Despite the skills gap prevailing, the tech space remains largely competitive when it comes to employment. Lars Lehne, Global CEO of Incubeta, offers his top tips for becoming a success in the tech sphere and explains what he looks for in potential candidates.
What was the most valuable piece of career advice that you received?
The best advice I’ve received over the years and what I now keep telling my mentees is: never take no for an answer, always trust your gut and follow your instincts. Also, never hurry career decisions, stick to your values and make sure you always learn along the way. Work will be the majority of your awake time going forward, make sure it’s worth it.
What was the worst piece of business advice you received?
You should study something with substance – advertising and marketing are useless bubbles and you will never make a career or be able to provide for your family.
What advice would you give to someone starting their career in IT/tech?
Stay hungry, stay curious, push yourself and the environment you work in and stay passionate. But avoid the arrogance that comes with the ‘status’. You are not untouchable, you won’t be able to change the world on your own and you will probably not be granted a Nobel prize – that said, there is a likelihood that by being in tech, you might achieve some of the above.
Did you always want to work in IT?
Not at all and when I received my first job offer in this field, I even turned it down a few times. It took a lot of persistence from the head-hunter for me to agree to the first interview. But once that took place, I was all in. Never judge a book by its cover.
What was your first job in IT?
I joined Google as Country Manager of Agency Sales in 2009. I was involved in all sorts of digital beforehand, but this was the first role which was 100% tech focused.
What are some common misconceptions about working in tech?
Especially now, at the beginning of 2023, shortly after a phase of dramatic layoffs, the tech industry has finally arrived in the real world. Tech jobs are far from recession-proof or untouchable. Neither free food, massages, fancy offices, or any of the other freebies can hide the fact that at the end of the day, it is a job. Working in tech has always been great fun and it has been the most admired and fastest-growing industry in the last few decades but working in tech is tough and it’s not always easy to get into or thrive.
What tips would you give to someone aiming for a C-level position?
Firstly, be aware that it’s not just another step on the career ladder – it’s a completely new level of expectation, responsibility and opportunity for failure. You’d better grow a thick skin because you will be exposed, you will be vulnerable, made responsible for everything that goes wrong and you barely get feedback. However, if you love people, if you fully embrace what leadership is about, if you are a decision-maker and thoroughly care about the business, you have already ticked some of the most essential boxes. You need to thrive in chaos, seek new horizons and constantly juggle too many balls without dropping them. As the expression goes, ‘Keep calm and carry on’. If the above is attractive to you then you’ll probably have what it takes. It can be the most fascinating, challenging yet rewarding role in business – but it takes 150% of your attention.
What are your career ambitions and have you reached them yet?
I am genuinely a grateful person and coming from a very basic background, neither the life I have the pleasure to live now nor the career I had was foreseeable. Frankly, I have never chased certain ambitions but rather seek out experiences and challenges in life. What I do now makes me very happy and to an extent feels as if I have finally reached a point that was always on the cards for me. That said, there is so much more we can achieve with Incubeta that I can’t wait for the next chapters to unfold.
Do you have a good work/life balance in your current role?
With some ups and downs, absolutely yes. In a global role, travel can be a challenge, but it is a blessing at the same time. I get to meet some of the most fascinating people and experience many cultures and I’m constantly adding to the list of cities and countries where I have finished a half marathon in. But it takes discipline not to get lost and burn out. You don’t ask the question just for the sake of it – work/life balance can be a real issue and we jointly need to raise awareness.
What, if anything, would you change about the route your career path has taken?
There is only one thing I would have loved to have done – live abroad with my family and raise the children in a different cultural setting. Unfortunately, this never worked out, but we have always travelled a lot and made so many wonderful friendships around the world. Our oldest son now lives in Hong Kong and our other son has already announced his ambition to study abroad.
Which would you recommend: A coding bootcamp or a computer science degree?
A coding bootcamp!
How important are specific certifications?
That fully depends on the role, task and employer, along with many other factors. Generally, certification is proof that you walk the talk, but I have seen some of the most brilliant developers not have any certifications whatsoever. Let me put it this way – the more corporate the environment you want to work in, the more important certifications are. Small and agile companies work effectively – regardless of certifications.
What are the three skills or abilities you look for in prospective candidates?
Authenticity, empathy and the ability to thrive under pressure.
What would put you off in a candidate?
A very linear one-dimensional career path usually makes me suspicious. Specialism is important but the world needs people who can look beyond, change direction, start all over and question the status quo.
What are the most common mistakes candidates make in interviews and how can they be avoided?
That’s tricky as every interviewer has a very personal view of how they perceive a candidate. Personally, I don’t like overselling and too much talk. I would rather have candidates that are well prepared and manage to start an inspiring dialogue rather than listing to all their awesome achievements.
Do you think it is better to have technical or business skills – or a mix of both?
Definitely a mix of both. I think this advice works in all walks of life, having also given it to my kids who are slowly stepping into university life and starting to plan their futures.
