Return to start-up life

After more than 16 years evolving in a big enterprise, I am making the jump back in start-up land.  Actually, the situation could better be described as follows:

• 1994: Joined NetCorp (Ethernet switches) as 1st employee
• 1997: Joined Positron Fiber Systems (SONET/SDH transport equipment)
• 1997: Positron Fiber Systems IPO
• 1998: Reltec (access equipment) acquires Positron Fiber Systems
• 1999: Marconi (SDH transport equipment) acquires Reltec
• 2005: Ericsson (leader in mobility equipment) acquires Marconi

I've lived through 1 IPO and 3 acquisitions, debuting in a start-up and ending-up in a tier-1 network equipment vendor with over 70,000 employees worldwide.  The ride was quite interesting and enriching to say the least.

One thing I learned
Experience cannot be summarized in 1 sentence but taking a shot I would say:

Culture is paramount: people do not follow Moore's Law

Whether it comes to "mergers" or building a team, choose your people wisely.

One piece of advice
If I was allowed to give only 1 piece of advice:

Manage your career as you would manage your projects

When it comes to your success, the most important actor is yourself.  Always be one step ahead: immerse yourself in your next target job, learn the ropes on your free time and you'll be prepared when opportunity comes knocking on your door.