An interview with David, Director of Accounts at Synthesis
Here’s the next in the series of interviews we are doing to understand what makes Synthesis Systems an exciting place to be and grow. Today, we’re going to hear the experiences of David, Director of Accounts at Synthesis Systems.
Q: What was the most memorable moment in your Synthesis Systems journey?
David: Last year I was working as sales lead on a huge engagement for Synthesis. I was working with our delivery team to prepare a demo of our solution concept for the client when the cold snap that caused the power outage for millions of customers here in Texas, hit the day before the demo. My wife and I struck-out that morning looking for a place to stay that had power, and we finally ended up at a little hotel in a little town about 100 miles north of where we live. Everything was fine for the rest of that day and I went to bed happy knowing I’d be able to participate in the demo the next day from the warmth of our room.
Unfortunately, the power went out that next morning at 7 am, just an hour before the start of the demo! I ended up doing it from the car, in the parking lot of the hotel, using my phone as a hot spot. Luckily, my part in this particular event was short, as I just had to make introductions and get us started, but it made for an interesting six hours working from the car!
Q: How does Synthesis Systems help support your sense of purpose in your career?
David: I came to Synthesis having just closed a business my wife and I had started together. At the time, I was uncertain of my path ahead and wasn’t necessarily looking forward to returning to the industry I thought I had left behind. I started from the perspective of making the best next right choice for my family and quickly realized I had found a warm group of people to grow and work with.
Synthesis has listened to my needs and has encouraged me to recognize and build skills I didn’t know I had. As a result, my career path has changed since originally having joined as a Solution Architect. At that time, I would have laughed if you would have suggested that within a few short months I would be working as an Account Manager for our largest accounts, and I haven’t looked back since making the switch. It really couldn’t have turned out better.
Q: How does Synthesis Systems empower you to master your skills?
David: Synthesis Systems gives me a set of expectations, informal mentorship, and the room to grow and learn. This includes leeway to learn from mistakes and to enjoy the success of applying that learning in similar scenarios later on.
Q: What do you love about your job?
David: As an Account Manager at Synthesis Systems, I am responsible for my clients’ success. I wear a number of different hats to fulfill that responsibility and I love it because it gives me a chance to exercise skills in several different disciplines simultaneously. There’s never a dull moment!
Q: What advice would you give to someone joining Synthesis Systems?
David: Let us know who you are and how you think. Don’t be afraid to extend yourself. Poke your nose into aspects of the business that interest you and take advantage of the opportunities you’ll have to cross-train across the various technologies we support.
Q: What’s your favorite part about working with your team?
David: I really enjoy our can-do attitude!
Q: What’s the most interesting thing you’ve worked on recently and what made it enjoyable?
David: I recently began acting as the scrum master for a project in one of our top client accounts. The original scrum master became ill, and I stepped-in to help. I grew up as a PM and then PGM in the world of SDLC and have always been interested in Agile methodology, having seen first-hand how difficult it can be to deliver large projects using the waterfall approach. Working in this temporary capacity has given me greater insight into the benefits and challenges of the Agile approach. I’ve enjoyed it because I will always be a PM of one sort (or another) at heart and this experience has given me a renewed appreciation for the discipline!
Q: Can you tell me about a time when a co-worker did something that helped you in some way?
David: I can’t really tell you about a single time. It happens daily. It’s core to who we are and how we serve our clients. One of the reasons we succeed is because we seek help from one another and consistently provide that help.
Hope you’ve enjoyed this conversation with David. Do let us know your thoughts.