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 marketing background, further developing my proficiency and interest in product marketing. Above all, I want to be a valuable 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.

In this edition of 10 Minutes With, we’re excited to introduce Beau Platte, a change management expert with a thoughtful, people-centered approach to organizational transformation. Beau brings a refreshing perspective to the fast-paced, results-driven world of change management, advocating for a focus on the “long game” and a deep understanding of the people who drive business success. Rather than rely on quick pitches or one-size-fits-all solutions, he takes time to connect with leaders and teams, integrating change strategies that foster both agility and unity. Passionate about bridging the gap between technical execution and human experience, Beau’s work at RedCloud leverages AI and automation in ways that enhance—not hinder—organizational momentum.  Join us as we dive into Beau’s philosophy, insights, and some personal stories that make him a champion of change you’ll want to know. You're stuck in an elevator with a CEO who's skeptical about organizational change management. What's your 30-second pitch to win them over? I've never been a fan of 30-second pitches. If I get a limited amount of time with somebody well above me in an organization, use that time to understand what motivates and drives them. Then, over the course of the next three to six months, I will work on positioning my craft to their intellectual and emotional landscapes. Why use the 30 seconds to pitch blind? What aspect of organizational change management are you most passionate about, and why?  I enjoy the long game, and for me, that means focusing on the people. Leaders know what they want the business to do and how they need it to perform...that's their focus, and rightly so. Engineers and developers focus on how to enable the business technically... but in between these two things is the engine of any organization, and that is the people doing the work. Highlighting their role and importance is something that I really enjoy. In your opinion, what's the biggest misconception about organizational change management? That change management will slow you down.  Understanding the impact of change management and transformation thinking at higher levels within your organization can significantly influence investment perspectives and strategic direction. Change management, done properly, acts as an accelerant. Looking ahead, what emerging trends or technologies do you think will significantly impact organizational change management in the near future? I believe the traditional professional service model of selling individuals into roles will be disrupted in the coming years by technologies that are quickly becoming widely available. AI, automation, and small and large language models will be influential in the development of change management and professional services across the board. RedCloud is currently investing in one of these leaps. We’re building an operational reporting system that is AI and automation-enabled, and we’re super excited about it. If you look at the current landscape of tooling, you tend to get one of two things: either a delivery mechanism, which is great—you need to think about what multimodal delivery looks like and the data that goes with that—or a data entry and reporting model. We aim to bridge the gap between the two by increasing the efficiency of change managers while embedding the collection of necessary data into operations. If you weren't in change management, what alternative career path might you have pursued Honestly, I have absolutely no idea. I love what I do. Share a favorite quote that inspires your approach to work or life in general. I generally shy away from quotes and mantras because they often feel so absolute, singular, or narrow. However, if I had to choose one, I recall a saying I saw on a poster during my high school exchange in Norway. It roughly translates to, “Life is just a moment between two eternities.” Both that experience in Norway and the concept itself have guided me. What's your go-to comfort food, beverage, or activity after a long day at work? After a stressful day at work, I need to focus on letting go so I can turn my attention to my family. Without question, the fastest way for me to do that is to jump on my rowing machine and push hard for 20 minutes. And if I’m lucky, someone will have carbonara on the table when I'm done. Tell us something interesting you've learned recently, whether work-related or not. After 23 years of moving from place to place—state to state, city to city, country to country—and spending the last 9 years in the Pacific Northwest, my family made the decision this summer to move to my hometown in northern Michigan. I had all kinds of stories in my head about why it would be challenging, both for me and for us as West Coasters. What I’ve learned is that community, once there, is always there. Returning to a community and reconnecting has been one of the most rewarding experiences. This also applies to my work. I believe that community at work is one of the most effective ways to support talent within an organization. Our goal with the community of practice at RedCloud is to foster a sense of belonging among our change managers, who would typically be engaged from a RedCloud perspective but not necessarily from a practice perspective. We aim to foster a sense of community through engagement and support. Name one piece of technology you couldn't live without. I’m not much of a technology person. While technology at work keeps me interested and enables our teams to innovate and come up with cool and interesting solutions...the thing that comes to mind when I reflect on the question is a paddle. If you were to look at my bookshelf, you’d see a whole collection of books, literature, and stories dedicated to movement—movement on water, through air, and on foot. The one closest to me, and I think this comes from growing up with a canoe enthusiast for a dad, is a paddle or an oar. It’s something that has stayed with me since I was young. When I need to go somewhere to think, escape, be alone, or reflect, it always comes with a paddle and movement. Outside of work, what hobby or interest do you pursue that might surprise your colleagues? I don’t think people who are close to me at work will be surprised by anything I have to say. I appreciate colleagues who bring their whole selves to work and share what’s happening in their personal lives. This allows me, as a leader and colleague, to step into or out of that space and provide support as needed. The easiest way to create an environment where this behavior is accepted and supported is to share a bit more of yourself than might have been traditionally expected or accepted.

Brittani Paxson serves as the Director of Operations for RedCloud, where she plays a crucial role in various internal functions, including recruiting, operations, HR, legal matters, and event planning. With a strong focus on problem-solving, Brittani ensures that consultants have the resources they need to excel in their client services. Proud of her contributions to fast-growing teams, she has helped shape two start-ups into successful groups of over 125 people each. Outside of work, Brittani and her husband are raising five kids; they enjoy traveling and participating in their children’s sports activities. She also has a soft spot for Polaroid cameras, which she bought for her kids and frequently uses at home. Stay tuned below to learn more about Brittani! Describe your role and what you do in a nutshell. As the Director of Operations for RedCloud, I participate in a wide variety of internal functions, including recruiting, operations, HR, legal, event planning, and everything in between! What do you consider the most important skill for someone in your role and why? Being part of an internal team at a consulting firm requires problem-solving skills. Our job is to ensure that our consultants on the ground have everything they need to serve our clients well. What are you most proud of in your career so far? I’m really proud of the teams I have helped grow. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of many fast-growing teams, and my primary focus has been building a strong foundation from which the team can launch. How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance in your role? Most importantly, I have always advocated for myself, taken time off when I needed to, and prioritized my family and my health. I’ve been so lucky to work for organizations that have empowered me to maintain a healthy work-life balance. What is something memorable you've accomplished as part of a team? I joined two different teams when they were in their start-up phase and helped grow both to over 125 people. It was really rewarding to watch those teams grow and evolve and have incredible impacts on their clients. If you could switch places with a colleague for the day, who would it be and why? I’d switch places with one of our consultants as they onboard to our team. It would be rewarding and insightful to walk in their shoes through the recruiting, RedCloud onboarding, and client onboarding processes. What's a piece of obsolete technology you still have a soft spot for? Polaroid cameras. I bought one for my kids a few years ago, and it is regularly used in our home! What's one thing people don't know about you that they would be surprised to discover? My husband and I have five children and live in the middle of the tulip fields in Mount Vernon, WA. What piece of advice would you share with your younger self? Don’t make decisions for anyone but yourself. The world will put so much pressure on you to fit certain molds to serve other people or organizations. Always make sure you are centered, have a solid understanding of who you are, and make informed decisions as a result. What are you passionate about or enjoy outside of work? My family! I have five wonderful kiddos, and my husband and I really enjoy traveling with our kids. We love boating in the summer, skiing in the winter, and spending the majority of our free time spectating our kids’ many sporting events.

Meet Shiloh Gillespie, an Account Manager at Red Cloud with a passion for collaboration and understanding the "why" behind every action. Shiloh's journey in consulting began in 2010, and she's been thriving in the field ever since. From championing vulnerability in leadership to belting out tunes at Carnegie Hall, Shiloh's story is full of surprises! Want to learn more about her work-life balance tips, favorite reads, and passion for music? Keep reading below! Briefly describe your role and how long you have been in consulting. I am an Account Manager, and in the simplest terms, I enjoy partnering with people to achieve their goals. I can see the big picture but also thrive in the details. I am also nonjudgmental, curious, and seek to understand the motivations of those around me. Everyone has a “why,” even when it is not immediately apparent. I started consulting in 2010 when I joined a firm as a project manager. I remained in this capacity for three years, during which time I had the opportunity to assist the internal account team on a part-time basis. When a full-time opportunity opened to backfill an open headcount on the sales team, I jumped at the chance and have never looked back.   How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance in your role? Long walks with my dogs at the end of the workday and exercise before the workday starts. It is easy to get lost in the tasks required throughout the day, but if I prioritize my health, especially at the start and end of the day, I feel great! If you could suggest a book for the entire team to read, what would it be and why? I would recommend “Dare to Lead” by Brene Brown. In this book, Brown encourages leaders to embrace vulnerability, build trust, and prioritize empathy in the workplace. This read was incredibly eye-opening and really challenges many workplace norms that have been in place for a long time. However, I can already see that RedCloud has many of these values in place already!   What is a piece of obsolete technology you still have a soft spot for? Polaroid Camera – I love the vintage vibe of the photo quality, and there is something super gratifying about shaking the photo around to help it develop faster! What is one thing that people don’t know about you that they would be surprised to discover? In May of 2022, I had the opportunity to join a group of singers and sing at Carnegie Hall. I didn’t realize it prior, but if you are part of a group interested in performing at Carnegie, you can work with a tour agency of sorts to put this together. We were one of 3 groups that performed about 30 minutes of music. As a lifelong performer, performing at Carnegie was a bucket list opportunity. Since I am not a professional, this was the perfect opportunity to check that one off the list! Share one of your favorite quotes: “Between stimulus and response, there is space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” What are you passionate about or enjoy outside work? Music is my creative outlet, and I love it in all forms. I have participated in choir singing since middle school and love the process of learning the music, refining it over time, and creating beauty in a collaborative group setting. I also love to experience music live as a listener. In the summer, this typically takes place in an outdoor setting, but I try to get out and catch a band as much as I possibly can all year round.

Meet Mara Siverson , our latest team member to be featured in RedCloud’s "10 Minutes with" interview series where we get to know our team of experts, their professional and personal interests. Mara's role involves a blend of business strategy design, execution planning, and operational program management, focusing on supporting a Director in the Microsoft Global Partner Solutions organization. With four years of experience supporting her client, Mara brings valuable insights and a unique perspective to our team. Outside of work, Mara enjoys exploring new interests, advocating for work-life balance, and finding relaxation in surprising ways. Stay tuned below to learn more about Mara and her journey! Describe your role and what you do in a nutshell. My client is a Director in the Microsoft Global Partner Solutions organization, focused on partner strategy & execution. My role is a blend of business strategy design, execution planning, and all the operational program management required to keep things running smoothly. While the nature of my job requires that I wear many different hats, I particularly enjoy working in Microsoft's partner business, whether it involves diving into data or refining  go-to-market  and landing strategies with the team. I've been supporting this same client for over four years, and it's been amazing to be a part of the evolution of her business remit over the years. How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance in your role? Though working remotely can make the separation of work life & home life difficult, I'm fortunate to have a dedicated home office, and I find shutting the door when I log off for the day is a great way to employ the "out of sight, out of mind" mentality to help drive this separation. I'm also a big fan of making lists, so I've gotten in the habit of when I think of something work-related when I'm not "on the clock," I just type it in a quick note in my phone so that I can purge it from my head and revisit it when I'm working. Admittedly, this is an area I still need to do better in, but these little tricks help quite a bit! Tell us about something interesting you've learned recently. I recently learned about the Swiss Water Process, which is a method used in the specialty coffee industry to decaffeinate coffee beans using only water! The process removes 99.9% of caffeine from green coffee beans, which are then dried & bagged before being roasted, allowing the coffee to retain the unique flavor profile of the origin of the beans. I assumed all decaf was achieved by adding a bunch of chemicals, so this was definitely surprising info! (My husband leads B2B wholesale sales at Caffe Ladro Roasting, and he's always sharing really interesting facts about coffee.) If you could suggest a book for the entire RedCloud team to read, what would it be and why? "The Cure for Burnout" by Emily Ballesteros is absolutely a must-read for anyone struggling with work-life balance or experiencing feelings of overwhelm when thinking about work (and I'm not just saying this because the author was a good friend of mine in college!!) In the book, Emily explores how to build healthy habits to avoid burnout and how to manage one's own personal & professional boundaries. The content is relatable, and she strikes a good balance between being a book on self-help versus business-focused. If reading isn't your thing, the book is also available as an audiobook! What's a piece of obsolete technology you still have a soft spot for? I really miss when cell phones had physical keyboards. I enjoyed the tactile feeling of texting with real buttons – long live the BlackBerry! What's one thing people don't know about you that they would be surprised to discover? While it's no secret that I'm a big baseball fan (go Mariners!), something that usually surprises people is when I tell them that I also collect baseball cards. I'd guess that I have around 50k cards spanning from the 1970s to modern day. One of my favorite things is when I can find bulk card lots off Marketplace and then sort them by year and team. I'm not sure why, but I find it extremely relaxing! What are you passionate about or enjoy outside of work? When I'm not working, you can usually find my husband, me, and our two blue heeler dogs outside doing anything we can to enjoy the fresh air: camping, hiking, fishing, skiing, sitting at the nearest brewery, you name it! Both my husband and I grew up in Washington, and introducing our dogs to all the activities we enjoy has been a truly enjoyable experience.

We're excited to introduce Sean Taylor, a talented Content Designer at RedCloud, who recently joined us for our latest "10 Min With" interview. Sean collaborates with a team of content designers to create seamless user experiences, working on projects such as clarifying product language, writing video scripts, and crafting team newsletters. Sean shares his approach to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, his recent read "Billy Wilder on Assignment," and some surprising personal anecdotes, including his love for ultrarunning and DVDs. Join us as we get to know more about Sean Taylor and his journey at RedCloud below. Describe your role and what you do in a nutshell. I work on a team of content designers, collaborating across multiple work streams to help create user experiences. Some examples of past work include clarifying product language, writing video scripts, and helping create a team newsletter.   How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance in your role? My days are consistently filled with meetings, so I try to plan and carve out times throughout my week that allow me to focus on my physical and mental health. I also enjoy cooking, so taking breaks while making meals helps me reset for a moment. It's easy to get stuck behind your screen, so I make sure to take advantage of my free time during the weekends. Every day is different, so maintaining a sense of flexibility is key to balance your work and your life.   Tell us about something interesting you've learned recently. Being off your phone is a lot more fun than being on it. (Sent from my phone)   If you could suggest a book for the entire RedCloud team to read, what would it be and why? I just finished reading Billy Wilder on Assignment, which depicts his time before he became a celebrated writer/director. You've probably heard or seen his movies like Sunset Boulevard, Double Indemnity, and The Apartment. I believe you'd get a kick out of reading his works from his early years, which are translated into English for the first time.   What's a piece of obsolete technology you still have a soft spot for? DVDs. I just got a 4K player as well. I could (and do) sit and watch them for hours.   What's one thing people don't know about you that they would be surprised to discover? The first race I ever competed in was a 100-mile race, and I had 30 hours to complete it. After 21 hours and 71 miles, my knees were swollen the size of baseballs, which was the farthest I've ever been. I wish I had completed the full race, and shoutout to all the ultrarunners out there. I couldn't walk for three days, plus I ordered a pizza twenty miles away by accident and never received it. I still think about that pizza sometimes…   What are you passionate about or enjoy outside of work? Sports. I've loved competing ever since I was a kid and will always jump at a challenge. I support the Atlanta Braves, Alabama, and Aston Villa. I also love watching and playing golf, which blossomed after I saw "Happy Gilmore" when I was seven.

Meet Michelle Pudas, a 10-year veteran at RedCloud, currently an integral part of Microsoft's Security GTM team, juggling diverse responsibilities that include supporting solution play leads, managing core asset development for Microsoft's field sellers, and contributing to essential Microsoft security events. Beyond the thrilling projects, Michelle is proud of her work creating success for her clients at Microsoft, cherishing the connections she's fostered and the wealth of knowledge gained. Balancing work and personal life, she dedicates focused time each day and prioritizes activities like exercise.  Read on to learn more about Michelle and her invaluable contributions to RedCloud and our clients. Describe your role and what you do in a nutshell. I am currently supporting three solution play leads on the Security GTM team at Microsoft.  I primarily project manage the development of core assets for the Microsoft field sellers that help them drive Microsoft’s security business with their customers. I am also responsible for managing monthly community calls with GTM managers worldwide and supporting the team’s efforts around key Microsoft security events like Ignite and Microsoft Secure. What do you enjoy most or find especially interesting about your current project? The people, for sure!  Aside from the amazing people I work with on my immediate team, I appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse range of individuals from various groups across Microsoft. From product marketing managers for some of Microsoft’s most strategic security products to GTM managers worldwide who bring their different perspectives from around the world, and the various people who manage and run all the programs for the solution plays and the field teams that ultimately drive the business. I have met some amazing, hard-working people, and they really make going to work each day enjoyable! What are you most proud of in your career so far? I am proud of the longevity I have had supporting our clients at Microsoft and the connections I have made along the way. I was an FTE at Microsoft for almost 20 years and have now been consulting at Microsoft for 14 years. I have met many great people, worked in various areas of Microsoft, and learned a great deal. In my current consulting roles, I often assist new Microsoft employees in navigating the company's intricacies and help them get up to speed more quickly. How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance in your role? I set time on my calendar each day for ‘focus time’. This is a time when I don’t take meetings.  I use this time to get stuff done. At Microsoft, a significant amount of time can be spent in meetings, making it challenging to complete actual work. This really helps keep me on track to complete tasks. I also block out time on my calendar for exercise or other personal time as needed. This all helps me keep a good balance between work and personal life. Tell us about something interesting you've learned recently. During the holidays, I discovered the design software Canva and used it to help create “experience gifts” and “gift certificates” for holiday presents. I like being creative, but I’m not very artistic. This is the perfect tool for that. My family was very impressed 😉 What is something memorable you've accomplished as part of a team? Corporate events are always memorable. A long time ago, I worked with an amazing group of people to put together an offsite event for our team. We had many late nights and last-minute printing of hundreds of PowerPoint slides (a task we used to do back in the day), and it seemed like we would never get it all done. However, we did, and it turned out great! There was a lot of stress, but it was a great feeling of accomplishment when it was done. If you could suggest a book for the entire RC team to read, what would it be and why? Boys in the Boat. This is a story about hard work and the competitive spirit. I think that can appeal to a lot of different types of people and interests. Read the book before you see the movie 😊 What's a piece of obsolete technology you still have a soft spot for? Microsoft ActiMates!  I love those things (and I still have all of them –  Barney, Arther, DW , and the Teletubbies ). Microsoft released these in the late 90’s and when my kids were little in the early 2000’s, they played with them and loved them. I was fortunate enough to work in the retail organization at Microsoft when these were released and was able to attend Toy Fair in New York to meet with retailers and show them all the cool things these guys could do! It was incredible technology at the time and a unique and memorable experience for me in my career. What's one thing people don't know about you that they would be surprised to discover? Maybe the above 😊 or that I was on the TV show ‘Romper-Room’ when I was 5 years old. What, if anything, are you currently binge-watching? Or reading? I haven’t had much time for binge-watching, but when I do have time, I’d like to finish watching Ted Lasso . I’m currently planning a trip for our family to Europe in May after my daughter graduates from college, so I’m reading a lot about Europe right now.

Meet Bradley Millington, an integral member of the RedCloud team, whose approach to mornings involves a silent rendezvous with coffee until his brain shifts into high gear. As a consultant, Bradley revels in the lower stress levels that come with his role, relishing the ability to balance between his client work and his personal pursuits and family. In our latest “10min With” Interview, Bradley sheds light on his surprising discoveries, the secrets to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and the distinctive company culture at RedCloud. Discover the unique facets of Bradley Millington's professional journey and personal pursuits as he shares insights into his work at RedCloud and provides a glimpse into his vibrant life beyond the office walls. What's your morning routine like before starting your work day? To be honest, I've never been much of a morning person, which is why my morning routine consists of ingesting coffee in total silence until my brain activates enough to form complete sentences. I've also taken to a steady routine of oatmeal and blueberries for breakfast, which is my attempt to make a healthy dietary choice while keeping my cholesterol in check. Lastly, I always start the day by reading through the top stories in the New York Times. I gave up social media for this habit during the pandemic and never looked back! Have there been any surprising discoveries about yourself through your work at RedCloud? I've been pleasantly surprised by the lower stress levels I've experienced working as a consultant, rather than a full-time employee. After a full day of client work, I can turn my attention to my hobbies and family each evening, and I'm not obligated to fill out that pesky performance review every six months. I can be satisfied knowing I deliver value to the client each day, without it completely taking over my life. How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance in your role? See above! I am also fortunate to work for a team that values flexibility and allows me space for things like doctor's appointments and mid-day errands when necessary. There is a great deal of trust among my colleagues that we will each do our part while also allowing space for us to conduct our personal lives. Additionally, my team freely shares glimpses into their personal lives in chat or during small talk at the beginning of meetings, which brings a healthy dose of humanity to the workplace. My colleagues have also included me in their social gatherings outside of the office. I recently competed in a 5k run with my extended organization and also participated in a backyard potluck BBQ with my immediate team. Building these social connections has made my time at work all the more relaxed, fun, and rewarding. How would you describe the company culture at RedCloud, and how does it impact your work at the client (MSFT in this case!)? I really appreciate how RedCloud welcomes consultants into their culture, inviting us to company gatherings, lunch-and-learns, and other company events. They could have reserved these for non-contract-based employees, but they don't, and it really makes a difference. Because of this, I feel more connected to RedCloud despite the fact that most of my time is spent immersed in my client's team culture. In my day-to-day work, I tell everyone (especially consultants from other companies) how great my company is and how supported we are.  What's a piece of obsolete technology you still have a soft spot for? I'll admit that I still buy most things as physical media instead of their digital equivalents. I still have the cassette player I bought when I was 16 years old, right next to me in my home office. Believe it or not, many self-produced musicians are still releasing cassette tapes because they are both affordable and nostalgic. I am not alone. What's one thing people don't know about you that they would be surprised to discover? I organize hardware-based electronic music events all over Seattle - sometimes 15 or more in a year. It's a personal passion, and I've met so many incredible artists and creatives in my community by doing this. My most recent event was "Sound of the Machine" on Oct 21 at the Georgetown Steam Plant, an immersive audio-visual experience consisting of 17 artists performing in a National Historic Landmark building. Last year, I produced "Velocity" - an all-day synthesizer festival consisting of educational seminars, workshops, a manufacturer trade show, and artist performances across three stages. I also host art shows at my studio in Fremont, outdoor performances in Seattle's parks, and a monthly open stage at Substation in Ballard. You can keep up with what I'm doing by following @modularseattle on Instagram! Speaking of work-life balance - this is what it looks like. ;-)

Introducing Alka Garg, a seasoned professional with an impressive track record in the realm of data privacy and tech consulting. Alka recently rejoined RedCloud after a five-year hiatus, taking on the pivotal role of developing and maturing our Privacy and Security  practice. Her mission? To provide invaluable consulting services to a Microsoft client, crafting strategies and recommendations to enhance organizational processes and operational efficiency, all while developing crucial content and privacy guidance. In a recent interview, Alka shared insights into her RedCloud experience, highlighting the company's seamless onboarding process and emphasizing the pillars of trust, integrity, and culture that set RedCloud apart in her two-decade-long career. Briefly describe your role and how long you've been at RedCloud. I recently rejoined RedCloud after five years away. My role is really two-fold: to develop and mature the Privacy and Security practice at RedCloud, develop strategies and recommendations on organizational processes and operational improvements, and to develop content and privacy guidance for a Fortune 500 technology company.   What was it like to join RedCloud (onboarding process)? The onboarding process at RedCloud is very lightweight and streamlined. Everyone is very prompt to make the whole experience very pleasant.   Given your background and other experiences, what stands out to you with RedCloud? Trust, Integrity, and Culture - I could not find anywhere else in my twenty years of career in the industry.   Where do you see the future of consulting or the future of RedCloud? Tremendous growth and success - RedCloud is not only dedicated to its clients but also to its employees.   Tell us a bit about the importance of the Privacy and Security practice and why clients seek these solutions.  A privacy program is pivotal to an organization's success regardless of size. It helps protect customers' personal data, ensures compliance with laws and regulations, minimizes the risk of data breaches, and ensures the ethical use of data. If not done correctly, organizations are at risk of financial penalties, government enforcement, loss of reputation, and erosion of customer trust. RedCloud’s Privacy and Security practice enables organizations to ensure that their data is secure and compliant with relevant regulations while also protecting their customers' privacy. Name one piece of technology you couldn’t live without and why? INTERNET. I guess I probably don’t have to answer why :)   What are you looking forward to the most this year with RedCloud? Developing and maturing RedCloud’s Privacy and Security practice and building trust relationships along the way.

Behind every successful RedCloud client partnership is a strong communicator, problem solver, and advocate…our Account Managers. Recently joining team RedCloud as a Technical Account Manager, Michael Gray plays that key role in bridging the gap between our clients and our team, ensuring that our clients’ technical needs are met with tailored solutions. We’re excited to welcome Michael to our team, and can’t wait to see his success based on a career built on embracing challenges and evolving with every opportunity. From leadership insights in “Ender’s Game” to his hobbies outside of work, his curiosity and creativity extend far beyond the workplace. Let’s dive into his journey, perspectives, and the philosophy that keeps his career growing. Describe your role and what you do in a nutshell. As a Technical Account Manager, I act as the main point of contact between the client and our team.  My role revolves around understanding the client's technical needs and working closely with our team to deliver customized solutions that meet those needs.  I make it a priority to ensure everyone has the resources, support, and information they need to succeed, ultimately working toward achieving the client’s goals and fostering a positive and productive working environment. What are you most proud of in your career so far? I’m most proud of my ability to adapt to change throughout my career. I’ve been fortunate to work with amazing people on a diverse range of projects and industries. Each presents new challenges and opportunities for growth. This flexibility and openness to new experiences have not only expanded my skill set but also enriched my professional journey, making me more resilient and resourceful in the face of change. Share your go-to methods for professional development or personal growth. I’m always looking to learn and grow, whether it’s through reading articles and books or engaging with the people around me. I believe everyone has a unique perspective, and listening to others can be incredibly eye-opening. It helps me see things from different angles and broadens my understanding. I also make it a point to set achievable goals for myself, but I don’t shy away from pushing my limits by taking on new challenges. It’s important to step outside of my comfort zone to grow both personally and professionally. Equally important to me is maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I find that when I make time to enjoy the little things in life—whether it’s spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or simply taking a break—I stay grounded and refreshed. This balance helps me stay energized and focused, so I’m ready to take on whatever comes my way, both at work and in life. If you could suggest a book for the entire team to read, what would it be and why? I always recommend “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card.  It’s a captivating story that dives into themes such as leadership, morality, empathy, and the cost of war. It’s a great blend of science fiction with real-world life lessons that stick with you well after finishing the book. What's a piece of obsolete technology you still have a soft spot for? I still shave my face in the mornings, using a badger-hair shave brush to lather the soap and a double-edged razor.  It takes a little longer than using an electric razor, but I enjoy the ritual of it, and it provides a much better shave in my experience! What's one thing people don't know about you that they would be surprised to discover? Outside of work, I love tapping into my creative side. I’ve built several pieces of furniture for my home, including a headboard, a bar, and an entertainment console for my TV. I also enjoy pyrography, the art of burning designs into wood. I typically sketch out the design first and then use a special tool with interchangeable tips to burn different types of lines and details into the wood as I go.  Share one of your favorite quotes. “Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans.”

In this edition of 10 Minutes with, we get to know Aj, a Data Engineer turned Team Lead at RedCloud, who has been making significant strides in data solutions for one of our largest accounts at Google. From architecting critical compliance and risk management projects to mentoring a growing team spread across the U.S. and offshore, Aj shares insights into his professional journey, what drives his continuous growth, and even a surprising hobby that keeps him balanced. Read on to learn more about Aj’s professional philosophy, his favorite quote that keeps him grounded in technical work, and a few fun facts that reveal the person behind the data. Describe your role and what you do in a nutshell.  I joined RedCloud a year ago as a Data Engineer on a four-person team supporting a new account at Google. My primary role was to architect and deliver data solutions for stakeholders in Google’s Compliance, Safety, and Risk Management organization. Since then, the team has expanded to 12 Data Analysts and Engineers based in both the U.S. and offshore. I recently transitioned into the role of Team Lead. My current responsibilities include maintaining a high-level view of our growing project portfolio, managing task assignments, removing blockers, and providing technical mentorship to help our highly skilled team reach its full potential. What are you most proud of in your career so far?  I’ve had the pleasure of working across multiple industries, and one experience I look back on with great pride is leading noise certification testing for a jet engine manufacturer. I had the opportunity to build strong relationships with a high-profile international customer, collaborate across various departments within a large organization to plan and execute full-scale hardware testing, and even travel overseas. One project that stands out involved working closely with technical specialists to reach a critical milestone through in-depth technical analysis instead of additional engine testing—ultimately preventing unnecessary costs (and jet fuel burn!)  Share your go-to methods for professional development or personal growth.  I guess my preferred way of developing professionally is when it’s ‘ambient’—as in, my day-to-day work provides new challenges that I can sustainably stretch and grow from. A career is a long time, and for me, accumulating incremental growth has served me well. This mindset has potentially been influenced by my powerlifting hobby, which heavily emphasizes embracing the training process to achieve longer-term gains. If you could suggest a book for the entire team to read, what would it be and why?  I’ve recently found myself binging some of the Murderbot Diaries books, written from the perspective of an android with a dry sense of humor. My immediate colleagues would probably tell you that I like to foster a lighthearted office atmosphere, so perhaps my suggestion would be less specific and more toward something that will actually make you laugh out loud! What's a piece of obsolete technology you still have a soft spot for?  It’s not obsolete by any means, but I find reading a physical book to be a more comfortable experience than reading through a screen. What's one thing people don't know about you that they would be surprised to discover?  I love to make sourdough pizza from scratch! It’s a pandemic hobby that stuck. I found a recipe for the crust and sauce that worked great for me, and I’ve largely stuck with them, making minor tweaks here and there to further improve them. Things like dusting the dough balls with semolina flour before stretching them out, baking the pizza twice in a home oven (first with just the sauce, then with toppings) for an extra-crispy crust, or shredding a block of low-moisture mozzarella instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Share one of your favorite quotes.  A former mentor used to say, “All models are wrong – some are useful.” This has kept me grounded in a couple of ways when in the trenches of detailed technical work: I have a healthy skepticism of model or analysis output (especially predictive outputs), and I recognize that a tool or model doesn’t have to be perfect to add genuine value.

RedCloud partnered with a multinational client to enhance workforce optimization (WFM) for a global customer support team. By streamlining forecasting, scheduling, and data integration, RedCloud helped the client place the right engineers in the right place at the right time, improving customer support efficiency and overall service quality. Client Situation The client’s global support organization faced challenges in workforce planning and scheduling due to: A dispersed, multilingual engineering team serving enterprise customers worldwide. Regional-specific forecasting that limited visibility into global resource availability. Disparate tools and manual processes hindering efficient scheduling and decision-making. The goal was to optimize resource allocation, reduce operational inefficiencies, and ensure timely, high-quality support to enterprise customers. Our Approach RedCloud implemented a multi-pronged solution to modernize workforce management: Global Forecasting & Scheduling: Moved from regional-specific forecasting to a holistic global approach based on engineer availability and expertise. Tool Integration & Automation: Improved integration of a third-party WFM tool with the client’s operational BI platform to automatically leverage key datasets. Custom Data Integration & Analytics: Built a custom automated tool to increase situational awareness, streamline scheduling, and support real-time performance dashboards. Process Standardization & Self-Service: Developed clear scheduling rules and automated workflows, enabling greater self-service and reducing manual intervention. Impact RedCloud’s solutions delivered tangible benefits across operations and service quality: Operational Efficiency: Streamlined scheduling and automated processes reduced manual workload and improved workforce utilization. Cost Savings: Optimized scheduling and automation generated extensive operating cost savings. Enhanced Customer Experience: Consistent resource allocation improved support quality for thousands of enterprise customers worldwide. Data-Driven Decisions: Real-time dashboards increased visibility into workforce performance, enabling faster, evidence-based decision-making. Reduced Service Ticket Transfers: Improved scheduling and forecasting led to fewer handoffs, reducing mean process interruptions (MPI). RedCloud’s approach transformed workforce management from a fragmented, reactive process to a data-driven, automated system, ensuring the right engineers are available at the right time globally. Ready to elevate project delivery and operational performance? Connect with RedCloud’s Delivery Excellence Practice team to discover how we can help streamline processes, enhance collaboration, and deliver consistent, measurable results across your organization.