Former Colleagues, Lifelong Leaders: Three People You Should Know
One of the best parts of my career has been the people I’ve had the chance to work alongside. At F5, I was lucky enough to collaborate with colleagues who weren’t just talented at their jobs, but who also carried themselves with integrity, humor, and grit.
A few of those colleagues have since gone out on their own — and I think the paths they’ve chosen say something about who they are. Each of them is now dedicated to helping others take more control over their careers, their livelihoods, and ultimately their lives.
Here are three people I deeply respect and highly recommend:
Nathan Pearce – Professional Independence and Brand
When I worked with Nathan, I was always struck by how direct and unflinching he could be when it came to calling out what was really happening in a situation. He had this rare ability to cut through the noise, get to the heart of the matter, and not let the politics or the spin get in the way of the truth.
That same clarity now drives his work: helping professionals establish independence in an era where corporate loyalty can’t be counted on. Nathan’s focus is on making sure people don’t get blindsided by sudden reorganizations or shifting priorities. Instead, he equips them to thrive regardless of what the corporate machine throws their way.
If you’ve ever felt that uneasy sense of being at the mercy of corporate decisions beyond your control, Nathan is someone you want in your corner to help you ensure you have a visible brand and, thus, are not “just a number.”
Jeff Bellamy – Leadership Skills for a Chaotic Economy
Jeff and I were in the trenches together, and one thing I always admired was his calm under pressure. He was a leader who didn’t just talk about principles — he lived them, even when the situation was messy.
Today, Jeff helps leaders develop the skills to rise above the chaos of a short-term-results-driven economy. And here’s the kicker: in modern organizations, managers are often asked to take on domains they’ve never worked in before. That’s a massive stressor — and one I saw Jeff navigate gracefully. He has a knack for turning uncertainty into opportunity, teaching others how to stay grounded and lead effectively even when they’re outside their comfort zone.
If you’re a leader feeling stretched too thin or thrown into unfamiliar waters, Jeff has walked that path — and he can help you do it too.
Phil de la Motte – Financial Independence in the Tech Industry
Phil and I shared more than a few laughs over the years, but what stood out most about him was his focus. He was always thinking ahead, always connecting today’s work with tomorrow’s possibilities. He was my go-to data-driven logician.
Now, he’s turned those skills and focus toward helping professionals in the tech industry translate their hard work into financial independence. Tech, now more than ever, is a grind — long hours, high expectations, relentless growth targets — and it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. Phil helps people make sure that grind pays off in the long run, turning career effort into real security and freedom.
If you’ve ever wondered whether all the dues you’re paying in this industry will truly get you where you want to go, Phil is the person to talk to.
Why I’m Sharing This
My time in this forum (and this era) isn’t about me anymore — it’s about shining a light on the work of people I admire. As it relates to the state of affairs in the “new normal” that is Tech, Nathan, Jeff, and Phil are all building something that matters, and I want more people to know about their calls to service.
If anything here resonates with you — whether it’s professional independence, stronger leadership skills, or financial freedom — I’d be glad to make a personal introduction. These are people I trust, and I couldn’t be prouder to see the impact they’re making.
