085 | Brian Spek | Top Lessons Learned Working at the Biggest Organizations in the World

In today’s show, Chris interviews Brian Spek, Sales Director, Moveworks. Brian gives listeners a “peek” into the work culture at Dell and Microsoft, and shares some important learnings from his long career.

Growing up in a rural area, Brian, like many of us was quite directionless. Perhaps that is why he ended up studying Linguistics, a choice he now thoroughly regrets. Brian also reveals his biggest frustration during his formative years and reveals how Student Works helped him in this regard.

Next, Brian talks about his Student Works stint. To become a Student Works manager, Brian recalls how he had to take on a $6,000 debt. Brian shares how paying off this debt and then enjoying an extremely profitable season filled him with confidence.

In the following segment, Brian talks about his 7-year experience at Dell, which was then one of the fastest-growing tech companies in the world. Here, listeners will get an insider’s account of the work culture at Dell. After Dell, Brian worked at Borland Software Corporation in yet another 7-year stint. Did his past client connections help him in this new role?

Next, Brian worked for 3 years at the tech giant, Microsoft. This segment of the show is particularly interesting as Brian talks about the pros and cons of working in giant organizations.

Brian also highlights the many perks of working from home. Are remote work arrangements a win-win for the employee as well as the employer? While a “work from home” arrangement” may help you enjoy a better work-life balance, does this affect your ability to network within an organization?

We wrap up this show with some excellent advice for budding entrepreneurs. Brian shares how you can avoid working in a commoditized field where your growth opportunities are greatly stunted. He also encourages listeners to take calculated risks.

Tune in for some excellent nuggets!

 

Links: 

Brian’s LinkedIn

 

Resources: 

Student Works 

Chris Thomson LinkedIn