Hey there, I’m Bogdan Popescu, a seasoned IT professional (LinkedIn here). This blog is my way of looking back on the lessons I’ve learned in my IT career, sharing those experiences for anyone who might find them useful. Moreover, it serves as a personal journey of introspection, reminding me of essential aspects I might have overlooked along the way. Much like in trekking, while reaching the destination is undoubtedly important and brings an incredible sense of achievement, what I believe holds even greater significance and lingers in memory is the entire journey leading up to that destination.

My story kicks off right after I graduated from engineering school, brimming with a burning passion for coding. I knew enough to whip up the classic “Hello World” program in several programming languages, but I had no clue which one to dive into and make my own.

My career kicked off with my first real job as a Support Engineer providing Level 2 and Level 3 Support. I was eager to put my skills to the test, and it was here that I realized the importance of problem-solving and collaboration. As I honed my coding abilities and gained experience, I climbed the ranks to become a Senior Engineer, taking on more significant challenges and responsibilities.

The transition to a Dev Lead role was a turning point in my career. It wasn’t just about writing code anymore; it was about leading a team, making critical decisions, and ensuring projects were delivered on time and within scope.

The leap to Engineering Manager further expanded my horizons. I found myself not only overseeing development teams but also aligning technology initiatives with the overall business strategy. This phase of my journey taught me the invaluable skill of bridging the gap between technology and business goals.

As I continued to grow professionally, I assumed the role of Head of Engineering, later becoming the Engineering Director. Here, I was responsible for shaping the not only the technical direction of the organization but also the organization itself, managing cross-functional teams, and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.

Finally, I reached my current destination as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO). This role is the culmination of years of hard work, learning, and growth. As CTO, I steer the technology ship, setting the course for our organization’s future, and I’m passionate about sharing my experiences and insights with you.

Throughout my journey, I’ve encountered countless challenges, celebrated victories, and embraced continuous learning. The CTO Trek is my platform to share these experiences with you. Together, we’ll explore the dynamic world of technology leadership, dive into the challenges that extend beyond the CTO role, and discuss the vital role personal growth plays in this journey.

Thank you for joining me on this adventure. I look forward to connecting with you, sharing stories, and learning from one another as we strive to reach new heights in our careers and personal lives.