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Episode 3 - Sam Carow
Summary
Sam Carow shares her journey of making a major career change into tech and how she became an Engineering Manager at Reddit. Learn her 4-step framework for how to manifest “luck” and get recognized in the workplace, how she focuses on impactful projects versus busy work, and the secret sauce for all managers to build trust on their team.
Questions and Time Stamp
Scan your resume. [00:55]
Why did you take the job as an insurance salesperson? [3:22]
Before you decided to quit, what was going through your mind? How did you know you wanted to quit? Did you have a plan? [4:58]
Why were you embarrassed or ashamed when you quit? [6:31]
Do you feel that it’s shameful to quit something today? [7:36]
Did you feel judged by your peers? [8:44]
Did you feel like you were ever going to make the wrong career move again? [10:17]
How you got where you are today, was it a bit of luck, grit and hard work or both? [12:36]
Is there a way to build luck? [14:07]
How long will it take you to implement your processes throughout your career until you finally noticed a shift? [17:56]
What happens if you’re just busy, busy, busy and not focusing on impactful work? [19:23]
Are you saying women should not volunteer to be the notetaker? [21:08]
Do the guys think less of you if you don’t take notes? [22:10]
If someone was going to use your 4-step framework, how long will it take until people will start noticing your work? [24:03]
Did you have a mentor or sponsor at work to help advocate for you? [26:41]
What’s your definition between a mentor and a sponsor? [26:57]
What’s your reputation at work? [28:52]
Do you have a problem speaking up? [31:02]
When you say you’re overly assertive, is that your perception or is that someone telling you? [32:46]
How do you become more assertive? [34:59]
Any new manager feels like an imposter when they start out. Tell me your experience. [36:04]
How did you overcome imposter syndrome, specifically how to build trust? [37:59]
How would you describe yourself in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, generation, etc? [42:00]
Do you feel stereotypes have been placed on you in your career? [42:38]
Have you ever cried at work? [44:08]
Do you feel that crying is a sign of weakness? [45:04]
Do you feel embarrassed when you cry at work? [45:36]
LIGHTNING ROUND [48:31]
What advice would you give someone who is in the transition of figuring out the right career path? [50:44]
What is your advice for someone who wants to advance in their career? [52:13]
What is your advice for new managers? What are some first steps they should take? [53:50]
Lastly, any books, articles, resources you recommend? [57:23]
Resource Links
How to Find High-Impact Work and Make People Pay Attention
Guest Bio
Sam Carow is an Engineering Manager at Reddit who leads the Web Infra team. Commitment and loyalty is the core of who she is and what drives her to succeed. She is an advocate for women in tech and has spoken at conferences such as Grace Hopper sharing her experience. Sam recently moved to Los Angeles with her dog Leroy and is now one step closer to meeting all of her favorite reality TV stars like Jeff Probst.
Hosted by
Jessica Nguyen
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