Significant Career Lesson From A Product Engineer At Graphistry
Alex's most significant career lesson centers on self-compassion and its impact on professional success; the realization that emotional well-being ("what is self-compassion?") directly influences intellectual capacity, highlighting a journey of self-discovery where "emotional learning is easier than intellectual learning if in a good place emotionally".
Self-Compassion, Emotional Intelligence, Personal Development, Interpersonal Relationships, Mindfulness
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Alex Warren
Product Engineer
Graphistry
University of Arizona 2015
None
Computer Science
Technology
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
Took Out Loans
Video Highlights
1. Self-compassion and self-care are crucial for career success, as neglecting these aspects can hinder professional growth and well-being.
2. Emotional intelligence and learning are as important as technical skills. Addressing emotional challenges positively impacts intellectual learning and overall career performance.
3. Building strong relationships and seeking mentorship from colleagues and others are vital for growth, learning, and navigating challenges effectively in a career.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
I'm going to double down on personal development. This has really been about understanding self-compassion.
I first heard about self-compassion, loving yourself, and heart connection years ago. I find it still has a lot to teach me. I thought I understood it and that I was taking care of myself, but I was actually abandoning myself.
What makes this relevant to a career? One asks, "What's the point?" What's the point of a career if it isn't fulfilling? Our basic motivations are survival. After survival, there's Maslow's hierarchy: food, shelter, then self-actualization.
Self-actualization involves others. It's about relationships and doing significant things with people. Even someone like Einstein, a great singular creator, was no doubt surrounded by people. He had to learn questions, and there was a community of researchers involved.
The experience of the external world is malleable, but shifting it can take years. My teacher, for example, saw money as bad. He said it took him about six months of practicing gratitude for his life and with his partner for things to shift. He started making more money, simply by being grateful for what he already had. He then noticed opportunities he had been ignoring.
This is an ongoing lesson for me: what preconceptions did I bring from my childhood? How can I be more vulnerable and open in my relationships? This allows for more possibilities, more ease, less struggle, and win-win outcomes.
Many people have valuable things to teach about this: religious figures, spiritual leaders, meditators, and business coaches. However, some people try to sell tricks, while others offer genuine love. While there might be a financial exchange for access, it's important to find integrity in these areas.
I'm learning a lot from my coworkers right now; there's significant growth there. That side is really important. I believe the technical side can take care of itself. I find it more challenging to learn emotionally than intellectually. If I'm in a good emotional place, then intellectual learning is easy. If I'm emotionally struggling, that's what I need to work on.