Embarking on a journey that challenges, shapes, and ultimately transforms us is a tale as old as time. Yet, each story carries its unique imprint, and mine, as a bBlack tech leader, is a vivid portrayal of resilience, adaptability, and meaningful impact in an industry that often lacks diversity. From the moment I landed in Canada as a student, through the trials and triumphs in the world of technology, my path has been a testament to the power of perseverance and the quest for growth and belonging.
In this post, I share the layers of my journey, offering insights into the realities of being black in tech. This blog post isn’t meant to be a complete retelling of my entire story, my hope is to touch on some of the impactful experiences I’ve had.
Imagine landing in Canada at 15 and jumping straight into university life. Talk about a double whammy of challenges! I had to adapt to a whole new culture and education system, all while dealing with the social exclusion that came with being the young kid on campus. This isolation taught me early on about the complexities of fitting in and the importance of finding community.
Post Graduation
After graduation, my first step into the professional tech world was anything but smooth. I moved to a small town for a job that ended abruptly due to layoffs, leaving me homeless, lonely, and in despair. This tough phase tested and strengthened my resolve, and my mom's unwavering support reminded me of my worth and potential.
Then came a chapter in a new city that felt like working in a tech sweatshop. The team was mostly immigrants, with the only white person being our manager. Despite the cool projects we worked on, the disrespect and mistreatment were off the charts. The worst moment? When the owner stormed into our dev room, threw money on the floor, and declared he could replace any of us in a heartbeat. Why? Because someone made a mistake under extreme pressure. I remember feeling so small, like my impact and value in this world could be boiled down to a couple hundred dollars. That was the last straw for me. I knew right then it was time to move on.
Next up, I joined a smaller, friendlier company. I quickly found a sense of belonging, but soon realized there was a limit to how much I could grow there. When the most senior engineer left, I unexpectedly found myself as the senior engineer, managing a whole team of contractors. Mentorship, which I deeply craved, was non-existent there.
This period of stagnation nudged me towards gaming a lot during work hours. It was an escape from facing the harsh reality that this place might not let me reach my full potential. Despite being praised for doing a great job, I knew I was only putting in minimal effort.
I stayed longer than I probably should have, because of the community I had found. But deep down, I feared that maybe this was as good as it would get for me.
A Turning Point
Finding Love & Courage
Meeting my now-wife truly turned my life around. She not only saw my worth but also inspired me to step out of my comfort zone. It all started with her mom introducing me to a tech leader. Although I didn't end up interviewing at his company, our coffee chat was a game-changer. It reshaped how I viewed my value, sparking a significant shift in my self-perception and career goals.
Then, I made a big leap to a larger company, way bigger than any I'd worked for before. There, I was deeply engaged and totally aligned with the company's mission. Starting as an intermediate developer with modest experience, I quickly climbed up to a senior role, thanks to being surrounded by a bunch of super talented devs.
Despite my technical successes, I longed for a more significant impact on the world. Mentoring an intern ignited a fire in me for leadership and helping others grow. However, my director, who was aware of my desire for leadership, doubted my potential. I felt scrutinized, and every mistake was amplified as a reason I wouldn't be a good leader. This experience, coupled with the realization that there were no Black leaders in the company, put things into perspective. It felt like they wanted me to be someone I wasn't – to fit into a mold that wasn't made for me. This lack of faith, while traumatic, pushed me to find environments that appreciated and valued my unique contributions.
Cultivating Authenticity & Growth
Joining Fullscript marked yet another pivotal moment in my career. At Fullscript, I’ve found not only the opportunity to lead and help others grow but also to significantly shape the culture and practices within a growing tech company. My role as Tech Lead extends beyond managing projects and technical tasks; it involves cultivating a team culture rooted in inclusivity, empathy, and growth. I encourage my team to dispel the myth of a 'professional self' and bring their authentic selves to work. However, as easy as it is to say this from a position of power, I recognized the importance of building individual trust and fostering psychological safety within the team. This approach has led to heightened collaboration and empathy, strengthening our team cohesion and contributing to our collective success.
Over the last two years, my focus has been on creating and protecting a team environment that values every member's contribution. I ensure that they feel supported in their professional and personal growth. We've successfully navigated complex projects, tight deadlines, and celebrated significant achievements, all while maintaining a strong sense of community and shared purpose.
Conclusion
My journey from a young immigrant student confronting challenges in Canada to becoming a leader at Fullscript epitomizes resilience and the power of transformation. This path has shaped me into the leader that I am today, with a leadership style rooted in empathy and inclusivity. It has been a journey of turning a personal vision into an organizational reality - a reality where diversity is not just recognized but celebrated, where inclusivity forms the bedrock of our operations, and where everyone is encouraged to bring their authentic selves to the forefront. My experiences underscore the profound impact of representation in the tech world and the ripple effect it can have across an industry.
As I continue to navigate this path, my aspirations extend beyond my own achievements. It’s about laying a solid groundwork for future generations of Black tech leaders, creating a landscape where support and opportunities are readily available. This story, my story, is a reflection of the change that can occur when we dare to challenge the status quo and envision a more inclusive future. It stands as a testament to the idea that our actions, our struggles, and our triumphs have the capacity to inspire and shape the world.
In sharing this journey, I hope the message is clear: within each challenge lies an opportunity to effect change and leave a lasting legacy that reshapes our world for the better.
