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When your organization agrees that it’s time to get a system or set of tools, how do you choose? You might have a dozen or more options to choose from, but which one is right for you and your team? At RedCloud, we’ve developed a structured approach that will help you navigate the many SaaS options available to you, one that will ensure a successful implementation that delivers long-term value to your organization. In this blog, we'll cover the critical steps to get to the right SaaS vendor. Ultimately, we hope you'll find this helpful in identifying the best-fit solution for your organization's unique organizational landscape and goals. Step 1. Assessing Internal Needs The effort begins with developing a thorough understanding of your organization's unique requirements and priorities. This involves performing a detailed review of existing documents and requirements, often in parallel with conducting gap analysis stakeholder interviews. These interviews are crucial for delving into current state challenges, a future state vision, and discovering specific needs related to optimizing workflows, automating notifications, reporting & dashboards, as well as change management and training. You can leverage many different applications to help streamline this varied process, but at the end of the day, what matters is that you have a person running this assessment who is excellent at synthesizing information and distilling it down to a cogent set of requirements that you’ll use as a guide in vendor evaluation. Step 2. Establish Evaluation Criteria & Weights Once your internal needs are clearly defined, the next step involves establishing clear criteria and a scoring model for evaluating potential SaaS vendors. Start by defining categories for assessment, such as Content, Functionality, Technical Capabilities, Reporting, Administration, and Support. Each category can then be assigned a weight based on its importance in your vendor selection decision. After the scoring model is set and drafted into a scorecard or form template, your stakeholders can begin the process of evaluating and scoring the prospective vendors who provide their product demos to your team. Beyond looking at a vendor's feature set, you should also consider their integration capabilities with your existing internal systems to achieve maximum value. Keep in mind that different implementation options may be available with different potential vendors. Evaluate whether an all-SaaS solution is sufficient or if a hybrid approach (combining SaaS with on-premise components) better fits your organization's infrastructure and security requirements. Additional considerations, such as data security for confidential information, flexibility with existing data structures, and the effort required for the system integration(s), are paramount in this step. Be sure to consult with your IT Leadership and reach an agreement about the upcoming implementation approach. Having a shared understanding of a vendor’s approach to server updates, scaling, and hardware management will save you headaches later when you require ongoing involvement from your internal IT team(s). Step 3. Analysis & Recommendation With the vendor demos and scoring complete, it is finally time to synthesize all of the information gathered and make an informed recommendation. Compare how well each prospective solution satisfies your identified requirements and align those findings with the weighted evaluation scores. The goal is to recommend a vendor that not only meets your immediate needs but also offers benefits in terms of speed, security, and a support model that aligns with your operational preferences. If you're able to demonstrate that you've undertaken this structured methodology when delivering your recommendation, you'll be sure to align your leadership around a chosen SaaS vendor who will drive new efficiencies, become a strategic asset, and support long-term growth for your organization. Want Help? Selecting the right SaaS vendor is a critical decision that can significantly impact your organization's efficiency and growth. At RedCloud, we understand the complexities involved in this process and are here to help you navigate the selection and consensus-building that’s required. Contact us today , and let our experts guide you through a successful selection process that delivers lasting value, high adoption, and an engaged user base.

A leading global thrift retailer faced growing pains as it scaled operations across hundreds of stores, warehouses, and nonprofit networks in North America and Australia. Despite its strong commitment to sustainability and reuse, its inventory planning relied heavily on fragmented Excel tools and manual workflows. These outdated methods resulted in misaligned deliveries, inefficiencies, and data silos that hindered progress. Partnering with RedCloud Consulting, the retailer replaced its patchwork of spreadsheets with a modern, connected Power Platform solution—bringing real-time collaboration, accurate forecasting, and enterprise-wide visibility to life. Client Situation This global thrift retailer, known for reselling secondhand goods through a network of nonprofit partners and store brands across the U.S., Canada, and Australia, found itself at a crossroads. Its mission to drive sustainability through reuse was being hindered by critical challenges in forecasting inventory and coordinating operations across a vast ecosystem. Legacy forecasting tools—Excel-based templates like the Inventory Management Tool (IMT), Dedicated Delivery Plan (DDP), and Stock on Hand Forecaster (SOH) were siloed, lacked data integrity, and couldn’t support real-time collaboration. These manual processes made it nearly impossible to keep inflows and outflows in sync with processing capabilities and store-level demand. Complicating matters, a wide range of stakeholders, including store managers, supply chain teams, logistics coordinators, and nonprofit delivery partners, were working off disconnected data sources. To streamline operations and elevate forecasting accuracy, the retailer turned to RedCloud Consulting for a scalable, enterprise-ready solution. Our Approach RedCloud partnered closely with internal teams across sourcing, store support, IT, and operations to design a cohesive, role-based forecasting platform using Microsoft Power Platform. At its core: a trio of seamlessly integrated Power Apps. Inventory Management Tool (IMT):  This tool empowers leadership and sourcing teams to forecast demand and plan inventory needs across the organization. Dedicated Delivery Plan (DDP):  This plan converts high-level forecasts into detailed weekly delivery schedules, broken down by store, vendor, and delivery type. Stock on Hand (SOH): Enables store managers to monitor, manage, and fine-tune daily inventory levels, ensuring alignment with forecasted targets. Each app was designed to “talk” to the others, automatically populating values and syncing data to minimize manual work. Users benefit from intelligent defaults, autofill logic (like Year-over-Year and multi-week averaging), and the ability to customize forecasts with just a few clicks. To foster adoption, a central Home App was developed, providing access to relevant tools tailored to each user’s role. A Feedback App also encouraged continuous improvement by capturing user input during development. The solution’s standout feature? Deep integration with the organization’s internal Location Management system. The platform dynamically adjusts access and visibility by syncing with real-time employee and store assignments. That means a district manager sees only their stores, and a store manager sees just their own; no manual setup is needed. Power Platform Dataflows further enhanced the system by synchronizing key data, such as inventory transfers and stock levels, from the company’s Snowflake environment into Dataverse, ensuring everything remains current and accurate. The solution is fully multilingual, offering English, French, and Spanish based on device settings or user preferences to support global teams. Impact The new Inventory Forecasting Solution (IFS) has transformed operations from disjointed spreadsheets into a smart, centralized platform that connects sourcing, store leadership, and supply chain management. With accurate, real-time data and collaborative forecasting, teams can now align product flow with store capacity, improve turnaround time, and reduce overstock or understock issues. Field leaders have a clear view of what’s coming and when, improving execution and communication across the board. Automated logic, role-based access, and smart defaults eliminate repetitive manual entry, saving valuable time each week. Additionally, thanks to its flexible and scalable architecture, the platform is well-equipped to evolve as business needs change. Most importantly, this solution strengthens the retailer’s sustainability mission by ensuring the right product reaches the right location at the right time, maximizing reuse and reducing waste across its global network.

An international technology company faced growing strain on its supply chain systems as demand increased. To ensure scalability and efficiency, RedCloud Consulting partnered with the client to provide expert change management support, guiding adoption of new processes, roles, and tools. By combining structured change management, effective communication strategies, and innovative measurement tools, RedCloud facilitated a smoother transformation and sustained supply chain improvements. Client Situation The client sought to transform its supply chain organization to reliably scale with market demands. Challenges included: Adoption of new systems and processes across a large, global workforce Need for clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability for impacted teams Ensuring change management practices could scale from small to large projects Measuring engagement and communication effectiveness to drive adoption RedCloud was engaged to improve readiness, streamline communication, and foster adoption of the new supply chain systems. Our Approach RedCloud applied a multi-faceted change management strategy: Proactive Communication & Engagement: Utilized storytelling, creative infographics, and workshops to foster understanding, engagement, and awareness of the transformation. Communication Metrics Dashboard: Developed dashboards to track employee engagement with emails, workshops, and project sites, enabling data-driven adjustments to communication strategies. Persona Repository & RASCI Matrix: Built a live SharePoint repository containing project personas, FAQs, training resources, and contacts to provide transparency and guide change management decisions. S calable Project Management: Created visual representations of deliverables and held weekly meetings to proactively manage changes to timelines and priorities. Prosci ADKAR-Based Readiness: Leveraged change management frameworks to increase awareness, knowledge, and readiness through targeted communications, training, and feedback loops. Impact RedCloud’s efforts delivered measurable outcomes: Improved Communication Effectiveness: Dashboards allowed the team to measure engagement, identify gaps, and optimize messaging in real-time. Enhanced Transparency & Accessibility: The persona repository provided consistent and accessible data, enabling faster and more informed decision-making. Scalable Change Management: Tools and processes supported projects of varying size and complexity while ensuring alignment across teams. Increased Transformation Readiness: Employees gained awareness, knowledge, and confidence in the new systems, driving smoother adoption. Data-Driven Decision Making: The team leveraged metrics and insights to continually refine approaches, improving overall transformation outcomes. Lessons learned—such as using clear communication metrics, establishing accessible persona data, and embedding structured change management—helped ensure long-term success and adoption across the supply chain organization. By integrating structured change management with innovative measurement and communication tools, RedCloud enabled the client to successfully scale its supply chain transformation, ensuring adoption, alignment, and readiness across all teams. Ready to drive strategic transformation in your organization? Contact RedCloud’s Strategy and Transformation Practice team today to learn how we can help manage complex transformations, increase adoption, and deliver measurable impact.

Our client’s SAP-supported initiative faced significant setbacks due to fragmented project management and engineering-led solutions, resulting in delayed timelines and stalled user adoption. RedCloud partnered with the client to place strategic collaboration and user-focused solutions at the center of the initiative. By prioritizing engagement, training, and alignment between business and IT, we helped drive sustainable adoption, meaningful engagement, and long-term success across the organization. Client Situation The client’s SAP implementation was encountering major challenges: Project timelines were slipping due to a lack of cohesive management End users were not fully engaged, resulting in stalled adoption Training and testing occurred too late in the process, causing frustration and misalignment The initiative required a fresh approach that integrated strategic partnerships, proactive stakeholder engagement, and user-centric solutions to turn the project around and ensure value realization. Our Approach RedCloud focused on three core strategies to drive momentum and deliver measurable impact: Just-in-Time System Testing & End-User Training: Worked closely with process owners and UAT leads to ensure users were informed and prepared well before testing began, improving alignment and reducing post-go-live issues. Proactive Stakeholder Engagement: Maintained consistent communication and relationship-building with IT and business stakeholders to uncover insights, anticipate challenges, and earn trust throughout the implementation. Fostering Collaboration Between Business & IT : Encouraged a “small wins” approach, using each milestone to build confidence, demonstrate progress, and strengthen connections across teams. This approach emphasized timing, context, and the human side of technology, shifting the focus from purely technical delivery to a holistic, user-centered transformation. Impact The RedCloud-led approach resulted in: Increased user readiness and engagement ahead of system go-live Stronger alignment between business and IT, fostering trust and collaboration Reduced post-implementation frustration and improved adoption rates A foundation for long-term SAP success, emphasizing sustainable change and continuous improvement This project reinforced a key insight: successful SAP implementation depends not only on technology but also on strong collaboration, clear communication, and a user-centric mindset. Next Steps Organizations facing complex SAP or digital transformation initiatives can benefit from RedCloud’s Business Transformation Services . Our team guides clients through change with agility, ensuring sustainable adoption and long-term impact across industries.

RedCloud partnered with a key division of a multinational software company to modernize reporting processes for critical, systemic product issues. By implementing a Power Platform solution with real-time dashboards, the client improved visibility, decision-making, and resource prioritization across projects. Client Situation The client tracked and addressed the largest and most systemic issues across a suite of products. However, their reporting processes were largely manual and disjointed: Leadership relied on month-end reports compiled from spreadsheets and decks, consuming significant employee hours. Disparate data sources made it difficult to maintain consistency or transparency across stakeholders. Slow and static reporting hindered evidence-based decision-making and resource allocation. RedCloud was engaged to modernize reporting and provide a centralized, efficient system that could support rapid, informed decisions. Our Approach RedCloud applied a structured, end-to-end approach: Data Audit & Consolidation: Identified and pulled data from multiple platforms, including sales, project management, and engineering tools, and consolidated it into a central database. Custom Reporting Solution: Developed a Power Platform solution with real-time dashboards, visual graphs, high-level project summaries, and hover-over details for deeper insights. Stakeholder Collaboration: Worked closely with the client to understand specific reporting needs and built a flexible system to support evolving requirements. Training & Enablement: Supported leadership and stakeholders in using the dashboards to extract actionable insights and generate customized reports with minimal effort. Impact RedCloud’s solution delivered measurable benefits: Improved Visibility: Leadership now has access to real-time project data, enabling more transparent monitoring of critical initiatives. Time Savings: Reduced manual effort previously spent compiling spreadsheets, decks, and other summary documents. Enhanced Decision-Making: Dashboards allow rapid evaluation of resources, identification of barriers, and prioritization of high-impact fixes. Evidence-Based Strategy: Stakeholders can now make informed decisions with confidence, using consistent and centralized data. Scalable & Adaptable: The solution can evolve with future needs, enabling expansion to additional projects and teams. By integrating disparate data into a single platform and automating reporting, RedCloud empowered the client to optimize project oversight, improve stakeholder collaboration, and accelerate resolution of systemic issues. Ready to modernize your reporting and decision-making? Contact RedCloud’s Digital Solutions Practice team today to learn how we can help you streamline data management, reporting, and stakeholder insights.

RedCloud partnered with a multinational technology company to modernize its sales support program by simultaneously managing the program and measuring its effectiveness. Using the Microsoft Power Platform, RedCloud streamlined reporting, automated data capture, and provided real-time analytics to improve program management, enhance ROI, and optimize resource allocation. Client Situation The client had created a global sales support program to address local country challenges for dispersed accounts. However, leadership realized that managing the program while measuring its effectiveness was difficult: Reporting processes were manual and time-consuming, relying on bulk data downloads. Metrics were difficult to track, which prevented visibility into program performance and ROI. Inefficient reporting threatened the ongoing funding of the program and limited management’s ability to make informed decisions. RedCloud was engaged to design a scalable, automated solution to track program effectiveness, thereby freeing up the sales team to focus on customer engagement. Our Approach RedCloud applied a structured, technology-driven approach: Assessment & Data Audit: Evaluated the client’s sales data capture, warehouses, queries, and reporting processes to identify inefficiencies. Database Optimization: Renormalized the sales database to automate the capture of over 20 critical sales data points and eliminate redundant manual processes. Automation of Processes: Developed automated routines to manage and track sales activities, reducing manual effort and errors. Real-Time Reporting & Analytics: Built dynamic queries and dashboards via the Power Platform, enabling management to view program effectiveness by region, product, personnel, or other criteria. Scalability & Flexibility: Designed the system to accommodate additional reporting requirements and provide secure, geo-specific access. Impact RedCloud’s solutions produced measurable improvements: Enhanced Program Visibility: Managers gained access to real-time reports, improving decision-making and enabling timely interventions. Time & Resource Efficiency: Automation freed sales teams from manual reporting tasks, allowing them to focus on customer engagement and sales opportunities. Improved Data Accuracy & Scalability: Renormalized databases and automated workflows reduced errors and enabled a more scalable reporting system. ROI Demonstration: With improved analytics and reporting, the program was projected to achieve a 50x return on investment. Sustainable Process Improvements: Flexible reporting and automated dashboards ensure long-term program effectiveness, transparency, and adaptability. By combining strategic program management with technology-enabled analytics, RedCloud helped the client optimize program performance while providing tangible evidence of value. RedCloud’s partnership transformed the client’s sales support program into a highly measurable, efficient, and scalable solution. Leadership now has the insights and tools to track effectiveness, make informed decisions, and maximize ROI.

This summer, Sadie Sider-Echenberg brought her passion for problem-solving and teamwork to RedCloud as a Computer Science intern from the University of South Florida. A dedicated NCAA Division I soccer player with international experience playing professionally in France, Sadie was drawn to RedCloud’s boutique consulting environment, where collaboration and hands-on learning thrive. During her internship, she tackled real-world challenges, such as creating a live Power BI dashboard, and gained valuable insights into the fast-paced and dynamic nature of the consulting industry. Beyond her technical skills, Sadie’s adaptable spirit and love for the Pacific Northwest reflect the vibrant energy she brought to the team. What attracted you to our internship program, and how does it align with your career goals? Many things attracted me to RedCloud’s internship program! I was especially excited about the opportunity to join a smaller, boutique consulting firm, where I could work closely with others, take on meaningful projects, and truly learn from the people around me. As someone who has played team sports my entire life, I’m drawn to environments where collaboration and learning are integral to the daily experience, and RedCloud stood out as a place that truly values these aspects. What also stood out to me is how well the consulting industry aligns with the reasons I chose to study Computer Science- my interests in problem-solving and working creatively. On a personal note, I spent last summer in Seattle playing for a semi-professional soccer team and fell in love with the Pacific Northwest. It’s not only an amazing place to live—with all the outdoor activities and great people—but is, of course, a huge hub for tech, which makes it an exciting place to be at this early stage of my career. Where do you go to school, and what are you studying? I attend the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, Florida, where I will be entering my senior year this fall and studying Computer Science. I also compete in the NCAA DI with the women’s soccer team! What’s something new you’ve learned about the consulting industry that surprised you? I think how big of a role recruitment plays in consulting and how quickly projects and proposals come and go has surprised me. Working in the Bellevue office, I see how recruiters constantly work to find new projects and the right people to work on each one. It fascinates me how the industry is so fast-paced and constantly changing. What's one thing people don't know about you that they would be surprised to discover? I played professional soccer for Le Havre FC in France during the 2022-2023 season. That year, I did online school to continue my degree. Living, playing, and studying in France was a life-changing experience. Among many things, that year taught me to be adaptable and open-minded, which I’ve tried to take with me into all areas of my life. What project or task have you worked on that you’re most proud of during your time here? Recently, I collaborated with Beau (Platte) and Benny (Swedberg) on a task where I assisted in creating a Power BI dashboard to display findings based on the results of a survey. Beau used the dashboard as a presentation tool to display metrics in real-time as the audience took a survey. It was one of my first experiences with Power BI, and figuring out how to synchronize it with Microsoft Forms and adapt to live updates was a challenging, yet fun, problem to solve. It was very cool to work on a project I knew would be used ‘in real life’ and gain experience bridging business problems with software solutions. I was very happy to hear that the presentation went well, and I played a small part in its success. What’s one fun or unexpected fact about you that people may be surprised by? I played rugby in high school and loved it. I think people may be surprised by this because I’m (not quite) 5’3. Quick picks: Coffee or tea? Early bird or night owl? City life or outdoor escape? Coffee!! I also love tea (especially Matcha), but being a college student, I’ve become a bit coffee dependent. Night owl, but I’m trying to change that. I like both, which is a big reason I love Seattle. Share one of your favorite quotes. It’s a long one, but one of my favorite quotes is ‘The Man in the Arena’ by Theodore Roosevelt: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

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 has 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.

Meet Alvin Le, a Marketing and Information Systems student at the University of Washington who is currently interning at RedCloud. In this insightful conversation, Alvin tells us a bit about his tasks and projects, the skills he's leveraging from his academic background, and his observations about the RedCloud team's culture. Plus, find out his favorite app and how it enhances his dining experience! Why did you seek out an internship with RedCloud, and in the consulting industry? I met RedCloud Account Director Scott (Morton) at a University of Washington alumni event hosted by my fraternity and was immediately intrigued by his description of RedCloud. I connected with him on LinkedIn shortly after and reached out to ask if I could join RedCloud as a Consulting intern.  Fortunately for me, Scott was extremely accommodating and made the process easy and enjoyable. As a Marketing and Information Systems student at the University of Washington, working at RedCloud offers the perfect combination of marketing and technology that I seek in a role. I’ve always been drawn to consulting - I love the strategic, creative, and client-facing aspects of the industry - and I was actively seeking consulting opportunities that align with my background and interests. I found that in RedCloud, and I look forward to being a sponge of knowledge. What are your main tasks and projects as part of your internship? As I’m only a few weeks into my internship, I’m still learning the ropes of my assigned tasks and projects. I currently have the opportunity to work alongside Scott and assist him with monthly SLA MOSA reporting and Studio MOSA reporting. I also assist Yan Ma, a Senior Product Marketing Manager at RedCloud, with weekly Microsoft 365 newsletters as part of Microsoft client work. I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge in my first few weeks, and I’m excited to continue working on such fulfilling projects. What skills have you used, or do you think you'll use the most from school in your internship? Much of my coursework is directly applicable to my role at RedCloud. Material from my Marketing classes enables me to understand industry jargon, and my Information Systems curriculum provides a solid grasp of the technological landscape in which I work. I’ve previously worked on Marketing Consulting projects in school, which have developed the critical thinking skills, teamwork abilities, and growth-centered mindset necessary for a strong foundation in the field. I’m confident that I can leverage my resources at the UW Foster School of Business and past work experience to excel in this role and make a lasting impact on the RedCloud team. What is it like working with the RedCloud team? My experiences with the RedCloud team have been nothing but positive. Everyone I've interacted with has been friendly and helpful, from the recruiting process to onboarding and actual work dynamics. Although my work is primarily remote, it is clear that RedCloud emphasizes a close-knit culture that values its human resources.  What have been some of the biggest takeaways you had from your internship so far? So far, my internship has taught me valuable lessons about professional communication, essential business processes, and the importance of efficient teamwork. By assisting  seasoned consultants on my team, I observe and understand the professional synergies required to deliver weekly action items on time and of high quality. Along with industry-specific knowledge, I can apply these takeaways to future work experiences. Name a piece of tech you can’t live without or your favorite app? Currently, my favorite app is a restaurant-reviewing platform called Beli. Beli allows you to rate restaurants, bars, coffee shops, etc., you’ve visited using an intuitive algorithm that automatically ranks them. You can share your ratings with friends on the platform, read the reviews of others, and even make last-minute reservations. I would describe the user experience as a hybrid of Yelp and Instagram.  For an avid “foodie” like me, Beli encourages me to visit new restaurants with friends and family, adding a new factor of enjoyment and excitement to my dining experiences. I even used Beli to track the countries I visited when I spent a quarter abroad. I highly recommend this app to anyone who loves to explore their surroundings while traveling or to food lovers who want to track their eating experiences through social media.

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.