E9. The Living Navigation System: Building Networks Beyond the Chart

30 Lessons from 30 years in Technology · Sep 23, 2026 · 17m

Gustavo Cols shares vital professional insights from three decades in the technology sector, emphasizing that meaningful connections must be established long before they're needed. He argues that formal organizational charts fail to capture how industries actually function, whereas a diverse network acts as a living navigation system for an unpredictable career path. Instead of merely collecting high-level contacts, professionals should focus on growing sideways by engaging with people across different roles, ages, and geographic borders. The text highlights the importance of being a…