Articles
BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
Q: What led you to join the Green Leaf team?
A: I’ve always been passionate about working with data. My first job was at CVS Health, where I worked on the data team building Power BI and Tableau dashboards. I was fascinated by everything you can do with data. Industries like insurance and healthcare generate such vast amounts of data, and there are so many possibilities to explore. That’s what really piqued my interest. At Green Leaf, I found a team that shares that same passion—and the people here are awesome.
Q: What keeps you here?
A: The people and the leadership. Kevin, Steve, Jess, Ed, Beth, Zul—everyone is dedicated to their work and truly great at what they do. I feel comfortable reaching out for guidance and asking questions whenever I need support.
Q: What are your area(s) of specialty?
A: My current role is as an analyst. I focus on identifying issues in data and conducting root cause analysis to understand what’s going wrong and why. I also enjoy working with dashboards. It’s important to me to be able to control the analysis and testing in a way that aligns with business goals and expectations.
Q: What aspects of technology are you most passionate about, and how do you see these aligning with your role at GL?
A: I’m especially interested in how data is managed across an organization—how it’s collected, processed, and structured. I’m fascinated by data pipelines and the systems people build to move and transform data. I’m also looking to build my skills in cloud technologies like Azure Synapse and Databricks.
ROLE AT GREEN LEAF
Q: What project(s) are you involved in now?
A: I’m currently part of the finance team on an insurance client engagement. My role involves testing the data from a data warehouse, and ensuring accurate data is generated and sent to the business teams.
Q: Can you share a specific goal or project you’re aiming to kickstart soon? What makes this important to you?
A: In May, I’ll be transitioning into more of an engineering or developer role. I’m really excited about this shift; it’s the direction I’ve been working toward as I build my technical skills.
Q: How have you seen your role evolve and how do you see it continuing to evolve? What are the key contributions you aim to make?
A: When I first joined Green Leaf, I was primarily doing data testing using tools like Excel and Power BI. Over time, I began using SQL more regularly and writing my own test cases based on business requirements. That helped me grow a lot. Now, I’m working more with SQL, Spark, and Python, and I expect that to continue. Learning one database language really helped open the door to learning others. Moving forward, I’m focused on building more automation within my current team.
Q: Can you share a personal philosophy or approach that guides your work in tech and in serving clients?
A: Clear communication is one of the things I value most. I’ve seen how misalignment within a team can slow down progress. I believe in building strong connections with teammates and making sure everyone is on the same page.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP & LOOKING AHEAD
Q: In your opinion, what are the major trends that will shape the technology consulting industry in the next five years?
A: AI and automation. At my current client, for example, a lot of manual processes are being automated. That’s going to continue across the industry. Companies want to reduce inefficiencies and be more effective, and automation is key to that.
Q: What leadership qualities do you think are most important for driving innovation in the technology side of companies today?
A: Leaders need to think outside the box and be willing to step out of their comfort zone to find the best solutions. Just as important is knowing your team – understanding their strengths so you can help them grow and succeed.
Q: What’s a significant challenge in the tech space many are facing (or will soon be facing), and what, in your opinion, is a potential solution or approach to overcoming it?
A: AI is evolving very quickly, and keeping up is going to be a major challenge. IT professionals need to continuously skill up to stay relevant. Ongoing learning and training will be essential.
Q: With the rise of AI and data analytics, what ethical considerations do you believe tech leaders should prioritize?
A: Training is critical. When new tools, especially AI, are introduced, employees need proper training to use them effectively. Sometimes leaders are focused on quick results, but without training, teams can’t work efficiently or confidently.
Q: How do you stay updated with the rapid changes in technology, and how do you foresee the evolution of the tech consultant’s role?
A: I use LinkedIn a lot, it’s a great way to see how companies are evolving and improving their processes. I also read articles and watch videos to stay informed on emerging trends and tools.
Q: How do you tailor your advisory approach to help clients not just meet but exceed their technology goals?
A: It all starts with understanding the business and their goals. Before beginning any project, I take the time to align on expectations and maintain open communication throughout. That way, I can guide them effectively and explain what’s being implemented in a clear way.
Q: How do you foster a culture of collaboration with your clients?
A: Frequent and consistent communication is key. Whether it’s weekly or monthly touchpoints, it’s important to keep that line of communication open.
Q: What skills do you think will be most valuable for the technology workforce of the future, and how can professionals prepare now?
A: Getting familiar with cloud technologies is essential. Understanding tools like Azure and how data is processed and managed in a cloud environment will be a major advantage.
PERSONAL: INTERESTS AND HOBBIES
Q: If you could have dinner with any figure from the world of technology, who would it be and why?
A: Two of the top people on my list are Bill Gates and Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI. I find it fascinating to see how Microsoft has grown over the years. I’d love to talk to Bill Gate about the challenges he faced when founding the company – what those early years were like and what obstacles he had to overcome.
With Sam Altman, I’m curious about the evolution of AI. There were AI technologies before, but the way OpenAI and ChatGPT have transformed the landscape is incredible. Everyone uses ChatGPT now for everything. I’d love to ask him how the idea came to life and whether he ever imagines it becoming such a game-changing technology.
Q: What’s the one gadget or tech you can’t live without?
A: When I’m not working, my laptop or phone. But when I am working, I’d say my mouse. It’s something I use constantly and can’t work without.
Q: Can you share a personal success story or a particularly memorable experience from your career? What made it special for you?
A: During my internship at CVS, I worked closely with my team on a series of Tableau dashboards. A year later, I was talking to one of my mentors and he mentioned that the dashboards I built were still being used and had become important tools for the organization.
That moment meant a lot to me. Hearing that something I built as an intern was still making an impact a year later, it was incredibly rewarding and validating.
Q: Outside of work, what’s a hobby or activity you’re passionate about? How did you become involved in it and why is it important to you?
A:I love exploring nature. I’m definitely not someone who can stay indoors for too long. Hiking, walking, being outside; it all energizes me. It’s a great way to disconnect and recharge.