What has been your business/work highlight or achievement of 2024?

In 2024, I led digital transformation projects across telecom, healthcare, and enterprise sectors, collaborating with startups, SMBs, and large corporations. Each industry posed unique challenges, but the common thread was the demand for innovation and agility.

One of my biggest achievements this year was successfully driving complex telecom and AI-powered customer service transformation projects while optimizing operational efficiency. Through DevConnexion, I provided strategic leadership in IT service delivery, ensuring seamless execution and measurable business impact.

Key Contributions:

• Strategic Oversight: Led IT service delivery initiatives, driving success through cross-functional collaboration. 

• Operational Efficiency: Managed project budgets, resources, and technology, working closely with Solution Design, Finance, and Sales teams. 

• Financial Control: Ensured cost tracking, milestone-based invoicing, and budget optimization. 

• Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitated project kick-offs, gathered requirements, and anticipated customer needs. 

• Scope Management: Developed Statements of Work (SOWs) to define clear project deliverables. 

Notable Projects:  

Trillium Health Partners (Senior Project Manager, July2024–Feb 2025) 

• Led installations, SIP upgrades, and SBC deployments across Credit Valley, Mississauga, and Queensway in Ontario. 

Multiple NG-911 Projects (Senior Project Manager, July 2024–Feb 2025) 

• Oversaw the deployment of Netagen Commander 911, an NG911 platform surpassing NENA i3 standards, enabling seamless public safety projects across Canada. 

• Led SIP upgrades, SBC installations, and Avaya Contact Center Services implementation for Canadian PSAPs. 

From managing NG-911 implementations in telecom to integrating AI in healthcare, optimizing cloud-based telecom solutions, and leading enterprise-wide transformations, I’ve embraced complexity with confidence. 2024 wasn’t just about crossing finish lines—it was about optimizing the entire race circuit! 

Whether launching my entrepreneurial journey or judging industry leaders, every milestone reinforced my commitment to driving impact.

Performance Metrics

Revenue Impact:

• Delivered ~$500,000 through strategic project management in the past 6 months
• Led nationwide NG-911 implementations
• Transformed operations across multiple time zones

Technical Evolution:

• Earned PMP® certification, solidifying years of hands-on project management experience
• Achieved 17+ AI/ML certifications from Google Cloud
• Selected as a UC Leader Awards Judge for 2024

This year has been all about adapting, innovating, and delivering results at scale—and I’m excited for what’s next!

Who do you think has had the most positive impact on the UC space in 2024 and why?

When it comes to positive impact in the UC space in 2024, Zeus Kerravala stands out for me. He’s a thought leader I follow diligently, and I even had the opportunity to meet him for a one-on-one Zoom session to discuss the potential growth of the UC market.

That conversation was packed with insights—his deep understanding of enterprise networking, AI-driven communications, and the evolving landscape of UC made it clear why he’s one of the most respected voices in the industry. Zeus doesn’t just analyze trends—he shapes them.

Through ZK Research, he provides strategic guidance that helps enterprises, vendors, and service providers navigate the fast-changing world of cloud, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. His ability to bridge the gap between technical innovation and business strategy is what makes his influence so impactful.

Beyond his research, Zeus is an active advocate and educator in the UC space. His contributions to Forbes, No Jitter, and Network World, along with his presence at major industry events, continue to push the conversation forward. He’s not just reporting on the future of UC—he’s helping define it.

For me, 2024 has been about staying ahead of the curve in digital transformation, and Zeus has played a key role in shaping my understanding of where the industry is headed.

What was your biggest business surprise in 2024?

The rapid acceleration of AI-driven customer service transformations—faster than even the most optimistic forecasts predicted. While I’ve always been a strong advocate for AI and automation in UC and contact centers, the speed at which enterprises have moved from ‘exploring AI’ to full-scale implementation caught me off guard.

Projects that would typically take years to mature are now being delivered in months, with businesses eager to leverage AI-powered automation, speech analytics, and conversational bots to optimize customer experience.

From telecom to healthcare to enterprise UC, I’ve seen firsthand how AI isn’t just augmenting operations—it’s fundamentally reshaping how businesses engage with their customers. The shift isn’t just about technology; it’s about mindset. Organizations are moving beyond proof-of-concept phases and committing to AI-first strategies.

For someone who thrives on navigating digital transformations, this was an exciting surprise—one that reinforced the importance of agility and continuous learning in today’s market.

What was the most useful business book/podcast you’ve read/listened to in 2024?

As the Founder and Technology Consultant at DevConnexion, building my own IT and management consulting business has been a long-term dream. Leadership isn’t just about technical expertise—it’s about influence, confidence, and positioning yourself as the go-to expert in your field.

That’s why the most useful book I read in 2024 was The Art of Commanding Respect Like a CEO. This book opened my eyes to leadership skills that aren’t always taught in business school—like how to make giving feedback a superpower or the art of self-marketing without feeling ‘salesy.’ It helped me refine how I communicate my expertise, lead with authority, and build a brand that commands respect.

Whether it’s navigating high-stakes client engagements or positioning DevConnexion for growth, this book has been an invaluable resource in leveling up my leadership game.

What’s the biggest challenge you and your team will face in 2025?

As a solopreneur providing project management services on a contract basis, the biggest challenge for me is scalability. However, for my end clients I partner with, the biggest hurdle isn’t the technology itself, but the mindset shift required for AI adoption.

My role goes beyond implementation—it’s about guiding teams through change management, fostering AI acceptance, and ensuring a smooth cultural shift. The key challenge in 2025 will be helping clients/ businesses move from skepticism to full adoption, user training. Making AI an enabler rather than a disruptor.

Change is inevitable, but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be painful.

What technology will have the greatest impact on your business in 2025 and why?

In 2025, the technology that will have the greatest impact on my business will be AI-powered automation, particularly in project management and digital transformation initiatives.

By leveraging AI strategically, I can scale my services, deliver more value with fewer bottlenecks, and help businesses navigate transformation with confidence.

2025 will be the year AI becomes not just a tool, but an enabler of smarter, faster decision-making.