Welcome to Focus: Enter the Cloud! The podcast that dives deep into the world of cloud technology and the people in the space.
Host Lloyd Gordon explores it all, from the latest trends, innovations, insights in the cloud space all the way through to the things that make the professionals tick. We explore mindsets, challenges, successes, work life balance, and everything in between.
We provide our listeners with perspectives from some of the most influential voices and minds in the space.
Whether you're a seasoned cloud professional or just starting your journey in the field, Enter the Cloud is here to help you stay informed about the developments and advancements in cloud tech and prepare your mindset for what comes next!
From engineers to CTOs and executives, our guests come from a variety of backgrounds and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.
So, join us on this exciting journey as we explore the world of cloud technology and connect with the people who are shaping the future of the industry.
From Military Pay Clerk to Workday Financials Leader: Career Transitions and Remote Work Challenges with Kevin Isaac
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Have you ever wondered what it takes to transition from a military pay clerk to a leader in the world of Workday Financials? Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Kevin Isaac, an industry veteran whose journey is as inspiring as it is insightful. Kevin takes us through his eclectic career path, from his early days at Lloyds of London and American Express to managing projects in the insurance and gaming sectors. He reflects candidly on the financial pros and cons of moving from permanent roles to contracting, and how those choices paved the way for his venture into business transformation and leadership.
In a fascinating recount, Kevin gives us an insider’s view of the early days of Workday's financial management system (FINS) implementation during an IPO transition in 2006. He shares the strategic decision-making behind choosing Workday over Dynamics and the hurdles faced due to the system's novelty. With vivid descriptions, Kevin outlines the meticulous nine-month journey that led to a groundbreaking deployment, setting a benchmark for future projects. His experiences managing complex implementations for companies like Clarion, especially during the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic, offer valuable lessons in adaptability and leadership.
As remote and hybrid work reshape our professional landscape, Kevin provides a nuanced look at how these shifts have impacted project dynamics and team cohesion. He delves into the nuances of maintaining productivity and morale in a remote setup, the importance of balancing work and self-care, and the crucial role of integrations in successful project rollouts. Highlighting both the challenges and opportunities presented by remote work, Kevin’s insights are a treasure trove for anyone navigating the evolving terrains of project management and business transformations. Don't miss this episode packed with lessons from a seasoned expert in Workday implementations.
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12 Jun 2024
Focus: Enter the Cloud - Shifting Mindset: Embracing Cloud Solutions & Building Successful Teams
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The conversation covers Matt Lawrence's journey from PeopleSoft to co-founding a successful Workday consultancy, navigating the challenges of building and selling a business, and the impact of COVID-19 on the cloud market. It also explores the decision to leave a large global partner and the shift in mindset towards cloud solutions. The conversation covers the evolution of the Workday ecosystem, key decisions that led to business success, the transition of the business, and the future of cloud markets and AI. It also delves into the stress and challenges faced in the business journey, the importance of building successful teams, and advice for those entering the workday ecosystem.
Key Takeaways:
- Matt Lawrence's journey from PeopleSoft to co-founding a successful Workday consultancy
- Challenges of building and selling a business
- Impact of COVID-19 on the cloud market
- Shift in mindset towards cloud solutions
- Decision to leave the Workday ecosystem and pursue a new challenge
-The Workday ecosystem has evolved significantly, with a focus on cloud-based solutions and the potential of AI integration.
- Key decisions, such as transitioning from a small boutique to a large global SI and focusing on Workday recruitment, have been instrumental in business success.
- The journey has been marked by stress and challenges, including financial pressures and legal issues, but strategic decisions and support have led to growth and success.
- Building successful teams involves hiring individuals who share the company's values, trust, and empowerment, and having a diverse mix of personalities and skills.
- Advice for those entering the Workday ecosystem includes specializing in a niche area and becoming an expert in that field, as well as being open to branching out into other areas as the business grows.
Chapters:
00:00 - The Journey from PeopleSoft to Workday Consultancy
03:16 - Building and Selling a Successful Business
36:28 - Shifting Mindset: Embracing Cloud Solutions
38:41 - Transitioning from Alight to a New Challenge
39:51 - Evolution of the Workday Ecosystem
41:33 - Key Decisions and Business Success
51:12 - Navigating Stress and Challenges
01:03:35 - Building Successful Teams
01:11:02 - The Future of Cloud Markets and AI
01:13:57 - Advice for Entering the Workday Ecosystem
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23 Apr 2024
Charting the Evolution of Enterprise Tech with Oracle Expert Richard Pepper
Step into the shoes of a tech wizard and Oracle guru, Richard Pepper, as he takes us on a nostalgic ride through his storied career. We kick it off by reminiscing on the groundbreaking MOD JPA program, where Richard's leadership seamlessly integrated Oracle tech for an impressive 350,000 users, ensuring even those in the most remote locations, like submarines, stayed connected. His reflections aren't just techno-babble; they're a masterclass in the human aspect of tech projects, team synergy, and the art of standardizing processes in a setting as varied as the military.
Ever wonder how the Oracle market stays so fiercely competitive? Richard lays down the law on effective recruitment strategies and the underrated craft of building enduring relationships. With a focus on the human touch at Veran Performance, we unearth the secrets to assembling teams that not only meet the mark but excel under pressure. This candid conversation doesn't skirt around the challenges either. Dive into the intricacies of sourcing talent with niche clearances and get a front-row seat to the balancing act of uniting team perspectives to navigate high-stakes projects.
As we cap off this enlightening discourse, Richard and Lloyd don't just reflect on Oracle and the post-COVID workspace they tackle the profound influence of non-monetary motivations and the relentless pursuit of impactful work. From dissecting the value-cost conundrum in professional development to the communal resilience in Oracle User Groups, this episode is peppered with personal tales, professional wisdom, and the occasional chuckle. So, whether you're a seasoned pro or a curious newbie, this is one tech talk you won't want to miss.
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26 Mar 2024
Unleashing the Olympic Mindset with Derek Redmond
Sit back and prepare to be captivated by Derek Redmond, a British sprinting legend whose story of triumph and perseverance is nothing short of extraordinary. Our riveting conversation travels from Derek's early days at school, to the pulse-racing tracks of international stadiums where he shattered records and defied expectations. His journey, marked by both athletic prowess and indomitable spirit, brings to life the essence of what it means to have an Olympian mindset amidst the fiercest of challenges.
In a series of heartfelt and often humorous exchanges, Derek reminisces about the competitive zeal that transformed him from an average club runner to a global icon in the world of athletics. The episode is flecked with moments of levity, as we talk about racing Premier League footballers and the domestic rivalry of taking out the bins—proving that the competitive flame burns bright long after the stadium lights dim. Yet, it's the profound lessons of commitment, parental guidance, and the relentless pursuit of goals that pierce through, offering insights as applicable to the boardroom as they are to the track.
As we wrap up our time with Derek, it's clear that his story transcends the bounds of sports. The themes of dedication, self-belief, and the power of overcoming adversity resonate with an intensity that inspires. Whether you're vying for Olympic gold, navigating the hurdles of business, or facing personal challenges, Derek's experiences, interwoven with tales of other high achievers, serve as a masterclass in harnessing your potential and believing in the impossible. Join us for a conversation that echoes in the chambers of everyday life, lighting a fire within to chase your own version of success.
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26 Feb 2024
Simon Tuite: A Tech Architect's Guide to Life Beyond the Keyboard
Joining Lloyd in this episode is a Workday Superstar - Simon Tuite. One of the best in the game. Someone who very often walks the tightrope of people and data in tech. How does he do it?
In this conversation we delve into it right from the beginning. With anecdotes from his university days and tenure across different clients, Simon demonstrates that building relationships is as vital as troubleshooting technical hurdles.
We discuss navigating the balance between career and personal life, particularly how you need to juggle the balance between being career driven, living your personal life without sacrifice.
Reflecting on the pandemic, Lloyd offers insights on work-life equilibrium, stressing the importance of savoring life's moments.
Further in the episode we explore professional growth, aligning team motivation with client expectations, and the necessity of disconnecting for genuine fulfilment.
From gym routines to holiday breaks, we share insights on fostering professional relationships and achieving equilibrium in the fast-paced world of technology and wellness.
Join us as we unravel the art of living well in today's high-speed domain.
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9 Oct 2023
Perception, Purpose and Technology: A Discussion with Stephen Gedge
In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative power of technology in businesses with our guest, Steven Gedge, a seasoned programme Director. Steven's journey is a testament to how technology can revolutionize business processes and shape careers.
But it's not just about technology; the conversation also delves into the power of purpose and the importance of mentoring. Steven draws from personal experiences to emphasize the value of recruiting seasoned individuals with valuable skill sets and the benefits of experienced leadership.
Steven also shares his wisdom on leadership roles, giving trust to those you hire, emphasizing the "why" in your projects, and empowering your teams. Challenges in implementing global programs and the importance of backing oneself in team decision-making are discussed.
In summary, this episode explores how perceptions shape careers and how technology can transform businesses. It underscores the significance of understanding the 'why' behind transformation, the power of mentorship, and the potential of technology in revolutionizing businesses.
It's a must-listen for anyone eager to grasp the transformative potential of technology in business and the art of effective technical communication.
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25 Sept 2023
Wendy Muirhead - Part 2: Change, Growth, and Empowerment
Have you ever wondered about the transformative journey of a globally renowned organization? Meet our guest for the day, Wendy, a prodigal daughter of sorts, who narrates her intriguing passage from Ceridian to another ERP provider only to return with fascinating insights to share. Wendy takes us through Ceridian’s metamorphosis from its humble beginnings as Day Four Europe to one of the fastest-growing regions with a dynamic customer community. She shares anecdotes of remarkable people she's worked with and the awe-inspiring growth.
We then shift gears and delve into a heartening discussion about mentoring the young and restless. Illustrating this with a touching personal story of mentoring a remarkable woman, Kashmita, the dialogue centers around creating that right mix of security and confidence for our future leaders. We underscore the importance of failure as a steppingstone and the role of mentors in shaping careers. In addition, we discuss the need for a strategic perspective while adopting new HCM technology. Wrapping up with a focus on Dayforce HCM and AI, Wendy highlights the multiple benefits it offers including scalability, innovative onboarding features, and intelligent nudges for scheduling. Don't miss this enlightening conversation about organizational growth, women empowerment, and human capital management
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