About Joel Pagan

Technologist. Builder. Visionary.

A journey driven by faith, fueled by curiosity, and focused on creating technology that makes a meaningful difference in people's lives.

Joel Pagan - Thought Leader & Solutions Builder

Joel Pagan

Thought Leader & Solutions Builder

My Story

I've always been fascinated by how things work — and more importantly, how they can work better. This curiosity led me on a path through some of the world's most distinguished institutions and into a career defined by building solutions that matter.

My journey began at Oral Roberts University, where I developed not just technical skills, but a foundation of faith and purpose that continues to guide everything I do. Education there taught me that true success isn't measured by what you achieve, but by the impact you have on others.

I continued my education at Harvard University Extension School, where I deepened my understanding of technology and its potential to transform industries. The rigorous academic environment pushed me to think bigger and aim higher.

Most recently, I completed the MIT Professional Education CTO Program, which equipped me with the strategic lens to lead technology organizations and drive innovation at scale. This program crystallized my approach to technology leadership: combining technical excellence with strategic vision.

What Drives Me

At my core, I'm a builder. I see problems as opportunities and technology as a tool for positive change. Whether it's developing a new application, architecting a complex system, or sharing knowledge with others, I approach every endeavor with the same question: "How does this make the world better?"

This platform — SmartLikeHow — is my way of documenting the journey, sharing what I've learned, and hopefully inspiring others to pursue their own path of purposeful creation.

Beyond Technology

When I'm not building solutions or writing code, you'll find me mentoring aspiring technologists, exploring new ideas, and spending time with family. I believe in the power of community and the importance of lifting others as we climb.

Academic Foundation

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Oral Roberts University

Graduate

Where faith meets excellence. Built my foundation in technology and purpose-driven leadership.

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Harvard Extension School

Graduate

Rigorous academic environment that expanded my technical expertise and strategic thinking.

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MIT Professional Education

CTO Program Certificate

Strategic technology leadership training from one of the world's premier institutions.

What I Believe

Purpose Over Profit

Every project should have a "why" that goes beyond the bottom line. Technology should serve humanity's highest aspirations.

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Continuous Growth

The moment we stop learning is the moment we start falling behind. Stay curious, stay humble, stay hungry.

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Share the Journey

Knowledge compounds when shared. Document the wins and the failures — both are valuable lessons.

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Build With Excellence

Good enough isn't good enough. Every solution deserves our best effort, no matter how small.

Let's Connect

Whether you want to collaborate on a project, discuss ideas, or just say hello — I'm always open to connecting with fellow builders and dreamers.

Get in Touch → Read My Journey