At IT By Design, our people are our greatest asset, and their stories continue to inspire me every day. Recently, I had the pleasure of hosting a very special short cast with three remarkable team members—Alina, Barry, and Vishal—against the iconic New York City backdrop, overlooking the World Trade Center, where ITBD’s journey began.
This unique conversation wasn’t just a fireside chat; it was a celebration of the values, culture, and lessons that define who we are as a team and an organization.
Defining ITBD Culture in One Word
I kicked off the conversation by asking each of them to describe ITBD culture in one word.
- Alina chose “family,” emphasizing how ITBD feels like home, rather than just an office. She pointed to the mantra behind her: “The way to achieve happiness is to help others.” This perfectly encapsulates our culture of giving back and building meaningful connections.
- Barry echoed the sentiment with “community,” highlighting how collaboration and support are at the heart of everything we do.
- Vishal chose “happy,” a nod to our core values. For him, work at ITBD is not just another day but an opportunity to learn and grow with joy and purpose.
Lessons Learned: Wisdom to Live By
As we dove deeper, I asked them to share their biggest life lessons. Their responses were both insightful and inspiring:
- Vishal: “Give it back and pay it forward.” For him, humility and sharing knowledge are key to building a fulfilling life.
- Barry: “Set clear, short-term goals.” He emphasized the importance of breaking down big dreams into achievable steps. Progress, he reminded us, is a series of small wins.
- Alina: “Build strong relationships.” She spoke passionately about the value of connecting with others—whether it’s managers, peers, or the community—and how these bonds create opportunities for growth and support.
These lessons are a testament to the culture we’ve built at ITBD: one that values learning, humility, and authentic connections.
From Our Roots to New Heights
The setting of this conversation added another layer of meaning. The view of the World Trade Center reminded us of ITBD’s roots in Manhattan and the journey that has brought us to where we are today.
As I shared with the team, this year’s Build IT LIVE conference will return to this incredible location, with events hosted in Jersey City and a special evening for MSPs atop the Freedom Tower. It’s not just about the view—it’s about the experiences, connections, and memories we create together as a community.
Why ITBD’s Culture Stands Out
This conversation reaffirmed what makes IT By Design so unique:
- A Culture of Family and Community: We are more than colleagues; we are a family working toward shared success.
- A Commitment to Growth: Every team member’s story reflects the opportunities ITBD provides for learning, development, and career progression.
- A Focus on Giving Back: Whether through knowledge, support, or collaboration, our team embodies the spirit of paying it forward.
A Shared Journey
To my team—Alina, Barry, and Vishal—thank you for sharing your journeys and insights. Your words truly remind us why ITBD is more than a workplace; it’s a community where everyone has the chance to thrive.
As we continue to grow together, let’s keep our focus on what truly matters: building relationships, fostering growth, and creating value for those around us. Because when we lift each other up, success isn’t just an outcome—it’s a way of life.
Let’s keep building something extraordinary, one relationship, one goal, and one step at a time.
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