E124 - Roy Chua at AvidThink

On today’s episode of The Route to Networking podcast, our host Harry Baily was joined by Roy Chua, Founder and Principal at AvidThink. During the episode, they discuss Roy’s 20+ years of experience in the enterprise cloud infrastructure, networking, and security industry, his experiences as an entrepreneur in the tech industry, and the balance between family life and career.

Roy’s path to success began at the University of Berkeley, where he pursued a bachelor’s and master’s degree in electrical engineering and computer Science. It was during this time that he developed a deep passion for networking, which would become the backbone of his career.

After completing his studies, Roy landed an intern position as a Test Engineer at Cisco. This opportunity proved to be a stepping stone for him, as he quickly progressed through the ranks within the company. Each role he undertook showcased his expertise and dedication to the field of networking.

In 2012, Roy embarked on a new chapter in his career by co-founding AvidThink. This venture came at a critical time when networking was undergoing a big transformation. Recognising the shifting landscape, Roy and his team built a research division within AvidThink, enabling them to stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies.

Is the university route the best route to take?

When Harry asked him if he suggests the university path he said not anymore. Having worked with a lot of people over the last 30 years, there are multiple paths to success. There’s a willingness to look at your skills and abilities rather than the credentials you have. It’s healthy and it contributes to the curiosity that lies within the industry. Your ability to learn and your passion is more important than a college degree.

As he transitioned into the professional world, he quickly realised that understanding people was equally essential to thrive in the networking industry.

Roy discovered that networking involved effectively managing relationships, both within teams and with clients. Whether it was managing a team, being managed, or interacting with customers, Roy recognised that interpersonal skills played a big part in achieving success and creating meaningful connections.

Writing reports…

As part of his day-to-day responsibilities, Roy dedicates time to writing reports. Roy sees it as an opportunity for personal growth and professional development. By crafting reports, he is forced to look into the latest news, research, and industry trends. This process allows him to stay ahead of developments and organise his thoughts on various topics within networking.

Advice?

While certifications like CCNA have long been considered foundational in networking, Roy advises aspiring professionals to look beyond them. While these certifications provide a solid base, they should not be the endpoint of learning. Instead, you should explore emerging technologies and trends that are reshaping the industry.

Tune in on the 06/06/2023 to hear the full episode!