Program Management · Training · Team Building
Tommy Kern
I've prided myself as a translator between executive vision, technical details, and team execution.
I've prided myself as a translator between executive vision, technical details, and team execution.
I believe that human connection and communication are at the heart of leadership.
Almost every organizational problem I've been handed turned out to be a people problem lost in a process. A well thought out strategy rarely fails on the slide, but in the distance between the person who wrote it and the person who has to live it out day-to-day.
Closing that distance is trust work, and trust is built at human scale is why I keep coming back to training and leadership: it's the one function where you get to sit with people and build a thing. Getting it right, the first time.
Over a 20+ year career, I've helped numerous companies (micro to massive) solve complex problems by building capable teams and training programs (in-person facilitation & virtual) - while keeping the executive vision/mission thread taut throughout the supporting organization(s).
I've prided myself as the translator between executive vision, technical details, and team execution. This allows me to double down on people's capacity to trust and communicate in a team setting, drive learning through fostering a culture of constant curiosity, and use data to turn decisions into actionable, scalable workflows.
My specific Project Management/Leadership experience revolves around software & hardware training programs and building teams that solve problems, but the core functions I lead with stay rooted in the same fundamentals, whatever the project.
I find I am at my best when I'm
I'm not a great runner, but I've learned that I am a better human, when I'm in the routine of running. I enjoy tracking stats, learning new techniques, and pushing myself to improve my overall performance. I enjoy solving the problems that only fine details shine any light on.
I've found myself deeply involved in solving a problem for myself, and have started a passion project to figure out how flavors work. I'm building a chemistry lab with distillation equipment to explore creating sodas and non-alcoholic beverages for a few restaurants/bars in my area.
My role at Cisco wrapped up a couple of years ago, and after taking some time off, I've spent the better part of the last year waiting tables, for the simple joy of being around people again after years of remote work. It's been good for my soul, but I'm ready to put my full focus back where it belongs.
I'm at a stage in my career & life where I am free to move about, as needed. I've got very little tying me down (except a dog, Matilda, who's very well loved and taken care of by my community if/when travel is required).
I'm currently looking for opportunities to work with teams who are solving problems bigger than any single project at hand.