In this episode, Ashlea Parrish, the Vice President of Cloud Platform Engineering at Equifax, discusses her extensive experience and expertise in engineering leadership, particularly in the context of organizational transformation. Throughout the episode, she provides valuable insights and practical advice for engineering leaders and tech professionals alike.
Ashlea begins by reflecting on her five-year journey at Equifax, where she witnessed a significant transformation in the company's operations and focus. She highlights the essence of digital transformation, which involves shifting from traditional data center-based operations to a cloud-centric approach. This shift is not just about technological change but is intrinsically tied to the company's ability to scale and generate revenue through data-driven products and services.
The discussion turns to the challenge of bridging the communication gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders within organizations. Ashlea underscores the importance of understanding one's audience and adapting communication styles accordingly. Her insights shed light on the need for transparent and candid conversations that align with the organization's goals, particularly when it comes to prioritization and value delivery.
Ashlea also offers valuable advice for individuals attending meetings and representing various interests. She emphasizes the significance of knowing one's role in the meeting, whether as a stakeholder, a thought leader, or someone providing input. Understanding the objectives and outcomes of the discussion helps participants bring meaningful value to the table.
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the concept of approaching organizational transformation from a product perspective. Ashlea highlights the importance of viewing all aspects of an organization, from applications to services, through the lens of products. This approach allows for better prioritization, optimization, and decision-making, as it enables organizations to focus on key revenue-driving products while also addressing legacy systems and new feature development.
Ashlea also emphasizes the role of leadership in nurturing a culture of accountability and ownership within engineering teams. She mentions the value of automation in streamlining operations and enabling teams to focus on high-impact work. Her perspective on ownership and accountability underscores the importance of meeting commitments and delivering value consistently.
The conversation touches upon Ashlea's active involvement in advocating for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Her role as a leader extends beyond technical expertise, as she manages employee resource groups that aim to foster inclusivity and drive positive change within Equifax and the broader tech community. Her passion for these initiatives emphasizes the influential role engineering leaders can play in shaping a more diverse and equitable industry.
As the conversation nears its conclusion, Ashlea addresses the challenges and risks associated with transformation. She underscores that all organizations, regardless of their industry, revolve around data. Transformation involves shifting from a legacy data center approach to cloud infrastructure, which offers agility, speed to market, and cost optimization. However, the shift also requires organizations to adapt to new ways of working and embrace change.
Ashlea's words serve as a reminder of the patience required in navigating the transformation journey. She stresses that transformation is a four-year endeavor, and expecting instant results is unrealistic. Instead, leaders must focus on building strong leadership teams, fostering a culture of accountability, and understanding the organization's entire ecosystem to drive meaningful and lasting change.
