IT Services at Virgin Voyages

It's hard to believe that I have been a part of the IT industry for nearly three decades. As I reflect on my career's twists and turns, I have a sense of pride in my accomplishments. My efforts and surrounding myself with good people and influential leaders made all this possible.

My journey into the working world began when I was just 16 years old, working at the grocery store, Publix. Here, I met Fred Terry, our store manager, who embodied everything I aspired to be. He was, in essence, the CEO of our store. Fred had a hands-on approach to leadership; he would be right next to me, scrubbing toilets late at night. I found my leadership model in those moments: humility and hard work. I told myself then, "THAT is the kind of leader I want to be."

After those formative years at Publix, I was drawn to the evolving world of information technology. Sprint, now T-Mobile, became my home for most of my career, where I honed my skills as a servant leader. I embraced every task with open arms, whether trivial or complicated. It was a nurturing environment that allowed me to build my reputation and skill set within the IT domain.

The last seven years have brought a new adventure, working at Virgin Voyages. I was fortunate enough to join the early crew when there were only twenty or so of us, and I had the incredible opportunity to help build the organization from the ground up. Virgin, a company known for being a disruptor in any industry it enters, was launching its global cruise line with an ambitious vision to redefine the cruising experience. It has been a thrilling journey, and I feel privileged to have been able to sail along for the ride.

 Leadership is not just about being in charge; it's about being present, committed, and willing to roll up your sleeves 

Working for a startup company like Virgin Voyages is far from a smooth voyage; it has had its share of challenges. But those challenges have only spurred innovation and growth. One central insight from working here is "Limited Resources." We had to operate on tight budgets, which required us to be extraordinarily resourceful and creative. Finding cost-effective solutions without sacrificing quality or security became an everyday challenge and an opportunity to innovate. Another crucial aspect of working in a startup was the necessity for "Rapid Growth & Scaling." From an IT perspective, we had to be agile and ready to scale up or down to meet ever-changing needs. This flexibility extended to various cloud services, infrastructure, and data management challenges. The stakes were high, but so were the rewards as we successfully navigated the technological landscape.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it presented a new set of challenges. Virgin Voyages successfully shifted the workforce to remote positions, and our IT department had to be on the frontline. We demonstrated "Agility and Flexibility," adapting quickly to new obstacles and shifts in business strategy. We were not just responding to a crisis but evolving with it. The experience has been a testament to what a committed and resourceful IT team can achieve under pressure.

What's become clear to me over the years is that my experiences at Publix and Sprint, coupled with my time at Virgin Voyages, have shaped my career and my approach to life and leadership. The lessons learned are universal: the value of hard work, the importance of being a servant leader, and the understanding that limitations can breed creativity.

The principles remain the same, whether scrubbing toilets or developing cutting-edge IT solutions. Leadership is not just about being in charge; it's about being present, committed, and willing to roll up your sleeves. These principles have guided me through almost 30 years in the IT industry and continue shaping how I approach every new challenge and opportunity.

Ultimately, my story is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and human connection. It's about the continuous pursuit of personal and professional growth and excellence. It's about understanding that leadership is not a position but a journey, and it's a journey I'm grateful to continue every single day.