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From Power Ranger to Problem Solver: The Unexpected Path to Helping Others

Writer: Chris NearmanChris Nearman

Updated: Jan 15

When I was four, I wanted to be a Power Ranger. At five, a paleontologist. Ten-year-old me dreamed of soccer stardom, only to pivot a few years later to the goal of becoming the next Roger Federer. Nothing quite prepared me for the reality at 18: standing roadside in a Statue of Liberty costume, spinning a sign, getting pelted with Taco Bell Fire Sauce packets from passing cars. We all have moments where life takes an unexpected detour.


Maybe you're asked to tackle something that feels out of your depth. Maybe you're overwhelmed by the sheer volume of what needs to be done. Maybe where you are is just not where you want to be.


Finding Purpose in the Unexpected

For me, those moments have played an important role. My career—from aerospace engineering to software development and now consulting—has been about helping others navigate their own detours. In my first job after college, I joined the aerospace industry as a software engineer. My role wasn’t about designing aircraft but about writing the code that streamlined processes for those who did. I developed tools to simplify project submissions, automate approvals, and enhance workflows. It wasn’t about being the best programmer—it was about enabling the team to work smarter and achieve more.


Building Culture and Code

When I transitioned to consulting, I carried that principle with me. My new team was starting from scratch, and we weren’t just building applications; we were building a culture. We made space for growth, encouraged questions, and prioritized mentorship. Engineers engaged directly with business users, gaining a deeper understanding of product needs while stretching beyond the boundaries of code.


One of the most transformative experiences came from working with a senior engineer who guided me through my first .NET web application. He didn’t just teach me the technical ins and outs—he showed me the value of empathy and understanding. It became clear that the tools we use are secondary to understanding the people we’re building them for and with.


Solving Today While Preparing for Tomorrow

It’s easy to get bogged down in the daily grind. Problems demand solutions, deadlines loom, and priorities change. But the most impactful work doesn’t just solve today’s issues; it lays the groundwork for tomorrow’s successes. As engineers, we’re not just problem solvers—we’re the architects of potential.


Why Consulting Matters

The role of Senior Software Engineer in Consulting at Sirrus7, for me, is the culmination of these lessons. It’s about more than delivering solutions—it’s about helping clients find the best version of themselves. Whether you’re taking on a massive project, navigating uncharted territory, or pushing the boundaries of innovation, we’re here to:

  • Lend a hand when you’re overwhelmed.

  • Share insights from paths we’ve walked before.

  • Push the boundaries of what’s possible alongside you.

Ultimately, the greatest value doesn’t come from solving problems. It comes from growth—from becoming someone you never imagined you could be.


A Bright Future

If you’re feeling stuck or uncertain, know this: the future is bright, and it’s yours to shape. Whether you're an engineer, a potential client, or someone just trying to figure it all out, remember—your passion doesn’t have to be about code or data or spreadsheets. It can be about the people. And sometimes, helping others become their best leads you on the path to becoming yours.

 
 
 

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