Coding, Managing and Christianity

Constrained

Harvard Business Review recently had an interesting article “What Amazon’s HQ2 Wish List Signals About the Future of Cities” about Amazon’s RFP for a second headquarter office. It discussed the implications for cities that want to attract large high-tech corporations and listed the following points, which I found remarkable. The article summarized the requirements into four high level topics

• Capacity to produce skilled, technical talent.
• Access to domestic and global markets through modern infrastructure.
• Connected and sustainable place-making.
• Culture and diversity

I had in mind to talk about the characteristics of Munich and Boston as high-tech hubs, what I like, dislike, and so on. However, when I started typing my thoughts, as you can see in the following, it went a very different direction.

When I was still a teenager (some would have called me a nerd) that wrote small programs for a computer that I had bought from my first summer job money, I read about the things that were done in Stanford, Berkeley, or at MIT. My dream was to be there. I would have loved to study at one of those IT and science Mecca’s, but I couldn’t imagine how. My world view was very much limited to the town I grew up in, its surroundings, and Munich, the big city we went to on occasion. It first expanded when I studied in Munich and spent more time in the city. The next expansions were the first job, then working for the first US software company, and yet again, when I took a job in Boston. A few years after I moved to Boston I went to a class reunion and one of my classmates said “You, in America, really? I can’t believe it.” Out of all of my classmates I was the least likely to move away; my English in school was bad and I had firm roots in upper Bavaria.

Today I know that I could have made my dream of MIT or Stanford (maybe not one of those two, but some other good school) a reality. It would have taken commitment, sacrifice, and a lot of work to make it happen but I would have had a chance. Back then it didn’t even cross my mind that it would be remotely possible The culture and environment we live in are powerful forces that influence individual development and constrain it. However, I do not have regrets or wish my life would have gone differently. On the contrary, God blessed me in numerous ways. I have a wonderful family, a beautiful, loving wife, a great and gifted son (who edits my writing), a job I enjoy, many good friends, and most importantly God.

I do hope that this is an encouragement for younger readers to linger on their dreams a little bit longer. Think a bit harder how you can make them a reality. Think outside the box (I don’t like the phrase, but it describes it best) and test every constraint, whether it is practical, cultural, or just sheer laziness. You will find that many can be overcome.

Every so often the thought arises that it is time to start giving back. I wonder what I should do at Church and professionally to help others. Should I try to mentor some people? Can I teach? Should I increase what I do for the Church? At the same time, my private calendar is already very full and when I am at work I give it 100%. So what changes do I need to make to make room for giving back, or is it just not time yet? God willing, I will work another 10 years or so. Maybe I should wait a bit longer to think about it? You will notice that this is indicative of real and perceived limits I have put on myself:

• I’m so busy, my calendar is already maxed out. How can I do more?
• Am I willing to give up or reduce work, income, or status to do something different?
• Do I want to change my routines that provide a sense of (albeit false) security?
• Would I be willing to make a move that changes the circle of dear friends around me?

As you can see, I still have some work to do to grow in character, skills, and capabilities over the next months and years ahead. I’m looking forward to learning and growing. As John Maxwell says the moment I stop growing, I’m dead. I just haven’t made it official yet.

Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.  She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed. Proverbs 3:13-‬18 NIV