I’m a black Network Engineer in the Bay Area. Everything he said is absolutely true. I’ve experienced it all. A black person knowing how to maneuver in corporate is a skill in its self. Being yourself is the quickest way to be shown the exit.
So true, worked for NCR, ATT, and IBM. only got laid off once. Learned to spot the signs and to always be looking for the next opportunity or someone will opportunity you right out the front door. No one wants you when you are unemployed but everyone wants you when you are employed.
Corporate navigation should be a special course that young Black adults can take freshman year of college. Maybe even HS senior year. Navigating through ANY corporate sector is pretty much the same. I had to learn the ropes the hard way, but I was also blessed to cross paths with some older Black folks who always gave me great advice. Now, my friends and I are working on educational material for young Black people that we will hopefully be teaching at community centers in our school district. If it goes well, we will move forward to the next phase of building the course. It is chance to give back some of the knowledge people gave me when they were not paid or required to do so. ✊🏾
I cannot speak for anyone but myself and I’m not black either. I’m a white latino (spanish descent). I absolutely cannot “be myself” either. I don’t think anyone can really. It’s all politics. That’s why people hate politicians generally, it’s all fake. I’m super blunt IRL and sometimes rude. Like if someone isn’t bleeding to death literally to me nothing is that urgent lol. But work will try to make you feel as if everything is super urgent and have you stressed to no end.
Being from California and working in Tech, all of the companies I've worked at I've been the only African American in my departments. From small companies, to the company I am at now (large utility), we have to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. California is no different than states that are well known for discrimination, its just disguised better. Have to be savvy here.
Me also. I’m the only African-American and most cases at any company I worked at. If there’s been another black person, they were directly from Africa. I guess that was their way of fulfilling that, but they were also adding a foreigner to it. I was at one company where There was one other African-American female hired, and the person she worked along with was trying everything she could to get this girl fired. The comp I’m at now in a different state. I’m the only African female if our department in IT. There was one of the African-American female and a different area in our IT department and they laid her off last year. And I swear my boss is trying to do everything she can to line me up so that I can be in the next set of layoffs. I mean, she is outright lying and if I ever had to take them to court, I would be looking forward to it so the whole team and everyone they could be interviewed and swore on the oath to come out to reveal what she is saying as lying.
I worked at Netflix during the same time and experienced the same challenges. It was more about finding a place in the culture than being good at your job
Because I travel to many sites I’ve learned to wear my badge around my neck in clear view to prevent anyone from stopping me and asking to see it. This is just one of the conscious decisions I make daily to maneuver in IT being a black. man. Everyone else wear their badges on their hip not clearly visible.
"How much of myself am I willing to sacrifice for this role?" That is such a great question to ask yourself. I'm only trying to code switch but so much. Outside of displaying the standards of professionalism, I do want the room to be myself, too.
It should be 100% - everyone turns off who they are. YT people turn off who they are too You don't need to be yourself, you need to run your role and be professional. People don't care about what you think about current events and it has nothing to do with the role of the company
@@TechTualChatter good response. But anyone with wisdom understands. Black people have been integrated into the workforce since the 60s , this isn't anything new
Everything he's saying is right. Like in other industries, they are very nebulous about their communication with you. Then when they want to fire you, they'll bring up all kinds of nonsense that you would never think was important. "Oh, he didn't leave the coffee pot on in the morning. Oh he's difficult to work with." The more "genuine" and "nicer" you are, the more they will come for you. You have to be balanced in your relations with everyone and always be professional.
@@TechTualChatter You're right. The only solution I can think of is of course, more Black Businesses in a wider spread of industries. I know, easier said than done. I still have faith in us. I know its a lot more complex than a TH-cam comment. LOL
This interview was excellent, and the emphasis on showcasing interpersonal skills and fit really resonated with me. The best advice I’ve ever received about the interview process ties directly to this point: don’t stress about your qualifications-you’ve already cleared that hurdle. Instead, focus on demonstrating your personality and how well you align with the team and company culture.
I was born and raised in America. My background is from the infamous H1B country. With that said, I have seen and experienced my fair share of crap being in tech. Firstly every. single. job. at least one (or more) person had something derogatory to say about black people. His statement about documenting everything and also being prepared for anything is much more important to colored people in tech. My opinion is there are unwritten rules in IT regarding certain people. Really it comes down to move through your career without attaching your life to any job especially in tech. Always be ready to be cut or leave with a sound backup plan.
I am white and I identify with a lot of what this guy says - so I think may be 85% of what he says can apply to anyone - I am not discounting his experience/views as a black man, but a lot of what he said resonated with me and my experience in the I.T industry in the U.K... particularly what he says about how much of myself am I prepared to adjust to fit in...
Great video and interview. I enjoy hearing these stories and conversations with other brothers in Tech and other IT fields. Another point the interviewee made, he is absolutely correct in documenting things on your own even if your manager/supervisor does not. There is definitely a LOT of ambiguity in I.T. and if you keep your own documentation and tally of what work you complete and cover down on it can cover you just in case. ALWAYS remember CYA.
@@TechTualChatter It happened to me before I was laid off. My manager was promoted and then they rehired someone who used to work there to take his spot.
Incredible I am so glad that I found this channel. This happened to me when I was looking to transition to Silicon Valley from Washington, DC....I had an interview with LinkedIn in San Jose and was flown out for an in-person interview yes prior to COVID. To preface I have a PhD in Informatioin Assurance and Computer Science specializing in AI/ML and Machine Algorithm and I was interviewing for a Network Architect job at LinkedIn and my credentials were very impressive according to them and the interviews went well and I did make the personal touch/connection. I would've been THE ONLY BLACK PERSON on the entire team in a senior role. I was later told that I wouldn't be a good "cultural" fit at LinkedIn basically because I was overqualified and I haven't forgiven them for that BULLSHIT since. So long story short I stayed in DC and continue my work supporting the Government...But yeah the racism and discrimination is rampant in Silicon Valley....I am glad I dodged that bullet...
I tell people the same thing about California! I experienced more racism in the progressive Bay Area than in red states! Luckily my job is good because my manager is black! being in the Bay Area makes me want to move to Houston or Atlanta. To be around other black professionals
I can tell you, tech is white. Just because Atlanta / Houston have huge black professional communities... You'll still be working with majority white folks
@@yasin-ali Its everywhere but at least in the south, they let it be known they don't mess with you. In California, they could have a BLM flag on their lawn and still hate black people.
As a BM IT manager everything he said is true. Like most said its not about having the 10% tech skills to survive but 90% is about navigating around people of other cultures who are not used to being around your culture. This even includes your direct reports. Lots of unwritten rules that you must learn as a black person in tech. To be frank the guaranteed way to be a high earner in tech is either consult from your mastered skills of working some years in corp or to start your own tech company. You won't see many of us in the board of directors or executive positions. If you do they are mainly bw. No offense. Like he said always document everything and make sure it can easily be traceable. The key for me to survive my nearly 20 years in tech is having a good team of managers that believe in you and will fight for you. You also have to be very likable and easy to work with. It doesn't matter if you don't like the person. Also have your projects done before the deadline and show up in time. Don't BS in the hallway or act a fool at “team outing functions”. People talk and your manager is always taking notes. Again lots of unwritten rules.
Great stuff gentlemen. Glad I found your podcast. Sorry to hear about the struggles, it's rough out there. Will say my two cents, you sound like a pretty awesome boss, mentor and team player. Hope to meet you out in the field some day to shake your hand.
This interview hit home. I work for a big tech company in Santa Clara. I started out as a contractor fighting for a permanent position. When the position opened up, they let another person compete against me for the position. Effectively getting more work out of us. What made it even worse, I was the person who trained the guy. I had no choice because I was desperate to show them my dedication. I got the position but it wasn’t an easy ride. But now I feel stuck in a position that pays me just well enough to get by in a this crazy economy. I need growth but I feel like in order to do better financially, I’m gonna have to take a big risk and job hop. And yes, I’m the only black person in my department. Go figure.
I work in IT in the SF Bay, and having a black IT manager is rare. Most of the reported crimes after Covid appear to be committed by black people around here; particularly in the East Bay. I live in Sunnyvale now, and seeing a black person is rare here. Mostly Asian/Indian and SE Asian. I'm not surprised if someone in Target in Sunnyvale called the police about a black person, and you walked out and they stopped you. In fact, I'm not surprised by anything you have said; but I've lived in SF Bay Area, LA, SD most of my life.
I can tell you it sometimes doesn’t matter if you fit or not, and whatever that is. I am one of those that fits in certain levels of society, but no matter where I work as a black female in tech 80% of the time I am still treated differently. I responded to differently. I could be the exact same person and have one organization to say that I’m aggressive, and another one say that I’m not assertive enough. Meanwhile, there’s always somebody’s mini somewhere doing their best to undermine me and try to push my buttons. I have had 30 years of this and I am tired.
Great stuff! Black people may be underrepresented in tech overall, but I think it depends on location. Here in Atlanta we are fairly deep, from what I’ve seen in my three decades in the industry.
@TechTualChatter 🤣 desktop support and white hat pen testing dont count as a masters my guy. I'm not kidding about the racial stuff, u out here complaining on why instead of not doing better and blaming everybody else. Rule #1, don't be compromised, don't be so public and wonder why you get Wee Wossed at your CNAMEs and whoIS recs 😉 . Go get real CC training and stop lookin for a handout.
@TechTualChatter I'm at a medium sized finance company now managing on- prem and cloud infrastructure. But I worked at several companies on my road map to becoming an engineer. Each job was a different step up. Help Desk > Desktop Support > Sys Admin > Network Admin > IT manager > Sr. Systems Engineer. Been in the industry for almost 20 years.
Great insight for any cooperate setting as a person of color. I always hold with me a quote from one of my managers “the work is the easy part, it’s the people” and that might be coworkers OR management.
Yo I live and cali and work in tech. I promise this is the truth. There is no room for you to be yourself and we as a highly melanated individual you have to be better and sharper than the average.
Hmm, the more black men that get managment experience in these areas, the more our community benefits. I can't stress the importance of these values. Edit: Also, there is a type of game people play to play victim to something you did in order to hide their own malice. The biggest burn I got in tech was someone crying about racism when she just didn't like black folk.
My experience, it’s better to just play the game, transparency can work against you, and don’t stray from it. Black people or people who resemble you in these spaces will sell you out in your job too if it’s advantageous.
It's always nice to see how far a person can go and how quickly if they have the right skin tone in our current culture of open racism/discrimination. A photoshop of the dream team? Good god, what happened to merit in this country? Shout out to the guys in the back offices of IT who are constantly passed up for promotions who actually do the work that keeps the lights on the switches blinking.
@@imanigordon6803 I have and it used to be, that's why we were #1. As a white guy I was raised in the "post-racist" west and as a kid I did not see color. When I grew up I realized it was all a scam. It was all about training white kids to be not be racist while encouraging others to be racist against whites openly. I have been passed up for jobs because skin tone is more important than merit in USA now. I am now more racist than ever and I teach my kids to be racist... that being said I still hate racism, I believe it hurts everyone in the end. When everyone else is willing to throw down their weapons I too will do so with joy, but I will never again allow myself or my kids to be tricked into disarming themselves while others continue to openly brandish their weapons and be rewarded for it while I then suffer for being the honorable sucker and fool.
@@TechTualChatter My two stories are 1: I worked my way up from janitor to IT manager and. fellow black janitor laughed when I said I have a computer science degree. And my second story was I had a coding interview for a state job and covid hit they canceled the job so i worked for IBM and later moved to Washington State for my current IT Security job.
It alot of people in tech wit no real degrees. These south asian cats got store front degree from India! Every corp has a culture documented and a process they must train you on. Learned that at IBM.
This is why remote jobs are going overseas/hard to get. Dudes in India will take $25k/year for jobs that will usually pay $80k+. Likewise companies will hire someone in Alabama who only needs $45k to live vs the guy in Seattle who needs $100k.
5:59 years a lot of places not going for that now They care literally only about you coming in and keeping the work going. They don’t want no personality, no socialization outside work relation, etc. I’ve worked for many corporations the last few years and the toxicity I’ve experience in the last 5 years, verses beginning my career 10 years ago is crazy. I started in business, joined the military to expend my degree and benefits, got out and went back to the career field and the culture is completely different. They care nothing about employee experience, only analytics.
I got pushed out from an NBA team working in tech because of a biased CFO. She eventually got to move on to an even bigger company. I struggled to find another for 4 years and 200+ applications. Only way I was able to get a job was a reference from an old coworker, a job I never even applied to. Went through a bunch of racial biased shit but I was able to out work successfully all the other races and now I finally have trust and respect after 3 years of flawless execution. We have to code switch and be perfect. It’s exhausting, but it’s the only way we get respect. I’m tired of these mediocre ppl getting all the great jobs and while we get overlooked. DEI is needed and important.
@@nightlifeking this. Ppl get mad when exores sour experience and say we're complaining but that's only because they will never feel like we do. I've had companies in the past tell me I'm the most qualified but we're going to pass 🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️ Not to mention I've gone to final rounds and have them fake like they like me instead of them being honest on I'm not being selected. It's a mess
Yeah interviews are only about them seeing if they like you or not. Your personality should shine bright in an interview. by the mere fact that you are in the interview tells them that you are qualified and can do or learn the work. Be likeable, that's all.
@@TechTualChatter Interesting, I would love to hear your thoughts and experience. Of course there are always outliers, like showing up black when they thought you were... Or hiring managers simply going through the motions of interviews when they already know who they're going to hire before they even posted the job. Yeah, those type of situations will always exist but I mean when there's a real opportunity on the table. Really that's all that matters in my opinion
@@sterlingharris1812 the whole job search process is a joke lol only certain places ask you questions on what your job will entail everyone else is trying to trip you up for no reason
@@TechTualChatter yeah I can agree with that lol. I guess i just consider that one of those outliers of interviewers simply going thru the motions for whatever reason. I definitely agree tho. Great channel btw ❤️💯
@@TechTualChatter West coast tech culture is just a beast. I have reached the point now of being a consultant that helps major tech companies... Now currently in the process of interviews with Microsoft after a layoff. It will be my second time working for them... Navigating as the only Black person on teams is for sure a strange adventure. I may eventually write a book about it.
I contacted a hiring manager once after an interview, I have never contacted a hiring manager since lol. If it's a dream job, sure go for it but if it's "just a job" do not overextend yourself.
So they don’t want real innerpersonal relationships at tech companies… oh, that explains where all these tonedeaf ideas come from. (Ai.e. Meta MAKING bots for engagement)
Love this content. We, Black Men, Descendants of Indigenous Enslaved in Amerikkka, deal with a lot of microaggression in these work environments created and fostered by white people. We Have to create OUR own. More stories of educated, qualified black men should be heard. I've several testimonies myself.
If you ain't at the tippy top, YOU and EVERYONE ELSE has to play the game. If you're gonna do you boo boo. You gonna find out that you can either....Leave out the window..Or the stairs.
@@TechTualChatter , I am curious... if I reversed those sentences 30 seconds in and said that I sought an IT manager position to support whites: is it acceptable?
I hate when people say more opertunities for black and women. So dumb, every single person in the US for free can get a comp ( laptop or desktop) to learn and get into any sector of Tech. To say he's doing it for "his" peeps is dumb, he in it for the money and passion like us of us techs. IT, devs, engineers, tinkerers, media specialists, etc.
@TechTualChatter lol i can't have an opinion? I just said why everything goes be about race? You hink u hot shit but can't produce nothing. I respect your guest but my guy you are wack. You probably going to complain about something and be like they don't like me cause I'm ...ck. Take ya L. Lol how you going copy hawktua, next thing you know you gonna scam with crypto smh. Be like your guest and go to school
@@integrationzzz exactly, it's simple if you have crappy manners, no one's going to want to work with you. But "nah, they take me as I am" is not gonna work. Watch this dude delete this comment again.
Great story! I love to see fellow black people in tech. 👏🏾 That said, $120k in the Bay is below the cost of living standards. Netflix got a great deal, IMO.
@ what’s 🧢? Brother all you are talking about is garbage. We all know what is going on here …. Give me the part where you talk about something constructive. I’m in University. Go ahead
Just my opinion. This is not a black only thing. If y’all want things to be different. Start by not saying it’s because we’re black. My experience as a tech. If you’re not a good fit you’re not. If it’s your skin color or the way you talk. So what it’s not for you keep it moving.
When I was a field tech someone called the police because they seen a black person in the neighborhood looking suspicious. They came to the clients house I was working at to ID me, search my car and verify that the person whose house I was working at was ok. That was definitely because I was black 😮
I was sitting in my car reading a book before on my lunch break at a company I used to work for. The police roaming the parking lot came to my car ID’d me and I had to call a supervisor out to prove I worked there even though I had my badge on me. Definitely because I’m black 😮
Watch full interview here: th-cam.com/video/6hdFWNpZj9s/w-d-xo.html
Product manager 💪🏾
I’m a black Network Engineer in the Bay Area. Everything he said is absolutely true. I’ve experienced it all. A black person knowing how to maneuver in corporate is a skill in its self. Being yourself is the quickest way to be shown the exit.
So true, worked for NCR, ATT, and IBM. only got laid off once. Learned to spot the signs and to always be looking for the next opportunity or someone will opportunity you right out the front door. No one wants you when you are unemployed but everyone wants you when you are employed.
when you're "being yourself" all of a sudden you're not a "culture fit"
Corporate navigation should be a special course that young Black adults can take freshman year of college. Maybe even HS senior year. Navigating through ANY corporate sector is pretty much the same. I had to learn the ropes the hard way, but I was also blessed to cross paths with some older Black folks who always gave me great advice. Now, my friends and I are working on educational material for young Black people that we will hopefully be teaching at community centers in our school district. If it goes well, we will move forward to the next phase of building the course. It is chance to give back some of the knowledge people gave me when they were not paid or required to do so. ✊🏾
I cannot speak for anyone but myself and I’m not black either. I’m a white latino (spanish descent). I absolutely cannot “be myself” either. I don’t think anyone can really. It’s all politics. That’s why people hate politicians generally, it’s all fake.
I’m super blunt IRL and sometimes rude. Like if someone isn’t bleeding to death literally to me nothing is that urgent lol. But work will try to make you feel as if everything is super urgent and have you stressed to no end.
100%. I'm Mexican. It is still a white man AND white woman's working world. 'culture fit' man, I really hate that phrase. Sounds so phony.
Being from California and working in Tech, all of the companies I've worked at I've been the only African American in my departments. From small companies, to the company I am at now (large utility), we have to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. California is no different than states that are well known for discrimination, its just disguised better. Have to be savvy here.
I think that's the sucky part about then being labeled as so progressive
Facts! As someone from California your take is spot on.
same, 100% corporate racism still exist and navigating this and understanding is key
I worked for a big one treated you like a number , I had better success working for smaller organizations and roughly similar pay
Me also. I’m the only African-American and most cases at any company I worked at. If there’s been another black person, they were directly from Africa. I guess that was their way of fulfilling that, but they were also adding a foreigner to it. I was at one company where There was one other African-American female hired, and the person she worked along with was trying everything she could to get this girl fired.
The comp I’m at now in a different state. I’m the only African female if our department in IT. There was one of the African-American female and a different area in our IT department and they laid her off last year. And I swear my boss is trying to do everything she can to line me up so that I can be in the next set of layoffs. I mean, she is outright lying and if I ever had to take them to court, I would be looking forward to it so the whole team and everyone they could be interviewed and swore on the oath to come out to reveal what she is saying as lying.
I worked at Netflix during the same time and experienced the same challenges. It was more about finding a place in the culture than being good at your job
@@rwaanabarnes7166 what was your role there?
Because I travel to many sites I’ve learned to wear my badge around my neck in clear view to prevent anyone from stopping me and asking to see it. This is just one of the conscious decisions I make daily to maneuver in IT being a black. man. Everyone else wear their badges on their hip not clearly visible.
"How much of myself am I willing to sacrifice for this role?" That is such a great question to ask yourself. I'm only trying to code switch but so much. Outside of displaying the standards of professionalism, I do want the room to be myself, too.
It should be 100% - everyone turns off who they are. YT people turn off who they are too
You don't need to be yourself, you need to run your role and be professional. People don't care about what you think about current events and it has nothing to do with the role of the company
@MM-24 lol bs
@@TechTualChatter good response. But anyone with wisdom understands. Black people have been integrated into the workforce since the 60s , this isn't anything new
@MM-24 more blue collar workforces less white collar work
@@TechTualChatter we've been blue collar since the 1900's and WW2. Blacks were mechanics etc
White collar since the 60s
Everything he's saying is right. Like in other industries, they are very nebulous about their communication with you. Then when they want to fire you, they'll bring up all kinds of nonsense that you would never think was important. "Oh, he didn't leave the coffee pot on in the morning. Oh he's difficult to work with." The more "genuine" and "nicer" you are, the more they will come for you. You have to be balanced in your relations with everyone and always be professional.
Or just work for yourself. I got burnt early in life from corporate america. One day us Black folks going to get off that 9-5 chain.
@Xilent1 everybody can't work for themselves they need that structure
Now for those with the aptitude I agree with you
@@TechTualChatter You're right. The only solution I can think of is of course, more Black Businesses in a wider spread of industries. I know, easier said than done. I still have faith in us. I know its a lot more complex than a TH-cam comment. LOL
@@Xilent1 Do you really think this is a dichotomous issue? You really think everyone can and should "just work for yourself"? 😐
This interview was excellent, and the emphasis on showcasing interpersonal skills and fit really resonated with me. The best advice I’ve ever received about the interview process ties directly to this point: don’t stress about your qualifications-you’ve already cleared that hurdle. Instead, focus on demonstrating your personality and how well you align with the team and company culture.
I was born and raised in America. My background is from the infamous H1B country. With that said, I have seen and experienced my fair share of crap being in tech. Firstly every. single. job. at least one (or more) person had something derogatory to say about black people. His statement about documenting everything and also being prepared for anything is much more important to colored people in tech. My opinion is there are unwritten rules in IT regarding certain people. Really it comes down to move through your career without attaching your life to any job especially in tech. Always be ready to be cut or leave with a sound backup plan.
I am white and I identify with a lot of what this guy says - so I think may be 85% of what he says can apply to anyone - I am not discounting his experience/views as a black man, but a lot of what he said resonated with me and my experience in the I.T industry in the U.K... particularly what he says about how much of myself am I prepared to adjust to fit in...
Great video and interview. I enjoy hearing these stories and conversations with other brothers in Tech and other IT fields. Another point the interviewee made, he is absolutely correct in documenting things on your own even if your manager/supervisor does not. There is definitely a LOT of ambiguity in I.T. and if you keep your own documentation and tally of what work you complete and cover down on it can cover you just in case. ALWAYS remember CYA.
“How much of me am I willing to sacrifice for this role” definitely a real question we as black people gotta ask
The comment about intentionally trying to manage you out that should be a whole episode.
It might be one day 🫡
@@TechTualChatter It happened to me before I was laid off. My manager was promoted and then they rehired someone who used to work there to take his spot.
@monique9003 smh
Incredible I am so glad that I found this channel. This happened to me when I was looking to transition to Silicon Valley from Washington, DC....I had an interview with LinkedIn in San Jose and was flown out for an in-person interview yes prior to COVID. To preface I have a PhD in Informatioin Assurance and Computer Science specializing in AI/ML and Machine Algorithm and I was interviewing for a Network Architect job at LinkedIn and my credentials were very impressive according to them and the interviews went well and I did make the personal touch/connection. I would've been THE ONLY BLACK PERSON on the entire team in a senior role. I was later told that I wouldn't be a good "cultural" fit at LinkedIn basically because I was overqualified and I haven't forgiven them for that BULLSHIT since. So long story short I stayed in DC and continue my work supporting the Government...But yeah the racism and discrimination is rampant in Silicon Valley....I am glad I dodged that bullet...
I hate to see people get treated this way, they’ll discriminate against you but call it DEI when you get the job you are qualified for
It’s amazing that us black folks don’t know each other and we all had the same experience. Them white folks don’t go through this stuff
I tell people the same thing about California! I experienced more racism in the progressive Bay Area than in red states! Luckily my job is good because my manager is black! being in the Bay Area makes me want to move to Houston or Atlanta. To be around other black professionals
I can tell you, tech is white. Just because Atlanta / Houston have huge black professional communities... You'll still be working with majority white folks
It's everywhere.
We need our own companies where we establish anti-racist culture.
@@yasin-ali Its everywhere but at least in the south, they let it be known they don't mess with you. In California, they could have a BLM flag on their lawn and still hate black people.
Watched because I was an IT manager at Netflix a while ago… didn’t expect this super interesting take! Thanks!
Thanks for watching with an open mind
As a BM IT manager everything he said is true. Like most said its not about having the 10% tech skills to survive but 90% is about navigating around people of other cultures who are not used to being around your culture. This even includes your direct reports. Lots of unwritten rules that you must learn as a black person in tech. To be frank the guaranteed way to be a high earner in tech is either consult from your mastered skills of working some years in corp or to start your own tech company. You won't see many of us in the board of directors or executive positions. If you do they are mainly bw. No offense.
Like he said always document everything and make sure it can easily be traceable. The key for me to survive my nearly 20 years in tech is having a good team of managers that believe in you and will fight for you. You also have to be very likable and easy to work with. It doesn't matter if you don't like the person. Also have your projects done before the deadline and show up in time. Don't BS in the hallway or act a fool at “team outing functions”. People talk and your manager is always taking notes.
Again lots of unwritten rules.
@@Gman2002 a little over a decade in and I don't see myself staying in corporate forever
Great stuff gentlemen. Glad I found your podcast. Sorry to hear about the struggles, it's rough out there. Will say my two cents, you sound like a pretty awesome boss, mentor and team player. Hope to meet you out in the field some day to shake your hand.
@@maverick173 🫡🫡
This interview hit home. I work for a big tech company in Santa Clara. I started out as a contractor fighting for a permanent position. When the position opened up, they let another person compete against me for the position. Effectively getting more work out of us. What made it even worse, I was the person who trained the guy. I had no choice because I was desperate to show them my dedication. I got the position but it wasn’t an easy ride. But now I feel stuck in a position that pays me just well enough to get by in a this crazy economy. I need growth but I feel like in order to do better financially, I’m gonna have to take a big risk and job hop. And yes, I’m the only black person in my department. Go figure.
@@Lesser_Than what do you do?
@ I’m a Lab Technician to say the least.
He sounds like a good manager, this industry tries to destroy people's good character
@14:00 same exact thing happened to me in Sunnyvale at Safeway on El Camino Real around the corner from 24HR Fitness.
@@IceRockPolar sheesh
These stores are so racist. Safeway is the worst.
I work in IT in the SF Bay, and having a black IT manager is rare. Most of the reported crimes after Covid appear to be committed by black people around here; particularly in the East Bay. I live in Sunnyvale now, and seeing a black person is rare here. Mostly Asian/Indian and SE Asian. I'm not surprised if someone in Target in Sunnyvale called the police about a black person, and you walked out and they stopped you. In fact, I'm not surprised by anything you have said; but I've lived in SF Bay Area, LA, SD most of my life.
I can tell you it sometimes doesn’t matter if you fit or not, and whatever that is. I am one of those that fits in certain levels of society, but no matter where I work as a black female in tech 80% of the time I am still treated differently. I responded to differently. I could be the exact same person and have one organization to say that I’m aggressive, and another one say that I’m not assertive enough. Meanwhile, there’s always somebody’s mini somewhere doing their best to undermine me and try to push my buttons. I have had 30 years of this and I am tired.
@@LainiLiving man that sucks 🤦🏾♂️
Great stuff! Black people may be underrepresented in tech overall, but I think it depends on location. Here in Atlanta we are fairly deep, from what I’ve seen in my three decades in the industry.
@@kweli05 yeah I think that is one of the pluses of being out there in ATL. Everywhere else just has pockets of black ppl here and there
@kweli05 how are they under represented, they make up majority of graduates and are the largest growing in the IT sector.
@@june5646 you're trolling aren't you
@TechTualChatter 🤣 desktop support and white hat pen testing dont count as a masters my guy. I'm not kidding about the racial stuff, u out here complaining on why instead of not doing better and blaming everybody else. Rule #1, don't be compromised, don't be so public and wonder why you get Wee Wossed at your CNAMEs and whoIS recs 😉 . Go get real CC training and stop lookin for a handout.
@@june5646 I'm talking Black people in the tech industry. Either way, Black people don't make up the majority of STEM graduates.
Great interview fam. Cool to hear bros story as someone who does the same thing.
@@bossK78 nice where you working at if you don't mind me asking?
@TechTualChatter I'm at a medium sized finance company now managing on- prem and cloud infrastructure. But I worked at several companies on my road map to becoming an engineer. Each job was a different step up. Help Desk > Desktop Support > Sys Admin > Network Admin > IT manager > Sr. Systems Engineer. Been in the industry for almost 20 years.
Great video. Really great. Thank you.
I agree. So many true things
I wish there was a Black corporate alternative to each tech company so we have something to compare to.
Great insight for any cooperate setting as a person of color. I always hold with me a quote from one of my managers “the work is the easy part, it’s the people” and that might be coworkers OR management.
Refreshing to here the perspective of a IT Manager.
Yo I live and cali and work in tech. I promise this is the truth. There is no room for you to be yourself and we as a highly melanated individual you have to be better and sharper than the average.
Listening to this makes me wanna get my book in the hands of every black person in corporate America.
What is the name of your book?
Hmm, the more black men that get managment experience in these areas, the more our community benefits. I can't stress the importance of these values. Edit: Also, there is a type of game people play to play victim to something you did in order to hide their own malice. The biggest burn I got in tech was someone crying about racism when she just didn't like black folk.
Wow that's interesting
My experience, it’s better to just play the game, transparency can work against you, and don’t stray from it. Black people or people who resemble you in these spaces will sell you out in your job too if it’s advantageous.
It's always nice to see how far a person can go and how quickly if they have the right skin tone in our current culture of open racism/discrimination. A photoshop of the dream team? Good god, what happened to merit in this country? Shout out to the guys in the back offices of IT who are constantly passed up for promotions who actually do the work that keeps the lights on the switches blinking.
Merit was never the bar in the United States have you read our history? 😂
@@imanigordon6803 I have and it used to be, that's why we were #1. As a white guy I was raised in the "post-racist" west and as a kid I did not see color. When I grew up I realized it was all a scam. It was all about training white kids to be not be racist while encouraging others to be racist against whites openly. I have been passed up for jobs because skin tone is more important than merit in USA now. I am now more racist than ever and I teach my kids to be racist... that being said I still hate racism, I believe it hurts everyone in the end. When everyone else is willing to throw down their weapons I too will do so with joy, but I will never again allow myself or my kids to be tricked into disarming themselves while others continue to openly brandish their weapons and be rewarded for it while I then suffer for being the honorable sucker and fool.
@@imanigordon6803 Being ignorant of the past because you were brainwashed to be a perpetual victim does nothing to help anyone.
Bricesen Ross was dropping mega gems in this interview. 🔥🔥🔥
This dude is smart. Getting a tech job at a big ass company like that is hard af.
I’m in Georgia Tech too is he hiring for business intelligence analyst role or similar? 😭🙏🏽
@@JoannaElendu not at the moment
I guess people never heard of the saying “last hired 1st fired”
Tech and finance very similar in ways. Thanks for the explanation of your experiences
Great interview!
100% document what your manager says, i had a very similar situation happen to me.
Love this! I love how much knowledge he has and shares!
I had a similar experience when I was IT manager at LSU
@@SavageScientist really?
@@TechTualChatter My two stories are 1: I worked my way up from janitor to IT manager and. fellow black janitor laughed when I said I have a computer science degree. And my second story was I had a coding interview for a state job and covid hit they canceled the job so i worked for IBM and later moved to Washington State for my current IT Security job.
Greeeat convo! Great perspective, realistic things!
It alot of people in tech wit no real degrees. These south asian cats got store front degree from India! Every corp has a culture documented and a process they must train you on. Learned that at IBM.
This is why remote jobs are going overseas/hard to get. Dudes in India will take $25k/year for jobs that will usually pay $80k+. Likewise companies will hire someone in Alabama who only needs $45k to live vs the guy in Seattle who needs $100k.
@AtracBreezy they been doing this!
Very candid conversation. 😃👍👍.
Yes it was!
A huge chunk of this comment section screams "its not for you anyway" IMO
Pretty much
Fantastic video and very relatable
Great interview, I can totally relate after working in Corp. and racist government 😅.
@@theresalucas9477 🤣🤣
5:59 years a lot of places not going for that now
They care literally only about you coming in and keeping the work going. They don’t want no personality, no socialization outside work relation, etc.
I’ve worked for many corporations the last few years and the toxicity I’ve experience in the last 5 years, verses beginning my career 10 years ago is crazy.
I started in business, joined the military to expend my degree and benefits, got out and went back to the career field and the culture is completely different. They care nothing about employee experience, only analytics.
I got pushed out from an NBA team working in tech because of a biased CFO. She eventually got to move on to an even bigger company. I struggled to find another for 4 years and 200+ applications. Only way I was able to get a job was a reference from an old coworker, a job I never even applied to. Went through a bunch of racial biased shit but I was able to out work successfully all the other races and now I finally have trust and respect after 3 years of flawless execution. We have to code switch and be perfect. It’s exhausting, but it’s the only way we get respect. I’m tired of these mediocre ppl getting all the great jobs and while we get overlooked. DEI is needed and important.
@@nightlifeking this. Ppl get mad when exores sour experience and say we're complaining but that's only because they will never feel like we do. I've had companies in the past tell me I'm the most qualified but we're going to pass 🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️
Not to mention I've gone to final rounds and have them fake like they like me instead of them being honest on I'm not being selected. It's a mess
Yeah interviews are only about them seeing if they like you or not. Your personality should shine bright in an interview. by the mere fact that you are in the interview tells them that you are qualified and can do or learn the work. Be likeable, that's all.
@@sterlingharris1812 that's not entirely true
Trust me I know from experience
@@TechTualChatter Interesting, I would love to hear your thoughts and experience. Of course there are always outliers, like showing up black when they thought you were... Or hiring managers simply going through the motions of interviews when they already know who they're going to hire before they even posted the job. Yeah, those type of situations will always exist but I mean when there's a real opportunity on the table. Really that's all that matters in my opinion
@@TechTualChatter oh and certainly not applying for jobs that I know dang well I'm not qualified for lol
@@sterlingharris1812 the whole job search process is a joke lol only certain places ask you questions on what your job will entail everyone else is trying to trip you up for no reason
@@TechTualChatter yeah I can agree with that lol. I guess i just consider that one of those outliers of interviewers simply going thru the motions for whatever reason. I definitely agree tho. Great channel btw ❤️💯
What is an IT Manager? Is this networking, front-end? Engineering? Ops?
Oooooo same.... Seattle Tech.... 25 years...
@@AlanMotley so the west coast not the best coast
@@TechTualChatter West coast tech culture is just a beast. I have reached the point now of being a consultant that helps major tech companies... Now currently in the process of interviews with Microsoft after a layoff. It will be my second time working for them... Navigating as the only Black person on teams is for sure a strange adventure. I may eventually write a book about it.
He ain't lying.
I wouldn't mind chatting about tech talk with some brothas. Been grinding multiple businesses while in GovTech for the past 8 years
@@keritans connect with me on ig
I contacted a hiring manager once after an interview, I have never contacted a hiring manager since lol. If it's a dream job, sure go for it but if it's "just a job" do not overextend yourself.
Thanks for this
People don’t talk about how DOD contracting can just let you go with no reasoning. A lot of informal managing too
I was just watching the 2 hour interview
GREAT interview
I don't know about the Target story
What don’t you know? Probably a lot.
He didn’t speak about phd students in engineering. Writing software. Why not? Thanks!!
IC role main I ask what is IC?
@@Damo_LowEnd_or_NoEnd individual contributor
Basically you are always still at work.
Managers are not needed
So they don’t want real innerpersonal relationships at tech companies… oh, that explains where all these tonedeaf ideas come from. (Ai.e. Meta MAKING bots for engagement)
🤣🤣
Love this content. We, Black Men, Descendants of Indigenous Enslaved in Amerikkka, deal with a lot of microaggression in these work environments created and fostered by white people. We Have to create OUR own. More stories of educated, qualified black men should be heard. I've several testimonies myself.
If you ain't at the tippy top, YOU and EVERYONE ELSE has to play the game. If you're gonna do you boo boo. You gonna find out that you can either....Leave out the window..Or the stairs.
That's certainly a thought
His rapper name "NOTORIOUS D.E.I"
How is he DEI?
Dude looks like rzpper with all thzt bling bling
A watch and small chain with no charm?! What rapper? 😂
Okta, not Octa...
@@NetGawker same difference
30 seconds into this clip, and your guest just admitted to a crime with preferential treatment of blacks?
@@themore-you-know no he didn't lmao
@@TechTualChatter , I am curious... if I reversed those sentences 30 seconds in and said that I sought an IT manager position to support whites: is it acceptable?
@@TechTualChatter , then you would be okay with an IT manager saying he wants to help white people, correct?
ugh, he started out racist right away.
What???
14:43 real
I hate when people say more opertunities for black and women. So dumb, every single person in the US for free can get a comp ( laptop or desktop) to learn and get into any sector of Tech. To say he's doing it for "his" peeps is dumb, he in it for the money and passion like us of us techs. IT, devs, engineers, tinkerers, media specialists, etc.
@@june5646 wtf are you even upset about 😂😂
@TechTualChatter lol i can't have an opinion? I just said why everything goes be about race? You hink u hot shit but can't produce nothing. I respect your guest but my guy you are wack. You probably going to complain about something and be like they don't like me cause I'm ...ck. Take ya L. Lol how you going copy hawktua, next thing you know you gonna scam with crypto smh. Be like your guest and go to school
Nah you right about this shit, always some bs “for my people” comment
@@integrationzzz exactly, it's simple if you have crappy manners, no one's going to want to work with you. But "nah, they take me as I am" is not gonna work. Watch this dude delete this comment again.
It bothers you that much to hear? Sounds like you have some issues to work through.
Dude said a whole lot of nothing.
Great story! I love to see fellow black people in tech. 👏🏾 That said, $120k in the Bay is below the cost of living standards. Netflix got a great deal, IMO.
@@selinov but he made 250k as a manager shortly after that 😅😅
❤
This is relatable
21:13 no truer words have ever been spoken.
I knew that I shouldn’t have clicked on this garbage, I’m tired of this political agenda. No wisdom being dropped just garbage and more garbage
@@EzGlad 🧢🧢🧢
@ what’s 🧢? Brother all you are talking about is garbage. We all know what is going on here …. Give me the part where you talk about something constructive. I’m in University. Go ahead
Where is the tech part? What is the constructive argument here ? I missed it
Yours truly, a real tech.
Matter fact; here you go
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_American_People_Series_20:_Die
We all know what’s happening here,
@EzGlad watch the full episode and find out ..
Just my opinion. This is not a black only thing. If y’all want things to be different. Start by not saying it’s because we’re black. My experience as a tech. If you’re not a good fit you’re not. If it’s your skin color or the way you talk. So what it’s not for you keep it moving.
@@joseroman6484 lol
When I was a field tech someone called the police because they seen a black person in the neighborhood looking suspicious. They came to the clients house I was working at to ID me, search my car and verify that the person whose house I was working at was ok. That was definitely because I was black 😮
I was sitting in my car reading a book before on my lunch break at a company I used to work for. The police roaming the parking lot came to my car ID’d me and I had to call a supervisor out to prove I worked there even though I had my badge on me. Definitely because I’m black 😮
@@TechTualChatter I get echo chamber vibes in here...
The gaslighting is insane...😂😂😂