Nashville’s tech community is strong and vibrant, and much of that is due to individuals in the community who give back. The NTC Foundation is regularly shining a spotlight on volunteers who are helping to develop and grow local tech talent. Learn about a number of ways you can volunteer here.
Today, we’re highlighting Charlie Yielding, Chief Executive Officer for G Squared Wireless. Charlie’s engaged in a number of ways, including at the NTC via the Education Committee, as an ELITE Mentor, and Go Tech Speaker & Coach. We asked Charlie a few questions to help us get to know him and his responses were insightful! Read on to learn more.
Unique Fact
Charlie began at G Squared as a Help Desk Agent and is now their CEO!
What do you do in your spare time?
Chill with my wife and kids, walk the dog, work out, and play video games. I also like hiking mountains when presented with the opportunity.
What is your greatest strength and how does it help you as a volunteer?
I feel my greatest strength is knowing that I don’t know everything. In most of my volunteer situations this helps me build trust with the people I am working with. Trust in volunteer relationships is important since we are normally working with people that are disenfranchised or have a general lack of experience. Walking with someone through a stressful situation is much easier when that person trusts you enough to communicate openly and honestly in the moment.
What keeps you motivated on the tough days?
My network. Throughout my career networking has been something I proactively pursue. If I come across someone that is pouring themselves into a passion, I want to be around that person as much as possible. Everyone faces the same challenges, and passionate people are no different. When I talk to someone that is plowing down issues to reach a goal, it helps me put my own problems into perspective and I take that motivation into my day/week. It helps knowing that someone is out there at this very moment killing it despite the adversity they are facing. To be clear, some days I do not win. On those days trying not to be too hard on myself will save me from wasting more than one day on my pity parties or whatever I choose to do in defeat.
Who is your favorite superhero and why?
All-Might/Deku (My Hero Academia). I had to think about this harder than expected. My entire life I would have said Batman without question. A normal guy that works hard enough to keep up with superheroes seems perfect. Having said that, in March of 2016 I started watching My Hero Academia and I was exposed to a new line of thinking. The two main protagonists use, “plus ultra” (it sounds cooler in Japanese) as a catch phrase. They use the phrase when they are breaking through barriers. You think you have reached your maximum potential, nope, push harder. Every inch counts, and it adds up over time. I have been explaining my own progression in a similar way. Take one step a day and when you look back 10 years later, you won’t be able to see where you started. Rely on friends and your network, but only you can break your own barriers.
We appreciate all you do, Charlie. Thank you for supporting NTC and congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
Again, if you’re looking for ways to get more involved, check out a number of ways you can volunteer here.