SDI is all about presence and our people--we're your trusted partner. Our IT experts have worked in the field, on the ground, and at the CIO, CTO, and CISO-levels. There’s no theory; only genuine expertise. And to kick off our new Employee Spotlight series, we'd like to introduce one of those experts--Pascal Majon. Read on to meet Pascal, and learn more about his broad background in IT—and what he brings to the organization to shape SDI’s bright future.
How did you get your start at SDI?
I interviewed for a few roles that lead to offers over the course of several months. None of them were an exact fit for my skillset until the role Cory approached me about at SDI. SDI was looking for a Delivery Executive for the Chicago Park District engagement. I was interested in a new challenge and I liked the opportunity to serve the community.
What is your current role?
I am the Delivery Executive at the Chicago Park District (CPD). We provide IT infrastructure, desktop, and help desk support services. We are also helping CPD execute a 5-year strategic roadmap with an emphasis on migrating infrastructure to the cloud.
What does your role bring to SDI?
I have experience across the breadth of IT, from troubleshooting to developing strategic IT plans and aligning with operations and other areas of a business. I have experience in managed services, internal IT, and building an IT service company that was sold to larger competitor. I have scaled a one person IT operation to a department that supported business applications such as ERP systems, Business Intelligence, and Statistical Process Control. I have worked cross-functionally with every area of a company, such as operations, finance, sales and marketing.
What does an average day look like for you?
This is my first opportunity to take the train and public transportation to work. We are in-person most days at CPD. I love getting a head start on the day by taking the train, following up on recurring tasks and planning my day before I get to the office. I spend time monitoring operations metrics, managing projects, attending client meetings, advising the client, and serving my team to the best of my ability.
What are some of the changes you’ve seen at SDI since joining the firm?
In the short time I have been with SDI, it has grown quite a bit. We have our own ServiceNow practice, a growing solutions vertical, and we have expanded to other markets around the country. I am continually impressed by the level of expertise and commitment at this firm.
What would you say drives you?
CTA and Metra. Kidding aside, a technology-focused career path is the only thing I have ever wanted to do. I love to see how technology can enrich people’s lives and how we can work to make it secure, approachable and more affordable.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by technology leaders that have blazed the trail and left a template for success. I am inspired by technology that can be leveraged to improve the quality of life for every person on earth.
What have you enjoyed most about your career?
I enjoy the work of connecting technology with strategic goals, which can be any desired outcome that the technology is designed to produce. I enjoy sharing knowledge and ideas with others. I enjoy helping people who are starting their career path and setting them up for success in their roles. I have been on CDW’s Advisory Board for many years, and have had the opportunity to participate in events, including roundtable discussions, that help shape the future of IT.
If you had a chance to dedicate six months to only one project, what would it be?
Documentation. I would document everything. Documentation is the last thing that gets considered in every project. Some information gets siloed. Some of it ends up as “tribal knowledge." The more you document, the more you empower your team and make everyone’s life easier.
What’s the most unique part about working at SDI?
SDI engages its co-workers on all levels which speaks to a strong culture. It shows that SDI values people as its primary asset, which should be the goal of all organizations.
What’s something that has surprised you about your chosen career path?
I never considered that the largest companies in the world would be technology companies. Technology is pervasive. It affects every aspect of our lives. I am grateful for the opportunity to use technology to improve people’s lives.
If you could wake up tomorrow with a new skill, what would it be?
I wish I could wake up with the ability to read any book instantly, because then I could learn any skill I wanted.
How do you wind down after work?
I love to educate myself about subjects I know little about. I love learning about science, particularly astronomy and physics. Right now I’m learning about the future applications of quantum computing. I like to read at the end of the day. Constant exposure to technology in the way we typically use it affects cognitive function and can contribute to a number of problems. Disconnecting from the alert stream (as I call it) and reading books helps to balance that out.
Stay tuned to the SDI blog to see who we'll spotlight next month. In the meantime, CONTACT US to learn more about how SDI can help with your IT-related needs.
We celebrate diversity; the views expressed above are those of the interviewed individual, not SDI.
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