Finding Joy in the Work and in What Comes Next
This month, I am stepping away from daily operations as Managing Partner at Don’t Panic Labs.
Over the past 15 years at Nebraska Global and Don’t Panic Labs, I have been engaged every day doing challenging work that I love. I focused on building companies, engineering solutions for our partners, and evangelizing for our ecosystem and software engineering. I have had the incredibly good fortune to work with wonderful people who shared the vision to build software using sound engineering principles and to be catalysts for innovation and entrepreneurship in Nebraska.
I’m very proud of the role this company has played in shaping public policy, working to retain talent, and developing and promoting a vibrant startup ecosystem in our state. I now find myself ready for the next chapter. My decision is intended to create a transition that will enable me to explore, dream, and discover new opportunities.
A number of years ago, we expanded the leadership team at Don’t Panic Labs with people who could move the company forward. Suffice it to say, there is a strong team at DPL that has been running the day-to-day operations of this company, largely without my direct involvement, for some time now. While I am reducing my time involved running the business, I will continue to spend a few hours each week working with the team, and I will remain DPL’s biggest advocate, supporting both the company and its team members whenever and however possible.
I am so fortunate that the longest stretch of my career was working at the company where I had the best job. Don’t Panic Labs is the culmination, synthesis, and aggregation of all of the best practices and culture goals I have experienced over the last 40 years. Like any small company, we were not immune to some challenges, risks, and times of stress, but I can confidently say I found joy and satisfaction working at this very special company.
So, what’s next?
I have been energized and motivated throughout my life by collecting experiences and developing relationships. Curiosity has always propelled me forward. This is largely why my journey has lacked any definitive advance planning, but instead it has unfolded along the way. I expect this to continue. I know curiosity is what will keep me engaged and busy as I transition from my full-time professional career.
My wife and I have lived in Nebraska most of our lives and raised our family here because we love this place and the people who choose to live here. I still feel I have something to contribute to this state and its ecosystem, and I expect that new opportunities will be possible as I step away from everyday operations.
It feels like a post such as this should include some sort of parting words of wisdom. I have learned that very little in life is black and white, more shades of gray, which makes me reluctant to provide specific advice.
What I will share with you relates to what I mentioned above, regarding curiosity. I did not feel pressured in my work life to abide by a strict career plan, and so I was free to choose paths based on the potential experience. I am fortunate to share my life with someone who trusted and supported me when I wrestled with choosing paths along the way.
Consequently, I have had the opportunity to know some success, and, to know failure. It has sometimes been difficult, but also a source of joy, growth, and fulfillment. The struggles have been worth it, and the relationships that formed are meaningful and lasting. As a result, I have no regrets and feel a sense of fulfillment that gives me peace at this point in my career and my life.
My hope for you is that when you are faced with an opportunity, you consider the value of the experience, and not only the potential of its success. My gut tells me you won’t regret it.
