10 Minutes with Sophia Stead: RedCloud Business Program Manager

Meet one of our top and longest-serving RedCloud consultants, Sophia Stead. Having joined RedCloud in 2016, Sophia has been an integral part of growing the firm, building our culture, and helping our clients succeed since the early days of our “relaunch” in 2015. Read on to hear all about her thoughts on working with us.

RC: Briefly describe your role and how long you've been at RedCloud.
SS: I am a Business Program Manager and have been with RedCloud for 5 years.

RC: Given your background and other experiences, what stands out to you with RedCloud?
SS: In the Greater Seattle area, there are a lot of consulting companies given Microsoft and other technology companies' use of talent. RedCloud is able to provide quality PgM, PjM, Data Analysts and technical talent that matches what the clients need, whether an individual and/or a team as well as senior or junior levels.

RC: What originally drew you to RedCloud?
SS: The leadership, vision and experience of the firm.

RC: Where do you see the future of consulting or the future of RedCloud?
SS: As a PMP and CSPO consultant, I see a lot of changes. Consulting talent needs to stay on top of our technical knowledge to stay at pace with Digital Transformation, Cloud integration, IoT and AI. RedCloud has a lot of creative talent, who are lifelong learners and we help each other as well as inspire each other to stay on top of “new.” I like this in our firm.

RC: Name one piece of technology you couldn’t live without and why?
SS: Ha! Well, I thought I was putting my cell phone into my pocket Friday night, and dropped it on cement. So, I’d have to say my cell. I have an appreciation for connecting to my family, friends, work and news. Though, I have to say I also appreciate a good book or a hike, so sometimes being unconnected is my favorite way to recharge. No technology (balance between with and without) is also a “piece” of technology I cannot live without.

RC: In your time with RedCloud, how has the company adapted to the market (i.e. new industries, technologies, client needs, Covid, etc.)?
SS: Where do I start? Managing Partners Brett Clifton and Brett Alson are planners and execute to their plan. They are also leaders who value their teams. We have been remote workers with good tools, since before COVID, so not much changed there. 

The market has changed in terms of what talent is needed to round out a project and/or a team; as well as the impact of Digital Transformation. RedCloud has pivoted to meet the market with the right technical and data talent; our recruiters are seasoned and connected, and we have a lot of tenure here. 
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One of the very appreciated and fun COVID pivots they did for our Holiday party was to have a virtual one. We cooked together with the world-renowned chef Tom Douglas, while everyone was on video conference. Great, creative way to stay connected as a team. And, yes, there was an after-party … with those of us who stayed on video. Super fun to reconnect with other RedCloud consultants during our fully remote work.

RC: Tell us about one of your favorite client projects you've worked on, and why it was a success? 
SS: I have had a really amazing set of clients. Right now, given COVID, I have had the benefit of being on the same engagement for over 18 months. It is in Sales Operations and Enablement. We are helping drive Business Acceleration and Customer Success – Customer adoption of the technology they own. I love being a part of helping our customers’ customers grow their business through technology; and be exposed to the change making happening across all industries.

RC: How has the role of a consultant changed since you started with RedCloud? 
SS: We used to be PjM only. Task masters driving from point A to point B. Now, we are leveraging technology; often recommending technology to drive the engagement productivity. Clients need to be doing more with less, and be able to have programs that are agile enough to quickly adapt to market change and competition. We are looking at the future state much differently than we did 3-5 years ago.

RC: What parts of RedCloud's approach to consulting have you found are most important to you in your time here? (approach to teamwork, community support, client work, project type, etc.)
SS: The ability to scale up or down on projects has been so critical to our ongoing success. I have had multiple times where I have needed an additional team member to join in on a project to get us over a “hump.” RedCloud consultants are so versatile that we can join in on a project, adding some talent short or long term to a team without missing a beat. It’s wonderful to have this level of confidence.

RC: Tell us about some of the best qualities of the people you work with on the RedCloud team. 
SS: Kind, intelligent, committed, creative, professional, and client success focused.