From Erzincan to the World

A Journey of Career, Growth, and Finding What Actually Matters

Chad Tombak
Software Development Manager, Intel Ireland

1. The Unexpected Path

"Picture a kid in Erzincan..."

• Starting point: Erzincan
• The Trek: Gaziantep → Ankara → Izmir → Istanbul → Ireland
• The Core Truth: Your starting point doesn't define your destination.
• This is a conversation about building a life worth living.

2. Connecting the Dots

Your story as a map, not a brag

• Early Career: Computer Engineering & Software Development
• The Climb: Engineer → Tech Lead → Project Leader → Manager
• The Leap (2014): Moving to Ireland (Why, How, and what it cost)
• Today: Managing at Intel

"Careers rarely follow straight lines. The detours often matter most."

3. Lessons from the Road

3.1 On Career

• Hard Skills: They open the door.
• Soft Skills: They keep the door open.
• Opportunities: Say "Yes" to the uncomfortable ones.
• Reputation: Reliability > Brilliance.
• Networking: It's about genuine relationships, not transactions.

3. Lessons from the Road

3.2 On Working Abroad

• Identity: What changes when you leave? What stays the same?
• Global Perspective: Being Turkish abroad is an asset, not a limitation.
• Imposter Syndrome: Navigating foreign environments.
• Growth: It happens at the edge of your comfort zone.

4. Tools for the Journey

4.1 Success Tools

1. The 1% Rule: Small daily improvements compound.
2. Feedback Loops: Seek criticism; it's free consulting.
3. Decision Frameworks: Reversible vs. Irreversible choices.
4. Energy Management: Protect your peak hours.

4. Tools for the Journey

4.2 Happiness Tools

• Define Your Own Success: Not society's, not your parents'.
• The Relationship Audit: Who energizes you?
• Presence > Achievement: Avoid the "I'll be happy when..." trap.
• Work-Life Integration: Sustainability over "balance."

"Success without happiness is the most common form of failure."

5. Real Talk for Students

• You don't need to have it all figured out.
• The degree is a starting point, not the destination.
• Risk: Take risks while the stakes are low.
• Comparison: Compare yourself to yesterday-you, not Instagram-them.
• Find Mentors: And eventually, become one.

6. Closing

The Question That Changed Everything

• Connecting the kid in Erzincan to the man standing here today.
• Final Thought:

"The best time to start was yesterday. The second best time is now."

7. Q&A

• What's something you wish you'd asked someone at my stage?
• Any specific situations you'd like advice on?

Thank You!

Questions?