Leaving a job, especially one where you’ve invested a significant part of your life, is never easy. My time at Viasat was filled with accomplishments, challenges, and invaluable lessons. However, it reached a point where it was time for me to move forward, to allow others to take responsibility for their decisions, and to focus on my personal journey and future at Thoughtful Threads AI and Nerdy Bird Farm.
Reflecting on Accomplishments at Viasat
Innovation and Impact:
Cloud Team Initiation: I helped start Viasat's Cloud Team, laying the groundwork for future innovation and scalability.
Data Center Operations & Engineering (DCOE) Team: As a founding member, I contributed to the creation and success of the DCOE team, ensuring seamless data center operations.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: I worked across various teams to address critical issues, effectively keeping the ship afloat.
Zabbix Implementation: I set up Zabbix, a powerful monitoring tool that identified and solved many issues related to power, cooling, and long-ignored defects, improving overall efficiency and reliability.
Ansible Playbooks and Server Provisioning: On the Cloud Team, I configured Ansible Playbooks and set up their Server Provisioning System using Ubuntu MaaS, streamlining operations and enhancing automation.
Team Leadership:
Pioneering Roles: As the 3rd member of the Cloud Team and a founding member of the DCOE team, I played a crucial role in shaping these teams.
Fostering Collaboration: I fostered a collaborative environment across teams, ensuring timely resolution of technical issues and enhancing team synergy.
Solving Technical Challenges: My leadership and technical expertise were instrumental in resolving critical technical challenges, ensuring project success and operational stability.
Problem Solving:
Hardware Defect Detection: By installing Zabbix, I was able to detect a wide range of hardware defects, from power issues to cooling problems, many of which had been ignored for too long.
Proactive Maintenance: My ability to identify and address hardware issues proactively helped prevent potential failures and ensured smooth operations.
These accomplishments are a testament to my dedication, hard work, and the collaborative spirit of my colleagues.
The Facade Lifeline and Decision to Move On
My original position was offered back to me, not as a true lifeline but as a way for Viasat leadership to save face amidst leadership chaos. This experience highlighted the pervasive narcissism among the "leadership" and their inability to take responsibility. The environment was riddled with inefficiencies, a result of "bosses" who didn’t understand what they were asking for and were unwilling to learn. The complete leadership failure created a draining and unsustainable situation. I realized that being constantly bogged down by fixing other people’s failed decisions was draining my energy and stalling my growth. It was time to empower others to take responsibility for their choices and to step back from being the perpetual fixer.
Embracing Personal Growth and New Opportunities
Leaving Viasat opened the door to new opportunities and personal growth. It marked the beginning of a new chapter focused on my passions and dreams.
Thoughtful Threads AI: I started Thoughtful Threads AI, a venture that merges my love for technology with my vision for thoughtful and sustainable solutions. This project allows me to channel my creativity and technical skills into something meaningful.
Nerdy Bird Farm: Our family farm, Nerdy Bird Farm, is led by my wife Julie. It has become the perfect avenue for channeling our energy and creativity. Here, we are not just building a farm; we are building a legacy of sustainability, community, and innovation.
New Projects: We have exciting plans for the farm, including starting a bakery this year, followed by a grainery and mill. These projects are not just business ventures; they are embodiments of our vision and values.
The Importance of Boundaries and Self-Care
One of the key lessons from this transition is the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care.
Healthy Boundaries: Establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries is crucial for protecting our well-being and ensuring we can thrive in our endeavors.
Self-Care: Prioritizing self-care allows us to rejuvenate and approach our goals with renewed vigor and perspective. At Nerdy Bird Farm, self-care is integrated into our daily routine, whether it’s through working on the farm, spending time with family, or enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Moving Forward with Hope and Determination
Moving on from Viasat was not just an end; it was a new beginning filled with hope, determination, and exciting opportunities. By focusing on personal growth, setting boundaries, and embarking on new projects like Thoughtful Threads AI and Nerdy Bird Farm, I am embracing this new chapter with open arms.
I encourage others to evaluate their paths, make decisions that align with their well-being, and empower themselves and others to take responsibility for their choices. It’s time to move forward, with hope and courage, one step at a time.
Resources
Books: "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle, "The Obstacle Is the Way" by Ryan Holiday.
Articles: Psychology Today on Resilience, Forbes on Setting Boundaries, Mindful on Letting Go.
Support Networks: Recommendations for therapy, support groups, and online communities.
By focusing on personal growth, setting boundaries, and embracing new opportunities, we can all turn the page and start new, fulfilling chapters in our lives.
A Note from Thoughtful Threads AI
If you're looking for a way to take charge of your life and embrace new beginnings, I'm here to help. At Thoughtful Threads AI, we offer personalized solutions that merge technology with sustainable practices. Let's work together to create a brighter, more thoughtful future.