What has been your business/work highlight of 2024 so far?

Constantly continuing to brand and upskill myself. I once believed that if I knew every single technical feature in depth that would make me a better engineer and architect. That simply isn’t true. Knowing how to relay the message of technical information and its importance to your customers is where I strive to be now. How can Feature X solve a problem and how can you relate deep technical information in a meaningful way that has an impact on a customer is the real answer that I try to get better at every day.

Who is your business hero and why?

Bob Iger, Head of Disney. I worked for ESPN in the late 90’s/early 2000’s. His complete transformation of Disney as a company over the last 20 years is a showcase in transformation and the ever-evolving need to innovate.

What’s the biggest business mistake you’ve made and what did you learn from it?

Being too proud to ask for help early in my career. My ego always got in the way. I always wanted to be the best and smartest in everything. That isn’t possible. Once I learned I don’t have to know the solution 100% of the time I just have to know how to “GET” the solution, my career became much more enjoyable and productive. Know how to get results and that doesn’t mean knowing the answer, it means knowing the right people that can get you the answer.

What’s the most inspirational book you’ve ever read and why?

Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer. It opened my eyes to what it takes to succeed in life. Most people are myopic in their vision of their careers. This book revealed to me what it actually takes to build an empire of generations.

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your role in 2024?

Showcasing the power of social media at a business level. Most companies don’t take advantage of what YouTube, Instagram, X, have to offer. Video platforms should surpass all forms of paper, email, chat, and blogs as the medium for sales, enablement, and marketing.

What technology will have the greatest impact on your business this year and why?

If I don’t answer with Gen AI no one will believe me, but I think low-code development platforms creating workflow automation will have the greatest user impact.