10 inspiring quotes on tech careers, culture and innovation from ‘5 Questions’

At Technical.ly, we look to dig in.

That means talking to technologists about how they’re building software and careers. And along with CEOs and founders, it also means speaking with members of an organization who are navigating those trajectories.

In 2019, the “5 Questions” column achieved both. Margaret Roth conducted a series of interviews with leaders at some of Baltimore’s top tech organizations. It gave us plenty of new information about the paths that led folks to their current positions, and insights that double as widely applicable advice.

As we head into 2020, here’s a look at some of the quotes that are staying with us:

“If it scares you, I always say to do it.” — Ashley Jean

“Providing an environment with that openness and making sure they have room to know that their voice is heard puts people in an environment where they know it’s okay to take a risk. If you fail, it just adds to the creativity.” — Anne Goodridge

“Don’t be afraid to ask. I always try to teach my kids that. Never be afraid. The answer can always be no.” — Doug Ward

“It’s become my mission to better get people and organizations ready for STEM students of color.” — Brittany Young

When you ask someone to leave where they are or ask them to join you, you are asking them to make a commitment. I take that commitment seriously. — Myra Norton

“You have to make sure that the innovation is seen as an intentional enhancement to the experience not just the next cool thing that some of your competition launched.” — Carrie Serio

“The equity is so embedded in the mission of what we do, it is what we’re trying to hire for.” — Jason Becker

“I don’t think culture is something that you slap on top of things. I think that it starts from the ground up.” — Kara Redman

“I want to see how far it can go with me being all in.” — Josh Budman

“Don’t take no for an answer. If it doesn’t work here, go somewhere else. Go ask someone else. Go try something different.” — Jolene Gurevich