Nicholas Sgalitzer is a seasoned tech expert with over a decade of experience in the technology industry. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Nicholas has built a reputation for his innovative approach to solving complex technical challenges and his ability to stay ahead of emerging trends. Specializing in product development, software engineering, and digital transformation, Nicholas Sgalitzer has worked with top-tier tech companies and startups alike, guiding them through the evolving landscape of technology. Passionate about continuous learning and mentoring, he has also become a trusted voice in the tech community, regularly speaking at industry events and sharing insights on future technology trends. Nick’s unique ability to bridge the gap between technical expertise and practical business applications has made him a sought-after consultant for both established companies and entrepreneurs looking to navigate the digital world.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day usually starts early, around 6:30 AM. I like to kick off with a quick review of industry news and any updates from projects I’m working on. From there, my time is typically split between client meetings, brainstorming sessions with my team, and hands-on work with new technologies. To stay productive, I prioritize tasks and focus on the most critical ones first, leaving administrative tasks for later in the day. I also make time for short breaks to stay sharp.
How do you bring ideas to life?
The process starts with research and identifying the gaps or problems that need solving. Once I have an idea, I break it down into smaller, manageable pieces. I collaborate closely with my team to refine the idea, gather feedback, and prototype solutions. Testing and iteration are key—nothing works perfectly on the first try, but persistence and adaptability are what bring an idea to fruition.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m particularly excited about the advancements in quantum computing. While it’s still early days, the potential for quantum technology to revolutionize industries, from cryptography to medicine, is immense. The thought of solving complex problems that classical computers can’t even approach is exhilarating.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit I swear by is time blocking. I allocate specific hours of my day to different tasks or projects. By limiting distractions and focusing solely on one task at a time, I can dive deeper into work and achieve higher quality outcomes in less time.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to embrace failure as part of the journey. It’s easy to get discouraged by setbacks, but I’ve learned that the best lessons come from those moments. Taking risks and failing forward is essential for growth in tech and life.
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that tech is often over-hyped. While innovation is important, sometimes the rush to introduce new technologies leads to solutions looking for problems. I advocate for a more thoughtful, sustainable approach to tech development rather than chasing trends.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I always recommend continuous learning. The tech industry is constantly evolving, and if you’re not adapting, you’re falling behind. Whether it’s attending workshops, reading books, or experimenting with new tools, staying curious and educated is key.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed, I take a step back and go for a walk. Sometimes, a change of scenery helps reset my mind. I also meditate briefly to clear my head and regain focus. It’s amazing how much clarity a short break can provide.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Networking and building genuine relationships have been game-changers for me. I focus on connecting with like-minded professionals and offering value, whether through advice or collaboration. These relationships often lead to opportunities that wouldn’t be available through traditional channels.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I worked on a product launch that ultimately didn’t succeed. We were too focused on perfecting the technology and not enough on the market fit. The failure taught me the importance of understanding customer needs and iterating quickly based on feedback. It also reinforced that failure is not the end—it’s a lesson in disguise.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
I think a subscription-based platform for personal cybersecurity education could fill a niche. As more people are working from home and handling sensitive data, there’s a growing need for accessible, affordable training on how to protect personal information online.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I’m a huge fan of Notion. It’s an all-in-one workspace that allows me to keep track of my projects, to-do lists, and notes in one place. I use it to organize my workflow, collaborate with team members, and keep all the moving parts of my business in sync.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I highly recommend the book “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone in tech, especially if you’re working on building a product or starting a business. It emphasizes the importance of rapid experimentation, validated learning, and adapting to change.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently watched Black Mirror again. It’s always interesting to explore how technology might evolve in the future and the ethical implications that come with it. Each episode is a unique look at how tech can shape our lives, for better or worse.
Key learnings
One of the biggest takeaways from my career is that success in tech isn’t just about having great ideas. It’s about execution, timing, and adaptability. In an industry that’s always evolving, staying ahead means being willing to pivot when necessary and never stop learning.