Articles

Sell Your Self

deamking@icloud.com — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 14:03:01 GMT

There’s this unspoken rule in tech circles that if you spend too much time on LinkedIn or if you dress too well, you’re somehow less of a "real" engineer. That the guy in a hoodie buried in code is the real deal, while the one in a blazer talking about his work is just a salesman.

I used to believe that. And I used to wonder why my ideas, my work, and my projects weren’t getting the recognition they deserved. I thought good work would speak for itself. Turns out, work doesn’t have vocal cords.

The Cost of Not Selling Yourself

I’ve seen brilliant people get overlooked because they never learned how to talk about their work. They ship amazing things but stay invisible. And then they watch someone else, sometimes with less talent but more polish, get the credit, the funding, or the promotion.

It’s frustrating, but it’s not unfair. Because the world doesn’t just reward skill; it rewards perceived competence. If people don’t see your value, it might as well not exist.

Why Dressing Well and Talking About Your Work Matters

For a long time, I resisted the idea that looking the part mattered. I thought my skills would be enough. But here’s the hard truth: being young in tech is already a credibility challenge. When we don’t present ourselves professionally, we make it even harder for people to take us seriously.

Investors, clients, and bosses make snap judgments. That’s human nature. And while it’s easy to complain that we should be judged on our work alone, that’s not how the world works. Perception matters. Looking like you belong in the room can be the difference between being trusted with responsibility or being overlooked.

The Hustle Tax of Looking Too Young

We’re already playing the game on hard mode. We’re young, which means we have to do more to prove ourselves. And if we look too young, if we don’t carry ourselves with the presence of someone who should be in charge, we only add more hurdles.

It’s why people in our field often feel like they have to "hustle more" just to be considered worthy. The uncomfortable truth is that dressing the part and learning to promote ourselves strategically isn’t vanity. It’s leveling the playing field.

Why Startups Are Struggling

Ethiopian startups have talent and great ideas, but many struggle to scale. The issue isn’t a lack of skill, it’s a failure to position themselves as serious players.

Many startups present themselves poorly. They have vague pitches, weak branding, and no real effort to build credibility. They assume a great product alone will attract investors. That’s a fatal mistake. The result? They get ignored by serious investors and end up dealing with shady opportunists who exploit their potential. This is why predatory investors thrive while promising startups fail. The ones who undersell themselves get trapped in bad deals, and eventually, they collapse.

Every Edge Counts

For startups or your personal brand, every small advantage matters. In a world where perception drives opportunity, credibility is everything. A strong pitch deck, professional branding, and a solid online presence aren’t just ‘nice-to-haves’, they’re survival tools.

Winning isn’t just about having the best product; it’s about selling your vision so people believe in it. Founders need to ask themselves: Are we presenting ourselves as a top-tier company, or are we making excuses for why we’re not there yet?

Selling Is Just Telling the Right Story

Selling isn’t about faking it. It’s about showing the real value of what we do. It’s about making sure the right people understand why our work matters. If we don’t do that, we leave it to chance. And chance favors the people who know how to market themselves.

I’m not saying we should all turn into influencers or wear suits to write code. But maybe, just maybe, we should stop treating professionalism and self-promotion like they’re beneath us.

Because if we don’t sell our work, no one else will.

Celebrating Codenight's Impact

deamking@icloud.com — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 14:03:01 GMT

Speaker, at Developer Meetup V3

Codenight: A Community That Builds More Than Code

On February 22, 2025, I had the privilege of speaking at Developer Meetup V3, sharing the journey of Codenight from an administrator’s perspective. Standing before an audience of over 300 tech enthusiasts, I couldn’t help but reflect on how far we’ve come from a handful of developers meeting informally to a thriving network of over 9,000 active members.

From Small Gatherings to a Thriving Ecosystem

Codenight started as a simple idea: a space where software developers, coders, and hobbyists could exchange ideas freely. What began as a few casual meetups quickly grew into something much larger. Over the past five years, this grassroots initiative has become a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s tech scene, fostering collaboration, mentorship, and innovation at an unprecedented scale.

More Than Just a Meetup A Movement

The impact of Codenight reaches far beyond its immediate members. It has evolved into a launchpad for innovation, a place where developers refine their skills, showcase their projects, and forge valuable connections. More than just a community, Codenight is actively shaping Ethiopia’s digital economy nurturing new talent, supporting startups, and driving forward the country’s technological growth.

Keeping the Community Connected

One of the most powerful aspects of Codenight is its ability to keep developers engaged. A weekly newsletter highlights emerging projects, upcoming events, and success stories, ensuring that members stay connected even when they’re not physically together. This steady stream of engagement has turned Codenight into more than just a networking space, it’s a movement built on shared learning and mutual support.

Developer Meetup V3: A Celebration of Collaboration

Developer Meetup V3 was a testament to this shared commitment. The event featured insightful panel discussions led by Simon Asnake and brought together some of Ethiopia’s most influential tech leaders, including Abenezer Seifu, Yebeltal F., Beek Kefyalew, Seid Yassin, Yafet Getachew Teffera, Rehana Abdulber, Birhan Nega, Cherinet Hailu, and Tesfamichael Molla. Their conversations reinforced an important truth: collaboration, not competition, is what will push Ethiopia’s tech industry forward.

This milestone event was made possible through the support of our generous sponsors: ALX Ethiopia, Yegara Host, Iceaddis, Convex Technologies, Chapa, Kuraztech, Horan Software, and individual contributor Dagmawi Esayas. Sticker Guy also added a touch of creativity, making the event all the more memorable.

The Road Ahead

Codenight isn’t just growing, it’s evolving. As we continue to expand, our goal remains clear: to inspire the next generation of developers, provide more opportunities for knowledge exchange, and contribute meaningfully to Ethiopia’s economic development.

But at its heart, Codenight stays true to its roots: bringing people together in the spirit of learning and innovation. Its success is proof that when passionate individuals unite, they don’t just build code, they build something far greater: a thriving, supportive, and forward-thinking tech community.

The Unfiltered Self

deamking@icloud.com — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 03:06:04 GMT

A Journal

Writing to Find Yourself

For a long time, I believed writing was about precision. It was something you did for school assignments, technical documentation, or well-reasoned arguments. Words had to be arranged just so, crafted with care to serve a purpose. Writing was a tool, functional, structured, and often exhausting.

Then, one afternoon in a coffee shop, I saw something that shifted my entire perspective.

The Man with the Notebook

He arrived quietly, burdened by large bags, and settled into the seat next to me. Ordering tea, he pulled out a worn notebook and a pencil and began writing with a kind of fierce concentration. Page after page filled rapidly, his hand moving without hesitation. He was so absorbed in his work that he barely touched his drink.

Curious, I stole a glance at his notebook. What I saw wasn’t the kind of writing I was used to no structured paragraphs, no clear arguments. Just scattered words, unfinished thoughts, fragments of something raw and unfiltered. He wasn’t writing to communicate. He was writing to unload.

For nearly an hour, he wrote like this, uninterrupted, unconcerned with coherence or order. And as I watched, a realization settled in: writing doesn’t have to be for anyone else. It doesn’t even have to be for the version of yourself that’s trying to make sense of things. Sometimes, writing is just a way to clear space in your head to let thoughts out before they tangle too tightly.

The Practice of Writing Without Purpose

That night, I tried it myself. I opened a blank notebook and, without a plan or a filter, let the words spill out. Half-formed thoughts, unfinished ideas, fragments of memory whatever came, I wrote. I didn’t worry about structure, grammar, or making sense. When I stopped, I felt lighter, as if I had set something down without realizing I had been carrying it.

This became a habit. Over time, I found that this kind of writing free, unstructured, unburdened by expectation had a profound effect. It helped me think more clearly, settle my thoughts, and even find moments of unexpected insight. Without the pressure to make sense, I could simply let go.

Writing as Mental Decluttering

Some call it stream-of-consciousness writing. Others know it as “morning pages,” a practice of writing first thing in the morning before your brain has a chance to edit itself. Julia Cameron, in The Artist’s Way, calls it a way to “dump the junk” from your mind, clearing the path for creativity and clarity.

Whatever the name, the essence remains the same: writing not to be read, but to release.

Many who practice it say it sharpens intuition, fuels creativity, and clears mental clutter. I’ve found it to be a kind of mental decluttering a way to make space for real thinking instead of letting half-formed thoughts loop endlessly in the background.

Try It

If you’ve ever felt weighed down by too many thoughts or stuck in a loop of overanalyzing, try this: find a quiet spot, open a notebook, and write without purpose. Let the words come as they will disjointed, messy, unfinished.

You may find, as I did, that in letting go of structure, you gain something far more valuable: a moment of stillness, a breath of clarity, a glimpse of yourself, unfiltered.

Fear vs. Growth

deamking@icloud.com — Sun, 29 Dec 2024 13:36:55 GMT

Fear | Inside Out

Fear has been a constant companion in my life, silently shaping my decisions and holding me back. Looking through my journal, I noticed a troubling pattern, an entire year had passed without any significant achievements or bold moves. I had abandoned activities I once loved: speaking, writing, working out, .... It wasn’t laziness; it was fear. Fear of failure, of rejection, of putting in effort without immediate rewards. Determined to break free, I set out to understand and overcome this invisible force.

Understanding Fear

Fear is a survival mechanism, preparing us to fight, flee, or freeze in the face of danger. While useful in real threats, it becomes a problem when it dictates our daily lives, keeping us in our comfort zones and stifling growth. Often, fear exists in the imaginary, our minds craft vivid scenarios of failure that may never happen, yet they stop us from taking action.

How Fear Shapes Decisions

Fear subtly influences decision-making, nudging us toward the path of least resistance. The fear of failure fosters self-doubt, making us hesitate instead of taking risks. It convinces us to avoid challenges, robbing us of potential growth. Recognizing this pattern is the first step to breaking free.

Overcoming Fear

While fear feels powerful, it is not insurmountable. Here are strategies that helped me move forward:

Awareness & Acceptance – Acknowledge your fears without judgment. Recognizing them reduces their control.
Rational Evaluation – Challenge your fears. Are they based on facts or assumptions?
Gradual Exposure – Face fears in small steps to build resilience.
Mindfulness & Self-Care – Stay present and reduce anxiety through mindfulness practices.
Seek Support – Share fears with trusted friends or mentors for guidance and reassurance.

Journaling: My Tool for Clarity

Journaling has been my anchor. Writing every three days heightened my self-awareness, clarified my fears, and strengthened my sense of direction. However, I realized I needed more structure to track how fear shaped my decisions. Now, I journal before key tasks, ensuring fear isn’t the driving force behind my choices.

A Practical Approach to Fear Journaling

To identify and challenge fear in daily decisions, I developed a structured journaling system:

Daily Check-In Questions
- What decisions did I hesitate on today? Why?
- Was I avoiding something due to discomfort or uncertainty?
- Did I choose safety over an opportunity?
Fear Mapping
- What was I afraid of? (Failure, rejection, judgment?)
- Was this fear based on facts or assumptions?
Rate the Fear
- On a scale of 1 to 10, how much did fear influence my choices today?
Celebrate Small Risks
- Note any risks taken, no matter how small, and reflect on the outcome.
Set Fear-Focused Intentions
- Start the day by asking: “What small fear can I face today?”
Track Avoidance Patterns
- Identify recurring themes where fear holds me back.

Fear Journaling Cheat Sheet

Step	Action	Example
Question	Identify hesitation	Why did I delay sending that email? Was it fear of rejection?
Map	List associated fears	Fear of criticism or embarrassment
Rate	Assign a fear intensity (1-10)	Fear intensity: 7/10
Celebrate	Note any action taken	I drafted the email, even if I didn’t send it. Progress!
Track	Identify patterns	I often avoid pitching ideas due to fear of criticism.

Conclusion

Journaling has helped me recognize and confront the fears shaping my life. By making fear visible, I can challenge it rather than let it control me. Fear will always be present, but with structure and intention, it no longer has to hold me back.

Good Company For Your Career

deamking@icloud.com — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 14:01:28 GMT

If you’re a developer, odds are you’ve been told to chase the highest-paying job with the best perks. But here’s the problem: salary and benefits don’t guarantee growth, and without growth, you’re just trading time for money. The best tech jobs aren’t just about the paycheck, they’re about where they can take you.

So, if you’re serious about building a career that actually moves forward, here’s what to look for when choosing a tech company.

1. Does the Company Promote from Within?

Here’s an easy test: look at the company’s leadership. Did they start as junior employees and work their way up, or were they hired externally? If a company consistently promotes from within, it’s a sign they invest in their employees’ growth rather than just treating them as replaceable parts.

When a company prioritizes internal advancement, it means you’ll have a clear path to grow your skills, take on leadership roles, and expand your career. A strong company culture isn’t about free snacks and team outings, it’s about making sure the people who build the company also benefit from its success.

2. Does the Company Invest in Your Development?

Great tech companies don’t just give you work, they give you opportunities to level up. That means:

Mentorship Programs – Learning from experienced developers accelerates your growth in ways online tutorials never will.
Training & Upskilling – The best companies cover courses, certifications, and workshops to keep your skills sharp.
Conference & Event Access – Exposure to the broader tech world expands your knowledge and network.

A company that puts money into your growth is a company that sees you as an investment, not just a cost.

3. Does Location Matter?

Yes, remote work is great. But let’s not ignore reality, where your company is based influences your access to opportunities. Being in a tech hub means exposure to cutting-edge projects, networking with industry leaders, and a front-row seat to innovation. If you have the chance to work in a thriving tech ecosystem like Addis Ababa’s growing startup scene, take it. The connections you make there can define your career.

4. Does the Company Value Work-Life Balance?

Work-life balance isn’t about having more free time, it’s about sustainability. Burnout kills careers faster than bad management. If a company has:

Flexible work options – Remote work, hybrid schedules, or flexible hours show they respect your time.
Healthy work culture – If employees are constantly stressed, overworked, or quitting after a few months, that’s a red flag.
Clear boundaries – No, you shouldn’t be expected to answer Slack messages at midnight.

A company that respects work-life balance values you as a human, not just a coding machine.

5. Does the Company Align with Your Career Goals?

If you don’t know where you want to go, any job will do. But if you have a vision for your career, choose a company that helps you get there:

Want to specialize in AI? Find a company pushing boundaries in machine learning.
Dream of working on open-source projects? Look for companies that actively contribute to the community.
Aspire to be a tech leader? Seek companies with a track record of grooming internal talent for leadership.

Your job should be a stepping stone to your future, not just a paycheck that keeps you comfortable.

Final Thoughts

Too many developers settle for jobs that pay well but don’t challenge them. If you’re not growing, you’re stagnating. Choose companies that push you forward, invest in your development, and align with your long-term goals. Your career is too important to leave to chance.

The right company won’t just give you a job, it will give you a future.

Now go find it.