Why I Chose Computers Over Art and Never Looked Back | IT Manager Mike Green

Mike manages Digital Services for Clark County, Nevada IT, leading four distinct teams that work together to deliver enterprise platforms and applications. But what makes Mike's story stand out isn't just his technical expertise — it's how he learned to adapt, communicate professionally, and build the next generation of IT leaders through community involvement.

In this episode, you'll hear about Mike's decision to switch from pursuing art to computers in the mid-90s. You'll learn how he got his start through a 16-week network technician program. You'll discover why he changed jobs every three years on average. And you'll understand the moment he realized professional communication could make or break client relationships.

Mike opens up about the first few consulting deliverables that got torn apart by his manager. He shares how DISC personality assessments changed how he works with people. He explains why serving others became his driving force.

This conversation offers real career advice: keep your resume updated, interview regularly even when you're not looking, and think two steps ahead. Mike also discusses his work with Tech Impact and the Society of Information Managers (SIM), where he actively mentors students entering technology.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
How to transition careers when your first choice doesn't offer long-term security
Why changing jobs every 3 years helped build diverse technical skills
The importance of learning professional communication in leadership roles
How personality assessments can improve your work relationships
Why thinking two steps ahead keeps you competitive
The value of community involvement and mentorship
How to adapt without losing your authentic self
What it takes to work in public sector IT

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction
02:07 Growing up in small-town New York and choosing computers over art
03:39 The crossroads: art career vs. job security
05:02 Getting started with a 16-week network technician program
06:05 First job at a telecom company (eventually Verizon)
06:27 Career pattern: changing jobs every three years since 1998
07:17 Mom's advice: always keep your resume updated
09:20 Learning to demonstrate value early in your career
10:20 The importance of interview skills and practice
12:01 Starting with networking, switches, routers, and systems administration
20:00 Getting comfortable in a school district role (and complacent)
25:38 Learning to be open with information and help others succeed
26:05 Going back to college later in life while working full-time
27:00 Taking 22 credits in one semester to finish associates degree
28:43 Getting hired back at the school district after completing degree
40:22 First consulting deliverables: "we got to talk"
41:15 Learning professional communication through tough feedback
42:43 Word choice matters: avoiding colloquial language
43:12 Getting visibility into communication mistakes
55:22 Working for elected officials vs. regular managers
57:05 DISC personality assessment and adapting to different people
58:00 Learning to see personality styles emerge in conversations
01:05:46 Tech Impact mentorship: giving students a better start
01:06:32 Building the next generation of IT leaders
01:08:17 Service mindset: learned from parents, community, and church
01:08:32 The best way through your own problems is serving others
01:23:10 Networking advice: don't be transactional, build meaningful relationships
01:24:00 Career planning: stay two steps ahead

ABOUT MIKE GREEN:
Mike Green is the IT Manager for Clark County, Nevada, overseeing the Digital Services Division. He manages four teams focused on enterprise platforms and applications. With over 25 years in IT since 1998, Mike has built expertise in systems administration, networking, and IT leadership. He's actively involved in the Society of Information Managers (SIM) and Tech Impact, where he mentors the next generation of technology professionals. His career journey demonstrates the value of adaptability, continuous learning, and giving back to the community.
LinkedIn:   / mike-green-87017562  

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Produced by:
Parker Weller:   / parker-weller-b6683336b  

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