349: Invest In Communication and Be An Optimist with James Malley

In this week's show, Phil talks to James Malley, the CEO and Co-Founder of Paccurate. He has been working in the logistics tech space since 2009 and has helped create a variety of enterprise shipping technology. He spearheaded the design of an award-winning multi-carrier TMS (Transportation Management Software) and since 2015, he's been evangelizing the use of AI to achieve cost-efficient and environmentally sustainable packing. James talks about the importance of investing in communication to make the innovation process easier. He also discusses the value of optimism and trying to see the best side of every situation.   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   TOP CAREER TIP When building something new that has no precedent, it's always best to focus more upon communication in the early stages, to make the process easier.   WORST CAREER MOMENT During a joint venture with a large company, James's work was not matched by his partner. Through this he learned to be wary of partners and what they can provide in terms of value.   CAREER HIGHLIGHT Conversely, a partnership entered into after gaining experience, proved entirely fruitful, especially when it came to sustainability.   THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T There are always problems to be solved – innovations to be found – even when we think we've come as far as we can. This makes the world of IT perennially exciting and challenging.   THE REVEAL What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – James found his love for IT through design and problem solving. What's the best career advice you received? – Say yes to everything What's the worst career advice you received? – To again, say yes to everything! What would you do if you started your career now? – James would work on problems that other people are dealing with, and not things that nobody is asking for. What are your current career objectives? – Becoming a better CEO, helping others to achieve more and finding better ways to work remotely. What's your number one non-technical skill? – Networking. How do you keep your own career energized? – Making the supply chain more sustainable and less wasteful. What do you do away from technology? – Spending time with his three-year-old son and trying to prevent household accidents!   FINAL CAREER TIP Be a micro-pessimist, but a macro-optimist. It's easy to be pessimistic and difficult to see the best in a situation. But the best of the best can see the light in everything.   BEST MOMENTS (8:08) – James – "Invest in messaging and communication" (12:05) – James - "You may look around and think every problem has been solved. The truth is that's not the case" (12:37) – James – "Get comfortable with whatever industry you're in. That's where you'll find the most valuable ideas" (18:11)– James – "Focus on solving problems, and you'll find your niche sooner rather than later"   ABOUT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organizations to design, develop, and implement software solutions.  Phil has always had an interest in helping others to develop and advance their careers.  And in 2017 Phil started the I.T. Career Energizer podcast to try to help as many people as possible to learn from the career advice and experiences of those that have been, and still are, on that same career journey.   CONTACT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/_PhilBurgess LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philburgess Instagram: https://instagram.com/_philburgess Website: https://itcareerenergizer.com/contact Phil is also reachable by email at [email protected] and via the podcast's website, https://itcareerenergizer.com Join the I.T. Career Energizer Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ITCareerEnergizer   ABOUT THE GUEST – JAMES MALLEY James Malley is the CEO and Co-Founder of Paccurate. He has been working in the logistics tech space since 2009 and has helped create a variety of enterprise shipping technology. He spearheaded the design of an award-winning multi-carrier TMS (Transportation Management Software) and since 2015, he's been evangelizing the use of AI to achieve cost-efficient and environmentally sustainable packing.   CONTACT THE GUEST – JAMES MALLEY Twitter: https://twitter.com/mistermalley LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmalley Website: https://paccurate.io