In the competitive world of technology, Keith has carved out an impressive career, rising to Vice President of IT for Visit Philadelphia. In a candid conversation with Josef, Keith delves into the essence of his journey, highlighting the tenacity, self-belief, and continuous learning that has driven his 22-year career. From overcoming self-doubt to establishing influential networks, Keith shares his invaluable insights and future aspirations, offering a roadmap for aspiring tech leaders.
Self-Belief and Tenacity as Drivers of Success
Keith’s success in the tech industry is rooted in his unwavering self-belief and relentless determination. Entering the field without any contacts or support, he relied on his inner drive to push forward. “I had no contacts, no hookup, nobody looking out for me. It was getting my foot in the door and just powering my way through,” Keith explains. This tenacity helped him overcome initial challenges and fueled his continuous growth. He emphasizes that the journey to success is ongoing, marked by a commitment to never staying satisfied and always striving for more. This mindset has propelled him through a 22-year career in technology, with the best still yet to come.
Overcoming Inner Doubts through Reflection and Exercise
The mental aspect of navigating a tech career is significant, and Keith acknowledges the inner voices of doubt that can undermine confidence. His approach to managing these negative thoughts involves a combination of physical exercise and reflective practices. Running has become a therapeutic activity for Keith, allowing him to clear his mind and gain perspective. “When I felt myself getting out of my armor, I went for a good run and kind of sweat it all out,” he shared. Additionally, Keith finds value in periodic self-assessments, recognizing achievements, and identifying recurring obstacles. This practice helps him stay grounded and focused on his goals despite the hectic nature of the tech industry.
The Importance of Networking and Learning from Others
Keith underscores the importance of building a supportive network despite his initial solo journey. He founded the Philly Tech Council to create a platform for tech enthusiasts to connect and share knowledge. “I wanted to set the path for others in my shoes and make it a little bit easier,” Keith explains. He actively seeks environments where he can learn from experienced professionals, valuing humility and openness in his interactions. “I love going to executive leadership forums and just sitting back and listening to people with more experience, resources, bigger problems,” he says. Keith’s approach to networking is about creating genuine, respectful partnerships that foster mutual growth and learning.
Elevating Tech Professionals to Board-Level Positions
Keith’s future aspirations include elevating the status of technology professionals to board-level positions. He observes a significant gap in the representation of tech experts in strategic decision-making roles. Keith notes that boards typically comprise a deep range of professional backgrounds including legal and entrepreneurs, but often the technology voice is left out at the table. Keith is determined to break this glass ceiling and advocates for including more tech professionals in boardrooms. He is actively engaging in board training and seeking advice from mentors to prepare for these roles. “Ask upfront: why are you asking me if you get the offer to be on a board? And what specifically can I bring to the table?” Keith advises highlighting the importance of understanding one’s unique value in board positions.
The Crucial Role of Soft Skills in Career Advancement
A pivotal realization in Keith’s career was the importance of soft skills. While his technical expertise was strong, he found that effective communication and interpersonal skills were essential for breaking through specific career barriers. “There was a certain door I couldn’t get through without being able to communicate with people,” he admits. Over the years, Keith has focused on improving his public speaking abilities and building solid relationships. He believes these skills are often overlooked in professional development but critical for leadership. “Overcoming the fear of getting in front of a group and speaking can go a long way,” he emphasizes. Keith’s experience underscores the value of soft skills in making a lasting impact and advancing one’s career.
In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of technology, achieving success requires more than technical prowess. It demands a blend of self-belief, continuous learning, and strategic networking. Keith’s journey from a self-made tech professional to a leader in the tech industry embodies these principles. His story is a powerful reminder that anyone can overcome challenges and reach new heights in their career with the right mindset and approach. As you navigate your path in the tech industry, consider the following actionable steps inspired by Keith’s experiences and insights. These steps will help you build a solid foundation for success and position you as a leader and innovator in your field.
Embrace Self-Belief and Tenacity: Believe in yourself and maintain a relentless drive. Keith’s journey began without industry connections, relying on his inner drive to push forward. “I came into this industry all on my own. I had no contacts, no hookups, and nobody looking out for me. It was getting my foot in the door and powering my way through.”
Manage Inner Doubts: Develop strategies to handle negative thoughts. Keith uses physical exercise and reflective practices to clear his mind. “When I felt myself getting out of my armor, I go for a good run and sweat it all out.”
Build a Supportive Network: Seek opportunities to network and learn from others. Keith founded the Philly Tech Council to create a platform for tech enthusiasts to connect. “I wanted to set the path for others in my shoes and make it a bit easier.”
Pursue Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in technology. Keith emphasizes the importance of never staying satisfied and always striving for more. This mindset has propelled his 22-year career in technology.
Develop Soft Skills: Focus on improving communication and interpersonal skills. Keith found that these skills were essential for career advancement. “There was a certain door I couldn’t get through without being able to communicate with people.”
Seek Mentorship and Guidance: Learn from those with more experience and knowledge. Keith attends executive leadership forums and seeks advice from seasoned professionals. “I love going to executive leadership forums and just sitting back and listening to people with more experience, resources, and bigger problems.”
Advocate for Tech Representation: Push for including tech professionals in boardrooms and strategic decision-making roles. Keith is determined to break the glass ceiling for tech experts. “Many boards I’ve seen are all legal, entrepreneurs, but rarely that technology voice at the table.”
Reflect and Recap Regularly: Periodically assess your progress and identify recurring obstacles. Keith finds value in self-assessments to stay grounded and focused on his goals. “Taking a step back, realizing that progress was made, or identifying roadblocks preventing me from getting to where I need to go.”
Keith’s journey from a self-made tech professional to Vice President of IT at Visit Philadelphia is a remarkable narrative of resilience, continuous learning, and the power of networking. His story is a testament to the importance of self-belief, tenacity, and the willingness to adapt and grow. By founding the Philly Tech Council, Keith has advanced his career and created a platform to support others in their professional journeys. As he continues to push for more excellent representation of technology professionals in boardrooms, Keith’s vision and dedication inspire anyone aspiring to make their mark in the tech industry. His insights offer a valuable roadmap for overcoming challenges and achieving lasting success.
Keith McMenamin is the VP of IT at Visit Philadelphia. He has deep roots in Cyber Security and is on a mission to bring awareness to the responsible usage of AI in the workplace. He is also a sought-after keynote speaker and panelist for local and national industry events.
