From Erzincan to the World

From Erzincan to the World

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

Chad Tombak
Software Development Manager, Intel Ireland

Chad Tombak — Software Development Manager, Intel Ireland
From Erzincan to the World

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.
Chad Tombak — Software Development Manager, Intel Ireland
From Erzincan to the World

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."

Chad Tombak — Software Development Manager, Intel Ireland
From Erzincan to the World

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.
Chad Tombak — Software Development Manager, Intel Ireland
From Erzincan to the World

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.
Chad Tombak — Software Development Manager, Intel Ireland
From Erzincan to the World

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.
Chad Tombak — Software Development Manager, Intel Ireland
From Erzincan to the World

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."

Chad Tombak — Software Development Manager, Intel Ireland
From Erzincan to the World

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.
Chad Tombak — Software Development Manager, Intel Ireland
From Erzincan to the World

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."

Chad Tombak — Software Development Manager, Intel Ireland
From Erzincan to the World

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?

Chad Tombak — Software Development Manager, Intel Ireland