Next Chapters: Career Pivots and Life Changes

In this episode of Next Chapters, host Glenn Rumfellow sits down with Doug Lubey, a veteran of the software industry with 30 years of experience in the Baton Rouge community. Doug shares his journey from working as a computer instructor at a Boys and Girls Club to his current role as a Software Engineering Manager at Tyler Technologies, where he leads teams through complex Agile development processes. Doug dives deep into the evolution of his career, discussing:Early Days in IT: Upgrading systems to Windows NT and the lessons learned in the research labs of Albemarle. Building a Legacy: His long tenure at Alliance Safety Council, where he developed a database that supported the organization for over two decades. The "Aha" Moment: The challenges of career stagnation and the difficult decision to pivot when long-held professional plans began to shift. Modern Management: Insights into the "pod" system of engineering and why the "people side" of the job is just as important as the code. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting your own "next chapter," Doug’s reflections on persistence, creativity, and the reality of the senior job market offer valuable takeaways for any professional.

In this inaugural episode of Next Chapters, host Glenn Rumfellow sits down with longtime friend Paul Brown to explore a life defined by radical pivots and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From a childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian to a miraculous health recovery that uprooted his life, Paul’s journey is anything but predictable. In this episode, we discuss:The Miraculous Pivot: How a sudden healing from chronic kidney disease led Paul to abandon his plans at LSU for a ministry internship in Illinois. Life in the Trenches: Paul’s 13-year career as a Baton Rouge police officer, spanning from the North Baton Rouge night shift to the SWAT team and armed robbery investigations. The "Operating Mode" Shift: The humbling transition from the high-stakes, life-or-death world of law enforcement to a career in construction safety and systems. Redefining Success: Paul shares his philosophy on "reconstructing" faith during personal hardship and why he believes in pursuing what you are good at over what you are passionate about. The Multiplier Effect: Paul’s current role in building a unique business model focused on creating 400 owners rather than just 400 employees. Key Takeaways:Be Less Wrong: Why acknowledging you rarely have the full picture is the key to better decision making and a higher quality of life. Winning the Argument: How to shift from "being right" to resolving disconnects. Fire Prevention: The importance of looking past the immediate crisis to build systems that prevent the next one. Join us for this deep dive into what it means to evolve, excel, and honor others through every stage of life. Follow Next Chapters to never miss an episode on career pivots and life changes.

A brief introduction to the Next Chapters podcast