Aaron Reich

Background

About Aaron Reich

Professional problem solver, rugby player, and tasteful mullet advocate. As a mechanical engineer turned IT leader, the problems that I am solving may require different skills and different tools, but the process to arrive at a solution remains the same. Identify the pain point, gather data, build, test, validate, iterate. Client facing, that data gathering comes from active listening and asking the right questions to understand why they need the product or solution and how it addresses their needs. As a technical lead implementing low-code platforms; the iterative nature of development using a Scaled Agile Framework was crucial to delivering robust solutions. As a professional services executive, helping the sales team shift to solution driven selling often has me answering their questions with a simple question: Why? Showing a clear understanding of client pain points, by gathering data through active listening and asking the right questions, has been key in increasing our YoY growth. My time on a rugby pitch has also influenced my view of team leadership. I consider it the greatest team game, where 15 teammates of various shapes, sizes, and skills all working towards a single goal. While a good player can certainly make an individual impact, the great players elevate their entire team. As a technical lead, I oversaw junior consultants and developers, providing guidance and ongoing reviews of work and technical concepts to build confidence and good habits. In my current role leading a professional services team, the depth of knowledge of my team is far greater than mine. I have found that taking a step back, out of the weeds, can often have the greatest benefit. By assisting them in the client management aspects, it also allows them to focus on what they are best at. Cross-functional teams, provide an additional challenge, but balancing the needs of each team with the goal of the group, and being upfront and honest with that, is the only way to move forward successfully. One leadership style cannot be applied to every team, and I find it extremely important to get the most out of my team however they need. The third bit…well that was just to get you reading this far. I am process and results driven with the knowledge and flexibility to work and lead in any environment. And I have chosen a more business appropriate haircut…for now.