In this series, we spotlight the experts at Devoteam G Cloud who consistently push the boundaries in the ever-changing world of Google Cloud. Today’s article features Simone’s role at Devoteam G Cloud and her embrace of the ‘just do it’ mentality. Prepare to be inspired by Simone’s innovative approach and the transformative impact she’s making on our customers
Inside Look: Simone’s Role as a Work Transformation Tribe Lead EMEA at Devoteam
Hello, I’m Simone,
I’m currently spearheading the Google Workspace Services team at Devoteam G Cloud in the Nordics. I embarked on my professional journey in marketing and communications within the media sector. Since then, I’ve worked with a leading Australian newspaper, Australia’s largest retailer, and the financial services industry.
Some unique aspects of my journey include being the first employee of Australia’s first search engine and being part of the Australian Synchrotron Project team, a significant piece of scientific infrastructure. After relocating to Sweden, I’ve ventured into customer engagement roles in the tech startup industry and cloud services. I’ve also worked pro bono for TedX Stockholm and the Swedish migration agency.
Transition into Devoteam G Cloud
My current role at Devoteam G Cloud resulted from a promotion. I joined the company six years ago as a Project and Change Manager. Over the years, I climbed the ladder, taking on the role of Internship Program Manager. Eventually, I led the change and project management squad for Sweden, which paved the way for my current role of managing the EMEA Work Transformation Tribe Lead at Devoteam.
Role and Responsibilities
In my role, I wear many hats – Work Transformation Lead, Customer Success Manager, Project Manager, and Change Manage for Sweden – but my daily responsibilities revolve mainly around leading the Google Workspace Services team in the Nordics. We aim to enhance our customers’ productivity and propel their digital transformation aspirations.
For those embarking on a journey in this industry, I suggest: building your brand and network, staying active on professional platforms like LinkedIn, immersing yourself in industry events, prioritizing lifelong learning, and valuing the wisdom of industry veterans while also mentoring the next generation. To me, networking and mentorship are reciprocal roads to growth
Simone French
On mentorship and professional development
A Day in the Life
The diversity of my work fuels my passion for my job. Consulting implies working with a spectrum of customers across various industries. From tech scale-ups to hospitality, retail, and the public sector, every day brings a unique set of challenges and projects.
On a typical day, I navigate through multiple meetings, tackling tasks such as scoping merger and acquisition migration projects, deploying large-scale collaboration platforms, helping customers analyze business adoption dashboards for a more streamlined employee experience, and running customer webinars. Despite the hectic schedule, setting team objectives and attending onsite customer and partner events is an integral part of my routine.
Career Path
My career path evolved from an Arts degree to Business Marketing, which offered a practical perspective and opened doors for an internship at a publishing company. After several years in media, I transitioned into corporate PR and communications, eventually becoming the Communications Manager for a financial services company.
Moving to Sweden from Australia, I navigated the language barrier and shifted careers to SAAS Implementation Manager and Account Manager for a tech start-up. Fast forward to today, I am managing the Google Workspace services team for the Nordics at Devoteam G Cloud.
Significant Career Challenges
Moving countries, learning a new language, and adapting to a new culture were significant challenges. Additionally, I’ve experienced three redundancies. The key to overcoming these challenges was being flexible and focusing on building and maintaining a strong network.
Industry Insights
The technology! The emergence and rapid growth of the cloud services industry has been remarkable. Companies now rely on affordable cloud solutions instead of investing in expensive on-premise solutions. In the past six years, our industry has shifted from simply performing lift-and-shift migrations and workspace deployments to adopting a more holistic, hybrid, and multi-cloud approach.
Emerging Trends
I’m particularly excited about the potential of Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs). These technologies are set to revolutionize many aspects of our lives and work, and I look forward to seeing their full impact unfold.
A notable project was helping Linköping Municipality transition from an on-premise productivity suite to Google Workspace. Our goal was to improve the experiences of their 16,000 employees and consequently, their 165,000 citizens. This transformative journey, which we initiated in 2017, led to a full deployment and rollout in 2020, even amidst the pandemic and a full Google rebranding. It’s been an extraordinary experience, and we continue to collaborate closely with the City of Linköping and Google to facilitate their ongoing digital transformation.
Simone French
On a project she’s proud of
Diversity and Inclusion in the Industry
When I first moved to Sweden, the language barrier was a significant obstacle to finding work. I found solace in the tech startup industry, which was actively seeking female developers. In response to this need, and with a growing network of ex-pat colleagues, I co-launched SheTec, a network aimed at inspiring, informing, and building a community around women in STEAM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). We organized events, curated speakers, and built a vibrant community that championed diversity and inclusion.
Reflections and Future Aspirations
Looking back, one valuable lesson I’ve learned is the 80/20 rule, or the Pareto Principle, which posits that 80% of outcomes come from 20% of efforts. This understanding would have been beneficial earlier in my career.
In the future, I aspire to scale teams for growth, continue to advocate for more inclusivity and diversity in tech, and drive change for food allergy safety awareness in the travel industry – a personal passion of mine since becoming the mother of a child with life-threatening allergies.
Continued Advocacy for Diversity and Inclusion
I am committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within my industry. I will continue to use my voice, influence, and position to push the diversity agenda at Devoteam and help others climb the ladder. After all, a diverse and inclusive workspace is a thriving one.
u003ch2u003eJoin Simone’s Squad in Sweden for a Thrilling Career in Data Engineeringu003c/h2u003ernSimone’s professional journey at Devoteam G Cloud highlights that a career in data engineering is much more than a job—it’s a vibrant journey filled with captivating challenges and infinite opportunities for personal growth and continuous learning. If you’re inspired by Simone’s story and harbor a passion for data engineering, we invite you to join our team at Devoteam G Cloud in Sweden. Don’t miss this opportunity to ignite your career in Data Engineering and enhance your skills with Google Cloud technology.