Vik

Why Business Context Is a Force Multiplier for Technical People

Most technical people — whether they’re building software, managing infrastructure, designing data pipelines, or optimizing algorithms — focus heavily on mastering the tools and frameworks of their craft. That makes sense; strong technical skills are the foundation of the role. But there’s a hidden force that can dramatically amplify the impact of those skills: deep understanding of the business context. When a technical professional understands why the business operates the way it does, the technical work changes. Decisions …

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Why a SaaS Tool Won’t Implement Itself

We’ve all been there. An organization is stuck in legacy, processes are inefficient, and it takes an army of people to get things don. The solution? Buy a tool. And not just any tool — a SaaS product with a sleek interface, strong G2/Gartner reviews, and a demo that makes the future look like it will build itself. Contracts are signed. Seats are provisioned. Invites are sent. Then, weeks go by and very little changes. …

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Build vs. Buy in the Age of AI Coding Assistants

For most of my career, the build vs. buy decision in software has leaned heavily toward buy, especially in the enterprise. It is understandable. Buy is faster. Buy is safer. Buy comes with support, training, and a roadmap. But lately, I have been rethinking that bias. More accurately, AI coding assistants are forcing me to. Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, and others have fundamentally shifted the landscape. We are entering a world where build is no longer …

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A Daily Checklist for Staying Close to the Business (as a Technologist)

Over the years, I’ve come to believe that the most effective technologists are the ones who stay deeply connected to the business. Not just during planning sessions or leadership reviews, but in the day-to-day rhythm of their work. This wasn’t always intuitive for me. Early in my career, I focused heavily on technical architecture, coding, and project delivery. But I eventually realized that without business context, even excellent technical execution can miss the mark. Here’s …

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Doing Great Work Isn’t Enough: Why Alignment, Visibility, and Sponsorship Matter

You’re grinding. You’re pushing through. You’re delivering. But is anyone noticing? In corporate world, execution and independence are table stakes. But real impact, and real career growth, come from something more: alignment, visibility, and sponsorship. Pushing Through Is Necessary, But Not Sufficient As I wrote in Pushing Through, the ability to keep going through ambiguity and resistance is critical. It builds resilience. It earns trust. But grit alone doesn’t guarantee your work will land. You might deliver a technically …

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