31 Years in the tech industry

In honor of tomorrow's National STEM Day, we sat down with Neal Lauther, Kollective’s VP of Global Technical Services, to explore his unique journey into technology, his reflections on the transformative power of the tech industry, and the advice he has for those just beginning their STEM careers. Neal’s story is a compelling testament to the unexpected paths that can lead to technology careers and the lasting impact of pursuing innovation. Below, he shares what initially inspired him, the ways technology has reshaped his life and career, and his guidance for the next generation of STEM professionals.

What initially inspired you to pursue a career in technology?

Neal shares that his journey into technology was far from straightforward. Originally trained in accounting, his early career was grounded in traditional financial roles. But everything changed when he joined a project team tasked with selecting and implementing a new ERP system in his final accounting role. “For me, it was the ‘aha’ moment where I realized I wanted to implement solutions and train people on new ways of doing important and often tedious tasks via technology,” Neal recalls. This experience ignited his passion for guiding people through the complexities of technology.

As he transitioned into a Financial Implementation Consultant role, Neal found even more affirmation of his path, facing and overcoming challenges ranging from interpersonal dynamics to tight deadlines and shifting project goals. Moving further into a technical role enabled him to tap into his creative side—“a dream come true,” Neal says, considering his structured background in accounting. Reflecting on his journey, he notes that there’s no better feeling than seeing technology make a meaningful impact on users’ daily tasks.

How has working in technology impacted your life or career the most?

Neal describes the technology field as a world of endless opportunities, in stark contrast to the linear career path he had once envisioned in accounting. “There are so many roles to explore—sales, support, product management, engineering, R&D, and more,” he explains.

He fondly recounts his first day at a technology company, where a seasoned software sales veteran greeted him, saying, “Well, you better like it, because you’ll never go back to another industry.” That prediction proved true—over three decades later, Neal remains deeply engaged in the tech world. His career has allowed him to grow and evolve across different roles, finding fulfillment in the variety and innovation that technology offers.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in a STEM field today?

For those venturing into STEM, Neal emphasizes the profound impact that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics have on shaping a better world. “Without advancements in these fields, the world doesn’t improve,” he says. Although people are the driving force, it’s through STEM that once-impossible feats become possible. He also encourages those new to the field to embrace failure as a critical part of the journey, reminding them that growth often comes from analyzing and learning from mistakes.

Neal’s story and insights remind us of the boundless opportunities that STEM offers, especially for those who are curious, resilient, and passionate about solving complex problems. As we celebrate National STEM Day, we’re inspired by Neal’s journey and his dedication to advancing technology’s positive impact on the world.