Episode #22 Corporate Skills That Fuel Entrepreneurial Success with Anthony Lobosco

Come hang out with me as I chat with Anthony Lobosco, the brilliant mind behind Lobo IT Consulting. Anthony takes us on a journey through his impressive tech career, sharing stories from his time at industry giants like Cisco and Lumen.

We talk about what it really takes to connect technology partners with buyers, crafting solutions in AI, customer experience, and security. Anthony's advice is packed with wisdom about building relationships and recommending the right tech solutions. Plus, we dive into how corporate experience can be a springboard for anyone dreaming of starting their own business one day.

Our conversation also gets personal as we explore the importance of blending work and life in a way that feels natural. I share a bit about my time at Asysco and how seeing different sides of a corporation taught me so much. Together, we challenge the old-school work-life balance idea, arguing for a lifestyle where you decide when to hustle and when to unwind. Automation comes up as a game-changer here, helping us design careers that fit our lives—not the other way around.

Finally, we dig into the ever-present challenge of staying efficient while managing digital clutter. From automating, delegating, and cutting out unnecessary tasks to switching from Evernote to Notion, we cover strategies for staying organized in the digital world. We even touch on ways to manage time-suckers like LinkedIn and explore tools for streamlining projects.

Oh, and I have a little invite for you—join us in the Brand Built Community for tech tutorials where we share even more tips to thrive in this fast-paced digital age!

Catch up with Anthony Lobosco on LinkedIn to see what he’s up to and in Lobo IT if you need help making smarter and more strategic technology decisions. 

CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Building Technology Solutions Through Experience

(06:40) Navigating Technology Careers and Work-Life Balance

(13:17) Maximizing Efficiency and Automation

(21:22) Navigating Digital Organizational Tools

CHAPTERS WITH LONG SUMMARIES 

​​(00:00) Building Technology Solutions Through Experience

This chapter of the Queen of Automation podcast features a conversation with Anthony Lovasco, founder of Lobo IT Consulting. We explore how Anthony brings technology partners and buyers together to solve challenges related to AI, customer experience, and security. I share my admiration for Anthony's work in IT consulting and discuss the importance of building relationships to effectively recommend technology solutions. Anthony recounts his career journey, highlighting his experience at major companies like Cisco and Lumen, which provided him with invaluable industry knowledge. We both emphasize the benefits of gaining experience in a corporate setting, especially for younger individuals entering the tech industry, as it allows access to advanced technology and builds a strong foundation for future entrepreneurial endeavors.

(06:40) Navigating Technology Careers and Work-Life Balance

This chapter focuses on the importance of blending real-world experience with guidance from industry veterans in the technology sector. We explore the immense value of working in large corporations, where exposure to various departments enriches one's knowledge and skills. I share personal experiences of how my journey in technology, including a significant stint at Asysco, has been a learning curve that feeds into my passion. We also discuss the idea of work-life balance, emphasizing the belief that life should not be compartmentalized into personal and work categories. Instead, the aim should be to build a lifestyle that integrates both seamlessly. This includes choosing when to work and taking time off as needed, rather than adhering to a traditional weekend schedule. We touch upon the role of automation in achieving a balanced lifestyle and the idea of building a career that supports one's personal life goals.

(13:17) Maximizing Efficiency and Automation

This chapter addresses the challenges and strategies of automating tasks in business operations, with a focus on the balance between automation, delegation, and elimination. We explore the difficulties of managing time-consuming activities, such as engaging on LinkedIn, while emphasizing the importance of authentic interaction. The conversation highlights the role of tools like Notion in organizing thoughts and tasks but notes the complexity of fully automating processes. We also discuss the merits of hiring skilled individuals to maintain a personal touch in communication, as opposed to over-relying on AI, which can often result in impersonal outcomes. The dialogue encourages business professionals to evaluate the time spent on social media platforms against their overall business goals, suggesting outsourcing when the time investment becomes excessive. Ultimately, it's about finding the right balance to ensure both efficiency and authenticity in business operations.

(21:22) Navigating Digital Organizational Tools

This chapter explores the transition from using Evernote to Notion, reflecting on how Notion has succeeded in areas where Evernote struggled, especially in organization and search functionality. I share personal experiences with Notion and other productivity tools like Slack and Airtable, highlighting the importance of robust search capabilities in managing information effectively. There's a candid discussion about the challenges of managing digital clutter, particularly for those with ADHD, and the value of tools that can categorize and organize information efficiently. Additionally, I mention my use of Remarkable for seamless note-taking and integration with digital systems. We touch on upcoming plans to demonstrate a project management folder structure that has been beneficial over the years, and I invite listeners to join our tech tutorials in the Brand Built Community for more insights and guidance.