It’s always fascinating to reflect on a year and ponder, “How did we get here?” My 2024 began with a thrilling trip to Las Vegas, celebrating my anniversary and diving into a new partnership with Dynatrace at their Perform conference. It was my wife’s first time in Vegas, and we packed the trip with unforgettable experiences: a breathtaking helicopter ride into the Grand Canyon, savoring delicious food, acquiring unique art, and even winning some money at the casino. This trip felt like the perfect blend of adventure and professional growth—a promising start to the year.
But life quickly threw a curveball.
The Challenge of a Lifetime
Just a month after Vegas, I found myself engulfed in a project that spiraled into a 10-month-long roller coaster ride. The project demanded 12-hour days, and sometimes weekends, to get back on track. We underestimated the size and scope, and the customer’s stringent security requirements threw us for a loop. It became clear that despite three years of design work, the requirements were not clearly defined. During the first audit, we realized the customer’s expectations were vastly different from what we had prepared for.
This wasn’t just a technical challenge—it was uncharted territory. The tools we used had to be applied in innovative ways, but the stringent security measures created hurdles that disrupted the technology’s intended use. These challenges taught us hard but valuable lessons about the importance of clearly defined requirements, pushing back for necessary change orders, and maintaining robust processes.
Lessons Learned
This project forced me to step away from the parts of my work I love most: hiring engineers, building new business units, and crafting creative solutions for challenging problems. However, it taught me lessons that I’ll carry forward:
- The Value of Clear Requirements: We need to ensure every design has thoroughly documented and well-understood requirements.
- Adaptability: Sometimes, innovation means finding creative ways to solve problems when traditional methods fall short.
- Process and Training: Our processes need to be robust, and our team must be trained to execute consistently.
- Opportunities in Challenges: The complex Authority to Operate (ATO) process revealed areas where Colossal could innovate and develop new solutions to ease these pain points for our customers.
A Year of Reflection and Growth
This year has challenged me as a leader, engineer, husband, and father. Balancing the demands of the project with family life was far from easy. Yet, stepping away from what I enjoy most helped me crystalize my priorities. It reminded me why I love what I do and reignited my passion for building something impactful.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we step into 2025, my resolution is clear: refocus on what matters most to me. I’m eager to reconnect with what I love—hiring talented engineers, expanding Colossal’s capabilities, and tackling innovative challenges. The lessons of 2024 have set the stage for an exciting year ahead, filled with new opportunities and growth.
What About You?
What challenges or triumphs defined your 2024? How have they shaped your priorities for the year ahead? I’d love to hear your reflections in the comments.
Here’s to an amazing 2025. Happy Holidays!
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