10 Minutes With: Kara Callahan - Learning Program Manager

We’re excited to take you behind the scenes with Kara Callahan, a new Learning Program Manager to RedCloud. During her day-to-day, she designs and implements learning solutions for her client with the goal of driving end user adoptions of Microsoft’s 365 suite.

​She comes to RedCloud with not only an advanced leadership and operations background, but also with an adventurous side. Just last year, she hiked over 2,000 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail for six months! The skills she learned on the trail, like adapting to change, managing a plan and being optimistic all shine bright each day she sets out to make our clients’ life easier.

RC: Briefly describe your role and how long you’ve been at RedCloud.
KC: I’ve been with RedCloud since January 2020. I’m a bit of a newbie! I joined the agency to fill an IT training role with the client, helping them roll out Office 365 to the enterprise.

RC: What was it like to join RedCloud (onboarding process)?
KC: Becoming part of RedCloud was a great experience. I received a message on LinkedIn from one of their recruiters. I’d never worked a contract position before and will admit I was somewhat wary after hearing other contractors’ stories, but I decided to connect with her. She immediately put me at ease and I realized RedCloud was different. We had a friendly exploratory conversation about the role and my qualifications/interest. 

Scott Ekman, the account manager for my client’s account, followed up with me to elaborate on the role and to assess my experience. I then went to interview with the client, first virtually then in person. The more I got to know the teams, the more excited I became about the role. I received an offer from one of the managing partners and RedCloud advocated for a delayed start date so I could fulfill a planned visit to some out-of-state family. 

Before starting on campus with my client, I visited RedCloud where I had a wonderful 1:1 onboarding experience with Emily. She answered all of my HR-related questions and made me feel a part of the RedCloud family. I felt supported, connected and confident as I started my new position. 

RC: Given your background and other experiences, what stands out to you with RedCloud? 
KC: What stands out to me the most is how much RedCloud cares about their employees. The benefits they offer are outstanding compared with many area agencies, but in addition to that they also have a personal touch. I always feel comfortable reaching out to my account manager with questions related to the project. I feel supported and have appreciated being put in contact with other RedCloud employees at my office. When I need something, like clarification on a paystub, I can talk to the payroll manager at RedCloud on the same day. It really feels like a family with the amount of availability and support offered. 

RC: What originally drew you to RedCloud?
KC: Originally I was drawn to RedCloud after chatting with Kelly and checking reviews on GlassDoor. I quickly discovered how much people love working for RedCloud and it made me excited to learn more. 

RC: Where do you see the future of consulting or the future of RedCloud?
KC: I foresee a large trend in consulting opportunities, especially in areas with large technology industries such as Seattle. These industries consist of rapidly evolving strategies. This often means time-sensitive solutions which require specialized knowledge. Contractors fulfill an important place in the big picture of the modern workforce and as this portion of the workforce increases, I believe we will see contractors seeking the support, benefits and compensation offered by companies like RedCloud.

RC: Name one piece of technology you couldn’t live without and why?
KC: Noise cancelling headphones! After working from home for many years, my new Bose noise cancelling headphones have helped me block out time for focusing on deliverables instead of giving in to the constant temptation to socialize. I’m a relationship-driven person, so being able to create a quiet atmosphere for work helps me focus my attention and save the socializing for breaks.

RC: What are you looking forward to the most this year with RedCloud?
KC: I’m looking forward to soaking up the optimism and opportunity that pervade the RedCloud culture even in trying times. I draw inspiration from it. But mostly, I’m excited to see the completion of the O365 migration project I’m working on! Each benchmark is exciting as I see the impacts of training on adoption and use. My ideal position is one in which I am both continually learning and also designing effective learning and performance solutions, so I’m right where I want to be.


Learn more about opportunities at RedCloud and consider joining our team.