit off for me, I’m excited about the growth opportunities and the positive steps we’re taking as a team. I’m looking forward to applying what I’ve learned and continuing to grow in my role at Future Open Technology! Feel free to connect if you’re interested in learning more about my journey or the work we’re doing here! #TechSupport #ProfessionalGrowth #FutureOpenTechnology #TeamWork #Mentorship #ContinuousLearning #TeamBonding

Late night last night, on with a dev running thru various scenarios and data points. Then on to discussing social messaging in our community groups with our marketing manager. I'm asked occasionally, what are you doing now, what ya makin, most don't understand the dual components and thats ok. Also, deleting all the spam from all kinds of off-shore companies (don't bother if this is you) .. noise, all of it, we have a team and its solid. I'm loving what Im doing, reading lots, learning a ton! Building a company with a Founder and CEO, talking with people, soliciting feedback. On the $ question; When I state: "sweat equity" with a contract not false promises''.. I get silence. Working to get a project off the ground and into production takes sacrifices, but it's not a sacrifice if you love what you are doing, watching it grow and mature, opening up opportunities. Many folks on here have sacrificed for their goals and ambitions.. not dreams. Take action, do something you love, get outside your box, continue to grow and learn. Throw yourself into something and stay committed! 💪

I am no longer a w2 employee, it's been 6 months since I've made the leap to full-time entrepreneurship 🎉! It all started with a single bus ride in 2019. Traveling into work at 6 am, staring at the NYC skyline, I told myself - this cannot be and WILL NOT be my end. I wanted time back. Time back to spend time with family, work on my own projects 👩💻, and make a larger impact on society. I researched "how to leave a 9-5 job". I stumbled on passive income 💸. I decided on real estate as a vehicle to achieve financial freedom. The next five years were a whirlwind. I became super frugal. I purchased my first investment property 🏡. I created a YouTube channel to document my real estate journey. I took on more responsibility at my day job. I even moved to FL ☀️! The unexpected support fueled my confidence. The unwavering support from friends and family, the Tech in Real Estate community teaching me new concepts, and my professional colleagues challenging me to be a better problem solver, programmer, and communicator — all of it empowered me to say 'yes' when Liam proposed Coffee Clozers... Our vision is to help any American with a little bit of savings to get started in their financial freedom journey with real estate 🤝. We are three co-founders all technical with different view points and experiences that has shaped the uniqueness ✨ of our product. A product built for the working professional (like I was!) to get started in real estate to build wealth over time. We encourage anyone who's read this far to check out and share Coffee Clozers - https://bit.ly/3EJRAa5! My hope is that our product impacts thousands of others to achieve financial freedom too 😊. P.S. Little did intern-me in 2014 know what was coming! (That's me in the throwback pic, by the way.) Excited to see where this crazy ride takes me next!

A Proven Approach for Mid-Career Tech Employees to Work for Tech Equity and Build Wealth. In 2010, after a failed start-up, I decided to do something crazy. 𝗗𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻: Figure out how to work for equity as a wealth-building strategy. 💰 Overcoming the fear of talking about money was a big part of finding it out. 😨 What did I discover? When trading your time and talent for equity, you need to THINK LIKE AN INVESTOR! Here are the 🔑 s 1. 𝗔𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘆: Be an employee and an owner 2. 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲: How much time will you lose before your equity is liquid? 3. 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝘅𝗶𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆: Plan to exit the investment of your time and talent. Not a get-rich-quick scheme but it will help you move towards your goals quicker. _______ 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀: - Worked for 4 start-up companies, and 3 went through IPO (SPLK, YEXT, GTLB) - Built a High Yield Portfolio of Cash Flowing Real Estate - "Graduated from Tech" in August '22 - Have outright time and financial freedom. This week, I am breaking down my process in my newsletter. Join "Tech Careers & Money News," a weekly publication that demystifies the complexities of advancing in tech and mastering your finances. 👇

Four months ago, I courageously embraced a new chapter of my career journey at Red Ventures by applying to join the Email team at The Points Guy. Eager to conquer fresh challenges and expand my skill set beyond the realms of financial planning and revenue operations—areas I honed expertise in during my tenure at CNET—this transition marked a pivotal moment for me. Venturing into the intricate world of full-funnel marketing was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking, yet deep down, I knew it was time for a transformative shift. Blessed with unwavering support from my exceptional manager, invaluable guidance from mentors, and an uplifting network of peers rooting for my success, I embarked on this exciting path with confidence. Today, I celebrate a significant milestone—three fulfilling months with the TPG Email team. Gratitude fills my heart as I reflect on the enriching experiences and the talented professionals I've had the privilege to collaborate with. Surrounded by individuals who embody wisdom and a relentless pursuit of growth, I've delved into the realms of content, strategy, travel and…yup, you guessed it: credit cards (points + miles newcomer here)! All this alongside creative writers, engineers, and data virtuosos. This journey underscores a fundamental truth: life's most rewarding moments lie beyond our comfort zones. Embracing change and welcoming new opportunities, even amidst uncertainties, propels us towards personal and professional growth. It's never too late to pivot, to reinvent yourself, and chase your aspirations. I recall the puzzled looks when I shared my ambition of merging industrial engineering with marketing in college. Today, standing here, I am elated to have realized that dream. I am living the career I envisioned during my college days, a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and embracing change.

Good company at a good time…

Too many mid-career tech execs are stressed over money and don't know who to trust. I went through the same experience. After my first IPO, I was constantly feeling stressed and overwhelmed. I had focused on earning the equity and didn't have a plan for success. 𝗜 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗱: • education • a game plan for my equity • to find someone that I could trust 𝗜 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻'𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁: • a sales pitch • someone to control my assets • to jump into a long term relationship Then I learned about Fee-Only Financial Planner Fee-Only charge you a flat fee and no commissions. They were exactly what I was looking for and I leaned In 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀: • Got Educated • Drafted a Clear Plan • Got Unstuck and Moved Forward All of this was done for a flat fee with no strings attached. To date I will use these types of services as advisors when I am making larger decisions and they are part of my team. If your not aware of fee only financial then listen in tomorrow when on Tech Careers & Money Talk - I interview one and ask all the hard questions!! 👇

6 comments that got me thinking this week and what I'm doing about them: 1. Graduates don't want to stay in Nottingham; we can't compete with bigger cities. 🎓 Many cities struggle to retain much-needed skills once people leave school or higher education. 2. “Men of a certain age find it difficult to talk about things at work.” 🗣️ I’m glad to hear companies are investing in coaching and well-being programs, especially men of my generation. 3. They can't find the budget to invest in our people, which ironically would make them more effective. 🙈 This business is shackled by divisional and regional budgets, stopping them from investing in the right areas. They can't move quickly and are stuck. 4. “I've searched online for the process we must follow. This is it.” 🤖 People risk outsourcing their ideas to Google and Chat GPT and ignoring the experience in the room and the scars on their backs. Missing out on the valuable lessons from a “test and learn approach.” 5. They have too much debt, excess capacity and no control over pricing. 🔥 Some businesses are stuck and, unless they transform themselves, are on the route to failure. 6. “We can do everything we said we would do or explore a more exciting option first?” 🚀 That's how to make someone curious because exploration has no downside, knowing that your Plan A is safe anyway. And what I'm doing about them: ✅ Facilitating a debate on the benefits of a 4-day week for companies who can't compete on salary but can on benefits. It's a good excuse to be back in my old university town and see Robinhood again. 🏹 ✅ Sharing coaching ideas and contacts. ✅ Giving them a free taster session so they know the impact of a positive experience on their people and a shift in behaviour. Let’s get them unstuck. ✅ Sharing experiences and improving my storytelling ability so people understand the importance of curiosity and failure. ✅ We help transform companies who find themselves stuck. ✅ I'm curious, all in, and very excited about the experience. What stopped you in your tracks and made you think this week?