Focus: Enter the Cloud

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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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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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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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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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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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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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Highlighting Wendy Muirhead, the Managing Director from Ceridian of EMEA, we dive headfirst into the ever-evolving world of Human Capital Management (HCM) platforms, focusing on Dayforce - one of the industry's rising stars. With Wendy as our guide, we explore how Dayforce is enabling organizations of all sizes to deliver fantastic employee experiences, from recruitment and onboarding through to payroll and on-demand net pay. We also touch on the groundbreaking Dayforce Wallet feature, which is revolutionizing the way team members advertise, collect shifts, and get paid instantly.

We follow Wendy's fascinating journey from working in finance to a career change into tele sales at Ceridian, and how she came to understand the intricacies of payroll. We delve into the crucial role Dayforce is playing in championing the payroll industry, particularly in the trying times of the pandemic, and how technology platforms have been instrumental in ensuring smooth payroll operations amidst the crisis. Wendy's insights into the reactive nature of the payroll industry and its importance in keeping people paid are particularly enlightening.

If you are thinking about a new HCM or Finance product, take 30 minutes, have a listen and maybe, Ceridian Dayforce could be what you are looking for!  

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🎙️ Focus: Enter the Cloud - Unveiling SuccessDay's Cloud Journey with Bas Eggelaar & Juul van Dongen

Welcome to another enlightening episode of "Focus: Enter the Cloud," the podcast that takes you on a deep dive into the world of cloud technology and its transformative impact. Your  host, Lloyd Gordon, CEO of Focus Cloud Group, sits down with two exceptional minds from SuccessDay - the premier platform-agnostic advisory firm in the Benelux and DACH regions.

🌐 Navigating Cloud Agnosticism with SuccessDay

Joining us are Bas Eggelaar and Juul van Dongen, the dynamic duo behind SuccessDay's unparalleled success in guiding businesses through cloud-based transformations. In this episode, we explore the concept of cloud agnosticism and how SuccessDay's expertise helps companies select, prepare for, and integrate cutting-edge Human Capital Management (HCM) tools, whether it's Workday, Oracle, Dayforce, or others.

📊 A Holistic Approach: From Selection to Implementation

Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at SuccessDay's holistic approach to cloud transformation. Bas and Juul take us through the intricate process of transitioning to a new HCM tool, shedding light on every step - from meticulous preparation to hands-on roles during implementation. Discover how SuccessDay's expert team handles everything from project management to change facilitation, data migration to comprehensive testing, and more.

🚀 Dominating Aftercare: Workday AMS, Oracle, Dayforce Excellence

But the journey doesn't end at implementation. Bas and Juul unveil how SuccessDay continues to lead the pack in aftercare services. We'll dive deep into their mastery of Workday Application Management Services (AMS), Oracle solutions, and Dayforce systems. Learn how SuccessDay's ongoing optimization efforts ensure that clients extract maximum value and maintain peak performance from their cloud investments.

🔗 Connect with SuccessDay

To explore more about SuccessDay's transformative services and expertise in the cloud realm, visit www.successday.nl. Stay connected with them to stay updated on the latest trends and insights in cloud technology.

Don't miss out on this illuminating conversation as Bas Eggelaar, Juul van Dongen, and Lloyd unpack the intricacies of cloud transformation and SuccessDay's exceptional contributions. Tune in to "Focus: Enter the Cloud" now!

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Joel Kirkland, Managing Director at Focus on WD, and Ryan Thompson take a look back at the Workday ecosystem, and the world of Workday Recruitment, across 2022.

Joel speaks about the wins and challenges for Focus Cloud Group & Focus on WD throughout 2022, and looks ahead to what 2023 has in store. 

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