Curtis Izen

What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to resilience, curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to keep learning. Over the years, I have learned that success usually does not come from one major moment. It comes from showing up consistently, learning from experience, building strong relationships, and taking on new opportunities even when you are not completely sure where they will lead.

I have also learned not to look at challenges as failures. Every setback, difficult conversation, missed opportunity, or unexpected change has taught me something. I try to take those experiences and ask myself what I can learn, what I can do differently, and how I can become better because of them.

A big part of my success has also come from working with people. Whether I am teaching a student, helping a colleague with a technology issue, mentoring someone, or collaborating on a project, I believe trust and authenticity matter. People know when you genuinely care about helping them succeed, and I have always tried to bring that mindset into my work.

Curiosity has kept me moving forward. Technology and education are constantly changing, so I have never wanted to become too comfortable with what I already know. I enjoy learning new things, adapting to change, and finding better ways to solve problems.

Most importantly, I do not measure success only by job titles, awards, or accomplishments. For me, success means making a difference, helping others grow, continuing to grow myself, and being proud of the impact I have had along the way.

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I have received is simple: never stop learning or adapting. Technology is constantly evolving, and education must evolve with it. Throughout my career, I have followed that advice by continuously developing new skills, earning certifications, experimenting with new teaching tools, and adapting my courses to meet the changing needs of students and the workplace.

I have also learned that staying current is only part of the equation. The real value comes from taking what you learn and using it to help others succeed. Whether I am teaching information systems, applications, or ways to automate processes, I incorporate tools such as VoiceThread to humanize my course and create GPTs (Generative Pre-trained Transformers) in Artificial Intelligence to provide my students with the latest cutting-edge technology. I always try to ask myself, “How can this make the learning experience better, and how can it prepare students for what comes next?”

That mindset has guided much of my career. For me, learning is most meaningful when I can share it, apply it, and use it to create opportunities for others.

What advice would you give to young men entering your industry?

My advice: stop waiting for the perfect moment. There is rarely a perfect time to start something new, change direction, pursue an idea, develop a skill, or take a risk. At some point, you have to move forward with what you know and trust yourself to learn the rest along the way.

I also believe it is important to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. Growth often happens outside of our comfort zones, and some of the best opportunities can feel intimidating at first because they require us to do something unfamiliar. Uncertainty does not always mean you should walk away. Sometimes it means you are about to learn something important.

Build relationships before you need them. A network should be more than a list of contacts. Invest in people, build genuine connections, offer value, and celebrate others' success. Some of the most meaningful opportunities in my career have come from relationships that were built over time.

Finally, stay curious. Never assume you have learned everything you need to know. Read, ask questions, listen to people with different perspectives, understand your field, and pay attention to what is changing around you. The ability to adapt is one of the most valuable skills anyone can develop.