DataGrail’s Employee Spotlight series highlights the person behind the professional, digging deep and discovering what drives our team members.
Thomas graduated from the University of Kentucky after studying Psychology as an undergraduate and Business for his postgraduate studies. He has over seven years of experience in operations management, four of which in hyper-growth startup environments. Most recently, Thomas helped grow and scale the operations for a Seattle area vertical farming company named InFarm.
What excites you about joining the DataGrail team?
I joined Datagrail to help enable people to have control over their privacy and identity. As rules and regulations continue to evolve rapidly, I wanted to join a company that was a leader in helping businesses solve this complex privacy problem. Additionally, I wanted to be in a company culture that promoted innovation and challenged the status quo.
What is your role at DataGrail, and how do you see yourself growing over the next 2 years?
I am joining DataGrail as a Customer Success Manager focused on our Mid Market and SMB portfolio. Over the next two years, I hope to continue to build upon processes that have been put in place to better serve our customers through outreach, product development, and customer support.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
Areas that I am continuing to try and develop include computer science, data analysis, and statistics. As the world continues to become more data-driven, I want to be well equipped to add value to my internal teams and customers.
What has been your favorite project you have worked on in your career?
While working at Convoy, I helped lead a project to create standardized work routines for operators, team leaders, and operations managers. This included playbook creation, root cause analysis methodology, and stakeholder engagement.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
All things Pacific Northwest! Anything outdoors, including hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and so many others. I try to find hobbies to continue to live an active lifestyle. Additionally, I love spending time with my partner Rachael and my husky/shepherd Autzen.
Why did you choose to work in technology, and what led you to work at a startup?
I have always found technology to be a highly desirable career path because of what problems technology can solve. The world continues to change rapidly, and technology is at the forefront of disruption. I have gravitated towards startups the past few years because building something with a great group of people I have found is much more rewarding than the status quo of a mature company. The startup experience has also pushed me to continue to uplevel myself.
What motivates you to wake up and go to work?
I know that my customers and internal teams rely on me to deliver on a daily basis, which helps fuel me to wake up and give each day my best.
What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?
The best lesson I have learned throughout my career is that every failure is an opportunity to learn. Whether this is individually, part of a collective team, or a process. Every time something breaks, it allows us to understand how we iterate to be better in the future.
What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
Additional hobbies besides outdoor activities include cooking, breweries/wineries, and board games!
Where’s your favorite place in the world?
Anywhere when I am spending it with my family and friends, however, if I had to choose, I love Costa Rica for its outdoor lifestyle and culture.
Enjoy this piece? Check out our previous spotlight, featuring Dylan Wahlstrom, Head of Product Design!