Joy in Leadership: 7CTOs Honors Six Feet Up CTO

When the 7CTOs community presented Six Feet Up CTO, Calvin Hendryx-Parker, with the 2025 Press Any Key Award, he didn’t talk about technology. He talked about community. For a room full of CTOs, that struck a powerful chord.

The award celebrates leaders who bring “mastery, autonomy, and purpose” and who excel at “bringing joy and fulfillment” to both their work and their personal lives. For Calvin, a longtime community builder and AWS Hero, the moment felt personal.

It reflected the way he has chosen to lead: with curiosity, commitment to community, and the courage to experiment.

Calvin shared how much energy he draws from his peers in 7CTOs. Being surrounded by other CTOs keeps him learning, and it keeps leadership fun. Small group forums, honest conversations, and shared problem solving help him stay excited about the work and focused on the challenges ahead.

“This is the first time I’ve been recognized for something that I just get so much joy out of,” said Calvin.

Organizers highlighted Calvin's ability to brighten any room and talk with anyone, skills he uses to empower and energize CTOs worldwide. It was a reminder that real influence is not only about title. It is about presence, accessibility, and the way a leader makes others feel.

Leading with Curiosity

In his remarks, Calvin reflected on the conference theme, “Press Any Key.” It took him back to the first time he sat in front of a computer and felt the thrill of possibility. Every key felt like an invitation to explore.

That early feeling still applies to modern leadership. For Calvin, “press any key” means saying yes to what you cannot fully predict. New technology. New teams. New ideas. It is a mindset of curiosity in the face of uncertainty.

His advice for fellow leaders:

• Reignite curiosity: Remember what first drew you to code. Let that feeling guide how you lead and what you learn next.
• Invest in community: Peer connection is a multiplier for resilience and clarity. It makes hard problems easier to solve.
• Model generosity: Leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about creating space for others to grow and contribute.
• Lead with joy: Your team mirrors your energy. Protect your passion as fiercely as you protect your roadmap.

As an active member of 7CTOs, Calvin continues to sharpen his leadership skills while helping others do the same. The community provides expert support, coaching, and peer connection for technology executives who want to grow with purpose.

Watch the Acceptance Speech

Speaking to his peers, Calvin thanked the 7CTOs community for its encouragement and camaraderie. That collective energy, he shared, is what powers him. Watch Calvin’s acceptance of the Press Any Key Award 2025:

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Calvin’s journey is a reminder that great technology leadership is as much about heart as it is about code. For more insights, follow Calvin on LinkedIn.