Why Shifting into Leadership in a Career in Technology Changes Everything
- Ron Salazar
- 6 days ago
- 7 min read
The technology industry keeps changing. New tools, ways of working, and job roles always show up. Because of this, many careers in tech don't follow a set path.
People often shift roles, learn new skills, and grow through real work, not just school. One big part of growing in this field is learning to lead others. That shift doesn’t happen overnight. It takes learning, trying, and adjusting as you go.
Gary Sorrentino is the Global Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Zoom Video Communications. He started in the late 1970s fixing computer monitors. Over the years, he moved from field tech to leadership positions at top banks like UBS, Credit Suisse, and J.P. Morgan Asset Management.
At Zoom, he is working on the vendor side for the first time. Across his 45-year journey, Gary has focused on learning, leading, and helping others succeed. He believes in growing people, staying curious, and always being open to change.
In this article, you’ll learn how careers in tech can grow through risks, mistakes, and self-correction. You’ll see how Gary moved from hands-on tech work into leadership. We’ll also explore how to support a team, adjust your style, and prepare for what’s next.
How Do Mentors and Early Decisions Shape a Career in Technology?
A tech career often starts by chance. Gary Sorrentino planned to become a history teacher. That changed in high school when he was introduced to electronics.
A friend connected him with someone running a computer maintenance company. At first, Gary said no. Later, he gave it a try. That small step began a 45-year journey in tech.
Early Work and Shifts
Field Tech Beginnings
Gary started by fixing large monitors and circuit boards. Back then, they used octal programming. It was basic but valuable work.
Growth in Service and M&A
He became a field service engineer and worked on company mergers. He helped combine systems during these transitions.
Shift to Financial Services
A friend helped him land a role at UBS in the mid-1990s. That led to 25 years in banking tech. He worked at UBS, Credit Suisse, and JPMorgan as CIO, CTO, CISO, and CFO.
Vendor-Side at Zoom
After years in finance, he joined Zoom. It was his only role on the vendor side.
The Role of Mentors
Gary had many mentors. Some gave strong guidance. Others gave small nudges at the right time. These people helped him take risks, try new things, and support businesses better. Every push moved him forward.
Challenges and Lessons
Gary faced setbacks like taking a role too soon or staying too long. He said fear slows people down. Instead of seeing problems, he learned from each one.
He kept moving. That helped him grow. Every mistake taught him something new. Over time, those lessons built a long, successful career.
Shifting Into Leadership in a Career in Technology
Building a successful career means taking smart risks, learning from choices, and finding support when needed. Sometimes, the best advice comes from people outside your close circle.
They offer honest feedback without emotional ties. Still, not all advice helps. You need to know what to take in and what to leave out.
Doubt and Self-Correction
Many people face self-doubt, especially when they don’t meet every job requirement. This feeling can hold you back. But often, the only thing stopping growth is not trying. The truth is, someone might already see your value, even if you don’t.
Mistakes will happen. That’s part of any career. What matters is learning from them and making better choices next time. If something doesn’t work out, adjust and try again. Being able to self-correct keeps you moving forward.
From Tech Expert to Manager
Moving into management takes a mindset shift. You stop doing the work and start guiding others.
Letting go of control is hard, especially when you know the task well. But growth needs space to fail.
Leadership grows over time. You learn that your team’s success matters more than doing it all yourself.
The real shift happens when you stop seeing people as job titles and start seeing them as your core strength.
Supporting and Growing a Team
Good leaders adjust based on what their team members need. Some need space. Others want direction. Learn what works best for each person.
Fairness matters, but so does flexibility. Treating everyone equally may feel easier, but it’s not always right. Make small changes that support each person’s style.
Hire people with skills or strong potential. Then, give them the tools and support they need to grow. When people feel trusted and valued, they do their best work.
What Leadership Style Works Best for a Career in Technology?
Everyone works in their way. Some people want direction. Others prefer space to figure things out. Strong leaders notice this and adjust. They focus on the person, not just the role.
If someone can reach the goal differently, let them know. What matters is the result. This shift in thinking helps leaders grow, and teams do better work.
Build Trust Through Flexibility
Understand how each person works best. Learn what support they need and lead with that in mind.
Focus on the result, not the method. Let others take a different path if it works well.
Allow safe failures. Mistakes teach people to grow and think for themselves.
Think of the team, not just the task. Supporting each person helps the whole group succeed.
Stay Open and Keep Learning
Each generation works a bit differently. Instead of resisting, choose to learn from them. You may not agree with every idea, but there’s value in listening.
Stay curious. Keep learning new things, even after many years on the job. Use short courses or quick lessons when time is tight. Growth doesn’t stop.
Feedback Is a Gift
Take all feedback seriously. Whether it helps or not, it still shows how others see your work. You don’t have to agree with every point, but take time to reflect on it. Use what helps and let the rest go.
Advice to Your Younger Self
Surround yourself with great people.
Be someone others trust and enjoy working with.
Don’t wait too long to make a move.
Trust your choices and take smart risks.
Learn, adjust, and keep going. That’s how real growth happens.
How Growth and Curiosity Shape a Career in Technology
It’s easy to stay where you feel safe. You know the work, the people, and how to get things done. But over time, comfort can hold you back. If you stop learning, you stop growing.
Change feels risky. You may lose your network and have to start from scratch. But taking that step often leads to bigger growth.
You might dip for a moment, but you’ll reach new peaks. Ask yourself, are you still learning or just staying busy? If you're not growing, it’s time to move.
Sometimes, your gut knows before your head does. Trust it.
What Matters Most in a Career in Technology
Big projects and titles look good, but people leave the biggest mark. Helping others grow means more than any award.
You may not know the impact right away. Years later, someone might reach out and thank you. That moment stays with you. It means you helped someone move forward.
Projects come and go. People stay in your story. Support others the way someone once supported you.
The Future of Work and Why Curiosity Matters
AI, AR, VR, and smart tools are growing fast
Simple language will soon guide complex tasks
Tech will cut small tasks and save time
Tools will support smarter teamwork and better outcomes
Try new tools and explore features
Stay cyber-safe, but keep testing things
Curiosity helps you learn, adapt, and grow
The next big feature may start as a small one today
Work is changing quickly. The best way to keep up is to stay curious. Ask questions. Try new things.
Push buttons. Every click could teach you something. That mindset will help you keep growing, no matter where you are in your career.
Conclusion
Shifting into leadership in a career in technology takes more than just knowing how things work. It takes clear thinking, trust in yourself, and a strong focus on others.
You need to move from doing the work to guiding people who do it. That shift can feel hard initially, but it opens the door to real growth.
Good leaders keep learning. They listen, adjust, and help others do their best. They know not everyone works the same way. Some need freedom, and others need direction.
Understanding this helps leaders bring out the best in each person. What matters most is helping the team reach the goal, not how each person gets there.
As work keeps changing, curiosity matters more than ever. Ask questions. Try new tools. Keep an open mind. Don’t wait to feel fully ready before taking a step forward.
Growth often starts with a small risk. It’s okay to make mistakes if you learn and adjust. The most lasting impact comes from helping others grow. Projects may come and go, but people remember your support.
The best way to grow your career is to stay curious, keep learning, and support those around you. That’s what strong leadership looks like in today’s tech world.
FAQs
What soft skills help when shifting into leadership in a career in technology?
Listening, clear communication, and empathy matter. These help build trust and guide team members better.
Does shifting into leadership in a career in technology require a management degree?
No. Experience, trust, and people skills matter more. Many leaders grow into the role through work, not school.
How can I measure success after shifting into leadership in a career in technology?
Watch your team’s growth. You're doing something right if they learn, improve, and meet goals.
What is one thing to avoid when shifting into leadership in a career in technology?
Avoid trying to control everything. Let your team take charge of their tasks and learn through doing.
Can introverts succeed in shifting into leadership in a career in technology?
Yes. Many introverts lead well by listening deeply, thinking clearly, and leading calmly.
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