Accidentally in Code

Tag: reinvention

  • I am an IBMer

    I am an IBMer

    cate sam palmisano
    Credit: ShaoWei Png

    Tomorrow is the last day of Extreme Blue. At the US Expo in New York last week, I stood 6ft from Sam Palmisano, and listened to him talk about IBM’s vision for a smarter planet. He spoke about why we need to build a smarter planet and how IBM is trying to engineer this vision.

    That was the day that I “got it”. Earlier the same day, Nick Donofrio had talked to us about the origin of Extreme Blue, the importance of focusing on the problem and how IBM almost died in 1993 and how, since the reinvention, the company approaches innovation.

    Numerous IBMers have talked to me about how great it is to work for a company that has reinvented itself multiple times. Finally, I understand the magnitude of the change – I get it. I am proud to be an IBMer – even if it has only been temporary.

    However, here’s the most awesome thing. It doesn’t feel temporary. Wherever happens – wherever I go next, whatever I end up doing – I’m taking these values with me.

    Focus on the Problem.

    Innovate.

    Act with Integrity.

  • Reinvention

    blue hair
    Credit: flickr / merwing✿little dear

    I’ve never had much patience for those girls that reinvent themselves in their boyfriend’s image every relationship. You know, when they’re dating a beer-loving football fan they develop a taste for stella and when they’re dating a cricket lover and wine aficionado it’s all about a nice Beaujolais.

    Of course if you’re friends with someone like that, how much you have in common depends on who they’re dating – and that’s kinda weird.

    But, post-breakup is a time for reinvention. And so I’ve cut my hair dramatically, bought new clothes, and upped my workouts. Because that’s what you do, isn’t it? And I’ve evaluated what new experiences from my ex I want to keep – no  to Woody Allen movies, for example, but yes to (vegetarian) sushi. And then I’ve started some new ones – 6am bootcamp, Ally McBeal, the Awesome Foundation, my internship.

    The biggest change though, comes from the reassessment of my life I made when I realized I was starting to burn out – I have free time. And during it, I ask myself – What does Cate want to do?

    It’s wonderful. I recommend it highly.

    And so whilst being a little lost, and a little lonely (my ex was my best friend for the entire time we were together, and we’re not currently speaking – it would be weird if I wasn’t lonely) – I’m happier than I’ve been in some time. I come home from work and it’s not the many things I have to get done – it’s the things I want to. And they are not all happening, but that’s OK. I’m giving myself a break – I deserve it.