Current Availability

I am currently serving as Client Partner for a fantastic organization called Geneca. Geneca is a custom software development firm dedicated to the predictable delivery of software. We're currently hiring for all roles, and I encourage you to visit www.geneca.com to learn more.

Professional Summary

I am known by colleagues and clients alike as a trusted advisor with integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As an IT professional, my passion is leveraging deep experience and providing pragmatic leadership and consulting. This has allowed me to work in a number of different roles from the management of large-scale system delivery, project management office leadership, lean and agile transformation initiatives, and the marketing of IT products and services to senior IT leaders.

Sr. IT Leadership and Customer Management

ThoughtWorks, Inc.
Sr. Project Manager (05/2002 - 06/2006)
During this time I managed numerous software development projects and helped several clients with transformation initiatives inspired by Agile and Lean methods.
  • Helped develop an enterprise Agile adoption program for a leading mobile data services provider
  • Managed the development of a business-critical customer contact management system for a major insurance company
  • Introduced Agile, XP and Scrum software practices to a major financial services organization
  • Mentored managers in requirements definition, planning, execution and delivery using both formal training and in-project mentoring
  • Employed Agile practices to manage internationally distributed teams

Geneer Corporation
Vice President of Client Delivery (06/2001 - 05/2002)
In this role similar in function to a Project Management Office, I was responsible for the consistent successful delivery of technology-driven results for all our clients organization-wide.
  • Mentored project managers on Agile delivery processes for client projects and established best practices
  • Lectured and wrote on the topics of outsourcing and software development methodologies
  • Worked with project teams to further deepen client relationships and identify additional opportunities
  • Maximized production revenues through the development of resource management and planning tools, reporting directly to COO and Controller
  • Built engineering estimation practice, working directly with CTO
  • Participated in hiring by interviewing and recommending new hires for positions throughout the organization

Project Manager (05/1998 - 11/2000)
Having recognized a passion for technology leadership I quickly moved into a project management role, leading some of the most profitable accounts at the company.
  • Introduced Extreme Programming to the organization, further refining it to the corporate culture, defining Geneer's Agile-based "Code Science" methodology
  • Consistently generated 15-25% of the organization's annual revenues through leadership of key accounts
  • Successfully led development teams of 3 to 30+ people through the software development life cycle for the healthcare, financial, and logistics industries
  • Managed development efforts for both thick and thin-client applications

Marketing, Design and Digital Media

ThoughtWorks, Inc.
Manager, Global Design Services and Digital Media (01/2008 - 07/2008)
My extensive history in the delivery of IT services and the experience of founding my own successful graphic design firm helped launch the global IT firm's digital media program and manage a global creative services center.
  • Designed and implemented integrated online marketing strategy
  • Serviced offices around the world as designer and art director for conference displays, digital media and printed collateral of all kinds
  • Directed promotional video shoots utilizing professional film crews
  • Produced podcasts and webinars as well as marketing and recruitment media from strategy through editing and publication
  • Pioneered communication and collaboration approach for new global marketing team
  • Educated prospective clients on the benefits of flagship product during the sales process
  • Helped launch online IT journal for which the organization was exclusive sponsor
  • Performed media editing with the Final Cut Studio suite of tools
North American Marketing Director (08/2007 - 01/2008)
As the organization's first director of marketing assigned to North America, I built out an initial roadmap for the role, working internally with sales and delivery as well as externally with vendors.
  • Designed and executed marketing plan addressing public relations, sales support, partnerships and recruiting
  • Developed rigorous metrics-driven event management strategy for better returns on investments
  • Educated prospective clients on the benefits of flagship team collaboration product
  • Managed vendors for design, technical writing, editing, public relations, and more
Bluetanium, Inc.
Founder & Creative Director (04/2006 - 12/2006)
Bluetanium is a multidisciplinary design firm delivering in areas such as corporate identity, print, and electronic media design. With a strong background in the world of business and technology consulting, I provided an unparalleled focus on the business side of design to ensure my customers realized the value they demanded.
  • Incorporated and built the firm from the ground up
  • Performed hands-on design and directly led contract employees
  • Partnered with a technology firm serving as the organization's sole design resource for them and their clients
  • Served technology, healthcare, photography and not-for-profit sectors from single projects to complete identity
Geneer Corporation
New Media Developer / Marketing Associate (01/1996 - 08/1997)
Leveraging the latest technologies in the promotion of the organization's capabilities, I worked with vendors on the fulfillment of various marketing initiatives and assisted in the rebranding of the company.
  • Worked with vendors on the fulfillment of marketing initiatives
  • Engaged with clients on joint public relations opportunities including press releases and advertising
  • Leveraged latest technologies in the promotion of the organization's capabilities
  • Managed the design, development and deployment of a new corporate website
  • Performed competitive analyses
  • Designed and executed marketing initiatives including the coordination of trade show exhibitions

Publications and Appearances

  • Guest speaker, "Agile Software Development Methodology" DePaul University
  • Author, "How to Get Custom Software to Market in 8 Weeks or Less: Applying the principles of Extreme Programming for Business Success" Cyber Strategies: at the Frontier of Law and Business
  • Interviewed, "Developer X-Games" Application Commerce Markets and Technology (A-COM)
  • Co-Author, "Strategic Outsourcing can be Key to Outsmarting Your Competition." Software Developer and Publisher

Clifton StrengthsFinder Strengths

  1. Stretegic - "People strong in the Strategic theme create alternative ways to proceed. Faced with any given scenario, they can quickly spot the relevant patterns and issues."
  2. Adaptability - "People strong in the Adaptability theme prefer to ‘go with the flow.’ They tend to be ‘now’ people who take things as they come and discover the future one day at a time."
  3. Restorative - "People strong in the Restorative theme are adept at dealing with problems. They are good at figuring out what is wrong and resolving it."
  4. Intellection - "People strong in the Intellection theme are characterized by their intellectual activity. They are introspective and appreciate intellectual discussions."
  5. Relator - "People who are strong in the Relator theme enjoy close relationships with others. They find deep satisfaction in working hard with friends to achieve a goal."

Education

08/2005 - 12/2006 Illinois Institute of Art
Bachelor of Art Studies: Graphic Design and Visual Effects

08/1992 - 12/1996 Hope College, Holland, MI
Bachelor of Liberal Arts
Computer Science, Writing and Theatre

References

All references available upon request.

Contact

You can email me at michael at klynstra.com or find me on LinkedIn or Facebook

MJK | Copyright 2008 Michael Klynstra.