Hard work, geographic luck, and influential mentors were key ingredients to scaling WhatsApp from 20 million to 1.2 billion users. Focused on simplicity, prioritizing engineering and culture, and an acquisition surprise of $19 billion, allowing financial freedom and the pursuit of meaningful work. Prioritize influence, curiosity, and explore your passion! π
Advice from the Top 1% of Software Engineer l Exaltitude Jean Lee
Key Takeaways π
- Influence comes from both personal likability and professional credibility in the tech industry.
The Importance of Influence in the Tech Industry πΌ
I was the 19th engineer to join WhatsApp when there were approximately 20 million active users. It eventually grew to a whopping 1.2 billion active monthly users. Over the course of my 17 years working in tech, I’ve learned that every individual craves a certain level of influence in their professional life, be it to earn a promotion, job transition, or other career milestones. Influence derives from possessing traits of likability and credibility both personally and technically, which holds the potential to open doors to new opportunities.
The influence you have will determine the doors that open for you.
Inquisitiveness in the Tech Industry π§
Blindly Following Trends π
Determined to change the paradigm, I refuse to indulge in unproductive trends that I myself recognized as irrelevant when it comes to hiring new software engineers. In the ever-evolving tech industry, the drive to always remain one step ahead is more prudent than mindlessly following trends. I believe in challenging the status quo and encourage professionals to explore and follow their passions instead of following pre-existing trends.
When you’re inquisitive, you are more likely to succeed in this rapidly-changing industry.
The Role of Direction and Mentorship in Professional Growth π
At the core of my career progression, the roles I undertook at various companies exposed me to different aspects of professional life. While working at a start-up provided the autonomy and ownership I yearned for, it was the lack of direction and mentorship that left me craving for more. Upon joining a corporate giant like IBM, I found myself on the opposite end of the spectrum. However, I found the perfect blend at WhatsApp, where I struck a balance between autonomy and solid leadership.
The right balance is out there; it’s up to you to find it in your career journey.
Embracing Engineeering Culture at WhatsApp πΉοΈ
Engineering Culture and Its Core Value π¨
WhatsApp’s paramount focus on the quality of their core utility features has always set the company’s culture apart. The founder’s mandate for "no gimmicks" gave birth to a nurturing environment that prioritized simplicity and efficiency. As the engineering team scaled to 100 strong, imparting the WhatsApp culture became my primary objective, which centered around the concept of perfecting and prioritizing core offerings.
Engineering culture can make or break a company; at WhatsApp, simplicity was at the heart of ours.
Reframing the Meaning of Financial Success π°
The Aftermath of Acquisition πΌ
When WhatsApp got acquired for a staggering $19 billion, I was taken aback, questioning the implications of this monumental change in my personal fortune. I found that financial freedom, while inherently liberating, created a vacuum that I had to fill with self-reflection, leading me to redefine my purpose beyond monetary fulfillment. I’ve come to learn that financial freedom isn’t the end-all, be-all, and personal fulfillment transcends monetary gain.
Financial success doesn’t equate to complete personal fulfiillment; look deeper for happiness.
Finding Passion in Work π»
Embarking on this transformative period, I personally felt the winds of change, which empowered me to explore new horizons and truly understand how I wanted to spend my time. Every professional figure I’ve encountered seems to echo this sentiment β work isn’t just a means to an end; it’s a fundamental part of life itself.
Finding passion in your work can make all the difference in the world.
In conclusion, influence, direction, ownership, and fulfillment are all key factors in defining a prosperous professional journey. May these narratives of my experience help shed light on the different facets of growth in the tech industry, guiding you on your path to success.
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