From Athlete to CTO
In this episode of Code Bytes, hosted by Stephen, we dive into the inspiring journey of Sergey Volkodav, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Getvisibility. Sergey’s career trajectory is anything but typical, starting as a semi-professional athlete and transitioning into one of the most innovative roles in technology. From his early days as a sportsman to leading a cutting-edge startup in the world of data security and artificial intelligence (AI), Sergey’s story is a perfect example of how curiosity, risk-taking, and mentorship can shape one's career.
In this blog, we’ll explore Sergey’s path into technology, the challenges he faced, his leadership philosophy, and his thoughts on the future of technology, data security, and AI. Through his insights, we’ll also uncover valuable lessons for anyone looking to build a career in the tech industry, particularly those interested in leadership roles within technology-driven businesses.
The Crossroads Between Sports and Technology: A Career-Defining Decision
Sergey’s journey into technology is rooted in a pivotal decision he made as a teenager. Born with a passion for sports, Sergey excelled in volleyball and was well on his way to a career in professional athletics. However, just before finishing school, he faced a dilemma: Should he continue pursuing his dream of becoming a professional athlete, or should he explore the world of technology?
This decision, while tough, set the stage for the future of Sergey’s career. In his interview with Stephen, Sergey recalls the struggle he felt during those weeks of uncertainty, weighing the potential success in sports against the intellectual challenge and long-term opportunities in technology. He describes the immense pressure of making such a significant decision at a young age, but ultimately, Sergey chose to enrol in university and study computer science.
Sergey admits that the initial few months were filled with doubts and uncertainties, as he wondered whether he had made the right choice. He was faced with the tension between his love for volleyball and his new academic path. However, his decision was further affirmed when he landed a part-time job at a government library, managing a fleet of 50 computers. This role, though seemingly unrelated to his future career in technology, gave Sergey the hands-on experience that laid the groundwork for his technical growth.
Building a Career in Technology: From IT Professional to CTO
After completing his studies in computer science, Sergey began his professional career in the technology sector. His first job involved working as an IT professional at a government library, where he gained practical experience managing computer systems. Sergey quickly realised that his interest in technology extended far beyond just basic IT support. As his career progressed, he took on more challenging roles in software engineering and eventually moved into management positions.
It wasn’t long before Sergey found himself leading teams in the fast-paced world of technology. As an IT manager in Ukraine, he became responsible for overseeing multiple teams, tackling increasingly complex challenges, and ensuring that his company’s technology systems were running smoothly. But despite his success in Ukraine, Sergey yearned for something more—he wanted to learn how to build a startup, to be part of an organisation where innovation and risk-taking were part of the everyday culture.
With this goal in mind, Sergey decided to make another bold move—this time, relocating to Ireland. He chose Cork as his base, a city known for its vibrant tech ecosystem, and joined a growing startup scene that promised the kind of challenges and opportunities he was looking for. Moving to Ireland was a turning point for Sergey, allowing him to immerse himself in a completely new environment, both personally and professionally.
In Ireland, Sergey joined Getvisibility, a company focused on data security solutions, where he started as the Head of Engineering. His passion for technology, combined with his leadership capabilities, quickly propelled him to the role of CTO. As the CTO, Sergey was responsible for overseeing all aspects of Getvisibility’s technological development, including the design and implementation of cutting-edge security solutions for clients across various industries.
The Power of Curiosity and Mentorship in Sergey’s Growth
Throughout his career, Sergey has relied on two key principles: curiosity and mentorship. These have played a significant role in his personal development and have shaped his approach to leadership. Sergey explains that curiosity has been a driving force throughout his career. He is naturally inclined to explore new ideas, dive into complex problems, and continually seek knowledge. This mindset, which he also looks for when hiring talent at Getvisibility, has helped Sergey stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
When it comes to leadership, Sergey firmly believes in the importance of mentorship. He credits his success to mentors who have guided him, supported him, and pushed him to take risks. One of the most influential figures in Sergey’s career was his manager in Ukraine, who not only believed in his potential but also encouraged him to pursue opportunities beyond what he initially thought possible. This mentorship, particularly when Sergey was struggling with self-doubt, helped him realise his full capabilities and made a lasting impact on his career.
In addition to his professional mentors, Sergey also values the opportunity to mentor others. As a leader, Sergey believes it is essential to help others realise their potential and support them as they grow in their careers. At Getvisibility, he works closely with his team, guiding them through challenges and helping them develop the skills they need to succeed. This emphasis on mentorship and continuous learning has become one of the core values within Getvisibility, where Sergey aims to foster a culture of collaboration, growth, and innovation.
Building High-Performance Teams in the Startup Ecosystem
As the CTO of Getvisibility, Sergey plays a crucial role in shaping the company’s culture and ensuring that the team remains innovative and high performing. One of the key aspects of his leadership is his belief in building teams that are not only technically proficient but also motivated, passionate, and aligned with the company’s vision. Sergey explains that when hiring talent, he looks for people who are curious and eager to contribute to the company’s mission.
The startup environment, particularly in the tech industry, is fast-paced and highly dynamic. Sergey acknowledges that building high-performance teams in such an environment can be challenging, but he also believes that it provides incredible opportunities for personal and professional growth. Sergey’s leadership style focuses on fostering a collaborative environment where team members feel empowered to take ownership of projects and contribute ideas. By staying close to the technical details and regularly working with his team, Sergey is able to mentor individuals and help them grow, both personally and professionally.
Sergey also highlights the importance of maintaining a culture of open communication and collaboration in high-performing teams. At Getvisibility, everyone is encouraged to contribute their ideas and challenge each other’s thinking. This culture not only drives innovation but also ensures that the team is united in its goal of delivering the best possible data security solutions to their clients.
The Future of Technology: AI, Data Security, and Innovation
One of the most exciting aspects of Sergey’s role as CTO is his involvement in the development of innovative data security solutions. With the rapid growth of cyber threats and the increasing reliance on digital platforms, data security has become more critical than ever. Sergey is deeply passionate about the impact that technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), will have on data security in the future.
Sergey discusses how AI is transforming the way companies approach data protection. With AI-driven systems, businesses are able to identify potential vulnerabilities more quickly and efficiently, which allows them to respond to security threats before they become major issues. Sergey is optimistic about the potential of AI to revolutionise the data security industry, and he is excited about the role Getvisibility will play in that transformation.
Furthermore, Sergey highlights the importance of staying ahead of emerging threats in the rapidly changing tech landscape. He explains that technology leaders must constantly adapt to new risks and challenges in order to provide robust security solutions. AI, he believes, will play a critical role in this, as it will allow companies to not only detect threats more quickly but also predict and prevent them before they occur.
Sergey’s Advice for Aspiring Technologists
Towards the end of the episode, Sergey offers invaluable advice for aspiring technologists. His main message is simple yet powerful: don’t be afraid to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them. Sergey encourages young professionals to trust their instincts and take bold steps in their careers, even if they’re unsure of the outcome. According to Sergey, failure is part of the journey, and it’s far better to try and fail than to avoid taking risks out of fear.
Sergey also stresses the importance of self-belief and the willingness to push through challenges. He explains that many people, particularly early in their careers, struggle with self-doubt and imposter syndrome. However, it is essential to understand that failure is not a reflection of your abilities but rather an opportunity to grow and learn. Sergey’s own experiences serve as a testament to the power of perseverance, curiosity, and continuous learning.
Embracing Curiosity, Leadership, and Innovation
Sergey’s journey from athlete to CTO at Getvisibility is a powerful example of how embracing curiosity, mentorship, and risk-taking can lead to success in the technology industry. His story provides valuable lessons for anyone looking to build a career in tech, particularly those aspiring to leadership roles.
At Getvisibility, Sergey is driving innovation in the data security and AI sectors, leading a high-performing team that is committed to solving some of the most pressing challenges in the tech world. His leadership style, which combines technical expertise with a deep commitment to mentoring and empowering his team, has created a company culture that is both innovative and collaborative.
For those looking to break into technology, Sergey’s advice is clear: stay curious, take risks, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The tech industry is full of opportunities for those who are willing to learn, grow, and embrace new challenges. Sergey’s story shows that with the right mindset and support, anyone can thrive in the ever-evolving world of technology.
If you’re looking to take the next step in your tech career, consider the lessons shared by Sergey in this episode of Code Bytes. And don’t forget to subscribe to Code Bytes for more insights, stories, and advice from industry leaders who are shaping the future of technology.
Final Thoughts
Sergey’s experience proves that success in technology is not about following a linear path but about staying open to opportunities, learning from others, and continuously evolving. His story is a testament to the power of curiosity, resilience, and mentorship in building a successful career. As the CTO of Getvisibility, Sergey continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in data security and AI, and his journey offers valuable lessons for anyone navigating the dynamic world of technology.
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