Articles
BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
Q: What led you to become a partner at Green Leaf? What inspired you to take on this role?
A: After working with Kevin, Mark, and Steve for many years, I saw firsthand how well they led their teams, the trust clients placed in them, and the genuine camaraderie they fostered. When the opportunity came to build a consulting firm together, I didn’t hesitate, I jumped at it. When you know, you know.
Q: What experiences earlier in your career most shaped your leadership philosophy?
A: Early in my career, during an internship, I was exploring full-time opportunities. I had a job offer but decided to talk with my boss, someone I deeply respected, before accepting. They advised me to think carefully: “Do you really want to do Task 1 for the rest of your career?” That conversation changed my trajectory. I declined the offer and chose a path with more variety and growth. Since then, I’ve valued roles where no two days are the same. As a leader, I aim to be approachable and someone people can speak with openly.
Q: Looking back, where have you found the most meaning or success in your professional journey?
A: Right here at Green Leaf. Watching our company grow from two consultants and a single referral into what it is today has been incredibly rewarding.
VISION AND LEADERSHIP
Q: How would you describe your vision for Green Leaf’s future?
A: In consulting, many firms aim to “build to sell.” Our vision is to “build to grow.” Sustainable growth comes from adapting to the fast-paced, ever-changing world of technology. Our goal has always been to create a company where people love to work, career goals are supported and celebrated, and client trust leads to lasting partnerships. While our strategies evolve, our core values remain constant.
Q: What do you see as the biggest opportunities for our clients in the next few years?
A: No matter the company size, embracing AI in certain capacities will be critical to success.
Q: In your view, what qualities make a consulting team stand out in today’s market?
A: Consistency, trustworthiness, and being software-neutral.
ROLE AT GREEN LEAF
Q: What aspects of your work as a partner do you find most rewarding?
A: I’m fortunate to work with incredibly smart people. Hearing their perspectives, understanding their challenges, and collaborating to set direction is both exciting and rewarding.
Q: What personal philosophy guides you in serving clients and leading teams?
A: Pretty simple, treat others as you would like to be treated. To build on that, three key points – Accountability, Attitude and Appreciation.
- Accountability – consistently delivering on what you said you would do builds trust with your colleagues, your clients, and your vendors. In other words, say what you mean and mean what you say.
- Attitude –I once read you can tell if a person is smiling when they answer the phone. Try it next time someone answers the phone and says hello. You really can hear the smile (or the not smile) in their voice. A positive mindset is contagious.
- Appreciation – Recognition of work furthers success. Say thank you and be gracious, it goes a long way.
INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE
Q: What emerging trends or technologies are you most excited about, and how should organizations prepare for them?
A: AI. While it may displace some roles, it will also open the door to new ways of problem-solving. Understanding its potential impact will help organizations use AI thoughtfully and effectively.
Q: What challenges do you think will be most important for our clients to navigate in the years ahead?
A: AI governance. I know enough to know I don’t know everything about AI, but ensuring it’s governed responsibly will be critical.
LOOKING AHEAD
Q: What do you think is the key to delivering sustained value over time?
A: The people. A trusted team, with proven success, whose technological backgrounds and business mind help our clients solve both their IT and business needs.
Q: What are you most excited about as you look toward the future of Green Leaf?
A: Continuing to explore Artificial Intelligence (AI) with amazing individuals (also AI). Helping clients leverage it to make smarter decisions, solve business problems, and deliver quality that stands apart.
Q: What advice would you share with someone aspiring to grow into a leadership role in technology consulting?
A: Connect, build, and foster relationships. It’s remarkable where a single conversation can lead.
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: Walt Disney because he took risks. He failed and tried again. He was a pioneer in the world of technology and brought it to the masses in the form of film, television, and theme parks. He surrounded himself with creative and imaginative people and built a company that all started with a mouse.
Q: What do you enjoy outside of work that helps you recharge or stay inspired?
A: Being by the water. I love time “down the shore”. Something about the sand in my toes, the sun on my face, and the sound of the ocean brings me peace.
Q: Is there a book, podcast, or resource that’s influenced you recently?
A: I’m not sure mentioning a podcast of satirical recounts of my favorite Bravo shows influences me, although they do make me laugh and certainly make a treadmill session fly by. I listen to Mel Robbins and have begun practicing counting backwards from five when a moment of anxiety or angst presents itself. It sounds simple because it is but does take conscious effort to help reset.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
A: Am I dating myself by touting my uncanny ability to “name that episode” of The Brady Bunch while the opening credits are rolling? My friendships with the neighborhood kids I grew up with. Not many people still talk to and see the friends they made when they were 4 years old; I still do. And yes…our group texts, with whatever life is throwing our way, always has a Brady Bunch meme, gif or reference 😊
Q: Green Leaf is a place where there’s a good balance of serious business and good-natured humor. Can you give a fun example of when you’ve either doled out or been on the receiving end of some of that humor?
A: I have hearing loss in my left ear, and I joke that whoever is to my left better not have anything important to say. Kevin has been known on Team calls to pretend to be speaking and I keep saying ‘wait, what? “I didn’t get that” and meanwhile he’s just moving his lips.