How long have you been with IntelliDyne and what’s your current role?
I’m IntelliDyne’s IT Help Desk Manager. I’ve been with the company for six years.
What do you think makes IntelliDyne a great place to work?
IntelliDyne has a way of breaking through the typical, cliché sayings and finding a way to make them a reality. My favorite example is that we, like many others, are a company that prides ourselves on our “culture”. For many companies, this is just a sales pitch to get new people in the door to work for them, but here it really feels… different. I feel as though I could call anyone at any time if I needed help with my tasks, had a concern about a project, or even needed advice regarding a personal situation I was going through. This exact quality is something people spend their whole careers searching for and it’s truly incredible to have already found it.
What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?
The coaching! I grew up in a very sports-centric family, so my mentality has always been very team-oriented since I was little. In my current role, I get to take people with very limited IT experience, with loads of potential, and guide them into becoming full-blown IT professionals.
What was your dream job growing up?
I wanted to be a Pilot, like my Dad.
What is the most important career lesson you’ve learned so far?
You should always work hard enough for everyone around you to consider you ‘under-paid’, no matter how much you make. If you keep this mentality and continue to grow your skillset, you will keep yourself essential and inevitably be successful.
How do you motivate and inspire your team?
I tend to keep it “big picture” with my team and when things get tough, I drive home the “why” when it comes to what we’re doing. I think that sometimes that concept can get lost in the day-to-day activities, ESPECIALLY in IT when a lot of people are asking you for things very frequently. That being said, if it has really been a rough day/week, I’ll break out a few good halftime speeches or even some free lunches to try and help the team push through.
What energizes you at work?
Watching colleagues take the lessons you taught them and successfully navigate a tough technical issue or a difficult situation. That coaching pride really kicks in and you feel like Phil Jackson after Kobe or MJ hit the shot on the play you just drew up!
What is the most important quality of a good leader?
Effective communication. When you have a lot of moving parts, or a lot of work that needs to be done, communicating effectively to get everyone on the same page is extremely important and essential to overall team success.
What parts of our mission do you connect with?
I really connect with and enjoy our “people-first IT solutions” mindset. This mindset really hits home with my team and me because our clients are contacting us wanting guidance, and to have their issue heard by receptive ears and a kind voice of acknowledgement. Addressing the person and their concerns first, followed by their technical issue, goes a long way in our relationships with our clients, and keeps both parties working together positively.
What is one unique or fun fact that others may not know about you?
When I went to Virginia Tech, I did not pursue a major in any form of Business or IT, but actually got my B.S. in Biological Sciences.
What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?
I am a big sports fan, so I like to go watch games locally and even plan a trip to see my Chicago Bears or Bulls every year or so.
Is anything on your bucket list?
I really want to take a trip to New Zealand to see the natural beauty of that country. It looks amazing!