Kate Parsons is a skilled global technology leader known for driving operational excellence and achieving results through innovative technology and process improvements. She is a strategic, collaborative executive committed to developing high-performing teams. With a strong track record, Kate has delivered complex transformation programs and led large global organizations.
In 2018, Kate launched Notch Above Consulting, partnering with clients to fulfill their IT and digital objectives. Her team focuses on enhancing business outcomes by leveraging digital capabilities like devops, cloud, automation, and data insights. They also provide expertise in driving transformational efforts, including ERP, CRM services, and M&A activities. Additionally, Kate served as interim CIO at Datto, helping modernize the IT team and prepare for the company’s successful IPO in 2020.
Below are highlights of the interview:
Describe who you are as a person inside and outside the organization.
I grew up as the oldest of five children, so being independent and taking charge come easily to me. I am someone who is highly organized and motivated. I like to work and play hard. I work best under pressure, and don’t shy away from difficult challenges. When I am not spending time at work, I am usually outside enjoying a variety of activities with my husband and two teenage sons. We love to bike, swim, boat, run, play soccer—you name it. My kids like to joke that working is also one of my favorite hobbies, which is not really true, but it is easy to be happy when you love what you do!
Describe your background and what did you do before you started the company?
I started my career in consulting for one of the largest global consulting firms. It was an amazing experience that afforded me the opportunity to play numerous roles across a variety of process areas, industries, and countries. After 5 years, I joined a large global tech company called EMC, where I spent an amazing 13 years in IT working with some of the best and brightest people I’ve ever met. We were on the cutting edge of technology and built a world class organization. When Dell acquired EMC in 2016, the largest tech merger in history, I was given the opportunity to lead the IT integration efforts across the two companies. This was one of the most challenging and rewarding roles of my career. Following the merger, I left Dell EMC to start my own company and return to my consulting roots.
What has made you successful as a business expert? What do you value?
I have the ability to quickly understand challenges and can be very decisive on how best to tackle them. I am not afraid to take risks, and also know when to consider something a failure. I have a direct but approachable style that allows people to be open with me, but also know where things stand. I value integrity, honesty and character. When people are committed to a common vision and operate in the best interests of the company or team, great things will follow.
Which are the major services of the company and how do they help the company to get ahead in the competition?
Our organization provides IT consulting and digital transformation services to our clients. We offer a variety of services, including Agile transformation, interim CIO services, PMO and project and program management, oversight of mergers and divestitures, leadership of large program transformations, cloud migrations, and data and analytics. Our approach to beating the competition has been to staff with the top talent. Most of our leaders have been on both sides, where they have held client roles and are not helping just as consultants, but as trusted partners. Our clients often tell us they really feel we operate as an extension of their team, and we don’t act as an outsider. We bring in top talent who can augment existing teams to effectively deliver transformational results.
What are the most important aspects of a company’s culture? What principles do you believe in and how do you drive this culture?
We have spent considerable time building the right culture for our company. Culture is critically important to defining who you are and to attracting and retaining the best and brightest people to be part of the team. We have defined four key pillars of our company culture. They are:
- Integrity: This is paramount. This is about doing the right thing, always. It’s about learning what our customers need and helping to deliver in the most effective and efficient way possible. Always with the clients’ best interests in mind.
- Community: We must build a strong community both within the workforce, and around us, in order to build for a better future. We are very focused on activities as a community and ways to give back. For me personally, I am an active member of a nonprofit called the Women’s Foundation of Boston which is focused on the economic empowerment of women and girls in the Greater Boston area. I serve on the development committee and volunteer across other aspects as well, as this is a cause I feel very passionately about.
- Agility: Today’s environment requires resilience and flexibility. We promote a culture of learning and adapting to stay abreast of the latest and continually improve and grow.
- Passion: Our team of leaders is passionate about what we do. We aim to inspire our clients and counterparts and have an expression that says “Lead and never stop short of awesome”.
What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company?
Clients hire us to bring our experience and talent to their organizations to help them deliver results. However, no two clients are the same. The fundamentals of how to deliver might persist across companies, but the culture, people, and challenges are unique. We are constantly tasked with being nimble and innovative in how we help clients deliver results. In order to foster and promote additional innovation, we come together as a leadership team on a monthly basis to talk about challenges we are seeing and how we can help.
Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes?
In my opinion, if organizations rely on individual heroics, there are challenges ahead. This is not a sustainable model. I have worked at organizations where heroics are rewarded. A system might go down, or a mistake might happen, and there are the folks who bring out the “cape” to be the superhero to save the day. These efforts are, of course, commendable, but not sustainable. Having a tight and collaborative team environment where people act in the best interest of the organization and team is far more successful. It fosters a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration and therefore promotes tenure, which is difficult to sustain these days; yet retaining top talent is paramount. It is also advantageous to have processes that support what needs to be done, so you don’t leave things up to chance. Perhaps the superhero isn’t available when something goes wrong! With the right team and process, you can still address the needs.
What are your responsibilities in the company? What is the happiest part of your daily routine?
At the company, I am responsible for overall day-to-day operations, along with a small team focused on business development, but I also do part time consulting at clients. I love engaging with clients and doing IT work. I am a far better IT practitioner than I am a sales or marketing person! But doing both has allowed me to grow in new areas and develop new skills. The happiest part of the day is when a new client reaches out and asks if we can help them. I love hearing about their IT and digital needs and gaps, and working with them to come up with a plan to help.
What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
Be a leader, not just a boss. Remember, your job is to inspire, develop, and guide others, not just to direct the teams’ work. What kind of leader did you work for when you performed at your best? Likely, it was someone who supported you, challenged you, and helped you achieve your goals. Be the kind of leader that people want to follow, because if they aren’t following, you are just their boss.
Website: https://notchaboveconsulting.com/
