Initially, I aimed to be just another technical co-founder and preferred to stay behind the scenes, avoiding the spotlight and public discussions. I often felt that my opinions were irrelevant and not worth sharing publicly. I believed that simply having an opinion didn’t justify speaking up.

Women in Tech Leadership Roles

However, as I engaged in conversations with friends and colleagues, I realized that my position came with a responsibility to address certain issues. One significant issue is my role as a female CTO co-founder. During a recent discussion with a friend, it struck me how remarkable it is that women in the U.S. only gained the right to vote a little over a century ago, in 1920. Despite entering the workforce in large numbers starting in the 1940s, women still do not occupy 50% of major stakeholder positions in significant businesses. It’s rare to see half of the countries at the UN led by women, and it’s even more uncommon to find an Asian woman serving as a technical co-founder.

Throughout my career, I’ve had several coaching calls with other industry leaders.

Inevitably, they asked if being a woman had affected my ability to lead or altered others’ perceptions of me. I understood that these questions were not intended to be discriminatory but rather considered gender as one of many factors. Nevertheless, it bothered me that my gender should matter at all. This question shouldn’t even arise. That’s when I realized that to normalize women in technical leadership positions, I couldn’t remain passive and silent. I needed to speak up.

I firmly believe that leadership positions should be awarded based on experience and merit, regardless of gender. However, the image of today’s leaders serves as an inspirational model for the youth. On several occasions, when I revealed that I was a female technical co-founder, I sensed hesitation from the other side. I despise the notion that my gender or appearance should influence business discussions.

Despite my inclination to stay quiet and focus solely on technology, I recognized the importance of using my position at OdeCloud to inspire young girls. I want to show them that they, too, can be successful and not limit themselves. This realization motivated me to start writing on behalf of OdeCloud. My co-founders and I founded this company with the belief that we could make the world a better place through our resilience and determination. We wanted to be the change we wished to see.

Through my work, I hope to demonstrate that women can excel in technical leadership roles and to encourage a more inclusive and diverse future in the tech industry.

The post A Voice from the Shadows: Vanielle Lee’s Journey to Inspire Women in Tech appeared first on OdeBlog.

Hello, everyone! I’m Osar Iyamu, Co-founder and CEO of OdeCloud. Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down for an episode of Coffee and Consultants, where I shared the story behind the founding of OdeCloud, our unique marketplace for business technology consultants. Today, I’d like to take you through my journey and the insights I’ve gained along the way.

The Beginning: From Physics to Tech Consulting

My journey into consulting began over 15 years ago in France, where I had the opportunity to work with SAP and Airbus on large-scale projects. With a background in physics and electronics, I soon realized that my true passion lay at the intersection of technology and business. This led me to pursue further studies in business, ultimately paving the way for my career in tech consulting.

Moving to Canada: A New Chapter

In 2010, I moved to Montreal and joined Deloitte, where I worked for five years. During my time there, I gained invaluable experience but also realized that the traditional consulting model had its limitations. I craved more flexibility and independence, which inspired me to transition into freelancing. This move was a crucial step that eventually led to the creation of OdeCloud.

The Birth of OdeCloud

The idea for OdeCloud emerged from a simple Slack group of three independent consultants who were supporting each other. This collaborative spirit resonated with many, and today, our community has grown to over 500 consultants. What sets OdeCloud apart is our focus on seasoned, independent consultants who bring a wealth of expertise to the table. We believe in forming long-term partnerships with our clients, ensuring consistent and tailored solutions to meet their evolving needs.

Overcoming Challenges

Starting OdeCloud wasn’t without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was shifting my mindset from being a consultant to becoming a tech entrepreneur. For the first two years, I worked alone, which was an isolating experience. However, finding like-minded co-founders, such as Vanielle and Ahad, who shared the same vision, was a turning point. Together, we built a platform that addresses the needs of enterprises while fostering a supportive community for consultants.

Key Differentiators

Our key differentiators lie in the quality of our consultants and our commitment to long-term client relationships. We provide businesses with access to top-tier independent consultants who bring deep expertise and a personal touch. Unlike traditional consulting firms, we offer continuity and consistency, ensuring that our clients have reliable support over extended periods.

Achievements and Milestones

One of my proudest achievements is the growth of our team. We’ve expanded across four continents, and every new addition brings fresh energy and commitment to our vision. Another significant milestone is the positive impact we’ve had on the lives of our consultants. Many have found greater work-life balance, professional fulfillment, and personal growth through their association with OdeCloud.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For those considering a similar path, my advice is to view entrepreneurship as a marathon, not a sprint. Surround yourself with co-founders and team members who share your vision and are committed to the journey. Building a successful business takes time, patience, and resilience.

The Future of OdeCloud

Looking ahead, our focus remains on connecting businesses with the best consultants and supporting these consultants in sustaining their independent careers. We aim to foster long-term relationships that benefit both our clients and our consultants, ensuring mutual growth and success.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. For those interested in learning more about OdeCloud, you can reach me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn. If you’re part of the OdeCloud community, feel free to reach out to me on our platform’s chat.

Thank you for your support, and stay tuned for more exciting developments from OdeCloud.

Best regards,  

Osar Iyamu  

Founder and CEO, OdeCloud

The post My Journey to Founding OdeCloud: A Personal Perspective appeared first on OdeBlog.

I often told myself that freelancing would be my limit. It was hard to imagine being a leader, let alone a co-founder of a venture like OdeCloud. However, my perspective began to change when I realized the potential impact of a platform like OdeCloud.

So, I want to discuss some things I have learned over the years while attempting to build this company from the ground up with the other co-founders, leaders, and engineers on the team.

Building a Business from the Group Up

All in all, I think there is an art in trying to build a platform where you have to balance the following: technical prowess, user happiness, meeting deadlines, balancing technical debt vs. new features, and balancing new features vs. fixing bugs.

And then, outside of that, because a company consists of people working towards a common goal, being able to understand and empathize with the people we work with is crucial. This includes both praising their achievements and empathizing with their mistakes. Furthermore, everyone’s intrinsic motivation is different, and understanding everyone’s motivation is important.

Leading by Example

I have always wanted to lead through positive reinforcement or by example. This sometimes doesn’t always work out with fantastic results, but from my personal experiences, people might listen to you since you are a voice of authority, but it is very hard to motivate them to do more or do fantastic work just because you are their voice of authority. But I do think if you enable the right people and give them enough ownership over a project or let them know that you trust their expertise since that’s what you are hiring them for, then great results are bound to happen.

Leading a Remote Team 

Another detail I want to point out is that as a remote team, we miss out on many social cues. Things like leg movements, where your toes are pointing, if that person is folding their arms and on the defensive when talking to you, if that person is smiling or their slight reaction or the twinge in their movements when you say something. I think one of the reasons why companies like Loom, Around, Slack, and others who build social communication tools for remote teams understand is that despite working remotely through a monitor and camera, at the end of the day, we as humans want to talk and socialize with other humans and experience other human gestures as much as possible since these social cues have been with us since the beginning of time. So rather than just ignoring these cues, you try your best to build these cues into your product.

On other notes, communication is a big topic, especially for me. So there’s the delivery and the message, and then the audience. But what happens when you are on a call where the audience is both technical and non-technical, and you want your message to get across in a timely manner, all while keeping the audience you are talking to engaged and understanding, which is the delivery? I haven’t quite mastered this yet. I think it is a forever battle trying to figure this out as an engineer since there’s no clear function that you can trigger to resolve this issue.

Conclusion

And on that last note, my learning so far at OdeCloud as a technical leader is that the team depends on me for the best technical decisions, but those technical decisions are sometimes hard, sometimes they can cost a lot of money, sometimes they might extend the deadline, and sometimes they will make certain stakeholders happy. But at the end of the day, you have to trust your gut and make the call anyway. Then don’t be afraid to back out and say “sorry” if things didn’t go according to plan. If my intuition backfires on me, then at least I can be honest and upfront with my mistakes.

As mentioned, there is an art to leadership that I am learning every day on the job while building this amazing platform, but the journey has been extremely rewarding, and I feel very fortunate to be able to work on the things that I care about with people who inspire and support me.

The post Leadership Insights from OdeCloud CTO and Co-Founder, Vanielle Lee appeared first on OdeBlog.

As I transitioned from an individual contributor to a Chief Technology Officer at OdeCloud, I’ve experienced a profound journey, one marked by unique challenges and rewarding milestones. Currently, I lead a dynamic team of over 6 individuals, a blend of contractors and full-time employees. Together, we’re responsible for a suite of innovative products including odesocial, odetask, odecloud, a Google Chrome extension, and odeserver, our central server. Reflecting on my five-year journey, I’ve gathered key insights that have been pivotal in shaping my leadership style and team dynamics. Below are these Leadership Insights for our startup success.

Transparency

In our company culture, transparency is paramount, especially in decision-making processes. We foster an environment where a ‘no’ is merely the beginning of a deeper conversation. This level of openness extends to our communication channels, promoting inclusivity and ensuring collective understanding.

Communication

With a remote team, clear and thorough communication is critical. We practice ‘rubber ducky programming’, encouraging open discussions about problems. This policy of oversharing helps avoid misunderstandings and fosters a more unified work environment. The result is a well-informed, collaborative, and effective team.

Result-Oriented Approach

My experiences with discrimination have profoundly influenced OdeCloud’s ethos. We evaluate team members based on their contributions and accomplishments, fostering a meritocratic environment. This focus allows us to celebrate diversity and concentrate on our collective achievements, regardless of our diverse backgrounds.

Empathy

In software development, while technical skills are essential, soft skills, particularly empathy, are equally important. Understanding and empathizing with team members’ challenges is crucial. My approach involves considering their perspective, offering support, and making necessary compromises. This empathy nurtures a strong team bond, trust, and growth, and aids in making considerate decisions.

Related Post: Recognizing Online Contributions – OdeReward and OdeProfile

Recognition

Acknowledging achievements and being sympathetic to failures are both important. I ensure to recognize good work and, when work falls short, I address it constructively and empathetically. This balanced approach ensures that team members feel valued and supported, cultivating a positive and productive workplace.

These ideas have not only steered our team’s growth but have also become the bedrock of our company values. As we continue to evolve and face new challenges, these insights remain central to our ethos, ensuring that OdeCloud is more than just a workplace, but a community where each member feels motivated, respected, and empathetic.

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So, you’ve got the skills, the experience, and the itch to break free from the corporate shackles and dive headfirst into the world of independent consulting. But, let’s be real – it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Finding gigs, keeping the work flowing, and avoiding the dreaded employment gaps can be downright nerve-wracking. And let’s not even get started on the nightmares of getting stuck in unvetted projects or attempting to tackle massive undertakings solo. Fear not, fellow consultants; we’ve got the scoop on OdeCloud, your go-to On Demand Experts Cloud, and how it stacks up against the Anderson Frank and the likes of the world.

Finding Independent Consulting Jobs and Clients

Picture this: You’ve got the skills, the hustle, but where are the gigs hiding? Enter OdeCloud, your beacon of hope in the freelance / independent consulting wilderness. It’s more than just a platform; it’s a bustling marketplace, a tight-knit community, and a tech-savvy haven all rolled into one. No more endless scrolling through generic job boards or sending out your CV into the void. OdeCloud matches you with curated hiring managers, projects tailor-made for your expertise, and a crew of co-workers who are not just colleagues but potential partners in crime.

Staying Employed and Avoiding Gaps

Ever had those sleepless nights wondering if the work faucet will suddenly run dry, leaving you with unused billable hours and a sinking feeling in your gut? We get it. OdeCloud, with its magical matchmaking prowess, ensures that the work keeps flowing. No more twiddling your thumbs during unexpected downtime. It’s like having a career GPS – always guiding you to the next exciting project, steering clear of those nerve-wracking gaps.

Vetted Projects and Strategic Alignments

Let’s be honest – nobody wants to be stuck in a project that’s not enabling you to grow professionally. OdeCloud understands the importance of having vetted clients and teammates who are on the same wavelength. It’s not just about finding a gig; it’s about finding the right gig. Picture this: strategic alignments, outcomes that actually matter, and a team that’s got your back. OdeCloud brings the matchmaker vibes to your consulting game, ensuring you’re always on projects that align with your goals.

Handling Large and Complex Projects Alone

The prospect of tackling mammoth projects solo is, frankly, terrifying. But fear not, because OdeCloud doesn’t leave you to fend for yourself in the consulting wilderness. It understands that sometimes you need a team of experts to consult and team up with when the going gets tough. OdeCloud gives you the support you need, ensuring that you’re not just surviving but thriving in the world of freelancing.

“I’ve found the OdeCloud community to be so much more than just the one person that recruited me. As it turns out, one great human attracts a lot of other great humans, and I just feel really lucky to be a part of this community.” Sara Dickinson – OdeCloud Community Fosters Meaningful Connections Among NetSuite Consultants

OdeCloud vs. Anderson Frank: A Tale of Two Worlds

Now, let’s talk about the Anderson Franks of the world – dealing with hundreds of job seekers, lacking the technical finesse you crave, and offering one-off projects that lead to constant clarifications and follow-ups. It’s like comparing a flip phone to a smartphone. Anderson Frank may throw an occasional project your way, but when it comes to deep technical expertise, enabling your career growth and personalized support, they fall short. That’s where OdeCloud steps in, offering a more comprehensive and personalized experience. It’s not just about the work; it’s about your success. OdeCloud cares about making your freelance business not just manageable but downright joyful.

“That’s a big thing for me with this idea going into freelancing, that — not to make it about money, but hopefully my bill rate can be a little higher so I can work fewer hours and (not have to) to grind out and make as much money as possible. I want to be able to enjoy my life and be able to punch out in the middle of the day and be able to play with my kid if I want to — and not feel guilty about it” Patrick Olson – Make More Time for You and Your Family By Becoming a Freelance

So, dear Business Tech Consultants, as you embark on your freelance journey, your quest for independence and a career on your terms, let OdeCloud be your guiding star. It’s more than a platform; it’s your partner in the wild world of independent consulting – making your journey not just successful but downright enjoyable. Here’s to independence and a freelance life that’s anything but ordinary! .

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