November 2, 2023
How long have you been at Mindsight?
I have been with Mindsight for 2 months.
What is your role?
I am the Cloud Services Team Lead here at Mindsight. I help a team of incredible individuals handle advanced projects within the Microsoft M365 ecosystem. I spent two years at Microsoft as the Top2k Program Technical Architect responsible for 25 Account Executives and 2,500 national accounts – helping them design, implement, and realize value in the M365 platform. Prior to that, I was a Systems Administrator / Technical Director for multiple large school districts in the state of Michigan and still help the Education sector today.
What does your day-to-day look like?
I work with various customers on Modern Work-related projects helping them implement the M365 Product Stack. Microsoft’s cloud services have grown exponentially since launch, and with the aftermath of Covid, the M365 product stack has become even more important with helping customers collaborate across the globe. Here at Mindsight, we can help customers fully utilize the M365 product stack and modernize their environments in an ever-changing world. (yes, here’s my plug for Intune, Autopilot, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Defender for Identity, Defender for Office 365, M365 Compliance & DLP, M365 Security, Azure Active Directory, Microsoft MFA, and Modern Work Zero Trust Environments).
I also work with other solution architects on pre-sales motions. I help the Pre-Sales Architects prepare statements of work and ensure the SOWs align to customer growth and value. I also work with the Pre-Sales team to modify job change orders that better align to customer budgets – especially if a project is nearing its end and additional requirements are needed.
Can you provide an example of one of your most memorable experiences working with a Mindsight client? What problem were you trying to solve? How did you solve it? How did it help the client?
I helped one of our key clients catch up on their AD Assessment and helped them immediately lock down guest accounts that were accessing their tenant. Active Directory is commonly used in enterprises and when customers create the link to M365 / Azure Active Directory they don’t fully realize the security implications of migrating to “Cloud.” By working through the Active Directory assessment with the client, I was able to show them security gaps in their infrastructure and secure customer HIPPA information. They were so appreciative of how thorough we were! Especially after multiple security firms had evaluated their systems after an attack and didn’t actually help prepare them for the future.
What has made you successful in your role?
I’m known as a go-getter and someone who often thinks outside the box. I’m also a good listener and that helps me understand our client’s needs and helps us build more accurate statements of work. I even curate some content myself, Education Technology Guidance.
How do you define client success?
When our customers feel safe and secure in the environments they are utilizing today and can sustainably support them.
Who was your most important mentor and what did you learn from them?
One of my best friends, Jodie LeFever. She worked at Microsoft and really pushed me to push myself in the M365 platform. I learned to be more self-confident in my abilities and to connect with others.
Which books have been most helpful to you personally and professionally?
Prey by Michael Chrichton – it helped me understand how base programming works and the values of a loving supporting partner.
Learn PowerShell Scripting in a month of lunches – Really helped me understand some of what I could use PowerShell for and greatly expanded my ability to make mass changes easier. Microsoft Learn is also very helpful but isn’t a book.
What are your favorite ways to escape and recharge?
My partner and I enjoy our trips to Florida each year and we visit Universal or Disney. We also like to take one other larger trip each year and go somewhere we’ve never been. This year we are going to Puerta Vallarta for 10 days.
What’s one thing you know now that you wish you’d known at or near the start of your career?
To push myself more and focus on the M365 product stack. To also trust in myself more and make connections with people.
What are two goals you’ve set for 2023—one personal, one company-related.
- To start putting more money aside for a house and have a significant amount saved in the next few years.
- To help grow the Cloud Business here at Mindsight!
About Mindsight
Mindsight is industry recognized for delivering secure IT solutions and thought leadership that address your infrastructure, cybersecurity, and communications needs. Our engineers are expert level only – and they’re known as the most respected and valued engineering team based in Chicago, serving medium-sized to enterprise organizations around the globe. That’s why clients trust Mindsight as an extension of their IT team.
Visit us at http://www.gomindsight.com