 |
|
The common themes are technology, innovation and
value creation. I’m good at grasping the core of complex human
processes and technology systems. I also tend to stay close to
technology because that’s where my creativity and my credibility are
most valuable. Because I understand both the engineering (science) and
the human processes I think that I can deal with the intangible parts
of projects. I am very much a believer that strong engineering and
product staff sometimes need to be given the space, support, and
metrics to focus on creating value within their organizations.
Frankly, early in my career the idea of “consulting” did not cross my
mind. In one sense, I truly stumbled into the field. My
interest in art actually was a catalyst. When I |
|
|
|
|
|
first got involved with computers and the
Internet, you could literally draw a map of all the machines
(computers) on the Net. I thought that I could be valuable within a
company. In a relatively short period, I went from helping develop
key parts of UNIX to building systems to teaching at Bell Labs.
Even when I’m consulting I see myself as part of the core management
team, and my clients do so as well by involving me in their strategic
efforts. When I finished a stint at Sonic Solutions we were literally
applauded by the engineering organization – that’s pretty
satisfying.
You can think of a project as company artwork and
my art background allows me to look at technology in a way that is both
different and effective. You’ve got to know how to work the material of
course: painting
|
|
|
|
|
|
alone has a myriad of techniques let alone
sculpture or performance, and you’ve also got all sorts of subtle
motivations and psychological drama, along with the question of your
audience is and how they’re going to react.
Without belaboring the metaphor, for a technology “artwork” to be
successful, if you will, the elements range from monetization to market
segments to usability and include all sorts of techniques in
requirements, design, engineering and operations. You’ve got the
team psychology and the drama of all the players. And the effect you’re
generally after is a deep satisfaction of all the players, who become
your ambassadors with customers, clients, suppliers and other
employees. And you want to make money so you can do more.
|
|
