Job Title: Co-founder and CEO
Location: USA
Ofer Klein is the CEO and co-founder of which leverages business context to protect sensitive assets shared through SaaS platforms and applications. He is a former Israeli pilot and a serial entrepreneur with vast experience in building and growing GTM teams in SaaS companies in the U.S.
What was the most valuable piece of career advice that you received? I can give 3 words of advice: Stay the course.
As a business owner, you have gut feelings about various aspects of the business, partners, employees, customers, etc. Knowing that nine times out of 10, your gut feeling is correct. All I can say is trust yourself, your mentors, and ultimately, stay the course in order to get where you want to be.
What was the worst piece of business advice that you received? Despite my better judgment, I followed someone’s insistent pleas to do business which ended up not being a good partnership. This is actually two fold, not following my own gut and then being swayed by others based upon their needs.
What advice would you give to someone starting their career in IT/tech? Stay the course and do what you feel is ultimately best for you.
Did you always want to work in IT/tech? For the most part, yes. I started out in the Israeli Army Reserve Force, where I flew helicopters, and eventually I moved to a company that helped helicopter pilots see with limited-to-no visibility. That is where the visibility red thread began in my career.
What was your first job in IT/tech? After being in the Israeli Army Reserve Force, I went to a company where I led the product group in the aerospace department. There, I was tasked with overcoming the challenge of how to fly a helicopter with limited-to-no visibility. We created a helmet with sensors in it, to help pilots see when they couldn’t see out of the windshield of the chopper.
What are some common misconceptions about working in IT/tech? 80% of the value created is between the people in the business and not just the tech or machines we are using or helping to protect.
What tips would you give to someone aiming for a c-level position? I would tell them to stay the course, do what is ultimately best for them, and continue working hard until you get to where you want to be.
What are your career ambitions and have you reached them yet? As a small startup, you’d think my ambition would be an IPO. But I really don’t care about that. That will come if it’s meant to be. My main concerns, currently, are going through this journey in life and business with exceptional people next to me and ensuring I provide my users and customers with an immense amount of value.
Do you have a good work life balance in your current role? Nope! But I am learning to try and seek a balance as I am getting better at it. Early stage companies demand a lot of attention.
What, if anything, would you change about the route your career path has taken? I wouldn’t change anything as I have been lucky to learn from each experience, improving with each position and company based upon the lessons learned. No regrets!
Which would you recommend: A coding bootcamp or a computer science degree? This is not a call I feel I should be making – this is a very personal decision. Some of the top tech leaders today didn’t go to school, but some did. So, I think if you work hard and stay the course, you will get to where you want to be.
How important are specific certifications? Certifications are important. They help IT professionals and aspiring professionals home in on particular skills.
What are the three skills or abilities you look for in prospective candidates? Bold, knowledgeable, willing to answer and ask the tough questions
What would put you off a candidate? A candidate who is only focused on their personal gain. A qualified candidate is one who is focused on the big picture, one who is ready to make a massive splash WITH their teammates and colleagues.
What are the most common mistakes made by candidates in an interview? How can those mistakes be avoided? The most common mistake is only focusing on the candidate’s self rather than the overarching picture and company.
Do you think it is better to have technical or business skills – or a mix of both? I think any well-rounded candidate should have a mix of both technical and business skills. Do they need to be an expert in either of these areas? No. Any good leader within the company will be willing to help focus and sharpen these skills depending on the position and company.