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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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