Rob Katcher’s Post

I don’t believe in luck; I believe in alignment. Opportunities don’t simply ‘happen’—they arise when you align yourself with your goals, position yourself strategically, work hard and smart over time, and boldly articulate your vision. By staying true to your vision and actively seeking opportunities, you can create your own luck. You manufacture luck by positioning yourself in sight of opportunity and ensuring you’re aligned wholeheartedly to what you’re creating. Then, have the audacity to ask for what you want. (Nine times out of ten things don’t just fall in your lap). The 1/10 times they do, it’s often the dividend of a lengthy relationship and mutual support over years. Picture: My first touchpoint with Google in 2014 when Google moved into Fishburners (HQ at the time) then years later Women Making Waves partnered and co-hosted an event with Google Cloud in 2023. (With power team Hayley Evans, Mike Langford, Mike Ciesla 🚀 ) P.S back then Fishburners was #30 of global Google startup hubs, surely a LOT more Google startup hubs now!

“Why aren’t you joining Google, Microsoft, or Netflix?” That’s what a manager at one of the firms I worked at in the past asked me when I decided to move on. It wasn’t just a question—it was a challenge, a benchmark. He believed that anyone leaving the firm should be capable of solving the toughest engineering problems at the world’s leading companies. His words stayed with me. Months later, I did receive an offer from Google. But by then, I had already chosen a different path—the entrepreneurial journey. At Digiqt Technolabs, we carry forward that same philosophy. We’re building a team and culture where excellence is the foundation. By focusing on high-quality standards, well-defined processes, and solving meaningful problems, we’re striving to create software that leaves a lasting impact. Because benchmarks aren’t just about what you achieve—they’re about what you inspire in others.

Why I Rejected Google’s Offer Two years ago, I had the kind of opportunity many people dream of—a chance to join Google. It was exciting, validating, and, let’s be honest, really hard to say no to. But I did. When I shared my decision, my parents, mentors, and close friends were not happy about it. Some even thought I’d lost my mind. I mean, who says no to Google? But for me, it wasn’t about saying no—it was about saying yes to something else: impact. At a startup, you’re not just a cog in a massive machine—you’re in the driver’s seat. You get to build, experiment, and see the direct results of your work. Every decision you make, and every idea you share, helps shape the company’s future. Yes, it’s chaotic. Yes, it’s uncertain. But that’s what makes it exciting. Google is an incredible company—a powerhouse of innovation. But at a startup, I saw an opportunity to grow faster, take on more responsibility, and learn by diving headfirst into the unknown. The challenges are tough, but the rewards are unmatched. Looking back, I don’t regret my choice for a second. It’s been a rollercoaster, but it’s one that’s pushed me to grow in ways I never could have imagined. Sometimes, the “safe” path isn’t the one that helps you grow. It’s the path that makes you feel alive. What about you? Would you take the risk or stick with the comfort of a big name? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Thriving Against Odds: How Frugality and Smart Choices Define Success I was inspired by a video showing an old interview with Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, where he highlighted the frugality of great founders. This took me back to the early 2000s, to the days of my first internet company venture. It was a time marked by personal and financial challenges—my elder son was just three, and we faced significant hurdles without a salary for over a year. Although that business did not pan out as hoped, it was a period of profound learning. The key takeaway? Success isn't just about managing finances wisely or choosing the right customers—the deserving ones who align with your vision—but also about being resilient and adaptable in face of adversity. This foundational experience fueled my subsequent venture, which turned out to be a resounding success. More importantly, it instilled in me a passion for sharing my journey, not to highlight my successes, but to impact and inspire the entrepreneurial spirit in others, particularly my students. In my pivot to private education, I embraced every opportunity to teach that resilience and the entrepreneurial spirit are crucial, not just for entrepreneurial success, but for navigating life’s myriad challenges and career options. To all students and fresh graduates remember, your greatest assets are resilience, and your ability to have the entrepreneurial spirit in you, and a commitment to your vision.

What Do Rockstars and Tech Leads Have in Common? More than you might think! A couple of weeks ago, I found myself needing to channel my inner rockstar and go on a roadshow to get buy-in for a solution to a frustratingly slow review process. Now, I understand the importance of thorough reviews, especially at Google. We want to ensure every product we launch meets the highest quality bar. But I believed we could find a way to make the process more efficient without compromising quality. So, I did what any proactive tech lead would do… I crafted a compelling presentation and hit the road to meet with senior leads across the org. My mission? Get them excited about my idea and encourage their teams to volunteer for a new, streamlined process. But here's the challenge: Time is everyone's most valuable resource. Convincing people to volunteer their time to something new can be tough. Here's what I learned from this experience: 🎸 Don't be afraid to challenge the status quo. If something can be improved, take the initiative to fix it.  🎸 Get creative with your solutions. Sometimes the best ideas are those that break the mold.  🎸 Presentations are key. A clear and engaging presentation can get people excited about even the less shiny topics.  🎸 Enthusiasm is contagious. If you're passionate about your idea, others will be too.  Now, the waiting game begins. Will I get enough volunteers to make this happen? Stay tuned! 🤞 #lifeAtGoogle – 👉Follow me, Rony Rozen, for more real-world insights on tech leadership and driving innovation in your organization.

🚀💡 A Lesson in Humility and Vision: The Day Google Could Barely Bank Its First Check In the whirlwind narrative of tech startups, few stories resonate quite like the early days of Google. Back in 1998, two young visionaries, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, stood on the precipice of transforming the digital age. But even as their brilliant idea started to attract attention, they encountered a problem that was remarkably mundane: they couldn't deposit their first significant investment. Imagine this: a $100,000 check, a symbol of belief in Google's potential, sitting idly in a drawer. Why? Simply because Larry and Sergey had yet to set up a bank account for Google. It's a moment that perfectly encapsulates the blend of high-tech aspirations and everyday realities. When they finally did manage to deposit Andy Bechtolsheim’s check, their way of celebrating was anything but grandiose. They opted for breakfast at Burger King. Yes, Burger King. No lavish parties, no extravagant meals—just a simple celebration for a milestone that marked the beginning of an era. This anecdote isn't just a quaint story from Google's history; it's a testament to the humility and vision that characterized Larry and Sergey from the start. It reminds us that the road to success isn't always paved with glamorous moments. Often, it's those unassuming, humble experiences that lay the groundwork for monumental achievements. As we navigate our own professional journeys, let's remember the value of humility, the importance of vision, and the impact of celebrating every milestone, big or small. After all, today's humble celebration could be the precursor to tomorrow's global success story. #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #Google #HumbleBeginnings #Leadership

⏳ #ThisDayInHistory | Larry Page, the co-founder of Google, was born on this day in history. 🎉✨ His visionary leadership at Google and Alphabet has shaped the digital landscape forever. Let's honor his legacy and the innovations that continue to impact our lives. 🚀🌐 #ITOFamily #CodingWithHeart #LarryPage #TechVisionary #Google

Google's problem is with its culture. In that sense, the issues with Gemini are just the symptom of what is broken inside the company. Google is building exactly what you get with the culture it created. It has been on this path for years, and, on the surface, it has seemed to serve it well. Lots of people made lots of money because Google has historically been very good at making money. If Google is going to make something different, it's going to require different priorities and a different vision, but ultimately, it's going to require a different culture. That means it's going to need a different leader. https://lnkd.in/g5PRCKum

Why I Had to Leave Google Growing up in a family, success was defined by landing a top-tier job. So, when I got to Google, it felt like I had made it. 𝗪𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴. Even in the world-class environment and outward success, something felt off. Google was the dream for so many, but for me, it started to feel like I was just following a well-trodden path. I wanted more—something meaningful that wasn’t just about me but about helping others find their way. Leaving Google to start HeyCoach wasn’t part of my plan. It was terrifying and unexpected, but I knew I had to carve my own path, even if it meant giving up the comfort and security of a dream job. Today, HeyCoach is thriving, and I’m proud of what we’ve built. It showed me that your dream job might not be your destiny. Here's what I learned: Sometimes, the most fulfilling path is the one you never saw coming. The point is, there’s no single route to success. 𝗜𝗳 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗔 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵, 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗕. #success

**Why I Quit Google to Work for Myself** ===================================== As I reflect on my decision to leave Google, I'm reminded of the excitement and uncertainty that comes with taking control of my career. In this post, I'll share my story of why I chose to leave a stable job at Google to work for myself. After spending several years at Google, I began to feel suffocated by the company's fast-paced and constantly changing environment. Despite the opportunities for growth and learning, I felt like I was just a cog in a machine, rather than a valued contributor. I started to crave autonomy and flexibility, which led me to consider entrepreneurship. I realized that I had a unique set of skills and experiences that could be leveraged to build a successful business. The leap was scary, but I was driven by a sense of purpose and freedom. I quit my job at Google and started working on my own projects, focusing on topics that I was passionate about. It's been a challenging journey so far, but I'm proud of the progress I've made. I've learned to be resourceful, adaptable, and resilient, and I've discovered a sense of fulfillment that I never experienced while working for someone else. If you're considering making a similar leap, I encourage you to take the plunge. It's not for everyone, but for those who are willing to take the risk, the rewards can be immense. #entrepreneurship #freedom #purpose #careerchange #google Source: https://lnkd.in/ghDtCMBX Update Date: 2024-07-08T15:21:49Z