Whether in the news headlines across our country, or going mostly unseen by the public, cybersecurity threats are more prevalent than ever in our personal and professional lives. Companies and organizations must protect information, wherever it may live; software applications, networks, the cloud, or IoT devices. As mission-critical industries are targeted by cyberattacks more frequently, a strong cyber defense has become essential for businesses of every size. Based on the expertise of RedCloud’s own Security Practice experts, here are five essential cybersecurity tips to help protect your business from cyber threats. Which are you already implementing, or which should you double down on to ensure your data and business operations are secure? 1. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Passwords alone are no longer sufficient to protect sensitive business data. Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring employees to verify their identity through multiple methods, such as a one-time code, biometrics, or authentication apps. While initially these can feel like an unnecessary step, MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, even if login credentials are compromised. 2. Regularly Update Software & Patch Vulnerabilities Cybercriminals exploit outdated software to gain access to business systems. Ensure that all operating systems, applications, and security tools are updated regularly with the latest patches. Automating updates can help businesses stay ahead of vulnerabilities and minimize the risk of exploitation. Build updates into your culture and operations to ensure your company’s systems remain as protected as possible. 3. Train Employees on Cyber Hygiene We find that employees are often the first line of defense against cyber threats. Whether by internal staff, or contracted experts, regular security awareness training can help your team recognize phishing emails, social engineering tactics, and other common cyber threats. Encourage safe browsing practices, secure password management, and the importance of reporting suspicious activity to your IT team. 4. Limit Access & Use the Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP) While it may require some additional set up initially, not all of your employees need access to every system or dataset. The Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP) ensures that users only have access to the data and applications necessary for their roles. By restricting access, your business can minimize the potential damage caused by compromised accounts or insider threats. 5. Back Up Data & Have an Incident Response Plan Unfortunately from first-hand experience with our clients, we know cyberattacks, such as ransomware, can result in data loss and operational disruptions. Regularly backing up critical business data to secure, offline locations ensures that you can recover quickly in the event of an attack. Additionally, having an incident response plan in place can help your business react swiftly to security breaches, minimizing downtime and financial losses. Our Final Thoughts Cybersecurity is a continuous process that requires proactive measures and employee vigilance. By implementing these five essential cybersecurity tips, businesses can strengthen their defenses and reduce the risk of cyber threats. Stay ahead of potential risks, invest in security training, and ensure your organization is prepared for the ever-evolving digital landscape. Need help understanding the risk to your business and finding tangible, ready to implement solutions? RedCloud’s cybersecurity experts can provide tailored programs and processes to keep your data safe. Contact our team of experts today!

Meet Amy Paron, RedCloud’s dynamic Office Manager and Senior HR Generalist, whose multifaceted role keeps the company running smoothly and its culture thriving. From ensuring employees are set up for success with essential tools and resources to fostering positive employee experiences through onboarding and HR support, Amy’s dedication is evident in every task she undertakes. With a passion for welcoming new team members and creating a supportive workplace, she embodies RedCloud’s commitment to excellence. Beyond work, Amy finds joy in traveling, outdoor adventures, and spending quality time with her daughter, Bella. Let’s dive into her unique perspective and learn more about the journey that brought her here. Describe your role and what you do in a nutshell: As the Office Manager and Senior HR Generalist, I have the privilege of wearing multiple hats that contribute to our company's overall success and smooth operation. As Office Manager, I ensure that our office environment is efficient and well-stocked with supplies, snacks, and necessary equipment. This includes ensuring employee laptops are set up and ready to go so everyone has what they need to succeed. As Senior HR Generalist, I support key HR functions, including onboarding, offboarding, employee relations, and benefits administration. I enjoy helping foster a positive work culture and ensuring employees feel supported and informed. What do you enjoy most or find especially interesting about your current role? I’m particularly passionate about onboarding new employees. I love being the first face they see when they join, welcoming them warmly, and guiding them through the process of settling in. Sharing the unique culture of RedCloud and introducing them to the exceptional benefits we offer is always fulfilling, as it sets the tone for their journey with us. What are you most proud of in your career so far? One of the proudest moments in my career was playing a key role in growing Cozi Inc., a Seattle-based software company, from its early stages through to its eventual sale to Time Inc. It was an incredible journey of transformation, and being a part of that process was deeply rewarding. Tell us about something interesting you've learned recently. I recently finished reading Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake, which shifted my perspective on nature. I knew that trees communicate with each other, but I was fascinated to learn that they do so through a complex underground network of fungi that connects their root systems. This book is a beautiful example of the interconnectedness of all life. If you could suggest a book for the entire team to read, what would it be and why? I would recommend The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer. This book explores how developing consciousness can help us live in the present moment and let go of past thoughts and memories that limit our happiness. It offers deep insights into how we can achieve self-realization and personal growth. Another book I’d suggest is Unfu*k Yourself: Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Life by Gary John Bishop. While the title is provocative 😉 it’s a fantastic resource for reprogramming negative thought patterns and empowering ourselves to live the life we’re truly meant to live. What obsolete technology do you still have a soft spot for? I have a soft spot for my record player! There's something special about listening to vinyl records — the rich, analog sound is irreplaceable.  What piece of advice would you share with your younger self? I would remind my younger self that life is fleeting and time moves faster than you realize. Don’t wait to take the trip, make that career change, or spend time with your loved ones. Say yes to the opportunities that come your way, and don’t put off decisions or experiences for tomorrow. Today is all that is promised. What are you passionate about or enjoy outside of work? Outside of work, my greatest passion is spending quality time with my daughter, Bella. I also love traveling and exploring new cities and countries. Some of my favorite pastimes are outdoor activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, and relearning how to ski (I'm not doing very well at this one!). Giving back to the community through philanthropic efforts is also close to my heart. When I have downtime, I enjoy baking, practicing aerial silk acrobatics, solving crossword puzzles, and reading.

As many companies push for a full return to the office, at RedCloud, we’re taking a different approach—embracing remote and hybrid work as the future of a thriving workplace. This forward-thinking strategy was recently recognized by the Best Companies Group as we were named one of the Best Remote and Hybrid Workplaces in America ! The Best Remote and Hybrid Workplaces in America Awards identify, recognize, and honor the best remote and hybrid workplaces, celebrating excellence in virtual and flexible company cultures. As the firm has evolved over the past several decades, we’ve aimed to redefine the consulting experience for both consultants and clients, fostering mutual success. By prioritizing flexibility, employee well-being, and productivity over rigid office mandates, we believe we’re proving a people-first culture leads to success for clients and consultants alike.  Key to this recognition is ensuring that our employees have the tools and support they need to thrive—whether they work from home, in the office, or a combination of both. By prioritizing flexibility, team connectivity, and professional growth, we are striving to set a high standard for modern workplaces. Best Companies Group  managed the award process, analyzed the data, and used their expertise to determine the final rankings. Rankings were determined using Best Companies Group’s proprietary algorithm, which evaluated each nominated company's workplace policies, practices, demographics, and employee survey results measuring the employee experience. The final scores decided which workplaces were recognized and which ranked at the top of their respective categories. “In today’s economy, top employers know that tapping into the full potential of their people—whether on-site, remote, or hybrid—is essential,” said Jaime Raul Zepeda, executive vice president of Best Companies Group + COLOR Magazine. “At Best Companies Group, we've identified the best workplaces that have mastered building a thriving culture with teams working beyond traditional office spaces. We’re thrilled to celebrate these exceptional organizations today.” At RedCloud, we’re continuously expanding our diverse team of subject matter experts, while maintaining our dedication to cultivating a community of true professionals, committed to sourcing, nurturing, and retaining top talent across the country. Current job opportunities are available at: https://www.redcloudconsulting.com/careers .

Change Management Office   maturity through a strategic transformation in a global cloud supply chain organization. Summary A global cloud supply chain organization sought to elevate its Change Management Office to a more strategic level, moving away from traditional methods. The team faced the challenge of transforming its change management approach while fostering a culture of excellence. Through key initiatives like refining communication strategies, creating centers of excellence, improving client engagement, and enhancing accountability, the organization significantly enhanced its change management capabilities and fostered greater collaboration. The Situation The organization’s Change Management Office was struggling to evolve from traditional change management practices to a more strategic, consultant-like approach. The team faced challenges like varied levels of experience among its members, a resistance to adopting new tools, and the need for extensive collaboration that slowed decision-making. Additionally, as external consultants, the team had to build trust and credibility within the organization. To address these challenges, Red Cloud identified key initiatives to transform its operations and establish a more effective, results-driven change management framework. The Approach Several initiatives were launched to elevate the Change Management Office's maturity: Developing a Comprehensive Communications Strategy:  Our team worked closely with the Communications Strategy team to identify communication tools and methods improvements. The goal was to streamline communication efforts and enhance the consistency of project messaging. Establishing Centers of Excellence:  The team encouraged the organization to adopt centers of excellence in key areas, such as automation and communications. This centralization helped improve consistency in delivery while pooling expertise. Enhancing Client Engagement and Transparency:  By prioritizing co-creation with clients, our team improved transparency and ensured client needs were met while managing expectations effectively. Structured Accountability and Ownership:  Introducing a structured approach to accountability and ownership within the team led to better performance and allowed members to focus on strategic business relationships. The Impact The transformation led to significant improvements: Enhanced Strategic Thinking:  The Change Management Office team adopted a broader, more strategic perspective in managing change. Improved Consistency:  Establishing centers of excellence provided the team with consistent processes, leading to higher-quality deliverables. Increased Client Satisfaction:  Clients appreciated being actively involved in the change process, resulting in higher engagement and satisfaction levels. Greater Collaboration and Visibility:  Centralizing expertise enhanced collaboration across projects, offering greater visibility into ongoing work and progress. Lessons Learned Influence Through Modesty:  Successful change management requires a humble approach, focusing on influencing rather than imposing change. Adapt to Organizational Pace:  Adapting to the organization’s pace is crucial for successfully managing change initiatives. Navigate Political Landscapes:  Understanding and navigating internal political dynamics is essential for driving meaningful change. Build Trust Incrementally:  Building trust is a gradual process requiring consistent effort and engagement from all team members. Conclusion The journey of transforming the Change Management Office within this global cloud supply chain organization highlighted the importance of a strategic mindset, structured accountability, and client engagement. By shifting to a consultant-oriented approach and emphasizing excellence, the team enhanced its change management processes and delivered measurable results, positioning the organization for continued success.

At RedCloud, we believe that giving back to the community is not just a responsibility but a privilege. It’s part of who we are, embedded in the DNA of RedCloud since our inception. The RedCloud team feels fortunate to be connected to Toys for Kids , a nonprofit founded by Seattle Mariners broadcaster Rick Rizzs and former center fielder Dave Henderson. We’ve supported TfK for years, and our Managing Partner Brett Alston is currently the president of the Board of Directors.  In what is always a special time of year in our work with TfK, as the back-to-school season approaches, our team eagerly anticipates the opportunity to contribute to Rick and his team. Through our collaboration, RedCloud donates and assembles student backpacks filled with essential school supplies, ensuring that every child has the tools they need to succeed academically. From notebooks and pencils to calculators and art supplies, we collect a wide array of items to include in the backpacks, assemble the backpacks, and ultimately deliver them to TfK’s partners at the Atlantic Street Center in Seattle where they are given to eager children! This hands-on involvement not only strengthens our team spirit but also reinforces our commitment to supporting the educational journey of children in our broader Seattle community. The impact of our partnership with Toys For Kids extends far beyond the backpacks themselves. By alleviating some of the financial burdens associated with back-to-school preparations, we help create an environment where families and children can focus on learning and personal growth. Witnessing the joy and excitement on the faces of the children who receive these backpacks is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. Together with Toys For Kids, RedCloud is making a tangible difference, one backpack at a time, and reinforcing our belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive academically and beyond.

Automation and reporting for project tasks and emails with a large stakeholder audience. Summary A group of three RedCloud Consultants encountered the challenge of managing a multi-year, enterprise-wide transformation project that involved over 120 client stakeholders from various departments. To address this, they collaborated with the Digital Solutions team to develop a solution leveraging SharePoint, Power Automate, and Power BI. The final solution was implemented in approximately 100 hours over a span of three months, resulting in substantial time and effort savings for the RedCloud team. The Situation A RedCloud team responsible for planning a large ERP implementation had to manage relationships, tasks, and deliverables for more than 120 different stakeholders using an entirely manual process. Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the amount of effort this required, they reached out to RedCloud's Digital Solutions team for help with a solution capable of monitoring deadlines, sending automated email notifications/reminders, automatically creating tasks in the SharePoint List, serving as their project plan and reporting out on the Status of the Project Tasks and the team's output within a Power BI Report. The Approach To address these challenges, we designed a comprehensive system that leverages three SharePoint Lists, five Power Automate Flows, and one Power BI Report. Our solution streamlines the team’s workflow by automating email communications - triggered by actions within SharePoint Lists. These automations allow our RedCloud team the ability to: Select from multiple email templates and provide the dynamic details to render into the automated email Review their draft email before sending individualized emails to a large audience Have scheduled reminder emails go out based on pre-determined Due Dates that have been set Create a task in the Project Plan with the relevant metadata Monitor a shared mailbox for replies to the automated emails, and attach the latest reply to the Task that reply is associated with in the Project Plan. Our Power BI Report then provides the team with a clear summary of the Project's Task Status, as well as metrics on automated email volume, average turnaround times to complete the tasks and filtering/drill-down capabilities. By visualizing these metrics, we helped the team quantify the value our solution was bringing and created bandwidth for the RedCloud team to spend more time interfacing with their many stakeholders. Lastly, we worked with the RedCloud team to brainstorm a roadmap of future enhancements. We hope this solution will augment its capabilities over time and be easier to scale to other areas of the Client's organization. The Impact Introducing automation and reporting has transformed the RedCloud team’s workflow. The automated email system has reduced manual effort, ensured no tasks are forgotten/overlooked, and significantly improved response times. The Power BI Report provides the Client with an easy and intuitive readout of 1) how the Project is going, 2) how much our solution contributes, and 3) how much the RedCloud team can get done each week. Our RedCloud Team members are optimistic about the tool’s potential, citing improved efficiency and confidence in timely finishing deliverables. Our solution has positioned our team to more easily show and measure their value to their client, sparking enthusiasm from the Client to scale this solution to other areas of their business.

We are excited to share that RedCloud  has been named one of Seattle Business  magazine’s Best Places to Work in Washington State  in 2025 ! This recognition is a testament to our commitment to fostering a workplace where transparency and integrity create a foundation of success and collaboration for all of us, driving both our culture and our client's success. At RedCloud, we believe an unwavering dedication to these values, a deep commitment to excellence, and a people-first mentality are key to ensuring client confidence, trust, and satisfaction at every engagement. By putting integrity at the forefront, we build lasting relationships with our team members - resulting in a team of talented and driven individuals…and the positive feedback from our clients are a testament to this approach.  As highlighted by employee surveys completed as part of the Best Places to Work award process, what truly sets RedCloud apart is our people-centric culture .  As noted by one employee during the survey process, “Managers are invested in you, (and) peers treat you with respect. It’s a very good culture all the way around.” We understand that it's the team that makes RedCloud successful. We are constantly looking for and creating opportunities for connection and engagement through company happy hours, coffee meet-and-greets, lunch-and-learn gatherings, and our highly anticipated year-end celebration.  We also believe in recognizing and celebrating our employees—not just with words but with action. We believe that even as RedCloud continues to grow and expand our footprint across the country - it’s staying true to the little things that deepens our connection with our team. Our leadership team shows appreciation through thoughtful gifts, handwritten thank-you notes, and well-earned shoutouts that highlight our team's hard work and dedication.  We are incredibly proud of this achievement and grateful to our employees who make RedCloud a great place to work. Thank you to Seattle Business   magazine  for this honor and to our team for your passion, commitment, and unwavering drive for excellence.

Copilot is changing the way we work by combining the familiar power of Excel with the flexibility of Python, enabling advanced analytics right within your spreadsheets. This post will show how to harness Copilot to make using Python in Excel intuitive, accessible, and impactful. Why Python in Excel? Python is a powerful language for data analysis, visualization, and automation. By integrating it with Excel, you can: Analyze large datasets efficiently. Create custom visualizations beyond standard Excel charts. Leverage machine learning and statistical tools without switching applications. With Copilot, you don’t even need to know Python syntax—simply describe what you want in plain language! Using Microsoft Copilot to Write Python Code in Excel Microsoft Copilot makes integrating Python seamless. Here’s how to use it: Prepare your data First, prepare your data in a clean data table. Activate advanced analysis within Copilot Open Copilot from Icon and either select ‘Advanced analysis’ or write a prompt that asked to start an advanced analysis session. Then direct it to use your data table so that it will then load it into the python data frame. Now you are ready to get to the fun part! Some Example Analyses We provided a sample sales dataset that had information such as region, category, return rate, promotion, units, and sales. Customer Segmentation Prompt: “Run a customer segmentation analysis” Promotion Effectiveness Prompt: “Can you analyze the effectiveness of promotions on sales and returns?” Here you can you see a quick analysis that compared both sales and return rate based on promotions being or not being applied. Predicting Future Sales Prompt: “Predict future sales by month and visualize the results.” Without knowing any Python at all you can see how we were able to create an advanced predictive sales model using a SARIMA model and getting it placed directly in an Excel file. Let’s all be Data Scientists Copilot’s ability to generate and execute Python code lets you focus on decision-making rather than coding. From cleaning data to running machine learning models, Python in Excel powered by Copilot bridges the gap between business users and advanced analytics. Get Started Today! Ready to transform your Excel workflows with Python and Microsoft Copilot? Start with small tasks and explore the vast potential of combining AI, Python, and Excel. Need help with implementation? Contact RedCloud Consulting for expert guidance!

Determining the right level of investment for Organizational Change Management (OCM) can be daunting. Over-invest, and you risk idling your resources; under-invest, and you may end up with one person stretched thin across numerous projects. But what if you could find the perfect OCM investment tailored to your specific transformation? That’s where the team of RedCloud OCM experts comes in. Our data-driven approach helps leaders at any size organization crack the code on your OCM investment, ensuring a collaborative partnership rather than a one-size-fits-all solution. The Pillars of OCM Success: Your Roadmap These guideposts are crucial for a successful transformation. In order to create a customized roadmap for an organization, we start by analyzing five key areas: Change Maturity:  Higher maturity often means higher expectations and access to resources, even though it might suggest less need for investment. We help our clients navigate this paradox effectively. Urgency:  If time is of the essence, a more agile OCM strategy might be required, which could mean a higher investment. Risk Tolerance:  An organization's comfort with risk significantly influences its OCM strategy. In high-risk environments, leadership often adopts a more cautious approach, investing carefully in activities designed to mitigate potential risks. Leadership Engagement:  Effective change relies on strong leadership. If your company’s leaders aren’t yet champions of the change, it’s essential to cultivate their support without overburdening them. Scope of Employee Impact:  A deeper and broader impact on employees justifies a more sizable OCM investment. Unlocking Your Perfect Fit Our Business Transformation  team's proprietary tools and collaborative approach analyze these factors to pinpoint the optimal OCM investment for your needs. We also assist in crafting the necessary content to justify this investment. The Power of Informed Decisions Properly sizing your OCM investment offers significant benefits: Cost Efficiency:  Allocate resources wisely to maximize your return on investment. Maximized ROI:  Drive employee adoption with a targeted OCM program, ensuring full value from your transformation. Reduced Risk:  Proactive OCM minimizes roadblocks, increasing the likelihood of a smooth and successful transition. Your Transformation Journey Starts Here Right-sizing your OCM investment isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about making data-driven, strategic decisions tailored to your organization’s unique needs. Contact our team  today to explore how we can help you achieve transformation success and unlock your initiative's full potential.

Establishing a robust Change Management Office (CMO) can be a daunting task, regardless of company size. In tackling the complex landscape of modern business, three significant challenges frequently arise: the pressure for swift results, limited data availability, and the crucial need for robust leadership commitment. Join us as we explore these issues and present a strategic framework designed to address and overcome each one effectively. The Challenge of High Delivery Expectations: Stakeholders often expect immediate results from a new CMO, but building a solid foundation takes time. Here's how to address this: Prioritize ruthlessly: At the start, don’t overload yourself with too many initiatives. This can weaken your ability to deliver value and harm your reputation. Focus on high-impact initiatives: Prioritize a few critical, high-risk initiatives that are essential to the organization's success. By demonstrating value in these areas, you'll solidify the CMO’s reputation for driving impactful change. The Challenge of Data Scarcity: Without comprehensive data, it's difficult to quantify the impact of change initiatives and hold partners and/or vendors accountable. So, how do we solve this? Develop two data pipelines—one for hindsight and one for real-time. Hindsight Advantage: Data collected after the fact shows value, such as cost savings, productivity gains, or reduced business stabilization time. This retrospective data helps leaders see the true impact of change management and allows them to celebrate successes. Real-Time Change Pulse: Data collected during initiatives allows for mid-course corrections. Metrics like employee resistance levels or adoption rates for new processes help identify trouble spots before they escalate. Chasing stories from outdated data pipelines leads to wasted time and mediocre results. Build what you need from the start. The Challenge of Leadership Engagement: Change management thrives when leaders are active and champion initiatives. Building leadership engagement starts with clear expectations and ends with real-time support. Leadership Development Programs: Equip leaders with the skills to lead change, focusing on communication and sponsorship strategies. Coaching and Mentorship: Offer coaching and mentoring to help leaders apply change management principles effectively. A Framework for Success: Establishing a Functional CMO A successful CMO relies on three key areas: Repeatable Data Model: Develop a consistent data model to track key metrics before, during, and after change initiatives. This becomes the foundation for demonstrating ROI and improving relationships with partners. Standardized Delivery Model: Create a consistent delivery approach for all CMO practitioners. This ensures a uniform experience across initiatives and allows you to measure quality. Leadership Development Practice: Establish a dedicated program that actively coaches leaders, ensuring they and their teams drive successful change. Addressing these challenges and adopting this framework will help companies of any size build a functional CMO that delivers measurable value and fosters continuous improvement. If this feels overwhelming, consider the alternative: blindly stretching resources with little leadership buy-in and even fewer results. Have questions? Contact our Business Transformation Services lead for more information.

At RedCloud, we believe in the transformative power of education and technology. As part of our ongoing mission to empower local students, we are proud to partner with Toys for Kids - an outstanding organization dedicated to helping children from all socioeconomic backgrounds prepare for school and life. Through this collaboration, and aligned with RedCloud’s broader approach to supporting our community , we aim to bridge the gap in educational resources and ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed. Giving Back: A Core Value Giving back is at the heart of RedCloud’s mission. Even amidst the challenges of navigating the pandemic and adapting to remote work, our commitment to community support remained unwavering. We recognize that it’s up to each of us to extend a helping hand, whether through big initiatives or small gestures. Every act of kindness contributes to building a brighter future for our community. A Milestone Year for the RedCloud Scholarship Award This year marks a significant milestone for the RedCloud Scholarship Award as we introduce a renewing four-year scholarship for the winner. Starting with our 2024 recipient, Le’Asia, we aim to provide continued financial support and encouragement as they embark on their educational journeys. This change reflects our commitment to fostering long-term success for the talented students we support. Previous Scholarship Winners Over the years, the RedCloud Scholarship Award has recognized and celebrated remarkable students. Here are some of our past winners: 2024: Le’Asia Le’Asia has a wide array of interests, including art, psychology, and environmental science, reflecting her passion for contributing to the world around her. 2023: Alan Alan is determined to be the first in his family to attend university, motivated by his family's sacrifices and his desire to create a brighter future. 2022: Desmond Desmond was recognized for overcoming adversity and plans to pursue a nursing career, driven by a commitment to compassion and kindness. 2021: Emma Emma, a standout student with over 300 hours of volunteer work, was accepted to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where she plans to study forensic accounting. 2020: Ana Ana plans to pursue playwright studies and emphasizes the importance of education as a gift accessible to everyone. Each of these talented individuals exemplifies the values we cherish at RedCloud: perseverance, community involvement, and a drive for success. By providing financial support and encouragement, we hope to empower these students to reach their full potential. Looking Ahead As we continue to grow and evolve, our commitment to supporting education and empowering local youth will remain front and center. The RedCloud Scholarship Award is more than just financial assistance; it’s a promise to nurture the next generation of leaders. We are excited to see how our renewed scholarship initiative impacts our recipients and helps them achieve their dreams. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of young people and contribute to building a brighter future for all.

Transitioning from intern to full-time employee, Alvin Le exemplifies growth and adaptability in his journey with RedCloud. Whether he’s crafting dynamic SharePoint sites or designing data dashboards in PowerBI, Alvin thrives on tackling challenges that contribute to organizational efficiency and change. His decision to return to RedCloud after college graduation wasn’t just about familiarity—it was about joining a company where he could grow, take on new opportunities, and make a meaningful impact. In this 10 Minutes With interview, Alvin shares insights about his role, his professional aspirations, and how he continues growing as a vital team resource. Describe your role and what you do in a nutshell. I’m a Junior Project Manager on Microsoft’s Azure Strategy and Transformation OCM (Organizational Change Management) team. My role primarily involves assisting three other RedCloud consultants and Microsoft team members in managing deliverables for our client. This position has allowed me to engage with various functions of the team, such as creating SharePoint information sites for project launches, planning, and scheduling projects through platforms like Azure DevOps and SAP IBP, and enhancing my skills in PowerBI to develop functional data management dashboards. So far, my role has given me invaluable exposure to Microsoft’s Cloud Supply Chain and the intricate elements that drive organizational change. Tell us why you decided to come back to RedCloud after your internship and graduation.  I thoroughly enjoyed my internship with RedCloud. When I completed my internship in July 2024, I knew that I wanted to return to work full-time after graduation. Still, I had to wait for a relevant position within a new project to become available. Amidst the uncertainty, I moved back home to California and began searching for new opportunities. Just when I began to think I wouldn’t hear back from RedCloud, I received a phone call from a recruiter, Lindsay Hornsby, asking if I would be interested in returning as a consultant on my current team. The idea of working with a company I was already familiar with while gaining experience in a new capacity excited me, and I accepted. What do you aim to accomplish professionally this year (2025)? This year, I’m excited to see where this opportunity takes me. Ideally, I would like to continue working on my current project, progressing my role-specific skills and responsibilities. I hope to take on more responsibilities relevant to my background in marketing, nurturing my proficiency and interest in product marketing. More than anything, I want to be a helpful resource to my teammates and make their lives easier.  What do you enjoy most or find especially interesting about your current project? I recently had the exciting opportunity to create a presentation on the intersection of marketing and organizational change management, which I presented to the OCM client team at Microsoft. Initially, I was quite nervous, but I soon realized it was a fantastic chance to showcase my passion for product marketing and demonstrate how marketing principles can drive successful organizational change. After over two weeks of meticulous planning, I presented my findings to the client team and was thrilled to receive overwhelmingly positive feedback. This experience was incredibly rewarding and valuable, both for the client and for my own professional growth. I am eager for more opportunities where I can leverage my marketing background to enhance RedCloud’s resource capabilities.  What do you consider the most important skill for someone in your role and why? As a project manager, having strong organizational, time-management, and communication skills is paramount to success. When juggling multiple projects and responsibilities, finding an organizational system that works best for you is essential, helping avoid confusion and increase task efficiency. Similarly, allocating the right amount of time for each task ensures that deadlines are consistently met, allowing your team to function seamlessly without being bogged down by a backlog of work. Most importantly, effective communication skills are vital for promoting accountability, updating managers and teammates on progress, ensuring high-quality and timely work, and adapting to the inevitable changes in project deadlines. If you could suggest a book for the entire team to read, what would it be and why? Although it might seem like a cliché pick, I would suggest "Atomic Habits" by James Clear for the team and honestly, for everyone to read. As the first self-help book I ever read, "Atomic Habits" transformed my perspective on creating positive, lasting change in my life and showed me that self-improvement doesn’t have to be intimidating. This book provided me with a new outlook during an uncertain time in my life when I had just graduated college and was searching for a job with no end in sight. I learned that to achieve my goals and become the person I wanted to be. I had to improve myself and my habits by just 1% each day. Change doesn’t happen overnight, and "Atomic Habits" gave me a framework that made my goals seem more attainable over time. The lessons from this book can be applied to all facets of life, including my work. Creating lasting organizational change functions in the same way as habit forming and implementation do. I think everyone should read "Atomic Habits," as James Clear explains these concepts much better than I do. What, if anything, are you currently binge-watching?  I haven’t really been binge-watching any show or movie in particular, but as a recently addicted golfer, I have been watching a lot of YouTube golf content. Within the YouTube golf landscape are a handful of established creators, ranging from entertaining recreational players to professional golfers. A few channels I’ve been keeping up with are Good Good Golf, Grant Horvat, Bryan Bros Golf, and Bryson Dechambeau. What does your ideal company culture look like? My ideal company culture looks very similar to that of RedCloud. I prioritize work-life balance, which is well-represented at RedCloud with our flexible work formats and results-oriented culture. I also value the ability to work in diverse capacities, not limited to one specific role or job function. I appreciate the autonomy I’ve been allowed within the role and the opportunities to be proactive in my work. However, due to the remote nature of my work schedule, I miss the chance to interact with my team members in person and build meaningful personal relationships. My ideal work environment fosters a sense of community and pride, contributing to both individual motivation and professional fulfillment.