What’s leaving and coming back good for? – Professional adventures to there and back again
This episode focuses on the professional journeys of two IT leaders, Attila and László, exploring their experiences with leadership, team dynamics, career transitions, the emotional toll of leaving and memorable projects during their time at Deutsche Telekom IT Solutions and beyond.
Starting out and building expertise
Attila and László reflect on their early careers at DT-ITS, highlighting their roles in IT operations, including Unix system administration, server management, and database handling. They shared how the company provided a platform for growth through exposure to large-scale projects like the Copernicus satellite program – a European initiative for open satellite data, discussed in previous episodes – and operational support for Deutsche Post, particularly during high-stakes periods like the holiday season.
They both touched upon the steep learning curves and the challenges of balancing technical work with leadership responsibilities. László, for instance, detailed his journey from being a technical expert to managing a 48-member team, grappling with the shift from hands-on work to people management.
Tackling operational and leadership challenges
The conversation delves into operational difficulties, such as addressing mismatched client expectations, complex server setups, and fragmented communication processes.
On the leadership front, both shared the emotional and strategic challenges of guiding teams, including addressing burnout, maintaining morale, and adapting to organizational changes.
Leaving and returning to the company
Both guests eventually left the company to explore new opportunities. Attila ventured into local government roles, seeking to apply his leadership skills in a completely different sector, while László joined smaller organizations to broaden his perspective. They discussed the value of stepping away to gain fresh experiences, test their adaptability, and develop a renewed sense of purpose.
Upon returning, they highlighted their appreciation for the company’s culture, structure, and professional development opportunities. The sense of stability and familiarity, combined with new challenges, made returning a rewarding decision.
Memorable projects and impactful work
The conversation frequently revisited the impact of their work on major projects. These projects not only showcased the technical challenges but also the broader societal value of their work.
The key takeaway of this episode of Unmute All makes a case for growth through challenges; that overcoming operational and leadership hurdles teaches resilience and adaptability.
Conclusion
This episode offers a deep dive into the complexities of IT operations, leadership, and career evolution, underscoring how stepping away from and returning to a company can fuel personal growth and rekindle professional purpose.
Listen to the episode here (Hungarian): https://www.deutschetelekomitsolutions.hu/podcasts/mire-jo-elmenni-es-visszajonni/